Research update by Professor Tom Rodden 

Work is under way on a landmark project that will place the University of Nottingham at the heart of world-leading brain imaging research.  

An extension to University Park’s Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre will house the UK’s most powerful MRI scanner – an 11.7 Tesla Ultra High Field system that will transform how researchers and clinicians understand the human brain and disease. 

The new scanner, 1,000 times more powerful than the MRI systems pioneered by the late Sir Peter Mansfield, will enable unprecedented insights into conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, autism, and schizophrenia – continuing our legacy of innovation and impact in medical science. 

Spin-outs powering innovation and regional growth 
 
Earlier this month, the University of Nottingham proudly celebrated the pioneering individuals and teams transforming world-class research into ventures driving innovation, sustainability and economic growth across the Midlands and beyond.  

Enterprise Excellence: A celebration of University of Nottingham spin-outs showcased the achievements of the university’s thriving spin-out portfolio – now close to 40 active companies delivering impact in diverse sectors. Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Norman, opening the event, noting that Nottingham research and its spin-outs are creating real-world benefits for society, the environment and the economy.
 
Removing barriers to venture capital 

While UoN spin-outs have raised more than £100m in venture capital over the past five years, Professor Norman acknowledged the barriers to finance facing early-stage businesses, particularly in the Midlands. To address this, the university has invested £5m in equity finance into its portfolio over the last five years, partnered in Midlands Mindforge, a patient capital fund supporting regional spin-outs, and launched Forging Ahead, alongside 14 other universities, to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen the Midlands’ innovation ecosystem.  

KEF results strengthen leadership in innovation and regional impact 

The celebration came shortly after the publication of the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5) results, in which the University of Nottingham once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation and regional engagement.   
 
The KEF evaluates how universities contribute to society and the economy through collaboration with businesses, charities, public bodies, and local communities. Nottingham’s results confirm its position among the UK’s top research-intensive institutions and underscore its pivotal role in driving growth and innovation across the East Midlands.  

New Partnerships Due Diligence Framework
The university has introduced a new Partnerships Due Diligence Framework to strengthen how risks in collaborations are assessed and managed.  

The framework extends beyond international partnerships to include higher-risk UK-based organisations, particularly in sensitive sectors or where ethical, legal, or reputational concerns may arise. In such cases, partnerships will undergo enhanced checks and, where necessary, a plan will be developed to responsibly manage risks.  

The Trusted Research team is available to support colleagues in applying it within their areas.  

Midlands Ecosystem Platform 

The Midlands Ecosystem Platform, just launched by Midlands Innovation, is a free, open-access gateway to the region’s £31bn innovation economy. For Nottingham and our regional partners, it’s a powerful tool to showcase the Midlands’ innovation ecosystem and drive growth. Founders can connect with investors and global markets, universities can highlight spin-out successes, and investors and policymakers can track performance, spot opportunities, and demonstrate impact.  

Nottingham-led guidance on online research integrity recommended for national use 
Guidance developed at the university on addressing non-genuine participation in online research  has been recommended for national use by the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO).  

Led by the School of Medicine’s Dr Blandine French and supported by colleagues across the university and UKRIO, the guidance tackles the growing problem of participants misrepresenting themselves or bots completing surveys – issues that threaten data quality, research outcomes, and researcher wellbeing.  

The practical framework provides researchers with ethical, flexible steps for preparing, monitoring, and responding to risks during online data collection. It is now freely available as a citable academic resource and will support funding applications, ethics reviews, and wider engagement activities.  

This recognition highlights the University’s leadership in advancing research integrity and its commitment to supporting researchers in navigating emerging challenges.  

Royal Society audit confirms strong research governance  

The university has achieved a “Substantial Assurance” rating following a Royal Society institutional audit. Covering £63.8m of live grants, the review confirmed that UoN’s systems, policies, and research integrity practices are robust and effective.   

Auditors praised the professionalism and cooperation of staff throughout the process. My congratulations to all involved in this important work. Strong governance protects researchers and enhances our reputation with funders, helping secure future grants.  

Research Governance drop-in sessions  

The Research Governance team is meanwhile launching a pilot series of informal drop-in sessions to support researchers. Open to all staff and students, these sessions provide a chance to speak directly with the team about any aspect of research governance, including grant applications, study documents, amendments, and guidance on Health Research Authority, Research Ethics, or governance processes.   

Sessions take place on B floor in the Medical School at QMC from 10 am–2 pm, with no booking required. 

Read more and view dates →   

The Researcher Academy celebrates 30 years of supporting the researcher community   

As the Researcher Academy celebrates its 30th anniversary, we can reflect on three decades of dedicated support for researchers at the university. Since 1994, the academy has been a trusted partner advocating for researchers, building strategic partnerships and empowering researchers across all disciplines, from postgraduate research students to senior research leaders, to reach their highest ambitions.   

Book Launch: Chronicles from the Academic Frontier  

To launch its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Researcher Academy is presenting Chronicles from the Academic Frontier – a compelling collection of stories is inspired by the research journeys and lived experiences of University of Nottingham researchers.  

Staff and students are invited to the book launch on Monday 24 November to listen to live readings and pick up a signed copy of the book. The book will also be available to purchase on Amazon.  

Help promote environmental sustainability accreditation across our labs 

The university is ramping up efforts to support Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) accreditation – a national programme designed to improve the environmental sustainability of research labs without compromising scientific quality – and we’re asking staff to help spread the word and encourage participation.  

Want to find out more? 

Join an online information session led by the Technical Sustainability Working Group to hear more about LEAF, developing environmentally sustainable lab practices, how to achieve LEAF accreditation and the audit process on Wednesday 5 November from 2pm-3pm via Teams.  

The session is open to all wet lab users: PGRs, postdocs, researchers, technical professionals, academics and research enablers. No need to book, join the webinar via this Teams link. Please remember to put the time and link in your calendar. The session will be recorded.  

Get ready for Researchfish 2026

Researchfish is a vital online platform for researchers, including grant holders and PhD students, to showcase the outcomes and impact of their funded research.  

The 2026 Researchfish submission period runs from Monday 2 February until 4pm on Thursday 12 March 2026. But a reminder that you can create, edit, and assign outcomes in Researchfish at any time. Keeping your records up to date throughout the year ensures you’re fully prepared when the submission window opens. 

Find out more 

Policy Support Fund and Participatory Research Fund 

Two funds, supporting researchers to engage with policymakers, and to enhance outcomes by involving communities and research users, are now open for applications. 

With best wishes and thanks for your support 

Professor Tom Rodden 

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange
 
 

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Update by Professor Ed Lester

I’m sure you all know there’s plenty of exciting research taking place the across the University of Nottingham. My role is to help accelerate the translation of these discoveries into real-world, commercial applications, and I’m pleased to share news of how collaboration, entrepreneurship and the sharing of knowledge with our partners is supporting this mission. You’ll note there is rather a lot of news to cover.

University marks 50 Years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Our university is celebrating 50 years of Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – a national programme that has transformed businesses, advanced academic research impact and launched exceptional careers.

Earlier this month, we welcomed more than 80 delegates, including past, current, and prospective KTP business partners and Innovate UK representatives and highlighted the university’s contributions to the regional and national economy through research and innovation. Nottingham has a rich history of delivering successful KTPs. Since 2003, more than 160 projects have secured over £28m in funding. Nationally, KTPs have delivered £2.3 bn back to the UK economy.

The event included a panel discussion, chaired by Dr George Rice, Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, which explored what makes KTP collaborations successful.

If you would like to explore how KTP could support your research or want to learn more about the mechanisms in place, please contact the KTP Team.

East Midlands Combined County Authority

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) plays a key role in supporting growth and innovation across the local economy. Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, chairs the EMCCA’s Innovation and Advisory Board and we’re working with the EMCCA to develop a regional response to the government’s £500m Local Innovation Partnership Fund, and the opportunities it will present to the East Midlands Investment Zone.

Midlands Mindforge

Nottingham is a co-founder of Midlands Mindforge, a patient (long-term) capital investment fund with a mission is to accelerate and enhance the commercialisation of ground-breaking science and technology innovations in the Midlands region. It aims to raise up to £250m for university spin-outs and other early-stage IP-rich businesses and is currently undertaking due diligence on UoN spin-out companies that will be part of its first series of investments.

Enterprise Excellence: celebrating our spin-out community

We are hosting an ‘Enterprise Excellence’ event on 1 October, which will bring together our spin-out community. This will also be an opportunity for the university to restate our commitment to innovation and our regional mission, reinforcing our role in driving economic growth and societal impact through research commercialisation.

Forging Ahead

George Rice is joining the council of Forging Ahead,  a coalition of 15 Midlands universities that aims to revolutionise how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact. George will contribute to Forging Ahead’s strategy and management. On 22 September, the consortium will convene the first gathering of the Midlands universities’ commercialisation community.

