University hits new high for research partnerships

The University of Wolverhampton has strengthened its national position for research partnerships and knowledge exchange, achieving Very High engagement for Research Partnerships in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6).

The latest results show continued progress for the University, with Research Partnerships moving from Medium to High and now to Very High. Five of the seven areas assessed through KEF are now rated High or Very High.

The University achieved High engagement in CPD and Graduate Start-ups, Local Growth and Regeneration, Public and Community Engagement, and Working with Business, alongside its Very High result for Research Partnerships.

Research England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework highlights the different ways universities work with businesses, communities and other external partners to share knowledge and expertise and contribute to economic and societal benefit.

The results recognise the strength of the University’s work in developing research collaborations, supporting businesses and enterprise, engaging with communities and contributing to local growth.

Prashant Pillai, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

“Achieving Very High engagement for Research Partnerships is a significant milestone for the University and a powerful endorsement of the strength of our research partnerships and the impact they are delivering.

“Our progression from Medium to High and now to Very High reflects the real momentum we are building at Wolverhampton and, importantly, the commitment of our academics, professional colleagues and partners who make this work possible.

“With five of the seven KEF perspectives now rated High or Very High, these results demonstrate the breadth of knowledge exchange taking place across the University.”

The University is now looking to build on this momentum by creating further opportunities for businesses, organisations and communities to access academic expertise, develop collaborative research and work together to address real-world challenges.

The recently launched AI Academy is one example of this work, creating new opportunities for organisations to engage with the University’s expertise in artificial intelligence and explore how emerging technologies can support innovation, skills, productivity and growth.

It forms part of the University’s wider work to strengthen research and knowledge exchange through partnerships across the region and beyond, translating knowledge and expertise into opportunities for innovation, skills development, enterprise and economic growth.

The full KEF6 results are available through the Knowledge Exchange Framework dashboard.

Businesses, public and third-sector organisations, community groups and University colleagues interested in exploring opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration can contact the Research and Enterprise Directorate at businesslink@wlv.ac.uk.