KTP Office teams, in the words of Senior Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Fiona Nightingale, are often the “unsung heroes” of KTP. This Award looks to put that right. One of six categories in this year’s KTP Best of the Best Awards, winners will be announced on Wednesday 9 September in a special Virtual Ceremony brought to you by KTN in partnership with ImmerseUK and Laval Virtual. Free to all, you can register here.

Celebrating the outstanding contribution to KTP success that those working within KTP offices in Universities make, this Award is supported by Praxis Auril, the UK’s leading professional association for Knowledge Exchange professionals; and the Award is inspired by the late David Woollard. :

WINNER: Aston University

The university’s academic excellence in Computer Science and Data Analytics plays a crucial role in its KTP portfolio, with 45% of partnerships currently from this discipline. These partnerships have helped to co-develop the Computer Science Industry Club (CSIC) which harnesses cutting-edge industry expertise to generate high-level graduate opportunities, enhance the skills of students and develop new research opportunities.

The judges felt that this initiative was a good example of how KTP can be used as a lever to engage with other communities and networks and demonstrated how to grow outreach with businesses. 

FINALIST: North of Scotland KTP Centre

This initiative saw the North of Scotland KTP Centre take advantage of the knowledge and expertise in Medical & Life Sciences of its network  of Knowledge Bases (it represents six); and use KTP as part of a catalyst for regional economic growth in Life Sciences. 

This objective fitted in well with Opportunity North East’s ambition to develop a life sciences cluster that is recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in biologics, by delivering innovative projects that aim to grow the sector and double the number of life sciences businesses in the region.

Judges felt that this was a good commercialisation opportunity and an initiative that could be rolled out by other KTP teams. 

Director of Strategic Engagement at Praxis Auril, Alasdair Cameron, said “Supporting the ‘Most effective initiative from a KTP Office’ award is not only about helping to find the most impactful and innovative approaches. It is also about supporting best practice and shining a light on excellence within the KE practitioner community, wherever it might be. Alongside our own KE Awards, PraxisAuril is committed to celebrating the work of KE practitioners who work tirelessly to facilitate and support the impact agenda.”

KTP aims to help organisations access and embed the skills and resources held with the UK’s world-class Knowledge Bases; and to ensure that all partners benefit from involvement in KTP.

You can find out more about engaging in KTP here.