Bradford's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008 has received European support at a major conference in the city.

Representatives from across Europe have gathered at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television for the two-day Two Cultures conference, which is seen as a major part of Bradford's bid.

The event, organised by the Culture Company, looked at ways of making science a creative part of city life.

Speakers from previous Capitals of Culture around Europe and the artistic director of this year's Capital of Culture, Rotterdam, talked about how the world of science contributes to the cultural life of their cities.

Chairman of Bradford's Capital of Culture partnership board Paul Brookes said the international flavour of the conference was important to Bradford.

"We can learn a lot from talking to people whose culture bids were a success," he said.

"And in terms of the role science plays in culture, it's fascinating to learn what is being done in other cities.

"People think of culture and tend to think of the arts or even sport - science isn't seen as being particularly creative or cultural. But it can play an important role in the cultural DNA of cities.

"There are already excellent examples in Yorkshire of science being explored in ways that are creative, compelling and easily understood.

"The knack of these and other scientific projects to arouse and enthuse the public in what is often considered a "scary" or "dull" subject will be examined."

Mr Brookes said the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television was an "ideal" place to hold a conference exploring science.

"This is an incredible success story of how difficult scientific concepts can be put across in a simple and fun way," he said.

The event - due to be addressed today by David Puttnam, who is chairman of Bradford's Capital of Culture board and chairman of the National Endowment for Science and the Arts (NESTA) - is the second of three international conferences.

The first was held last year and the third, which will celebrate cultural diversity, will be held next June.

Bradford is the only one of the British cities bidding for the culture title that is holding high-profile conferences exploring different aspects of culture.