National recognition for our business and community links

Published on: 27 September 2022

Newcastle University has performed strongly in the national exercise that measures how we share our knowledge and expertise with business, charities and community organisations.

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) shows Newcastle University has performed extremely well in priority areas including research partnerships, commercialisation of intellectual property generated by our research and working with the public and third sector organisations.

These developments have been shown to lead to high value jobs and investment in the region.

Newcastle achieved strong results for working with the public and third sector, for researchers working with external bodies and for creating investable opportunities in its spinouts.

The results reflect the University’s support for spinouts being created through the Northern Accelerator. These companies, such as AMLo Biosciences an innovative medical device company spun out of Newcastle University specialising in the early detection of skin cancers, have benefitted from the support available through the programme.

Meanwhile, supporting the third sector, VOICES, a project led by Newcastle University and charity Children North East has been discovering what the younger generation thought about, needed and wanted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The University performed well for graduate start ups with the entrepreneurial skills of students creating companies like the sports wear brand Castore, worn by tennis champion Sir Andy Murray, football teams Newcastle United and Glasgow Rangers, England cricket team and McLaren Formula 1 among others.

The KEF assessment aims to increase how effectively public funding is used for knowledge exchange, by examining current practice and encouraging universities to continuously strive for improvement.

The data are available on the KEF’s interactive website and shows the rich contributions English Higher Education Providers make, both economically and socially, on both local and national levels. The knowledge exchange that underpins the KEF will help promote cooperation and drive continuous improvement in the higher education sector.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place, Newcastle University said: “Driving change economically, socially and culturally is core to our purpose at Newcastle University and we welcome this recognition. Our work with partners including industry, charities and the public sector is important in creating a more prosperous and inclusive society which benefits not just the North East but the country and globally.”

Supporting growth locally and nationally

University teams work with organisations to innovate, overcome challenges and grow your business through expert solutions including consultancy, degree apprenticeships and access to world-class facilities which all focus on delivering growth and innovation. There is more information on our webpages on how your business or organisation can work with the University.

David Sweeney CBE, Executive Chair of Research England, said: “Knowledge exchange is integral to the mission and purpose of our universities, and its importance in contributing to societal and economic prosperity is strongly supported by the Government.

“Today’s new version of the Knowledge Exchange Framework takes further forward the vision and potential of KE activity, providing richer evidence to demonstrate universities’ strengths in different areas when set alongside their peers.”