Meanwhile, the first cohort of three UoN entrepreneurs are joining the Forging Ahead-funded MEDICI Enterprise Training Programme, which supports researchers in developing the skills required to realise the commercial potential of their research.

Commercialising your research: Dr Liliana de Lilo’s journey

The Faculty of Engineering’s Dr Liliana de Lilo is a great example of a successful KE journey, where collaboration and commercialisation has real impact. In 2010, Liliana and her team with the Power Electronics, Machines and Control group were approached by ITT, a global manufacturer of pumps for industry, to collaborate on the development of advanced, energy-efficient motor drive. After thousands of hours of development and testing, ITT is now delivering VIDAR industrial motors to customers worldwide.

Liliana’s journey was made possible by support at UoN. An Impact Exploration Grant – part of our Impact Acceleration Accounts programme – kick-started her first steps towards impact by supporting early collaboration with ITT. Liliana and her colleagues also tapped into the expertise of our IP commercialisation and licensing teams. Congratulations to all involved.

Starting the KE journey: Dr Sam Beatson

Dr Sam Beatson from Nottingham University Business School has more recently been awarded an Impact Exploration Grant, which will help Sam engage with external partners over potential real-world applications for his financial insight system.

With support from INFINITY, the University of Nottingham Inclusive Financial Technology Hub, and the IP Commercialisation team, Dr Beatson has now won a fully funded place on the Innovate UK ICURe programme.

ICURe gives researchers the chance to turn ground-breaking research into investment-ready spin-out companies and license agreements. Congratulations to Sam on joining ICURe – I look forward to this catalysing future successes.

2025 winter call for Impact Accelerator Accounts

This call is currently open and closes on Wednesday 1 October.

Whether you’re forming industrial collaborations, launching a spin-out, preparing for clinical trials, or engaging with communities, IAAs can provide you with the chance to accelerate your work beyond the academic environment.

Throughout September, a series of workshops and drop-in sessions are available to guide you through the process, including tailored advice, impact strategy development, and 1:1 project support.

Find out more

Our commitment to funding novel interdisciplinary research

Several further UoN funding schemes have been relaunched, opening the door to fresh opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, international partnerships and career development.

These centrally and strategically managed schemes complement existing faculty and school-based funding, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity and research that bridges the university’s diverse academic strengths.

These include:

UNICAS becomes ‘SEED’ – expanding across all faculties

One of the most popular schemes, formerly known as UNICAS, has now been renamed SEED to reflect its broadened scope.

While UNICAS originated as support for projects in Science, Engineering and Medicine, SEED now pro-actively welcomes researchers from the Arts and Social Sciences, creating an even richer environment for cross-faculty collaboration.

SEED funds interdisciplinary proof-of-concept projects that involve measuring, gathering, and analysing data, whether from lab experiments, social surveys, or creative practice.

International Research Collaboration Fund 

The IRCF supports researchers to travel and collaborate with excellent new or existing partners outside the UK – particularly in Europe – to develop large-scale funding applications.

Priority will be given to collaborations with institutions of demonstrable research excellence (e.g. QS global top 50) and those that directly advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Return to Research

The Return to Research Scheme offers targeted support to colleagues coming back from long-term leave — such as parental or sick leave — helping them re-establish momentum and reconnect with research pathways.

Improving innovation management and support

The university is continually improving the support available to our research on the journey towards commercialisation of their innovations.

The Innovation Disclosure (previously IP Disclosure) process is an important step in university innovation management and is used to formally record an innovation or invention before the university tries to generate impact via commercialising it.

This will clarify the support provided by the IP Commercialisation Office (IPCO), including clear next steps via a Submission Report.

Adjustments have been made to the Innovation Disclosure Forms to capture the nuances of different Innovations including software and SHAPE (‘Social sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy’).

This will allow the IPCO to better track the range of Innovations at UoN, generate richer insights for our IP commercialisation strategy, and provide the best support to inventors, from the start.

To discuss and disclose an Innovation, use this Expression of Interest form. Alternatively, speak to your Faculty Innovation Hub or IPCO contact.

More information about commercialising research can be found here, and about intellectual property  here.

UoN experts help set REF 2029 submission criteria

Congratulations to all the colleagues who have been appointed by Research England to serve on the national panels that will shape assessment of submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2029.

The announcement follows a decision by the four UK higher education funding bodies to confirm the pause in the criteria setting and publication of final guidance for REF 2029 for a brief period.

The funding bodies will use this opportunity to take stock, ensure alignment with government priorities and vision for higher education, and reflect on feedback from the sector. REF will announce any changes to the exercise by December 2025.

REF2029: next steps

It is important to note that the overall REF2029 timetable is unaffected and the main submission deadline remains unchanged, so our planning must continue.

What we know:

–  Guidance and Code of Practice schedules will shift. Research England will communicate any adjustments by December 2025.

– RE will publish the People, Culture, and Environment pilot report by the end of October 2025.

Next steps:

– Continue developing high quality outputs and reviewing outputs in line with current guidance.

– Continue developing our impact case studies

Thank you for your continued work to get us institutionally ready for REF2029.

Celebrating our QS World University Rankings success

Earlier this month, more than 160 colleagues came together to celebrate an important milestone: the university’s position at 97th in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings.

The celebratory event not only acknowledged this success but also shone a spotlight on some of the university’s leading areas of research.

A huge thank you to all colleagues who took the time to engage with this event and who continue to make the university a world-leading place to learn, research and work.

Tri-Campus workshops to boost international research collaboration: book your place

A series of online workshops will explore opportunities to collaborate and build research capabilities between the University of Nottingham’s UK, China and Malaysia campuses.

The next workshops are:

Sustainable food and agriculture
Thursday 9 October, 9.30am-10.30am (UK), 4.30pm-5.30pm (Malaysia and China)

Zero Carbon initiatives
Tuesday 4 November, 8.30am-9.30am (UK) 4.30pm-5.30pm (Malaysia and China)

Book your place

Tackling global challenges: Universitas 21 workshop

The University of Nottingham welcomed more than 70 inspiring researchers from around the world to the Universitas 21 (U21) Early Career Researcher Workshop.

The annual event celebrates global collaboration and fosters connections between researchers seeking to work across disciplines and deliver solutions to complex global challenges.

Hosting this prestigious event underlines our commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders and building collaborative networks across borders.

Explore how to commercialise your research with Dr Simon Hart

Following the success of our spring series, Entrepreneur in Residence sessions with Dr Simon Hart is returning from September through to December.

These the one-to-one sessions provide invaluable guidance on identifying commercial opportunities, protecting intellectual property, and accessing innovation funding.

Find out more

FinTech commercialisation training

Ready to captivate investors and secure the funding you need? Join our upcoming training session and learn how to craft a powerful, persuasive pitch deck that gets results. This online session is from 1pm to 2.30pm, Monday 22 September.

Further details and booking

Revised Code of Research Conduct and Research Ethics

Finally, please take a little time to read the revised Code of Research Conduct and Research Ethics, which reinforces our commitment to responsible, ethical, and high-quality research across all campuses and disciplines.

With best wishes and thanks for your continuing support,

Professor Ed Lester
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation

The post Accelerating our discoveries into commercial applications appeared first on Research Exchange.

Research update by Professor Jeanette Woolard

“It  was wonderful to have our research community come together for a day of inspiration, support and positive energy.”

One of our colleagues who attended the university’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Culture Conference 2025 summarised the event far better than I could.

During such an uncertain time for our sector and the university, I was delighted that the mood was overwhelmingly positive – colleagues are realistic about the challenges we face, while offering constructive insights into building an inclusive, equitable, and resilient environment for research.

You can find presentations from keynote speakers, resources and information on breakout sessions here.

As Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the organisers, presenters, postgraduate researchers, academic staff, technicians and professional services colleagues who supported this event and made it such a success.

Taking a summer break

Our monthly research blog and the accompanying Discover RKE newsletter are taking a break in August. I hope colleagues also find the time to enjoy a well-deserved rest. I will be taking the opportunity to reflect on all we have achieved together – thank you  for your goodwill and wonderful support.

Research in Action Week: building a culture of research integrity

Research in Action Week attracted more than 440 attendees from across the research community. The event featured an inspiring programme of expert-led sessions, strengthening practical skills and encouraging reflection on building ethical, responsible and forward-thinking research practices.

Feedback for the week has been overwhelmingly positive, and is testament our community’s dedication to fostering ethical, responsible, and forward-thinking research practices. Congratulations to teams across the university – including the Insurance and Information Compliance teams, and R&I Operations: Research Risk and Compliance, Research Governance, Trusted Research, Research Contracts, Pre-Award, and Post-Award teams – who supported this successful event.

You can access recordings and slides of the sessions on the Research Ethics and Integrity SharePoint site.

Celebrating inspiring contributions to our research community

Colleagues who make outstanding contributions to research, knowledge exchange, and a supportive research culture at the University of Nottingham have again been recognised at a special event.

Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, invited colleagues from all five faculties and professional services to the celebration, where they mingled with peers delivering a range of exciting work and met research leaders.

The next research and knowledge exchange celebration is scheduled for October. Faculties and areas across the university will be invited to submit nominations in September.

Showcasing research facilities

A series of lunchtime research showcases have been turning the spotlight on the university’s sector-leading facilities, including the Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham Geospatial Institute and the Virtual and Immersive Production Studio. In all, 17 research facilities featured in a series of online presentations, designed as a taster for researchers who’d like to know more. Now, bite-sized presentations from each of them are available to watch, with contact details for each facility.

If you’re thinking, “I didn’t know we had that,” you are not alone – that’s the point. Every facility featured is actively open to new collaborations – so whether you’ve got a research idea, a teaching angle, or just a bit of curiosity, this is a great way to start a conversation.

Our role in growing the industries of the future

The UK government has published its Modern Industrial Strategy, a blueprint for shaping the economy.  Niall O’Loughlin, Director of Research and Innovation Strategy, has reflected on the opportunities it presents to the University of Nottingham.

Niall says one of our strongest cards is the depth of our collaboration with industry: 93% of our competitive research income in 2023/24 came from or was delivered with external partners such as industry. This is the highest in the Russell Group by some margin, where the average is 48%.

The strategy will channel support through regional and city-based clusters, with priority areas for our region including Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Defence, and Clean Energy. Again, our partnership with the East Midlands County Combined Authority and leadership in zero carbon innovation and the emerging MedTech Cluster ensures UoN is well-placed to support growth in the East Midlands.

Leading the way with GB Chemicals

The government’s industrial strategy references Great British Chemicals, which brings together researchers from the universities of Nottingham, Sheffield and Newcastle with the aim of de-fossilising the chemical industry. The UoN team, led by Professor Mike George, aims to help accelerate the transfer of pioneering green chemistry research to the real world, promoting UK investment, job creation and opening export opportunities to the global chemical industry.

Transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing

The university is a partner with R4PID, a groundbreaking project aiming to revolutionise pharmaceutical manufacturing, which has been awarded £1.8m by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

R4PID – Reconfigurable, Robotic & Responsive Reactors for Processes through Intensified Development – will transformative technologies that accelerate drug development and production while minimising environmental impact and manufacturing costs.

Boosting global ambitions of Murphy and Son

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships also highlight our capacity to collaborate with industry. Our KTP with Murphy and Son has seen the relocation of its lab to our International Centre for Brewing Science at Sutton Bonington Campus, and the creation of Murphy and Son Fellowships, supporting eight postgraduate projects. Murphy and Son aims to be the number one provider of technical knowledge in the global beverage industry, and its latest collaboration with UoN has led the development of natural, eco-friendly antioxidants for beer stability that could be manufactured in Nottingham and exported worldwide.

Papin Prize for university technician

Congratulations to Technical Manager Lee Hibbert of the School of Pharmacy, who has been awarded a Papin Prize for his contribution to sustainable practices in labs across the University of Nottingham. Papin Prizes are the only UK awards recognising technical professionals working in higher education and research. This year, the university had four individuals, including Lee, and a team shortlisted for the awards, which is testament to the excellence and commitment of our technical community.

Limitless campaign

You may have seen the university’s Limitless  campaign, around campus and online, which is raising awareness of our outstanding employability credentials. Initially focused on current and prospective students, the campaign draws on our world-leading research and its power to not only change the world but to creates a dynamic learning environment that inspires students.

Looking ahead

Finally, a look ahead to events taking place over summer and in early September:

UK’s most powerful MRI scanner on its way

All contracts are now in place to design and build the UK’s most powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The UKRI-funded national scanning facility represents UoN’s largest ever award and its ultra high field imaging will give researchers and doctors unprecedented insights into brain function and the mechanisms of human disease. Work starts at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre at the end of July.

Celebrating 50 Years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. To mark the occasion, a special event will take place on 2 September, where KTP collaborators will share their success stories. The event will also highlight ongoing opportunities for academics and businesses to work together – enhancing innovation, boosting competitiveness, driving economic growth, and deepening the impact of our research.

Find out more about the KTP programme at Nottingham

A world top 100 university: a celebration

We will also celebrate Nottingham’s recognition as a world top 100 university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The event, on 2 September in the Trent Building’s Great Hall, is an opportunity to thank all who contributed to UoN’s world top 100 recognition and highlight some of the amazing research that underpins our global reputation for excellence. We’ll also outline strategic priorities for research and explore how colleagues – as individuals and as part of our research community – can play a part in further strengthening UoN’s profile and reputation.

Hosting U21 early career researcher workshop

Also in September, the Researcher Academy, together with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, will welcome 70 early career researchers from 25 international institutions to this year’s U21 ECR Workshop. The university is a longstanding member of U21, a global network of 30 research-intensive universities.

The workshop, which will involve our China and Malaysia campuses, aims to enhance international networking and encourage interdisciplinary collaborative research to solve complex societal problems.

Once again, my thanks for your dedication, support and goodwill.

With best wishes for a well-earned summer break.

Professor Jeanette Woolard

Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development

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Update from Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange.

I am delighted to share good news for the university – at a global, national and regional level.

We have been recognised as world top 100 university, while Nottingham has also reinforced its international reputation for supporting progress towards sustainable development.

And as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, we are well-placed to respond to the government’s record £86 billion investment in R&D, and its call for universities and their partners to drive regional growth.

World top 100 university in 2026 QS World University Rankings

The University of Nottingham has been recognised as a world top 100 university in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. This wonderful news is recognition of our university’s international reputation for excellence in research, education, employability and impact.

Congratulations to colleagues from across the university whose dedication and excellent work in research and teaching has helped secure this ranking. May I thank everyone for all of the work that underpins this result, which is hugely significant for student recruitment, our profile and our reputation for excellence.

Sustainable Development Goals: leading the way

The university has also once again been recognised as among the world’s top higher education institutions for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goals are a call to action and measure progress in addressing global problems such as poverty, climate change and social injustice.

Nottingham has been ranked in the Top 200 in the Sustainable Development Goals, which are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the SDGs.  The rankings feature 2,526 institutions from 130 countries.

Again, congratulations to the many colleagues who place sustainability at the heart of all we do.

Our role as an anchor institution in regional economy

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed to raising R&D funding to £22 billion per year over the next four years. Our university and the HE sector are under considerable financial pressures but it is heartening that the UK recognises the need for long-term investment in research and innovation.

The chancellor’s spending review also stressed the key role of universities as “anchor institutions” in regional economies, supporting innovation and working with our partners to drive growth.

The University of Nottingham shares the spending review’s focus on:

Strengthening university-business collaboration.

Expanding regional innovation clusters.

Supporting knowledge exchange and commercialisation of research.

Leading the way in knowledge exchange

All this is evidenced in our strong standing in the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HEBCI) survey results for 2023/24. The HEBCI survey captures university interactions with industry, communities and the public sector. Nottingham was six placed among Russell Group institutions and as well as reaffirming Nottingham’s national standing, the results directly influence our Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF), which rose to £7.5m in 2023/24.

These results reflect the dedication of our academic and professional staff in forging impactful partnerships – your work continues to make a real difference.

Forging Ahead with regional innovation

Dr George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, and Director of Nottingham Technology Ventures, is set to be appointed to the Council of Forging Ahead. George’s experience in commercialising technologies and translating innovation into real-world impact will help deliver Forging Ahead’s goals.

Forging Ahead is a coalition of 15 Midlands universities, including UoN, and together we aim to help reshape how knowledge exchange, business creation, and investment attraction are delivered across the Midlands, unlocking the region’s research and innovation strengths and turning them into commercial success stories.

It will be open to all HE institutions, their spin-out companies and IP-rich businesses. Key objectives include accelerating and growing innovation activity, including the creation and growth of spin-outs.

East Midlands Investment Zone

The East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) is a 10-year, £160m commitment from Government to transform the East Midlands into an engine for innovation-led growth. In its first year, EMIZ has awarded more than £500,000 in funding to 15 ‘fast start’ pilot projects. This includes a collaboration between The Thinking Pod innovations (TTPi) and our university, focusing on developing low weight, high efficiency power converters for hydrogen fuel cell applications such as electric trucks, hydrogen powered electrical aerospace or electricity grid storage.

The EMIZ grants are awarded through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). I am proud to serve as chair of EMCCA’s Innovation and Advisory Board, a role that has reinforced my belief that universities can play a leading role in driving regional innovation.

A collaborative, regional approach

Our commitment to regional partnerships and engagement is also evidenced by the university’s holding of the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Silver Engage Watermark. Senior leaders at the university and our partners at Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby and East Midlands Combined County Authority are taking part in a workshop this week, led by the NCCPE and hosted by UoN’s Institute for Policy and Engagement, to explore collaborative approaches to making our region the best place to live, work and learn.

