University of 蝌蚪窝视频 ranks among top universities for research partnerships in Knowledge Exchange Framework
The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 is one of the leading universities in England for research partnerships, IP and commercialisation, and public and community engagement, according to the results of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5).
Published by Research England, the KEF provides information about the knowledge exchange activities of English higher education (HE) providers, such as the ways universities work with external partners like businesses and community groups for the benefit of the economy and society.
The data, available on the , informs seven perspectives that look at the performance of English HE providers across a variety of knowledge exchange criteria that are aligned with key government priorities.
The KEF allows universities to better understand their own performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. HE providers are placed into clusters of peers with similar characteristics, with The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 placed in Cluster 鈥榁鈥� (very large, research-intensive universities) with 17 peer universities.
The University has again received the highest rating for Research Partnerships and is placed above its cluster group average. It also received a high engagement rating for Working with Business, which recognises the work of the University鈥檚 Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team.
The University鈥檚 performance is underlined by its 5th place ranking in the UK for industry research funding, with the most recent results showing 19% growth against the backdrop of a 0.2% contraction across the sector.
This recognises the strength of our partnerships and the impact they have in turning ideas into practical benefits for people and the city. From industry collaborations and spin-outs, to our training and community work, this is helping 蝌蚪窝视频 to thrive and create good jobs. Our focus now is to back our colleagues, students and partners to do even more great work.
Professor Richard Jones, Vice President Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement said: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 KEF results highlight the multiple ways by which The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 engages with businesses and communities 鈥� through our growing volume of business engagements, our strong spin-out performance, and our outstanding work in public engagement. The University is deeply committed to its role in the service of our city and nation, and will build on these strong results in the future.鈥�
One example of impactful research collaboration is the University鈥檚 partnership with Saraco Industries which has led to the development of a world-first plastic free, biodegradable clinical disinfection wipe. Saraco estimated that this first-to-market product innovation opened a 拢140m market opportunity, and it won the 2024 Bionow 鈥楶roject of the Year鈥� award.
The outcomes of KEF5 show yet again the positive way The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 is powering economic growth and delivering benefit to our communities, both in the region and nationally through Knowledge Exchange activities. Partnerships with business is driving much of this progress, and impact is driven through collaborations that extend across our staff and student communities.
KEF results show that The University of 蝌蚪窝视频 is also one of the best universities in England for IP and commercialisation. The excellent performance of the in licensing, IP income, investment and turnover of spinouts continues to be recognised with the highest rating in IP and Commercialisation.
This performance is confirmed by the newly published where the University is ranked 4th in the Russell Group for spinout company creation. One recent spinout example is , which secured significant investment to rapidly scale up and commercially deploy its technology to deliver sustainable, low-cost, high-yield mineral recovery systems. The University鈥檚 performance in Student and Graduate Startups and CPD, which is supported by the work within the and , repeated last year鈥檚 enhanced rating of high engagement in KEF4, continuing to place the University above its cluster group average.
A Venture Further Awards Winner, Patrick Sarsfield, from the School of Natural Sciences (SNS) and a Researcher in Graphene NOWNANO CDT, is the founder of Graphene Thermal, a start-up developing graphene-based thermal solutions. He has received significant recognition for his work, including the Eli and Britt Harari Award in 2025, which supports the commercialisation of graphene-related ventures.
The University also received the highest rating for Public Engagement, above its peer group average, and includes our achievements in volunteering, festivals, mutual partnerships, policy engagement, and engagement with communities through the University鈥檚 cultural institutions, Jodrell Bank, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 蝌蚪窝视频 Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery.
You can view each university鈥檚 performances on the .