On Tuesday 1 November, the University of Kent hosted a network meeting with Research England and Universities from across the UK to discuss and reflect on changes in the Knowledge Exchange Framework.
The Cluster X Network consists of ‘large, high research-intensive and broad discipline universities undertaking a significant amount of excellent research’ which have been grouped by Research England to enable comparison of their knowledge exchange activities through the Knowledge Exchange Framework. The Network has been formed to discuss the challenges and opportunities they encounter when sharing academic ideas and insights outside of the University, and bringing external perspectives and experiences in (knowledge exchange activity).
“The University takes its role in facilitating cross-cluster collaboration in Knowledge Exchange very seriously.”
As well as inviting 19 Universities to the meeting, Kent’s Knowledge Exchange and Engagement Team invited guest speakers Ellen Bamford (Head of Data and Evidence), Rosie Lavis (Senior Knowledge Exchange Policy Advisor) and Rebecca Emmett (Senior Knowledge Exchange Policy Advisor) from Research England, to discuss and reflect on changes in the second iteration of the Knowledge Exchange Framework, and what the third iteration of the Framework (KEF3) could look like. The group discussed challenges around data gathering, metrics, changes in the Higher Education Business & Community Interaction Survey, and challenges around engagement with the Knowledge Exchange Framework.
Cat Tate, Knowledge Exchange & Engagement Manager at the University of Kent said: “The University takes its role in facilitating cross-cluster collaboration in Knowledge Exchange very seriously. We are pleased to be able to facilitate these meetings, and are incredibly grateful to the excellent external speakers who regularly attend to provide updates, insights and guidance to members of the cluster.”
The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) forms the third pillar of assessment of university activities, alongside the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Find out more about the University of Kent’s commitment to Knowledge Exchange on our website.