KTPs: addressing business challenges

Knowledge transfer between the university and local enterprises is an excellent example of how sharing research and expertise has a direct impact, giving innovative SMEs in our region a competitive edge.

In this video, Associate Professor Luis Neves from the Resilience Engineering Research Group explains how a KTP with highways infrastructure and asset management firm XAIS-PTS helped advance his research.

Discover how a KTP can enhance your research

Research in Action Week 23-27 June

The annual Research in Action Week offers a diverse programme of free, expert-led sessions to all staff and research students.

Find our more and book your sessions

The programme is open to colleagues from all disciplines and anyone interested in research integrity, exploring current debates in the research landscape or enhancing their practical skills.

Research showcase events

Our world-class facilities have been showcased over the last couple of weeks at a series of lunchtime Research Showcase events.

The final event in the series takes place 12-1pm on Friday 27 June, when you can hear presentations on the Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham Geospatial Institute, Cobot Maker Space, Power Electronics and Machine Centre, Zero Carbon Cluster.

Book your place

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), part of the National Security Act 2023, comes into force on 1 July 2025. This new legislation marks a significant step in strengthening the UK’s defences against covert foreign influence, particularly in areas with potential national security implications.

We are operating in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable global environment. Relationships with long-standing international partners – once considered stable – are now subject to greater scrutiny and risk. In this context, Trusted Research plays a crucial role in safeguarding not only our institution, but also the careers and reputations of our researchers. At the University of Nottingham, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated specialists in Trusted Research. I strongly encourage all colleagues to engage with them if they have any concerns or questions about international research partnerships.

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme: what new rules mean for us

MBE for pioneer in medical research and education

Congratulations to Jaspal Singh Taggar, Professor of Primary Care and Medical Education, who has been awarded an MBE in this year’s Birthday Honours. Jaspal, Head of Undergraduate Primary Care Education and Director of the Primary Care Education Unit at the university, as well as a practising GP, has been recognised for his services to general practice and education.

Fellow of Royal Society

Professor John King FRS, Professor of Theoretical Mechanics in the School of Mathematical Sciences has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society – one of the highest honours in science.

Academy of Medical Sciences Fellowship

Professor Sube Banerjee, MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been awarded a Fellowship from the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Prize for black holes researcher

Dr Laura Sberna from the School of Mathematical Sciences has been awarded a prize from the Italian Society for General Relativity and Gravitational Physics (SIGRAV). Laura was recognised for her transformative advances in gravitational-wave physics and insights into black hole “vibrations”.

She is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral and Anne McLaren fellow and is a member of the consortium for the European Space Agency’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), which will be the first space-based observatory dedicated to studying gravitational waves: ripples in the fabric of space-time emitted during the most powerful events in the universe, such as pairs of black holes coming together and merging.

With thanks and best wishes

Professor Tom Rodden

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange

The post A world top 100 university and champion of UK innovation appeared first on Research Exchange.

Research update by Professor Sarah Metcalfe

I am delighted to share encouraging news about the university’s research performance. 

Our research income has grown by 23% between 2019 and 2023, putting us in the top ten of the Russell Group. We are top six for industry-linked income. 

In a blog supporting his RKE performance report to University Executive Board, Director of Research & Innovation Strategy, Niall O’Loughlin also revealed: 

“The last two academic years have been record-breaking in terms of research awards, and this year looks just as promising. Our Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) trend – a solid measure of research quality – has outperformed our Russell Group peers for four years running.” 

But as Niall adds: “We’re not there yet…income per FTE, while improving, is still below the Russell Group median – closing that gap would realise an annual £184m in research income. Our QS ranking has slipped to 108th, which we need to address with better dissemination of our research, sharper strategic partnerships, and stronger international visibility.” 

Please take a few minutes to read Niall’s blog – it highlights our positive responses to a tricky external landscape while remaining realistic about the challenges, both internal and external, we face.  

Building strategic partnerships 

One such positive is our ability to grow strategic partnerships. The university has joined Forging Ahead, a new £16m coalition of 15 Midlands universities aiming to revolutionise how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact across the region. The East Midlands is home to 11% of the UK’s high-growth companies and is a vibrant hub of innovation and enterprise, yet only receives a 5% share of total investment into these high-growth companies in 2020. Forging Ahead, announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance, aims to redress this imbalance and accelerate the impact of research by East Midlands universities. 

This month, an established regional partnership, Co(l)aboratory, received £2.3m from the Research England Development Fund.  The project that brings together academia and the community to support growth and development, broaden prospects, drive change, and improve wellbeing. The new funding extends Co(l)aboratory to Leicester’s two universities, as well the universities of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent, and Loughborough. The programme successfully recruits PhDs and community researchers from diverse backgrounds within local communities, and now has 77 civically engaged PhD projects, along with a number of citizen-scientist research placements and student-led civic projects. 

Supporting teamwork 

The University of Nottingham’s capacity for such strategic partnerships grows out of our supportive research environment, where people, teamwork and inter-disciplinary collaboration are valued and encouraged. 

Here’s a round-up of activity and support in these areas, and opportunities to sign up for interesting events. 

UNICAS funding for new research projects 

UNICAS, the university’s inter-disciplinary internal funding scheme, has funded 15 innovative new research projects, in research areas including conservation, climate change and therapeutics. While celebrating these outcomes, the Internal Funding Team is continuing to work hard to ensure all internal schemes, including UNICAS, are aligned with our strategic priorities for research, support the careers of our research community and ultimately result in future external funding success. 

RKE celebration event – submit your nomination 

 The next Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) celebration event takes place on 25 June. Please submit nominations by Friday 23 May via this short form. These quarterly events recognise and celebrate the achievements of all our colleagues working in research and knowledge exchange and impact at the university. The 90-minute reception, hosted by Pro-Vice-Chancellor for RKE, Professor Tom Rodden, provides an opportunity to celebrate success, build interdisciplinary connections and grow relationships.  

Showcasing research facilities 

We are also celebrating our research facilities at three online events in June. These sessions are a taster for researchers who would like to know more about a particular facility, and for colleagues from any job family who are just interested in finding out more about our research. Each of the three sessions take place over lunchtime and feature a total of 17 facilities. 

Find out more and book 

Celebrating Engineering research 

The Faculty of Engineering is also hosting an event celebrating its research and KE, people, and the societal, economic and environmental impact of their work in the UK and across the world.  

It takes place on Wednesday 18 June, 9.30pm to 4.30pm at the Engineering and Science Learning Centre, University Park. 

Find out more 

Research in Action week – book now 

The annual Research in Action Week returns from Monday 23 to Friday 27 June 2025, offering a diverse programme of free, expert-led sessions designed to strengthen research integrity, enhance practical skills and explore current debates in the research landscape.  

Previously known as Research Integrity Week and now titled Research in Action 2025: Skills, Tools, and Current Debates, it reflects the evolving nature of research and the wide range of support available across the university.  

Find out more and book 

Research and Knowledge Exchange Culture Conference  

This conference takes place on 24 June on Jubilee Campus. It explores how to deliver a key pillar of our research strategy – helping our researchers develop and achieve excellence in a supportive environment.  

The conference brings together research and teaching staff; postgraduate researchers; research-focused staff (including research associates, fellows and postdoctoral researchers); research technical professionals; and professional services staff and teams that support/enable research 

Find out more and book  

Researcher Academy short story competition 

Have you a flair for storytelling? Or just seeking creative ways to raise the profile of your research?  The Researcher Academy is holding a short story competition, which is open to all who contribute to our research ecosystem. 

Whether inspired by a discovery, a personal insight, or a memorable moment, participants will craft 2,500-word narratives that bring research to life in creative, accessible ways. The top 20 entries will be published in an anthology in October 2025, showcasing the creative voices of our research community.  The deadline is Thursday 31 July. 

Find out more 

Celebrating our technical workforce 

No less than five of our technical staff and teams have been shortlisted for the Papin Prizes, the UK’s only awards dedicated to recognising technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research.  

Congratulations to: Rhiannon Denham (Apprentice category) , Lorelei Robertson (Contribution to Outreach) , Lee Hibbett (Excellence in Sustainability) , Sally Schofield (Best Newcomer) , Plant Growth Facilities Technical Team (Technical Team). 

Sustainability Action Week 

This week is Sustainability Action Week,  which has seen a number of events promoting environmental issues and action taking place across our campuses. 

A good fit for Sustainability Action Week is news of an interesting Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Trelleborg Applied Technologies, a Retford-based firm taking a more sustainable approach to polyurethane (PU) manufacturing.  The project focused on life cycle assessment modelling of Trelleborg Applied Technologies’ internal products to evaluate the carbon footprint of existing materials and processes, and benchmark these against more sustainable alternatives. It has raised Trelleborg Applied Technologies’ profile as an industry leader in sustainability. 

The project was underpinned by both partners commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Goals (SDGs). An annual report on how UoN is supporting the goals can be found here. 

