Following almost two years of not being able to host face-to-face events due to the covid-19 pandemic, our research and innovation community at the University of Kent has whole-heartedly embraced in-person events again this summer. With this, has come opportunities to reconnect and nurture collaborative relationships with colleagues both in and outside of our University. Here are just some of the fantastic knowledge exchange events organised by the University over the past six months.
Kent Tech R&D Conference
Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 June, led by the Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Hosted by the Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, this 2-day showcase event gave over 100 attendees, including business representatives working in the space of innovation, an opportunity to see first-hand how computing, engineering and mathematics research at the University of Kent could benefit their business.
Kent Natural Sciences Showcase
Thursday 30 June, led by the Division of Natural Sciences
At the end of June, the Division of Natural Sciences invited businesses on to campus for a tour of their cutting-edge facilities and an introduction to their world-leading expertise ranging from physics, chemistry and biology, through to the more applied field of sports science, forensic science, health and pharmacy.
LSSJ Research Festival
Thursday 7- Friday 8 July, led by the Division of Law, Society and Social Justice
Taking place across both the Medway and Canterbury campuses, the Law, Society and Social Justice Research Festival created a lively and generative space for University colleagues to share ideas, listen, follow their curiosity and learn something new. Highlights included a panel discussion on the Signature Research Theme Migration and Movement, a Meet the Author session and an insight into how to successfully use co-production in collaborative research.
Net Zero Pathway to Change Workshops
Throughout June – July, led by the Knowledge Exchange team in Research and Innovation Services
Throughout June and July, academics from across the University led workshops to help local businesses consider how they can achieve their net zero goals. Many of these businesses have since embarked on projects with the University to make their ideas a reality as part of a wider programme of work funded by the Community Renewal Fund and delivered by us in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Keep an eye out for updates about these in the coming months!
Kent Youth Summit
Monday 3 – Wednesday 5 October, led by the Research Excellence team in Research and Innovation Services
Over 700 secondary school students from across the county were welcomed to the Canterbury campus for the first time ever and took part in a series of interactive workshops led by academics from across the University, sport activities and team challenges. Supported by funding from Kent County Council’s (KCC) Reconnect programme, the Summit was designed to inspire young people and give them a voice and platform to express their hopes and ideas for the future.
MRC Impact Acceleration Account Launch Event
Friday 7 October led by MRC IAA lead, Professor Michelle Garrett, with support from the Division of Natural Sciences
To celebrate the launch of the University of Kent’s first Impact Acceleration Account awarded by the Medical Research Council, academics, clinical and industry colleagues were invited to Darwin Conference Suite for a workshop in how to deliver effective translational research projects, followed by a series of thought-provoking presentations from those who have worked with external partners to turn their research into a new product or service. With funding rounds and networking events ongoing until June 2024, this is just the start of a long programme of events which will support academics to overcome key hurdles needed to turn fundamental discoveries into improvements in human health and economic benefit, with impact.
This is just a taste of some of the fantastic events which have taken place on our campuses this summer. If you’re hosting an event at the University of Kent which enables knowledge exchange with stakeholders outside of the University, our team in Research and Innovation Services can offer advice and support to help raise the profile of your event and its outcomes. Get in touch via keinnovation@kent.ac.uk and we’ll identify the most appropriate person for you to speak to according to your needs.
And don’t forget – all the knowledge exchange work you do is recognised in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF). To ensure we are capturing your contribution to Social, Community and Cultural Engagement activities, provide us with the details of your event here. For more information about the KEF and why your contribution is important, visit our website or come along to our staff webinar on Thursday 20 October at 2pm.