Manchester has been named the European City of Science 2016 by EuroScience and will host the prestigious EuroScience Open Forum (ESoF) meeting.

EuroScience is the European grassroots organisation of scientists and all those taking an interest in science. It is the voice of European researchers, across disciplines and countries; promoting dialogue with researchers worldwide.

ESoF is Europe's largest general scientific conference and will bring 4,500 delegates to the city in July 2016, including global scientific and technology leaders, with the event set to generate economic impact to the value of £9.6m.

The news was announced by the minister for science and universities, David Willetts MP at the Conservative Party Conference, and welcomed by Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, who said: "As a city with a proud reputation for excellence in scientific research and development, a tradition which continues right up to the present day with exciting innovations such as the discovery of graphene, Manchester makes a fitting City of Science 2016. We look forward to giving delegates from across Europe a warm Manchester welcome at the ESOF event and contributing to the exchange of ideas and inspiration."

Dr. Gail Cardew, chair of the ESOF supervisory board, said: "For a city to be awarded ESOF is to effectively give them the title of European City of Science. The city becomes a focal point for a discussion about science, not just among scientists but with the whole city. Manchester's tradition of world class research, together with engaging the public provides a perfect backdrop for ESOF, and we look forward to developing a strong and exciting programme with the president and vice-chancellor of The University of Manchester, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, and the vice-president for Research and Innovation, Professor Luke Georghiou."

Conference Ambassador Professor Luke Georghiou who was jointly responsible for preparing the bid to host ESOF 2016 said: "We are delighted to be able to organize Europe's biggest general science conference in Manchester in 2016. With Manchester's unique tradition in technology, industry, engineering, science and innovation we are sure that we can offer a superb environment for delegates from Europe and from all over the world. We are looking forward to working together with EuroScience to make Manchester 2016 a worthy successor to Dublin 2012 and Copenhagen 2014, and we are grateful for the support from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills."

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: "This exciting announcement cements Manchester's position as a world leader in science and technology. This is Europe's largest general scientific conference and it will bring 4,500 delegates to the city in July 2016, including global scientific and technology leaders. The theme of the 2016 forum will be breakthroughs in science and the conditions needed for a city to capitalise on scientific knowledge: from education through to investment in science."

Professor Georghiou is an active member of Manchester's Conference Ambassador Programme, please click here to find out further information on the scheme.