Recognised for excellence in economic growth and public sector impact

In the latest national Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published this week by Research England, the University once again achieved the highest possible rating of ‘Very High Engagement’ in these areas, reaffirming our role as a civic university.

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), developed by Research England, benchmarks how universities work with external partners to drive economic and social impact.

Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: "As a civic university we’re driven by our desire for progress: for our students, for our communities, for our region, nationally and globally.

"These KEF results are a testament to the way we work to deliver real impact for people, businesses and communities. They show our research, innovation and expertise are not only shaping new ideas and solutions, but also driving economic growth, tackling societal challenges and shaping a fairer, more sustainable future.

“We are proud to be recognised as one of the top-performing universities in England, and we will continue to ensure that the benefits of our work are felt both here in our region and far beyond."

Our commitment to local growth and regeneration is embedded across the University.

Through initiatives such as the Creative Growth programme, we’re equipping local businesses with the tools, knowledge and confidence to innovate and expand, helping to fuel entrepreneurship and job creation across Hull and the East Riding.

At the same time, our Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) in offshore wind energy are ensuring the Humber remains at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial revolution. By developing a pipeline of highly skilled professionals, we are supporting the resilience of a sector critical to our economy and enabling our region to play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable future.

In 2023/24, the University generated an economic impact worth of £562 million Gross Value Added (GVA)across the Humber region, creating 6,900 jobs in the area.*

We’re working with public and third sector partners to promote justice and fairness for all, amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups. We’re sharing insights and expertise with Humberside Police and the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership to make a meaningful difference in tackling serious violence across the region.

Our expertise in flood resilience is informing national policy with University of Hull experts supporting the work of Parliament’s Flood Resilience in England Inquiry, helping communities around the country to respond to climate driven challenges.

We’re learning from lived experience to inform policy and practice. Our world-leading research centres in wound innovation and addiction and mental health work hand-in-hand with healthcare providers and partners – ensuring that our breakthroughs translate into real-world benefits for the people who need them most.

Professor Fiona Matthews, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), said: “Our work with public and third sector organisations is making a real difference to people’s lives – from tackling health inequalities and supporting vulnerable communities, to shaping national policy on pressing issues such as violence prevention and flood resilience.

“These partnerships are built on trust, shared purpose and a commitment to creating lasting social value. By listening to communities and working alongside them, we ensure that our research and expertise deliver meaningful change, not only across our region, but nationally and internationally.”

About the Knowledge Exchange Framework

KEF forms the third pillar of assessment of universities’ activities, alongside the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and was developed by Research England to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of Knowledge Exchange in universities.

It is the fifth year universities have been benchmarked against seven key areas, providing a picture of how they engage with external partners to contribute both to the economy and society.

*BiGGAR Economics, Summary of Economic Impact report 2023/24