Essex leading the way on knowledge exchange

The strength of the University of Essex’s work in sharing knowledge for the benefit of the economy and society is highlighted in the results of the Government’s latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) assessment - released this week.

Analysis of the KEF data shows the University of Essex is 4th in the whole sector for ‘working with the public and third sector’. Essex is also ranked 11th in the sector overall and 2nd in Cluster X – group of 18 similarly large research-intensive universities used for benchmarking within the KEF.

This is the best performance by the University of Essex in KEF and shows the strength of its work with partners and the public to use its research and educational strengths to make a positive impact.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Greer said: “Once again the Knowledge Exchange Framework has shone a light on the incredible work we are doing at Essex to engage with our communities and use our research for positive change.

“This year, we’re celebrating our 60th anniversary so it is especially gratifying to see the power of our work recognised at a national level.

“I am incredibly proud of the way our researchers – and our professional service teams approach building new partnerships enabling an even bigger impact at a regional, national and international level.

“We are very grateful for the many partners across Government, local councils, charities, business and the NHS who are working with us to make a difference.

“We would love to hear from more organisations who want to unlock their potential by connecting to our research community.”

In KEF, the performance of the 139 universities in the UK is assessed according to seven perspectives covering different aspects of knowledge exchange. Essex is now in the top 50% in all perspectives, achieving high or very high engagement in each one. 

Alongside being ranked 4th nationally for ‘working with the public and third sector’, Essex is 22nd for ‘public and community engagement’. It has also improved its metric rankings within ‘CPD and grad start-ups’, ‘local growth and regeneration’, ‘research partnerships’ and ‘working with business’. It also met or exceeded the Cluster X average for all seven perspectives. 

Our commitment to knowledge exchange

Over the past decade, the University of Essex has transformed its approach to knowledge exchange and working with external partners. Its impact is continuing to grow after more than doubling the size of its research community in recent years, with five subjects in the UK’s 'research power' top 10 according to Times Higher Education's REF2021 analysis.

It is consistently number one in the UK for the number of active Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with more than 40 businesses working with Essex researchers, as part of Innovate UK’s flagship programme. The University has invested £77.9m in its Knowledge Gateway research and technology park is now home to more than 50 businesses, plus the University’s Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub and the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing. 

The Knowledge Gateway’s Innovation Centre hosts a busy programme of events for businesses and provides a home to the Angels@Essex investment platform, the Essex Startups team which support entrepreneurial students and graduates, and the University’s business engagement team.

In 2023, the University committed itself to improving the prosperity and wellbeing of communities across North Essex by signing a Civic University Agreement with key partners Colchester City Council, Tendring District Council, Essex County Council, and the North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance.