Aston University commemorates Knowledge Transfer Partnership

Aston University celebrated the success of its Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects with industry partners and project associates by hosting a KTP poster showcase and competition event on 25 May, 2023.

Attended by over 200 senior representatives from Aston University, Innovate UK (IUK-KTN) and other strategic stakeholders, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding results the projects have achieved, the University’s growing KTP portfolio and the research excellence that the projects have demonstrated.

Bringing together the worlds of research and business, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, called an associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills, and results suggest that the scheme provides a return on investment (ROI) of over 1,100%.

Aston University is a leading KTP provider, ranked second in terms of volume by Innovate UK, the national body. The University has enjoyed many successful collaborative projects in a variety of subject areas including photonics, optometry, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, engineering, operations management.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor Aleks Subic, presented awards to the best projects. Winners and runners-up in early stage and established project categories on the evening included Furkan Cengel for their role as associate with Kallik Ltd, Emma Begley, working with Alpharmaxim, Beth Rees who works as an associate with ADInstruments and Rebecca Cairns who works as an associate with Cathedral Eye Clinic.

Mark Smith, executive director of business and regional engagement at Aston University, said: “The KTP showcase is a fantastic opportunity to get together and celebrate the exceptional work Aston University carries out with the KTP associates and businesses across the various disciplines. It was inspirational to hear about the impact the associates are having on their industries.”