One of the standout aspects of the results is the ongoing growth and innovation support that the university has provided to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through a range of funded projects. These partnerships can directly contribute to the growth and competitiveness of local businesses, helping them to scale up and attract investment in highly competitive markets.
The university’s , a local fast-growing business, is a good example. Founder and Managing Director Sonal Keay worked closely with Professor Matteo Santin and research student Alex Slater on a project to stimulate skin cells to produce collagen. Reflecting on the impact of this collaboration, Keay said: "Knowing that I can build a moat around the company to increase its competitive advantage as a direct result of the work this project has given me is just phenomenal. I feel very confident about going out and seeking investment and growing the company internationally." Such collaborations demonstrate the University’s ability to co-create innovative solutions with business leaders, fostering long-term regional economic development.
In addition to supporting local businesses, the university has excelled in engaging with the community. It has developed a range of mutually beneficial partnerships, underpinned by co-production through our institutional . This fast-track, research-informed, programme delivers over weeks and months, rather than years, supporting the development of new or existing community-university partnership co-produced projects. Ignite partnership projects have ranged from a LGBTQ+ housing conference to exploring the needs of teenage mothers, and the creation of an immersive experience for users of a social history museum.
Dr Karina Rodriguez Echavarria, from the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering said: “It’s really important that we can develop solutions so that we can bring expertise to our partners, and that our partners can support us in understanding better what they are trying to do. So, in this way we help each other.”
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) said: “The 91¶¶Òõ is committed to harnessing its research to drive positive change, whether through supporting local businesses or engaging with the wider community. By encouraging collaboration between academics, industry leaders, and the public, the university continues to make a meaningful impact both socially and economically, influencing change on a regional and national scale.
I am delighted that the KEF4 results recognise that the 91¶¶Òõ continues to punch above its weight in terms of producing, sharing and applying innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Collaboration is at the heart of our institutional strategy, enriching our teaching and creating opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. We are proud of our partnerships, including those where our students play their part through volunteering, community projects and entrepreneurship. Together, we foster fresh ideas that change lives and the world around us for the better.”
For an overview on the how English universities, including the 91¶¶Òõ, have performed, visit the .
For more information about our projects, initiatives and partnerships, visit:
Businesses and community groups can contact the university to find out more about potential collaborations by emailing the Knowledge Exchange team on KnowledgeExchange@brighton.ac.uk.