University of Hull shines in first ever Knowledge Exchange Framework

The University of Hull has performed strongly in a new sector-wide assessment of university knowledge exchange.

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) measures the efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge exchange in universities in seven key areas, providing a picture of how they engage with external partners to contribute both to the economy and society.

Developed by Research England, it forms the third pillar of assessment of universities’ activities, alongside the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

A key objective of the KEF is to enable fair comparison of institutions across a diverse sector. Institutions have therefore been grouped into ‘clusters’ – groups of institutions that have been deemed similar for the purposes of comparing knowledge exchange activities.

The University of Hull is in Cluster X, which contains large, research-intensive and broad-discipline universities undertaking a significant amount of world-leading research. Other institutions in Cluster X include Durham, Exeter, Keele, Lancaster, Leicester, LSE, Surrey and York.

In the inaugural year of this new framework, the University of Hull performed:

• In the top 30% of its cluster for research partnerships
• In the top 30% of its cluster for its work with the public and third sector
• In the top 30 % of its cluster for its work in IP and commercialisation
• In the top 40% of its cluster for its contribution to local growth and regeneration
• In the top 50% of its cluster for working with businesses
• In the top 50% of its cluster for public and community engagement

Dr Dave Richards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hull, said: “As a long-standing, actively engaged civic institution, and as an engine of innovation, the University of Hull drives advances for the region while also tackling global challenges.

“The University collaborates extensively with partners, connecting its work with business, health, communities, the third sector, and government, for mutual learning, growth and benefit.

“I’m delighted to see these inaugural results, particularly given the high-performing cluster in which the University has been grouped.”

Liz Jenkinson, Director of Knowledge Exchange at the University of Hull, said: “We are delighted that this new framework recognises and celebrates the myriad of ways that knowledge is exchanged between the University and its many stakeholders and partners.

“Over the years the University has achieved many accolades for its knowledge exchange, such as a Guardian University Award for best Business Partnership and we were delighted to launch our new Knowledge Exchange Strategy last summer to guide our work over the next five years.

A huge amount of work has been undertaken by colleagues across the institution which has culminated in these results, and we would like to thank everyone for their contributions.”