Share your thoughts on research at Nottingham 

Finally, my thanks for your continuing support and dedication, which has allowed as to deliver the progress shared in Niall O’Loughlin’s blog. There remains much we can do together to strengthen research at Nottingham – and Niall also wants to hear your thoughts on “where we’re heading, where we’re strong, and where you think we can push further”; please do consider sharing these, with niall.o’loughlin@nottingham.ac.uk. 

Best wishes 

Sarah 

Professor Sarah Metcalfe
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange 

The post Good news on research performance  appeared first on Research Exchange.

Update from Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange.

Future Nottingham

This is an unsettling time for all of us. As you know, a reduction in the size of the university workforce is proposed as part of the Future Nottingham programme.

Phase one relates to Professional Service activities and that is under way. Phase two will look at academic activities, including technical services, and will follow in September 2025, although phase two proposals have yet to be developed.

As ever, I encourage colleagues to be thoughtful of each other. Each of us will be affected by this proposal in different ways. Please be mindful that colleagues may have received difficult news, including communications about the VR scheme, and may need time and space to digest and consider this.

The Vice-Chancellor’s announcement overshadows my monthly research update. But I would like to unequivocally stress our commitment to the university’s mission as a research-led institution. We remain a strong, vibrant place to do research and I passionately believe that universities like Nottingham have a critical role as hubs of innovation and are key to securing economic growth and benefit to society.

These are challenging times and we remain committed to supporting our research and the dedicated people who make it happen.

Leverhulme Research Centre award

The Rights Lab, in partnership with the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, have each been awarded £5m as joint winners of the 2025 Leverhulme Research Centre competition.

The new Leverhulme Centre for Research on Slavery in War will be the first overarching and integrative attempt to understand the slavery–war nexus as it has evolved historically and up to the present.

A dual-site institution, the new centre combines the complementary strengths of both institutions: KCL is home to the world’s largest academic community dedicated to the study of war and security, and the Rights Lab is the global leader in modern slavery research.

The awards are highly prestigious and competition is fierce: this is a significant success and congratulations to all involved.

The Leverhulme Trust supports multidisciplinary, ambitious and high-risk research. In Nottingham, the centre, led by Director of the Rights Lab, Professor Zoe Trodd, is highly interdisciplinary and brings together colleagues from the schools of Politics and International Relations, Geography and Law.

As the Head of School for Politics and International Relations, Professor Caitlin Milazzo, stated: “This type of collaboration – both within and beyond disciplines – is critical to creating innovative and far-reaching solutions.”

REF2029

REF2029 may seem a distant distraction at this time. But, as I’ve stressed, research is at the core of who we are as a university and critical to this is our share of the £2bn per year the Research Excellence Framework allocates to universities’ research.

We are asking faculties for data and information on research outcomes and potential impact case studies. As we await information and guidelines from Research England on what to expect for REF2029, it’s important to be ready for the mapping and assessment process ahead. We will share REF guidance as it is released and discuss how best to work together to evidence the excellence of our research.

Over the coming months we’ll be consulting with colleagues across the university to help shape the development of the university’s Code of Practice for REF2029 – the framework that guides how we fairly and transparently identify staff and outputs for submission to REF2029.

Policy development for REF2029 will be shaped through ongoing engagement and consultation with the HE sector, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach. To facilitate this, policy for REF2029 will be published in modules, providing a new, more accessible framework to support sector planning and encourage engagement with the development process.

And finally, a reminder that the deadline for applications for membership of the REF2029 national assessment is midday on Monday 28 April 2025. The university will benefit reputationally by having staff participating in the REF and from the enhanced expertise and insights panel members will bring to REF preparations now and in the future.

Knowledge Exchange Day

Congratulations to all involved in the recent Knowledge Exchange Day. This was an opportunity to engage with teams specialising in KE and commercialisation. As George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, said: “KE is not easy” and can take years to come to fruition. We perform well in this area thanks to the support of many teams of colleagues. I am delighted that their work was put under the spotlight, together with an insight into how partnership and the sharing knowledge can really help our discoveries take flight and make a difference in the wider world.

Research and KE celebration event

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Norman, and I welcomed colleagues to this event, the first in a series celebrating those working in RKE. The aim was to demonstrate our commitment to research excellence and to improving research culture. It also an opportunity to ensure that staff are aware about the impactful research taking place at Nottingham.

Such events build on interdisciplinary connections and provide opportunities to grow relationships. It also gave Jane and I insights into the experience of researchers and will feed into the strategic narrative project, which will highlight signature and emerging strengths at Nottingham.

Our thanks to all involved, and congratulations to the researchers nominated to take part by their faculties.

Find out more

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships

The next call for the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) opens on Tuesday 8 May 2025. Academics who are looking to engage with potential postdoctoral fellows should start to prepare now – competition is fierce!

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships are one of the most highly regarded and competitive funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers globally.

Hosting a fellow offers the opportunity to enrich your research team, access innovative ideas, and elevate your research profile.

Opportunity to power place-based growth

We area partner, along with Nottingham Trent and Derby universities, of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and the Vice-Chancellor recently hosted a meeting of key stakeholders and industry leaders who share the region’s vision for sustainable economic growth. I am proud to serve as chair of EMCCA’s Innovation and Advisory Board and this role has reinforced my belief that universities can play a leading role in driving regional innovation.

Plans to restructure local councils in England – leading to fewer, larger authorities – coupled with moves to devolve more powers to the regions will give us further opportunity to form partnerships and help drive growth in the East Midlands. This was explored in a recent interview with Times Higher Education, which explored how initiatives like EMCCA reflect increasing recognition of the role university-driven science and technology can play as an “engine” for placed-based growth. Read more: Council changes tipped to help universities power up local growth (free registration required).

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey

PGRs are highly valued members of our research community and the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is an opportunity to share vital feedback on what’s working well and where we can improve. PGRs are invited to confidentially share their views on essential aspects of their research journey, including supervision, resources, research community, progression and wellbeing.

The survey, run every two years by the Researcher Academy, closes on Friday 16 May 2025.

Have your say– complete the survey

Sustainability Action Week

Sustainability Action Week (12 – 16May) celebrates and raises awareness about the amazing sustainability work happening across our university’s operations, research, teaching and learning.

Colleagues have been asked to get involved by showcasing and celebrating some of the excellent research activity that supports sustainability – by hosting an onsite tour, demonstration or online session.

Find out more and get involved

Caitlin heads for FameLab final

Nottingham researchers have taken the top spots in the FameLab East Midlands Hub Competition. Competitions like FameLab play a vital role in encouraging researchers to share their work in innovative ways, fostering public engagement with science.

Caitlin Lewis, a PhD researcher in Chemistry, emerged as the winner, with her clear, enthusiastic and precise explanation of quantum mechanics.  She will go on to represent Nottingham in the FameLab UK National Final, which is taking place at the Cheltenham Science Festival later this year.

Inswasti Cahyani, a teaching associate in Life Sciences, earned the runner-up spot with her engaging talk on nanopore technology.

Once again, with thanks for your kindness and commitment at this challenging time.

Professor Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange

The post Our commitment to research at a challenging time appeared first on Research Exchange.

Research update by Professor Ed Lester

Welcome to my first update as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation. Three months into my new role, I have been meeting faculty teams and all the groups that support KE, talking about how we are making an impact beyond our core research and teaching activities. This has already confirmed that knowledge exchange takes place in many ways, driven by colleagues from right across the university. 

In this blog I’ll explore some of the ways we do KE, and the support we offer to researchers and colleagues who seek to involve the public in our work and share knowledge to benefit society. 

Get in touch 

Do get in touch if you would like to discuss KE in your area. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the university as we seek to deepen the reach and impact of our research. 

Spin-outs success and our role in supporting enterprise 

Just this week, it was revealed that the number of spin-out companies launched by the University of Nottingham trebled in the last decade. Our Nottingham Technology Ventures team has a portfolio of 37 spin-outs, many developing exciting innovations in healthcare, agriculture and the environment, digital, and materials and manufacturing.  The news comes as Universities UK highlighted the crucial role of universities like Nottingham in supporting new enterprises that boost growth, investment and jobs.  

As part of the national campaign UUK will be featuring Nottingham spin-out company Neupulse, which is developing a wrist device that uses electrical pulses to reduce tics in individuals with Tourette’s, based on research by academics in our @School of Psychology.

Opening of Zero Carbon Innovation Centre 

An example of where we are making such an externally focused impact is the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, which opened last week on Jubilee Campus.  The ZCIC deepens the university’s partnerships with industry across sectors including aerospace, automotive, marine, rail, off-highway and energy. This centre, a partnership with East Midlands Freeport, Research England and Loughborough University, will act as a gateway for industry, accelerating new innovations in high-impact, high-value zero carbon technologies. 

