Patrick McKenna and Kathy Sykes join NESTA board
26/01/2007
"We are delighted to welcome Patrick and Kathy to the board. Their backgrounds and expertise mean they will provide valuable insights to the team at NESTA, as we continue in our efforts to encourage a culture of innovation across the UK and help government develop a more comprehensive national policy to support this."
The board, led by Chairman Chris Powell, exists to help NESTA shape and develop its strategy and policies, and deliver its vision for UK innovation. Members are chosen for their experience across a range of fields in science, technology and the arts to reflect NESTA's activities in these areas.
Sykes, Professor of Sciences and Society at Bristol University, was chosen for her focus on the intersection of science and creativity. As an expert in science communication, Kathy's most recent activities include her involvement in the creation of a hands-on science centre, Explore; a new Festival of Science in Cheltenham; and NESTA Famelab - a national competition, which talent-spots and trains new faces in science communication.
Patrick McKenna brings an in-depth knowledge of the creative industries and of business viability in this sector, as the founder and chairman of Ingenious Media plc, one of the UK's leading media investment and advisory companies. Patrick is also Chairman of Hat Trick Productions, one of the UK's leading television production companies, Stage Three Music, ID Distribution, the international television sales company, and The Young Vic Theatre.
Commenting on the appointments, Chris Powell said:
"We are delighted to welcome Patrick and Kathy to the board. Their backgrounds and expertise mean they will provide valuable insights to the team at NESTA, as we continue in our efforts to encourage a culture of innovation across the UK and help government develop a more comprehensive national policy to support this."
Kathy Sykes said:
"What's important about NESTA is its understanding of how great ideas often occur at the places where science, technology and the arts collide. Too often, especially in academia, people operate in their own very narrow channels, making it all the more critical to create environments which allow greater interaction between disciplines, where ideas can be discussed and developed."
Patrick McKenna added:
"I'm particularly interested in NESTA's support of the creative industries. While, in the UK this sector has proven economic value, we cannot afford to lose this competitive advantage. We must continue to help support the next generation of creatives as they transform their ideas into business realities".
NESTA spokespeople are available for comment and interview. Please contact our press office on 020 7645 9583 or 07957 156759
- NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts.
- It is the largest endowment exclusively devoted to innovation in the UK. NESTA uses this unique funding to invest in early stage companies, inform innovation policy and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship. The aim is to transform the UK's capacity for innovation.
- Click here for a list of NESTA trustees.