17 November 2026

Where Science Meets Business 2026

Organised by:

SCI

SCI London, UK

Prices start from £100.00

Synopsis

As businesses and governments face growing pressures from climate change, resource constraints, geopolitical uncertainty and changing global supply chains, sustainability requires an understanding of the whole system. Scientific evidence, technological innovation, policy, economics and societal impacts are closely connected. Understanding these interdependencies and the trade-offs they create is essential to turning ambition into effective action.

Celebrating 145 years of SCI, Where Science Meets Business 2026 will bring together leading voices from industry, academia and policy under the theme “A Systems Approach to Sustainability: Understanding Complexity, Driving Action.” From environmental measurement and the human impacts of global supply chains to the incentives shaping business decisions and the practical challenges of innovation and energy transitions, the day will explore where progress is being made, what stands in the way and what we should prioritise to build a sustainable, resilient and competitive future.

Attendees

This event will be of interest to senior strategists, policymakers, regulators, economists, scientists and decision-makers working across sustainability, innovation, industry, academia and the not-for-profit sector. WSMB 26 will bring together diverse voices operating across science, industry and policy to explore how sustainability can be measured, managed, and delivered more effectively in complex systems.

This is an invite-only event.

Programme

Tuesday 17 November 2026

09.00: Registration and refreshments
09.30: Opening and welcome
David Witty, Sygnature
09.40: What do we mean by sustainability?
Prof Rachael Rothman, UK LCA Network, University of Sheffield
10.10: Societal impact of global supply chains
Katie Kenrick, Earthworm
10.40: Roundtable: Sustainability in a complex system: how businesses navigate trade-offs and interdependencies
Rachael Rothman, LCA-UK, University of Sheffield; Katie Kenrick, Earthworm; Phil Ruxton, Croda; Freya Burton, LanzaTech; Peter Phillips, Reckitt
: Chair
Prof Nazia Habib, University of Cambridge
11.40: Refreshment break
12.00: Who shapes sustainable systems? Policy, economics, and incentives
Rupert Posner, Unilever and Prof Luuk Van der Wielen
13.00: Lunch and networking
14.00: Practical issues facing the implementation of sustainable innovation
Prof Richard Jones, University of Manchester
14.30: Transforming energy systems: from innovation to implementation
Jon Regnart, Catapult
15.00: Comfort break
15.15: Roundtable: From complexity to action: what should we prioritise?
Richard Jones, University of Manchester and Jon Regnart, Catapult
: Chair
Jon Hague, Unilever
16.45: Closing remarks: Synthesis and Forward View
Sharon Todd, Chief Executive Officer, SCI
17.00: Networking reception, food and drinks

Sponsorship information

Please email publications@soci.org to register your interest in sponsorship opportunities.

Accessibility Grants

SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.

Venue and Contact

SCI

14/15 Belgrave Square
London
SW1X 8PS

Conference Team

Tel: +44 (0)20 7598 1561

Email: conferences@soci.org

Fees

This is an invite-only event.

SCI Member - £100
Non-member - £150

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Booking Process/Deadlines

Booking terms and conditions

CPD Info

All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.