The launch was a tremendous success. Industry, academic and civic leaders toured the centre and met researchers who highlighted our sector-leading facilities and gave presentations on the Omnifactory® aerospace manufacturing line, digital twinning, and the manufacture of electrical machines. Visitors also enjoyed a preview of the new hydrogen propulsion lab, which will enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport industries, and toured the megawatt-class testing facilities of the neighbouring Power Electronics and Machines Centre. 

One of our key industry stakeholders told the organisers it was the best organised event they had ever attended! Congratulations to all involved. 

Exploring Tri-Campus collaboration and KE 

The visits to our UK campuses earlier in March by the Vice-Provosts for RKE for the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (Professor Laura Bishop) and University of Nottingham Malaysia (Professor Shahir Liew) created a perfect opportunity to discuss priorities and identify areas of real potential for synergy and collaboration. Our university has a distinct advantage with our presence in three separate countries, which allows us to increase the global impact of our work. From a UK perspective, there was an overview of work around identifying signature strength and growth areas, with opportunities for the commercial scale-up of our discoveries, particularly around our innovation clusters for  zero carbon and health. 

We identified opportunities in addressing climate change (such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, water security, building resilient food systems), health, and AI.  

The role of the campuses in incubating local businesses (such as via the University of Nottingham Innovation Park on the Jubilee Campus, and the Li Dak Sum incubator in Ningbo was also a key discussion. 

Join us for Knowledge Exchange Day drop-in session 

I’ll be delighted to welcome you at Knowledge Exchange Day, which takes place from 11am on Wednesday, 2 April at University Park. It is designed to help academics and early career researchers to maximise the real-world impact of their work. 

This informal ‘marketplace’ will allow you to engage with university teams specialising in KE, business engagement and commercialisation. We’ll be joined by a guest from the East Midlands Combined County Authority. 

Find out more and register 

Knowledge Exchange Professional Development programme  

As researchers, or as colleagues supporting our RKE activity, we have the opportunity to ensure our work has tangible benefits for society. However, understanding how to navigate this process – securing funding, engaging stakeholders, and communicating research – is a challenge.  

This is where the university’s Knowledge Exchange Professional Development Programme plays a crucial role. It offers researchers insights into key aspects of research collaboration and commercialisation. Its short, impactful training events offer guidance on securing KE funding, engaging with business and government, and refining communication strategies.  

Find out more and read a case study from the Vet School’s Dr Robert Hyde, co-founder of UoN Spin Out company, Vet Vision AI. 

Knowledge Exchange Hub 

For guidance in all things KE, please visit and bookmark the Knowledge Exchange Hub. This is one-stop repository of resources that will help you engage in KE activities. If you have any suggestions as to how we can add to the current KE hub resources, do let me know. 

Innovation vouchers available to support knowledge exchange 

The Business Engagement team is offering academics the opportunity to apply for innovation vouchers to support KE with external organisations.  

Innovation vouchers are worth up to £5,000 and can be used to cover up to 50% of a project, with remaining costs covered by the external organisation. 

Find out more and submit an expression of interest 

From black holes to Science in the Park 

Some excellent recent examples of public engagement: 

The Cosmic Titans exhibition, which runs at Lakeside’s Djanogly Gallery until 27 April, includes gallery tours, where visitors can hear from Nottingham researchers about how art and science has come together to explore the mysteries of the quantum universe. It’s an innovative example of researchers sharing their work in creative ways to capture the public’s imagination. 

Lord Willets, Chair of the UK Space Agency and President of the Resolution Foundation recently delivered the Sir Edward Heath University Lecture. He explored the role of the UK Space Agency in driving economic growth and global security, reflecting on the current political landscape and former Prime Minister Sir Edward’s political legacy. 

Scientists from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University joined forces to showcase their research at the free annual Science in the Park festival at Wollaton, which attracted 4,000 people. 

Celebrating 100% success in Springboard programme 

All four UoN candidates for the 2024 Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard programme have been successful.  

Congratulations to Dr Rachel Clifford (Medicine), Dr Sophie Joanisse (Life Sciences), Dr Chloe Peach (Life Sciences) and Dr Jennifer Ashworth (Veterinary Science). And many thanks to all those who have supported them on their journey. 

The prestigious Springboard programme supports early career researchers in biomedical sciences. Each will receive £125,000 over two years to support career development. 

University submits annual Researcher Development Concordat report  

The university has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting researchers by submitting its 2024-2025 Researcher Development Concordat report to Universities UK.  The Researcher Development Concordat is a national agreement aimed at improving the research environment, employment conditions, and career development opportunities for researchers across the UK.

With thanks and best wishes 

Professor Ed Lester
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation 

The post It’s all about sharing knowledge  appeared first on Research Exchange.

Research update by Professor Tom Rodden

Colleagues are encouraged to apply for membership of the national panels that are at the heart of the assessment process for REF 2029. 

This is an exciting opportunity for professional development. These panels bring together specialists in each unit of assessment, with opportunities to enhance skills in research evaluation and broaden understanding of research quality standards. You’ll also build relationships with leading researchers and academics from other institutions.  

The university will benefit reputationally by having staff participating in the Research Excellence Framework and from the enhanced expertise and insights panel members will bring to REF preparations now and in the future. 

The deadline for applications is midday 28 April 2025. 

Visit REF 2029 for more information on the panels and how to apply. 

In addition, the university has produced a guidance on support for REF panel members.  

Zero Carbon Innovation Centre at heart of regional hub 

Ahead of the opening of the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre on Jubilee Campus, I am delighted to share news of significant progress in this area. 

The university has been awarded planning permission to build a new hydrogen propulsion lab on the campus, in partnership with Research England and industry partners. The lab will enable research and safe high-power testing of propulsion systems for transport industries. It will be connected to the megawatt-class testing facilities of the adjacent Power Electronics and Machines Centre. 

Together with the Zero Carbon Innovation Centre (ZCIC), these facilities position Jubilee Campus as a regional hub for innovation in clean energy and propulsion.  

The ZCIC is opening on 11 March, when regional industry and political leaders will hear more about how our partnerships and sector-leading facilities for zero carbon innovation underpin our vision to consolidate the East Midlands’ position as a world leader in the development and deployment of innovation in green industries and advanced manufacturing.  

Promoting the Zero Carbon Cluster 

A communications toolkit has been created to provide colleagues with resources and information on how we can work together to promote the university’s Zero Carbon Cluster and its programme. 

Innovation at heart of vision for East Midlands  

I am proud to support the region’s vision for sustainable economic growth by serving as chair of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Innovation and Advisory Board. With colleagues from Nottingham Trent and Derby universities, and representatives from industry, SMEs and funding bodies, we will work together to  help put innovation at the heart of EMMCA’s mission.  

Global experts in cancer research come together to look at health inequities  

The Biodiscovery Institute hosted a visit from world-leading experts and key figures in cancer research met to discuss their work investigating health disparities. 

The meeting focused on how leading experts from universities in the USA, UK and across Africa are working together to better understand why breast, prostate and increasingly pancreatic cancers are more common and more difficult to treat in patients of African ancestry. 

The research has been made possible thanks to team SAMBAI, funded through Cancer Grand Challenges. Professor Nigel Mongan from the Biodiscovery Institute is leading a team of cancer researchers who work in close partnership with patient advocates in team SAMBAI at Nottingham. 

Conversations with PGRs – let’s talk about research culture 

Postgraduate research students are invited to join Professor Jeanette Woolard, Associate PVC for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development, at a series of informal conversation sessions to share their experiences, voice their ideas, and help shape a more supportive and inclusive research environment at the university. 

These sessions run until 10 March. 

Find out more: Conversations with PGRs – let’s talk about research culture 

Success for university spin-outs  

Medical Photonics Ltd is a new university spin-out company set to deliver the Faculty of Engineering’s innovations in optical fibre sensing into new smart technologies that will improve outcomes in the NHS. 

The company has been founded by Professors Steve Morgan, Barrie Hayes-Gill, and Serhiy Korposh, and Doctors Ricardo Correia and Brett Gadsby from the Faculty of Engineering, alongside external chairperson David Whelan and clinician Doctor Andrew Norris. 

And congratulations to university spin-out MatAlytics Ltd, which won the deep tech innovation award at the University of Warwick-hosted Festival of Innovation and Grassroots Growth Summit.  

MatAlytics, which specialises in AI software for the power industry to analyse and influence operational behaviour, was also highlighted as an exemplar of knowledge exchange in a 10th anniversary report on the impact of the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) Programme, the Innovate UK-funded accelerator that helps researchers explore the commercial potential of their innovations.  

UniCore: thank you for hard work and commitment 

Our research community is facing significant challenges as we collectively navigate the complexities of the UniCore implementation.  

I fully recognise that this transition has made many of our processes more difficult, time-consuming, and, at times, confusing. These challenges are impacting academics and APM staff alike. However, I am deeply grateful for the dedication everyone has shown in keeping core research activities moving forward during this demanding period.  

