University of Hull recognised among UK’s best for driving growth, innovation and community impact

Published this week by Research England, the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results once again gave the University the highest possible rating of ‘Very High Engagement’ in working with the public and third sector, local growth and engagement.

The University also achieved ‘Very High Engagement’ in working with business and research partnerships, reinforcing our position as a vital partner in driving innovation and economic growth across the region.

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 sixth 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.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tom Lawson said: “As a university with a strong civic mission, we are committed to creating positive change locally, nationally and internationally.

“These KEF results reflect the strength of our partnerships and the value of our research, innovation and expertise in delivering meaningful benefits to industry, communities and society, helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges currently facing us.

“We are proud to be a university that not only generates new knowledge but works with partners to put it into practice. We will continue to build on this success, creating opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth that delivers lasting benefits for the local people, businesses and communities.”

Approaching its centenary in 2027, the University contributes an estimated £562 million annually to the regional economy and 6,900 jobs in the Humber, providing the skills, research and expertise needed to support the region’s priorities around economic growth, investment, skills and opportunity. It plays a leading role in driving regional growth and innovation, working with partners across industry, government and the public sector to turn research into real-world impact. The University is a key partner in the Local Innovation Partnership Fund Programme, which supports clean energy and industrial decarbonisation across the Humber and Teesside, helping to create jobs, strengthen supply chains and stimulate long-term economic growth.

Through initiatives such as the AURA Innovation Centre, which has supported more than 7,500 SMEs and helped create over 2,500 jobs, the University is helping businesses innovate and grow. Its extensive Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme connects organisations with academic expertise to develop new products, services and technologies, while partnerships with organisations including HETA and CATCH help ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to meet future opportunities.

University of Hull research is also delivering tangible benefits for society. From advancing new treatments for chronic wounds through the £48 million Wound Innovation Institute, to working with Humberside Police and the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership to tackle the causes of serious violence, researchers are collaborating with partners to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for communities across the region and beyond.