The world's oldest scientific organisation has held an event in Norwich to highlight the innovative opportunities in the east of England. 

The Royal Society, which was set up in 1663, hosted its Creating Connections in the East of England event at the Norwich Research Park on Wednesday.

Experts from academia, industry and government attended the session, which addressed scientific and technical opportunities and challenges in the region. 

It featured workshops and roundtable discussions on topics including policy, innovation and education, as well as a keynote speech from Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership.

Ms Bird said: “Hosting this important Royal Society event at Norwich Research Park is a clear recognition of the scale and significance of the science-based research taking place at Norwich Research Park."

The park, located on the outskirts of the city, is home to more than 40 companies, mainly working within the scientific and technological sectors. 

The site, which currently covers 100,000 sqft, plans to expand to 900,000 sqft and house up to 300 firms within the next 15 years. 

“Many of the great scientists, based at Norwich Research Park, participated in the event, a number of who are Fellows of the Royal Society," added Ms Bird.

"It was a great opportunity for us all to raise awareness of the breadth and depth of scientific achievements, the fantastic facilities, technology platforms and specialist skills pool located together on the research campus.

"That, coupled with the 40 companies based on site already, and the development land, with 1.5m sqft of planning consent, to attract hundreds more spin-ins, spin-outs and high growth businesses, like Tropic and Colorifix, means that I am hopeful our audience recognised that continued engagement with the Norwich Research Park campus and community is an opportunity not to be missed.”