Welcome to the 18th issue of our Research and Knowledge Exchange Magazine, published in winter term 2024 and introduced by our Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange), Professor Rusi Jaspal.
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I am delighted to introduce the latest edition of the Research and Knowledge Exchange magazine.
At the University of 69成人网, we are proud of our research and knowledge exchange activity, which enriches our teaching, drives important partnerships and collaborations, and produces new knowledge and positive societal impact.
We are coming to the end of a year of considerable achievement. The challenges and financial pressures affecting the higher education sector are well-documented. In this context, we are delighted to see our research and knowledge exchange expand and thrive, as we continue to secure significant funding for our activity. This investment demonstrates the faith placed in our expertise - often by public bodies. We take our responsibility to deliver meaningful results for society seriously and our researchers are making a tangible difference to individuals, communities and society at large, addressing the world’s most pressing problems.
Of course, income is not the only measure by which we assess our success. Creating new knowledge is fundamental, but putting that knowledge to work is vital. In this issue, you’ll see how we collaborate extensively with partners (section 12), enhance the student experience through research opportunities (section 14) and chances for our postgraduates to collaborate internationally (section 24), and contribute to public understanding through thought pieces (section 08) and public events (sections 10 and 19) and influence policy (sections 03 and 09).
By excelling in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), we consolidated our position, performing highly across key categories and achieving the highest possible rating for three areas, including for our work with research partnerships (section 12). Punching above our weight, we were one of only six institutions nationally to receive top results in both working with the public and third sector, as well as public and community engagement.
In a further demonstration of our commitment to working in partnership to produce and apply innovative solutions, we launched our new Health Innovation Hub (section 05). Building on our reputation as both a lead and trusted partner in the field of health, the hub is focused on working together to produce evidence-based research that can genuinely change and improve patient outcomes and lives.
Our researchers care passionately about the work they do and their teams, creating a rich, vibrant environment. We have eight Centres of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence providing effective focus on our research strengths, Research Excellence Groups and individual researchers exploring emerging areas and an exciting explosion of fascinating interdisciplinary investigations. Find out more about this in our next issue as we drill into how design historians and scientists can address perplexing problems. With all this in mind, we have much to feel confident about as we prepare for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF).
I do hope you will join with me in celebrating what we have achieved together as a research community this year. Our achievements are only possible through the collective endeavours of our talented researchers, professional services colleagues and postgraduate researchers. I am grateful to everyone for their contributions and crucial continued engagement with our students, external partners and communities.
Do enjoy the festive break. I look forward to returning with energy and enthusiasm next year as we work together to discover new knowledge, share inspiring insights and create better futures.
With best wishes,
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange
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