PROFESSORS and researchers from international universities are to gather in the region today for a meeting of minds.

The symposium at the Sunderland Marriott Hotel, in Seaburn, lasts for three days and is hosted by chemical catalyst company Synetix, a member of the Johnson Matthey group.

More than 100 scientists from universities across the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and the US will join representatives from Synetix and other businesses for the 12th annual meeting.

Speakers include Dr Brian Harrison, of Johnson Matthey, and Professor Graham Hutchings, of Cardiff University.