Strong work with business highlighted in latest Knowledge Exchange Framework figures

Posted 27 September 2023

Harper Adams University’s work with businesses has today been highlighted in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) from Research England.

The University forms part of the STEM cluster, which includes specialist institutions covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in the framework. Research England notes Universities in this cluster often demonstrate ‘high amounts of excellent research, particularly in bioscience and veterinary and engineering.’

Today’s figures show Harper Adams has very high engagement for its work with business, measured through the income it draws from contract research, consultancy, facilities use and from Innovate UK.

The University’s work in this area demonstrated ‘very high engagement’ according to the figures, well ahead of other Universities in its cluster, which generally secured medium engagement.

The rankings also showed Harper Adams demonstrated higher engagement than other institutions in its cluster for its work around local growth and regeneration.

Harper Adams Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee said: “Knowledge Exchange is a core component of the work of UK universities, something which today’s KEF figures clearly demonstrate.

“For Harper Adams, the specialised nature of our work was recognised by the Office for Students officially in December, when we were one of just 16 institutions in England to be granted world-leading specialist status. It has also been recognised by the Times and Sunday Times, whose Good University Guide 2024 made us the first ever Specialist University of the Year.

“Through offering research, consultancy and facilities, we can apply those specialisms to the sectors we serve in food and farming, with this collaborative approach increasing the impact of both organisations.

“That’s why we work closely with a wide range of businesses – from major global firms to small companies.  Our School of Sustainable Food and Farming is developing programmes with organisations such as Morrisons, McDonalds, the National Farmers’ Union, and Tesco supporting their farmers and supply chains to realise sustainability goals through networks, knowledge exchange, research and demonstration.

“And in collaborations right across the University, our academics are working with organisations of all sizes on research which makes a difference to their businesses – from developing the world’s first fully-modular insect farm to using artificial intelligence to monitor the health and behaviour of dairy cows.”

To see the full tables for Harper Adams from today’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results, please click here and select the University from the dropdown menu.