The University of Manchester has achieved the highest possible score for its work with intellectual property and commercialisation, research partnerships and public and community engagement in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework rating by Research England. 

The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) is an annual assessment by Research England of the ways English universities engage with society and the economy, locally, nationally, and internationally. This is the third iteration, known as KEF3. 

Intellectual property and commercialisation 

This year, the University achieved the maximum possible rating of very high engagement for intellectual property and commercialisation. 

The achievements of the University’s Innovation Factory in licensing, intellectual property income, investment and turnover of spinouts, maintains Manchester’s performance as a leading university for creating new businesses from research and other activity. 

Research partnerships and public and community engagement 

In both research partnerships and public and community engagement, Manchester was highly rated – receiving the maximum possible rating of very high engagement.

Manchester’s performance in research partnerships, working with business, and working with the public and third sector recognises the work of its Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team through collaborative research with partners, contract research and consultancy. 

The University’s leading position in public and civic engagement is demonstrated through our sustained commitment to Social Responsibility, our Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement, innovative GM Citizens’ Panel, achievements in a range of activities including volunteering, festivals, citizen science, policy engagement, patient involvement in research, and engagement with communities through our cultural institutions – Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, John Rylands Library, Manchester Museum, and the Whitworth Art Gallery. 

Professor Sheena Cruickshank, Academic Lead for Public Engagement with Research, commented: “We are delighted to be recognised by KEF3 in the top quintile for our submission on public and community engagement. This achievement builds on the extensive consultation process undertaken with our staff, students, and partners to develop our refreshed Public Engagement Framework, which sets our strategic support for a culture of purposeful public and civic engagement.”

“Our work prioritises listening, sharing and mutual partnering with diverse communities and this is reflected in our approach to engagement locally, nationally, and globally.”

The results in continuous professional development and graduate start-ups are underpinned by the work within the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and Executive Education at Alliance Manchester Business School. 

Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “Knowledge exchange is a core priority for The University of Manchester. We are delighted to see our achievements continue to be recognised in the KEF3 profile. We shall continue to ensure that our research, teaching and social responsibility activities benefit the economy and society at local, national and global level.” 

• Research England has published each university’s performance on KEF dashboards on its website.