University of Sheffield top in England for working with businesses and public engagement

21st November 2024

The University of Sheffield is one of the best universities in the country for working with businesses and public and community engagement, according to the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

The results, published in September 2024, show that Sheffield is also one of the top universities in England for developing IP and commercialising research. Published by Research England, the KEF provides a range of information on how universities work with external partners - such as businesses and local community groups - for the benefit of the economy and society.

Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said:

“It is fantastic to see that once again the KEF has recognised the work that our staff do with partners from across South Yorkshire and beyond, and the beneficial impact this has, not only on them, but also on our region and nationally.

“Here at Sheffield we have a real strength in, and commitment to, working with partners from all sectors. From manufacturers to artists and local community groups, our academics are passionate about sharing their research and expertise for the good of society. This knowledge exchange activity is a core part of what we do at the University and we are looking forward to continuing this work over the course of the new academic year.”

Examples of how the University of Sheffield works with businesses include its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Located on the border of Sheffield and Rotherham, the AMRC is a world leader in manufacturing R&D and works with companies of all sizes — including SMEs, start-ups and large-scale manufacturers — to help them improve their productivity.

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce SMR partnered with the AMRC to launch a major new manufacturing and testing facility that is set to manufacture and test prototype modules for small modular reactors (SMRs).

Further examples include Sheffield’s state-of-the-art low carbon energy research centres - the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre (SAF-IC) and Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC).

SAF-IC is the UK’s first centre where fuel producers can develop, test, validate and certify zero-carbon and sustainable aviation fuels all in one place. TERC is one of the largest and best-equipped zero-carbon energy research and development facilities in Europe, with the capability to test, optimise and demonstrate technologies at scale for commercially-focused, mission-oriented research and development.

On commercialisation and developing IP, a report earlier this year named the University of Sheffield in the UK top five academic institutions for the number of equity deals secured by their spinouts in 2023. In 2021, Sheffield was one of three universities that founded Northern Gritstone - a venture investment company established to boost the commercialisation of university spin-outs and start-ups in the north of England. Its activities have raised more than £312 million of investment to date.

Phlux Technology is one such spin-out that has benefited from Northern Gritstone investment. Spun-out of Sheffield’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Phlux is developing revolutionary infrared sensors that are a game changer for robotics and self-driving machines. In September 2024, Phlux opened a new office in the Sheffield Innovation Spine to scale their activities in close proximity to the University of Sheffield campus.

In terms of public and community engagement, the University of Sheffield works with partners from across South Yorkshire to co-create projects and activities that add to the region’s vibrancy. These range from festivals and exhibitions to heritage and regeneration initiatives.

September saw the University’s Festival of the Mind return to Sheffield for its seventh edition with its most ambitious programme yet. The festival saw Sheffield’s cultural, creative and digital industries collaborate with some of the city’s brightest academic minds to help bring their research to life in exciting, entertaining and innovative ways. The 10-day festival has brought more than 200,000 visitors into Sheffield city centre since 2012 through a series of free events, including activities, talks, performances and exhibitions that are open to everyone.

The University also delivers the Off the Shelf Festival of Words - one of the longest running literary festivals in the UK. A hugely successful 2024 festival saw local, national and international literary talent enthral audiences on stages across the city.

More information on collaborating with the University of Sheffield.