EXPERTS will gather next month at the Oxford Technology Showcase to take up the challenge of tackling major healthcare issues in chronic disease.

The fourth annual showcase, at Oxford University's Said Business School, aims to highlight the diversity of innovation in healthcare from Oxford University, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and businesses across Oxfordshire.

This year's major theme is Big Healthcare Challenges in Chronic Disease, and the one-day conference will cover technologies which help with the treatment of stroke, cognitive health, ageing, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Previous events have focused on taking advantage of the breadth of expertise in Oxford research across areas such as population health, personalised medicine, self-monitoring, image analysis and biobanking - storing biological samples for use in research.

A 300-strong audience at the business school in Frideswide Square on Wednesday, July 6 will be a mix of researchers, clinicians, investors, entrepreneurs, and healthcare companies.

Linda Naylor, managing director of Isis Innovation, which so far this year has spun out nine new companies based on Oxford research, said: "Oxford’s contribution to UK innovation is a key strength of the university, alongside excellence in teaching and research.

"The technology showcase has proved a great place to celebrate this, and a place for academics, industry and investors to gather and exchange ideas."

Dr Nick Scott-Ram, director of commercial development at Oxford Academic Health Science Network, said: "The Oxford Technology Showcase has proved itself over the last few years to be a key event for people aiming to gain a view of the innovation ecosystem here in Oxford at work.

"You can get an insight from the origins of an innovation at the university or in the NHS, through the development and funding pathways we have to consider, to its use in the healthcare system and patient outcomes we are aiming to improve.

"Oxfordshire has become an incredibly vibrant part of the UK economy.

"We’re recognised for expertise and new technologies, in particular in healthcare and medicine.

"Oxford has been ranked as the world’s best medical school for many years running, and our hospitals and health sciences research are also world leading.

This year Oxford University is working in partnership again with the Oxford Academic Health Sciences Network and, for the first time, with the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.

Keynote speakers include Prof Tony Young, who is an NHS surgeon and also National Clinical Lead for Innovation NHS England. Prof Young has founded four Med-Tech start-ups.

Another key speaker will be Dr Trevor Howe, European Director for External Innovation at Johnson & Johnson.

Other experts who will address the conference include Professor Sarah Harper, director at Oxford Institute of Population Ageing and Alastair Gray, who is Director of the Health Economics Research Centre at Oxford University.

Those attending the showcase, which runs from 12 noon until 6.30pm, will also learn about Oxford start-up Bounts, where people are encouraged to complete tracked fitness activities so they can gain reward points, including vouchers for High Street brands.

The virtual reality simulations allow patients to learn that certain worrying situations - such as a crowded lift - can be perfectly safe.

Oxfordshire product design and technology consulting firm Triteq Ltd is supporting the event as sponsor.

For further information visit isis-innovation.com/isis-news/events/big-healthcare-challenges-chronic-disease