While there is still much to resolve, please rest assured that these difficulties have not gone unnoticed. Daily discussions are taking place to address challenges, refine priorities, and work toward solutions. In the coming weeks, I hope to speak with many of you – to provide updates on our progress and hear first-hand about your concerns so we can focus our efforts where they are needed most.  

In the meantime, I encourage you to maintain the same spirit of collegiality, patience and mutual respect as we navigate this transition together. Thank you again for your hard work and commitment.  

Find out more: UniCore updates about support, reports, and processes  

Environmental impact of AI  

There are high hopes that AI can help tackle some of the world’s biggest environmental emergencies. But there’s a negative side to the explosion of artificial intelligence and its infrastructure. AI servers are thirsty consumers of water and use massive amounts of electricity and there’s a real risk that our development, deployment and use of AI could do irreparable damage to the environment. 

I am chairing the working group behind a Royal Academy of Engineering report that calls on the UK government to take the lead in ensuring the net effect of AI on the planet is positive,  and for  tech companies to accurately report how much energy and water their data centres are using. 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) cites a study estimating that global AI-related infrastructure may soon consume six times more water than Denmark, a country of 6 million. In Ireland, an emerging AI tech hub, AI data centres could account for nearly 35 per cent of the country’s energy use by 2026.  

UKRI Metascience AI early career fellowships 

Our university has significant research strengths around the impact of AI. It may be of interest that UKRI’s UK Metascience Unit is funding a cohort of early career fellows to build our understanding of how the growing adoption of AI is changing the research landscape, including what epistemic, metascientific, ethical and socioeconomic questions this raises, and how governments, industry and funding organisations should respond. The closing date for applications is 10 April. 

More details and how to apply 

With thanks and best wishes 

Professor Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange 

The post REF 2029: staff encouraged to apply to serve on assessment panels  appeared first on Research Exchange.

Research and knowledge exchange update from Professor Jeanette Woolard

Welcome to our university’s first research and knowledge exchange update of 2025. Happy new year!

This is also my first blog as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development.

My remit includes delivery of a key pillar of our research strategy – helping our researchers develop and achieve excellence in a supportive environment. I am delighted to share news of progress in this area.

Research culture action plan

Our summary research culture and knowledge exchange action plan has been approved by the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee. It sets out the actions in support of our goal of becoming a sector-leading environment for all those who conduct or support research.

The full action plan surveys almost 400 activities, made possible by the contributions of hundreds of colleagues across the university. The action plan captures our commitment to ensuring everyone who carries out or supports research at Nottingham feels this is a welcoming, inclusive place where everyone feels fully supported in achieving excellence.

We recognise there’s much to do but by creating a culture of inclusion and support, the University of Nottingham aims to set an example for institutions nationwide, while being better prepared for the next Research Excellence Framework in 2029 and the challenges ahead.

Work such as the improving the researcher experience project is making a making a tangible difference along the research lifecycle, from planning to project closure.

The action plan includes a review and refresh of the academic promotion pathway to ensure we reward contributions focused on leadership, citizenship and KE, as well as research excellence. It also:

Builds on the strong foundations of support already created in the Early Career and Senior Leader space, with a focus on support and development opportunities for mid-career staff, including the Research Leadership Accelerator Programme.

Aims to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for staff learning and a one-stop-shop tool for easy access to learning resources.

Explores workload modelling to ensure that research staff have time and opportunity to develop their research outputs.

Places fairness and equity at the heart of all this activity, aligning to our Athena Swan Gold status, Race Equality Charter and the new Disability Equality Action Plan.

Please look out for further updates on the research and knowledge exchange culture SharePoint.

Return to research programme

A new initiative to support researchers and research-enabling staff (including Technical and APM) returning to work after extended leave underlines the university’s commitment to an inclusive, vibrant culture for RKE. Return to Research provides targeted funding and support for staff aiming to re-establish their research careers following significant breaks for parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, or long-term illness.

The programme is focused on research in its broadest sense, including knowledge exchange. It aims to mitigate the career impact of extended leave, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups, by offering up to £10,000 each to fund activities that will help regain momentum in their academic careers.

I am delighted that the Return to Research programme will provide researchers and colleagues who support the delivery of research with access to funding to support them to re-establish their career trajectory. It is a bold step forward, ensuring that talent is not lost to the challenges of balancing life and a fulfilling university career.

Career precarity project

REC-HURDLES, a £1m Wellcome Trust-funded project, aims to have further positive impact on our RKE culture by changing the experiences of those engaged in conducting, supporting and enabling research.

The team is:

Reviewing fixed-term contracts and their impact across all levels and role types

Planning trials of new employment models: We will identify existing best practices, both within our sector and internally, and evaluate their potential to reduce contract precarity. By 2026 we will have co-created pilot models with staff and have a plan for roll out

Expanding career support

Targeting offers for underrepresented people. Grant funding includes additional resource for approximately 30 underrepresented people from any staff group. This provides an individualised training program where ordinary provision isn’t suitable.

Research Culture Conference

Such initiatives and further opportunities will be explored at the Research Culture Conference, which takes place 9am to 4pm, Tuesday 24 June, at Jubilee Campus. Programme and registration details are to follow. Please save the date and I look forward to seeing you there.

Future Nottingham and research

An excellent culture for research will help deliver the core objectives of Future Nottingham and our vision for being the best we can be in RKE, education and the student experience.

Future Nottingham’s strategic case for change has been approved by Council, so we can move forward with plans for the programme. For RKE, this means significantly enhancing the research environment at UoN, ensuring it remains capable of delivering world-class innovation, improving research outputs and ensuring we are competitive, agile and well-prepared for emerging opportunities.

Prioritising areas of research excellence, enhancing internal collaborations and developing interdisciplinary research groupings that align with funding opportunities are all highlighted. Enhancing international partnerships to broaden the impact of research and attract global talent to the university is also a priority. Future Nottingham further aims to improve our ability to deliver excellence by strengthening research support services and through an operational overhaul to empower you to focus more on research activities.

Celebrating RKE events

Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for RKE, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman are hosting a new series of quarterly events to celebrate the achievements of colleagues working in research and knowledge exchange and impact.

The 90-minute receptions, taking place in March, June and October, will provide an opportunity to celebrate successes, build on interdisciplinary connections and provide opportunities to grow relationships.

PVCS and APVCs  will soon be asked to nominate individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their work, whether through impactful research, notable publications, or success in achieving grants, building collaborations to develop grants,  awards and funding. Nominations from faculties  are also invited for those who have supported research or have made significant contributions to the university’s mission.

Research growth networks launched

Two new interdisciplinary research growth networks have been launched, with further networking and idea generation events planned for 2025.

The Climate and Health, and Health Inequalities and Communications networks each have about 80 members from all five faculties – and it’s not too late to join.

The other three Research Growth themes are Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Science and Technology, and Security and Resilience.

For more information about research growth, including the Big Ideas call, please contact Claire Edwards or Adam Golberg or visit the Research Growth SharePoint site.

Knowledge exchange and engagement

I’m pleased to share some excellent recent examples of KE. At Lakeside Arts, art and science come together to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Cosmic Titans is curated by black holes researcher Professor Silke Weinfurtner and Dr Ulrike Kuchner, Senior Researcher in Astronomy and Art-Science collaborations in the School of Physics, with the support of Professor Helen Kennedy and the Virtual and Immersive Production Studio.

And Professor Maiken Umbach is working with the UK’s National Holocaust Museum  to launch a new international touring exhibition, marking Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. The Vicious Circle  featuring five giant video structures and an explosive ‘single moment of destruction’ to explore critical thinking and challenge misconceptions that fuel anti-Jewish racism.

MP visits spinout company

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport and Labour MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, visited University of Nottingham spin-out Terra Motion, based at the Ingenuity Centre on Jubilee Campus. Terra Motion specialises in providing crucial data on ground stability and natural hazards for property transactions, insurance, and infrastructure projects. Its expertise spans risks from peat shrinkage and soft soils to monitoring the environmental impact on pipelines, roads and railways.

Ms Greenwood met George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement  as part of a broader effort to highlight how the university is driving local growth by supporting cutting-edge research and fostering the development of spin-out companies like Terra Motion.

IPCO team helps take innovation to real-world application

R&I’s Intellectual Property and Commercialisation team have kicked off the new year with two successful licensing and commercialisation deals that will enhance the performance of specialist equipment used for scientific research.

The university has signed a new licensing agreement that will enable a growing UK company, Photonics Technologies, to manufacture an advanced laser device which will facilitate the in-depth study of atoms and molecules.

The team has also helped establish the spin-out company Medical Photonics Ltd to exploit expertise in using photonic sensors in equipment healthcare, environmental monitoring, food quality assessment, and veterinary testing. The company has been founded by Professors Steve Morgan, Barrie Hayes-Gill, and Serhiy Korposh and Doctor Ricardo Correia from the Faculty of Engineering, alongside external chairperson David Whelan and clinician Dr Andrew Norris.

