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Supporting your Knowledge Exchange

Information and resources to support you with Knowledge Exchange and engagement with external organisations.

About KE

Knowledge Exchange is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of ways in which researchers engage with non-academic organisations. The ESRC defines Knowledge Exchange as:

The enabling of two-way exchange between researchers and research users to share ideas, research evidence, experiences and skills.

According to the University of Bath's key findings in response to the 2021 survey from CEDARS (Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers Survey) over half of research staff want to engage in wider activities, such as knowledge exchange, citizen science, public engagement, and policy and decision making. Specifically, 67% said they wanted to get involved in knowledge exchange.

The University of Bath Strategy 2021 to 2026 outlines our mission to deliver world-class research and teaching, educating our students to become future leaders and innovators, and benefiting the wider population through our research, enterprise and influence.

This resource outlines some KE case studies, funding available for KE, training courses and the KE Community of Practice, which was established for people interested in KE to come together and ask questions. There is also information on why KE has gained in prominence recently, through the Knowledge Exchange Concordat and the Knowledge Exchange Framework.

See also:

KE mechanisms

Examples of KE activities include collaborative or contract research, consultancy services, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, training, commercialisation of research through start up and spin-out companies, and public engagement.

See our list of mechanisms for achieving Knowledge Exchange and Research Impact.

Support from RIS

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) at the University of Bath can support you with KE and impact. This includes:

Human Library

A human head shaped book shelf filled with books against a brick wall
This Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can explore KE.

This Human Library enables researchers at the University to find Knowledge Exchange experts to start conversations around KE experiences and mechanisms.

Watch: KE film series

Watch our film series on how Knowledge Exchange can lead to Research Impact featuring our Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Directors of KE, Head of Business Partnerships and KE, and Research Impact Manager:

KE Community of Practice

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) has established a Knowledge Exchange Community of Practice in Teams. This is a forum for those interested in KE to share experiences and ask questions.

You can also get to know your faculty and departmental impact leads for support with your research impact.

Funding

Search for Knowledge Exchange and Research Impact funding through our Research Professional database. We also have an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) which includes Open Call funding and a University Impact Fund to help you develop and evidence the impact of your research and inform your REF impact case study.

Funding is also available through Innovate UK's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) scheme. Contact our KTP team in RIS if you are interested in applying.

Courses and events

You can learn more about Knowledge Exchange, Research Impact, and Public Engagement through the following University Moodle courses for University of Bath staff:

You can also:

Ignite+ events
We offer academics support and funding to run Ignite+ events for business engagement and collaborations. The team also provides regular online Ignite+ Bitesize sessions covering different aspects of KE. More on our Ignite+ events.

Responsible Research and Innovation
The University has commissioned a new short online self-guided course from Orbit to provide researchers a brief introduction to Responsible Research and Innovation. RRI aims to engage a broad range of stakeholders to discuss how science and technology can be used in the best possible way to not only contribute to solve today’s problems, but also create a world that will be desirable for future generations. More on this and to register.

KE case studies

Dr Vimal Dhokia with colleagues who all spun-out the company Gen3D
University of Bath case studies demonstrate how you can achieve KE and research impact

See our Knowledge Exchange case studies from the University of Bath for examples of working with external partners to achieve KE and research impact.

Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)

Pie chart of the University of Bath's Knowledge Exchange results
The University of Bath's first Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results published by Research England

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) was introduced by the government in 2017 to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public funding for Knowledge Exchange (KE) and to further a culture of continuous improvement in universities. Research England assumed responsibility of the KEF in 2018 and the first results were published in March 2021. See the University of Bath's latest KEF results.

Knowledge Exchange Concordat

The University of Bath is a signatory to the Knowledge Exchange Concordat. In October 2020, Universities UK and GuildHE invited Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in the UK to sign up to the principles of the concordat and participate in the development year for England. Along with 126 higher education providers we are committed to developing our knowledge exchange activity to help drive economic, social and cultural recovery and growth. See the KE Concordat implementation plan.

Contact us

Contact the Knowledge Exchange team in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) with your enquiries.

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