Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Hull

The University of Hull has been recognised nationally for its work to promote economic growth and regeneration in the recent Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published by Research England.

The results reveal the university has been classed as having ‘Very High Engagement’, the highest ranking in this category. Effective knowledge exchange has never been more important to UK universities. But what is knowledge exchange?

Knowledge Exchange is a collaborative endeavour that translates knowledge and research into impact. It includes a set of activities, processes and skills that enable close collaboration between universities and partner organisations to deliver commercial, environmental and cultural benefits.

Knowledge Exchange brings together academic staff, partners, collaborators and communities to increase the impact of research. It supports the commercialisation of new ideas, discoveries and inventions that evolve through research. And, it supports innovative solutions to help businesses grow through our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

Do you want to contact our expert Knowledge Exchange Team?

Email ke@hull.ac.uk

At the University of Hull, we work with communities and external partners, but ultimately, we utilise the skills, knowledge and expertise within the University to improve society, improve economies and improve health and well-being.

The Risky Cities project is a great example of our Knowledge Exchange work. Estuarine and coastal communities are particularly vulnerable in the face of climate change. Communities and businesses in these areas will need to build resilience for an uncertain future by becoming more aware of and adaptive to flood risks. This partnership uses Hull’s long history of living with water – as recorded in its artistic and cultural heritage – to raise climate awareness and build flood resilience today and for the future.

Image: Workshop participants at a 'Follow the Thread' workshop: Risky Cities

Case Study: Risky Cities

Watch the video to find out more about our public and community engagement work.

What does this mean for my business?

Our commitment to our partners and our Knowledge Exchange programme can support your business, organisation and community.

For example, our Faculty of Business, Law and Politics' offer a holistic perspective and is providing fresh insights to public and private sector organisations of all sizes on a regional, national and international level. We are achieving tangible results for business through our comprehensive business engagement services.

Find out more

The Hull University Business School offers a range of open and bespoke courses for professionals wanting to further develop their leadership and management skills. Academic experts and professional associates draw upon world leading research and practical business experience to deliver high quality, impactful training.

Practical knowledge is combined with an entrepreneurial mindset to ensure that participants are equipped with the tools and attributes to build and grow successfully.

Find out more about our Executive Education and the courses we offer.

trainee operative working on a quartz kitchen counter

We recognise the importance of gaining competitive advantage which is why the University has been involved in many Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), helping businesses to innovate and grow since 2003.

Over two-thirds of our Graduate Associates have been offered permanent positions with the company at the end of the KTP. Ansell Ltd, Singleton Birch, Paragon ID and Wren Kitchens are just some of the businesses to benefit from our academic expertise.

Find out more

: Dr Nick Evans, Siddi Majubah, Dr Dominic Chirwa, Glynis Nelsen and Karen Okra at the PraxisAuril KE Awards 2023

It's all Knowledge Exchange

Knowledge Exchange can mean developing new partnerships, collaborative or commissioned research and providing consultancy services. We also run networking events and offer IP commercialisation and support to spin-out businesses. We can support licensing technologies, tools or training materials and develop Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Support for continuing professional development can involve designing and delivering workshops and we offer specialist facilities, equipment and testing services. Our work can inform public policy.

Public engagement is a major element of our Knowledge Exchange activity. The multi-awarding winning 'Homelands' project involved working with partners to co-create heritage and challenge perceptions of Sierra Leone.

Image: Dr Nick Evans (School of Humanities and Wilberforce Institute) with Hull Afro Caribbean Association members Siddi Majubah, Dr Dominic Chirwa, Glynis Nelsen and Karen Okra at the PraxisAuril KE Awards 2023

Case Study: Homelands

Knowledge Exchange Strategy 2020-2025

Effective knowledge exchange has never been more important to universities. Knowledge exchange brings us together with non-academic partners to exchange research, ideas, skills or expertise. By engaging with, and being informed by, businesses, communities, the third sector and government, we are able to increase the impact of our work. Our 2020-2025 Knowledge Exchange Strategy sets out the aims and objectives that will guide our work, ensuring that our knowledge continues to be exchanged effectively with our community, our partners, and our world, for the benefit of all.

Read our Knowledge Exchange Strategy 2020-2025
Tap into the Knowledge Exchange Team's expertise

Our team is responsible for the implementation of the University’s Knowledge Exchange Strategy and the infrastructure that sits behind this. The team are also responsible for delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC).

The team hold responsibility for managing the delivery of the Hull Impact & Knowledge Exchange Acceleration Account, which includes: managing funding processes, measuring and reporting impact, ensuring compliance and promoting HIKE to the academic community. Find out more about HIKE funding opportunities.

Other responsibilities include the coordination of the University’s HE-BCI return, management of the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF), supporting a variety of committees and projects across the KE portfolio, training and CPD, internal policy developments and external policy engagement.

You can also tap into our expertise on Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialisation. The team manage the University’s IP portfolio and technology transfer initiatives. Discover more about IP and Commercialisation at the University.

We also offer a range of support, training and events to support Knowledge Exchange for the University of Hull community.

Do you have a question? We would love to hear from you - send us an email KE@hull.ac.uk