News

As part of my role in BBSRC, I work at the interface between funding research and helping universities to realise their impact from these investments. In recent years, I have seen a resurgence of the use of metrics to measure the outputs of research. As more money is being committed to research and knowledge exchange, we are increasingly being asked what difference this is making to the economy and society. This is a good thing, as everyone should be accountable for what they do. However, how should we measure this, and how do we ensure our measures are appropriate for all situations and sectors?

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) part of UK Research and Innovation, is currently seeking proposals to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Enterprise Fellowship programme which supports researchers who wish to play a key role in the commercialisation of their research.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council supports innovation opportunities arising from its research portfolio through the commercialisation of technologies, industrial use of the National Laboratories and the creation of innovation eco-systems on the National Science and Innovation Campuses at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Harwell. Strategic advice on the range of activities to deliver on the innovation goals set out in the Strategic Delivery Plan is provided by the Innovation Board which reports to STFC Council.

Research England has today published a document detailing proposals for how the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) could work and would like to hear the HE sector’s views on these proposals.

This Quarter's edition of Spinouts UK looks at the ways in which universities can make the most of their environment with spotlights on Swansea University and the Midlands MIRA initiative.

PraxisAuril member the Institute for Cancer Research has released a report looking at cancer drug delivery in the NHS and the rate of drug development across different types of cancer. ‘Patent to Patient’ analysed the regulatory regime and found that NHS patients are waiting longer for new cancer drugs because of delays in taking them through clinical trials and getting them approved for use.

CRACK IT Solutions are currently looking for collaborators for 3 new innovations: 1. A human micro-liver system for reliable safety and efficacy testing 2. Developing an automated test of recognition memory in rodents 3. Assessing aquatic organism health status non-invasively

Carbogenics, a spin out from the University of Edinburgh has secured the coveted first prize at the 2018 Converge Challenge awards with their innovative waste solution. Turning low value paper waste products into a carbon-rich material, their revolutionary product CreChar improves biogas production and enhances digestate as a sustainable alternative to energy-intense mineral fertilisers.

In September, Research Consulting launched the final report from a major project looking at research contract management across 30 UK and Australian universities

The Catapult network was set up to help bridge the gap between academia and industry within the UK. The Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) does this within the area of Intelligent Mobility (IM). By working with key academic institutions and industrial partners we aim to ensure that innovative technologies and business models make it out of university research labs and into mainstream usage.

The finalists have been announced for Scotland’s leading higher education company creation programme, illustrating that Scotland’s academic community continues to thrive as a collective entrepreneurial hub.

Innovation is at the heart of King Abdullah University for Science and Technology’s (KAUST) mission. Few universities, if any, have been founded with as unique and clear a vision of addressing our shared global challenges of food, water, energy, and the environment through education and research. As part of that mission, the KAUST Innovation department helps put this knowledge to use by enabling our researchers and faculty to create products and services that will have an impact locally in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world.

PraxisAuril has responded to the Reid Review of Government Funded Research & Innovation in Wales (June 2018), underlining the importance of KE professionals in delivering the ambition of the report recommendations.

Research England has launched a new fund to drive innovation in research and knowledge exchange in higher education.

Twenty of Scotland’s most talented entrepreneurs eager to start up their business right here in Scotland are announced as the inaugural RSE Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellows. They are the employers of tomorrow, innovating for the future and complete the 40 entrepreneurs participating in the Unlocking Ambition Challenge as announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million to test ideas for increasing the adoption of practices that improve productivity.

LifeArc-AUTM technology transfer career training fellowships

New drug halves hearing loss in children following cancer treatment

Tony Hickson is to join Cancer Research UK as the charity’s new chief business officer.

Birmingham-China collaboration to develop new drugs for global epidemics

The UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme provides grant funding to industrial research and capital projects to enhance UK civil aerospace.

RSE Enterprise Fellowships: Next Round Opens in July 2018

The Transport Systems Catapults (TSC) would like to invite you to their latest showcase event in Oxford, this time focusing on 'How Transport Innovation will power the Oxford-MK-Cambridge Corridor'.

Annual General Meeting  Praxis Courses Ltd Thursday 17 May 2018 at 4.30pm

Congratulations to Public Health England (PHE)’s Business Development Team for winning the British Expertise International Awards 2018 under “international healthcare project” category for “Fast-track global collaborations to conquer emergencies such as Ebola and Zika”.