Reading is a centre of excellence for knowledge exchange

The University of Reading is a centre of excellence for knowledge exchange, as demonstrated by the latest KEF (knowledge exchange framework) review.

The University of Reading is a research-intensive, global organisation, with two overseas campuses, strategic international partnerships, and collaborations all over the world.

The University takes on the big issues, from tackling climate change to improving health, ensuring food security, and understanding human culture.

With strengths in working with businesses and pursuing the commercialisation of research findings, and significant partnerships with research and public and third sector communities, the University of Reading has once again scored highly in the KEF assessment.

Pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, Professor Parveen Yaqoob said: “The University’s knowledge exchange portfolio is built on the strength of our research and teaching. We can all be proud of our achievements.”

The University of Reading, as the only university in the area, has a broad global outlook, while also striving for local economic growth in the Thames Valley.

Partnerships with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, British Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, facilitate the impact of University of Reading research. Through these relationships the University is making a difference in biodiversity, climate change, health and heritage.

The University of Reading scored well for working with business, research partnerships, and working with public and third sectors, as well as continuing professional development, and support for graduate start-ups.

Local growth and regeneration, and public and community engagement remain a priority for the University. The Reading 2050 partnership to develop a vision for a smart and sustainable city, and the Landwise Natural Flood Management research with communities, demonstrating the impact we have.

Carol McAnally, Head of Business Relationships and Commercialisation said: “The University does not exist in a vacuum and where we can share and apply the knowledge generated here, we should. That we’ve kept this going through a global pandemic, is remarkable, and I am delighted to see the very positive assessment of our knowledge exchange activities from UKRI.”

Last year’s KEF: PR855702 - University of Reading

KEF dashboard: Knowledge exchange framework: Dashboard (kef.ac.uk)