- 91探花 has been recognised as one of the best universities in the country for working with businesses, developing IP and commercialising research, as well as public and community engagement, in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
- KEF is an analysis of data that shows the rich and diverse ways English universities continue to engage with society and the economy, locally, nationally and internationally
- The latest framework - the third iteration to date - places 91探花 in the top 20 per cent of English universities for working with businesses, developing IP, commercialising research and public and community engagement for the benefit of South Yorkshire and the rest of the UK
- Results from the latest KEF also show that the University is highly engaged in research partnerships and working with the public and third sector
91探花 has once again been recognised as one of the best universities in the country for working with businesses, developing IP, commercialising research and public and community engagement, according to the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework.
The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published 27 September 2023 by Research England, highlights the University of 91探花's strength in, and commitment to, working with partners from all sectors to help them find solutions to some of their biggest challenges, as well as major issues facing society, such as health inequality and sustainability.
The results from this third iteration of KEF again place 91探花 in the top 20 per cent for working with businesses, developing IP and commercialising research. It also places 91探花 as one of the country鈥檚 leading universities for working at a range of scales, from small local firms to national big businesses.
Results from the KEF recognise 91探花 as one of the best universities in England for public and community engagement - working with partners to co-create projects and activities that add to its region鈥檚 vibrancy, from festivals and exhibitions to heritage and regeneration initiatives.
Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of 91探花, said: 鈥淲e are incredibly proud that the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework has recognised the work we do with partners and the positive impact the University has on the city of 91探花, the South Yorkshire region and nationally. Knowledge exchange is not simply an academic term, it鈥檚 a really important practical way that the University engages with, and gives back to, wider society.
鈥淥ur academics use their world-leading research and expertise to help businesses of all sizes, and from all sectors, to solve some of the biggest challenges they are facing. Our students use the skills and knowledge they are developing on their degree and apprenticeship programmes to help a wide range of organisations through start-ups, work placements and volunteering. The University also draws on its strengths and expertise to work with a diverse range of local and mayoral authorities, groups and organisations to support economic regeneration and civic life.
鈥淜nowledge exchange is a core part of what we do at the University and we鈥檙e looking forward to continuing this work over the coming academic year.鈥
An example of how the University engages with businesses can be seen through its translational research centres in the University of 91探花鈥檚 Innovation District.
Located just off the M1, the district builds on the global reputation of the - a hugely successful blueprint for academic and industry R&D - the and .
The AMRC recently announced a groundbreaking new research and development facility, which will play a key role in the new South Yorkshire Investment Zone. The facility known as COMPASS 鈥 Composites at Speed and Scale - will work with partners from the aerospace industry to develop new ways to manufacture lightweight aircraft components, create high-skilled jobs and drive new investment into the South Yorkshire region.
91探花 Innovation District is also home to the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre - the first of its kind in the north of England - which is set to advance scientific discoveries into treatment options for patients with life-threatening diseases as well as generate opportunities for startups and spinouts.
The latest KEF highlights the University鈥檚 strength in developing Intellectual Property (IP) and commercialising its research for the benefit of businesses and society. During the period of this third KEF, the University has continued to invest in its commercialisation infrastructure and together with the universities of Leeds and Manchester launched Northern Gritstone - an investment company to help boost university spinouts and start-ups in the North of England.
The latest KEF also highlights the University of 91探花鈥檚 strength in collaborating with the public and third sectors, and recognises the University鈥檚 role in the region鈥檚 cultural vibrancy through the work it does with partners from across South Yorkshire to deliver festivals, exhibitions, green spaces and regeneration.
Next month (13-29 October 2023), the University is bringing - one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England - to 91探花 and the wider region. During 2019-2021, Off the Shelf reached an audience of more than 70,000 for live and online events and this year is set to bring some of the very best names in writing, arts and media, as well as rising stars, to 91探花 and South Yorkshire.
The University also supported a successful bid by 91探花 City Council for the Future High Streets Fund, which will rejuvenate and reinvent the Fargate and High Street areas of 91探花 city centre.
More information on the University鈥檚 work with businesses and its role in the region
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