UniCore update

We recognise that UniCore continues to cause frustration – and are mindful that backlogs and glitches are causing real headaches. Such difficulties are acutely felt in areas – such as research – where the delivery of projects is time-critical and multiple stakeholders are often involved.

These teething problems are being addressed as a matter of urgency, with actions to resolve issues on reporting and monitoring, coding, and recruitment. R&I is keeping faculties informed on actions to identify and resolve issues, highlighting support and receiving feedback to inform future improvements to the system.

Please visit the UniCore pages for updates, resources and support.

Contacts for UniCore research support

We are all learning the ropes and your patience and goodwill will help us overcome hurdles in delivering an integrated system that works better for everybody.

Congratulations, Tom

Finally, I would like to add my congratulations to Professor Tom Rodden on his CBE, awarded in the King’s New Year Honours. To quote our Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman: “It is a richly deserved award, recognising Tom’s achievements not only his own area of research in Computer Science, but also in his work to deliver the university’s ambitious research strategy.”

With thanks for your support and best wishes. I look forward to working with you to develop Nottingham as an excellent place to deliver research, where our people thrive.

Professor Jeanette Woolard
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Researcher Academy and Research Culture Development

The post Research culture: looking forward to further progress appeared first on Research Exchange.

Welcome to our final research and knowledge exchange update of 2024.

This year, the university updated its international research and knowledge exchange strategy and to celebrate this, I am delighted to share a few highlights from 2024 of how our activity across the world is supporting this strategy.

Our international research and knowledge exchange strategy aims to:

• Build our global reputation through excellence in international research and KE
• Deliver meaningful contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Work with our international campuses to improve joint research performance and knowledge exchange, particularly through collaborating with other institutions

We plan to align our international research and KE reporting and our internal funding with these three areas of activity.

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China

UNNC’s highlights from 2024 include:

UNNC is forming a strategic partnership with the China-Base Ningbo Group (CBNB) – ranked among the country’s top 500 companies – to accelerate its digital transformation, talent development and research-driven innovations.

In 2025, UNNC is establishing an international Proof of Concept Centre, to promote technology transfer, improve the quality of the pipeline projects and scale up industry engagement in a systematic manner. Together with enhanced tri-campus engagement, the centre will underpin greater ability to respond to opportunities presented by policymakers and industry needs.

Read UNNC’s update

The University of Nottingham Malaysia

In 2024, UNM successfully secured 70 new national and international grants with a total value of RM15.2m (£2.69m), including a RM11.3m award by the Wellcome Trust for an eight-year research initiative focused on the early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases in under-served populations.

Next year, as part of UNM’s 25th anniversary celebrations, an International Cancer Research Symposium is scheduled for May 2025, with support from the Sarawak State Government.

Read UNM’s update

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In 2024, the university was recognised for our efforts in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. We earned a top 200 place in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which evaluate more than 2,000 universities from 125 countries based on their performance against the 17 goals.

We published a report, which highlighted our commitment to the goals in everything we do: research, education, engagement, and campus policies and operations.

Please do share and highlight the report – it is an engaging snapshot of how we worked collaboratively with partners in 2022-23 to address global challenges.

We will be producing a report on the university’s activities in 2023-24 in support of the goals and look forward to further documenting your impact.

Global engagement

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings announcement came at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok where 3,000 global thought leaders and innovators gathered to discuss urgent solutions to the international sustainability emergency. A small delegation, supported by the Global Engagement team, was led by (then Interim) Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman, who delivered a keynote speech on sustainability, with a focus on working with industry and policymakers in the region.

Professor Norman also visited Indonesia, where the University of Nottingham is the leading UK partner supporting the ASEAN powerhouse’s drive to electrification of its transport.

Find out more about the work of Global Engagement.

Adelaide-Nottingham Alliance

The second symposium of the Adelaide-Nottingham Alliance was hosted at University Park in May, when colleagues announced  a  £500,000 grant from Diabetes UK as part of a £1m research project using pioneering neuroimaging techniques to identify how the tongue and digestive tract sense sweet stimuli and integrate this signalling in the brain of people with type 2 diabetes.

A recent Aus $751,000 (£594,000 ) award from the Australian Research Council will fund a multidisciplinary Adelaide-Nottingham study of bushfires and conservation policies.

International Research Collaboration Fund 

The relaunched International Research Collaboration Fund (IRCF) is open for applications. It supports our researchers to undertake excellent research with new or existing collaborators outside the UK.

The next application review date is 14 January 2025. We look forward to facilitating international collaborations in 2025 and beyond that go on to external funding successes. In the 2022/23 round, for example, an IRCF award supporting the building of a USA/UoN/EU consortium was instrumental in Dr Kevin Webb of the Faculty of Engineering helping to land a  $7.5m (£5.9m) grant from the US National Institutes of Health to establish a US national centre that will harness cutting-edge tissue-on-chip technology.

3MT: vote for Maryam

The University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Ungku Maryam Jamilah is a finalist in the U21 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, and is in the running for the People’s Choice award.

To watch Maryam’s presentation ‘microplastic (un)masked’ and vote for her, visit Universitas 21. Nottingham is one of the founder members of Universitas 21, the leading international network of research-intensive universities.

The 3MT competition provides research students with the opportunity to develop their academic, presentation, and research communication skills.

Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation

The RKE team welcome Professor Ed Lester, our new Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange and Innovation. Ed is Lady Trent Professor of Chemical Engineering and part of the part of the Advanced Materials Research in the Faculty of Engineering. He founded the spin-out company, Promethean Particles in 2007, where he is chief scientific officer, and brings a wealth of experience into this critical role.

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

The prestigious UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowships programme is preparing for its tenth round. This scheme supports emerging leaders in research and innovation, offering funding of around £1.4m per award.

The scheme opens on Monday 3 February 2025, but internal expressions of interest must be submitted by Thursday 23 January 2025.

UoN can only submit up to eight applications this round, so competition is fierce. To succeed, applicants must showcase leadership potential, a transformative project vision, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Find out more and application tips

Invitation to join REF 2029 panels

The Research Excellence Framework is inviting applications to join the REF 2029 panels.

This is a chance to serve on the main and sub-panels that are at the heart of the REF assessment process, with members bringing together specialist expertise in each Unit of Assessment. Panel membership offers an opportunity to enhance your research leadership and evaluation skills and ensure a fair, robust, and informed assessment of research quality across the country.

More information and how to apply

This follows Research England’s appointment of Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, as chair of the main panel for Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics.

Take a look at our new research webpages

I would like to highlight a transformation of the university’s research webpages. These have been redesigned and reorganised to reflect the university’s research strengths and priorities, better showcase the impact of our innovations, and make the pages easier to navigate.

The revamp followed a consultation with researchers and other stakeholders on what works well and what the pages could do better. A key change is a more dynamic approach to content, with more opportunities to promote your work, for example by sharing content such as press releases from the media team and giving events additional exposure.

The Vision section of the pages showcases the transformative impact of our research – if you would like your work to be featured, guidance is available on how to create your own impact case study. To suggest contributions to Vision, or news articles to be cross-promoted on the research pages, contact the corporate research marketing team.

The pages also feature research news and events, opportunities for collaboration and engagement, and the support available to our research community. The pages also highlight our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Please spare a few moments to take a look. I would be interested in hearing your comments. Comments, suggestions or requests to promote your work are also welcomed by the corporate research marketing team.

Making your life easier

Finally, you may wish to bookmark an online workshop on 25 January: Collaboration tools for research grant applications: making your life easier.

This session is designed for anyone planning to start a research grant application and would like to learn more about options and opportunities for better collaboration and more efficient working. It’s also designed for APM staff who support grant applications.

Find out more and book you place

This is the latest in a series of initiatives and programmes designed to help better support you at every stage of the research cycle. Thanks once again to the faculty and Research and Innovation teams who have delivered real progress in this area in 2024.

UniCore: thanks once again for your understanding

The RKE leadership team is very aware that there are currently ongoing issues with the roll-out of UniCore in the research area.

We are in a transition period; delays are occurring and it may be a while until we return to business as usual. Colleagues who support research are building up knowledge of the system but at this stage are having to prioritise business-critical activity. We will see the benefits of this integrated system in due course- but thank you once again for your understanding in the meantime.

Please refer to Research and Innovation’s SharePoint pages on UnICore, for updates on the transition and support.

The latest update from the central UniCore team, includes information on support and training. Department and faculty operations leads will be invited to briefing sessions in the new year to look at processes in detail and get further guidance.

My thanks and best wishes

It has been a very successful year for RKE and this is down to you. My thanks for your dedication and support for one another in 2024.

Wishing you a happy and restful winter break, and best wishes for 2025.

Sarah

Professor Sarah Metcalfe
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange

The post Celebrating our international impact in 2024 appeared first on Research Exchange.