The Impact Awards highlight best practice and innovative approaches to KEC in UK research organisations and beyond, showcasing the vital contribution made by KEC professionals in developing excellent research into tangible, real-life benefits to society and business. RCUK and PraxisUnico are working together to highlight how the excellent work being done in this field contributes significantly to the UK’s position as a world-leading destination to research, innovate and grow business.
The competition, which is open for entries now, will recognise four different categories:
- Contribution to Business: recognising the outstanding contribution that knowledge exchange, knowledge transfer and/or commercialisation activities have had in benefitting (or have the potential to benefit) a company and/or the economy
- Contribution to Society: recognising the outstanding contribution that knowledge exchange, knowledge transfer or commercialisation activities have had in benefitting (or have the potential to benefit) society
- Outstanding KEC initiative: recognising how an innovative approach to knowledge exchange and commercialisation has the potential to be transformative for the community of KEC professionals
- International Award: recognising outstanding KEC practices, or contribution to business or society by institutions outside of the UK
The overall competition winner will be drawn from the first three categories. The competition winner will be awarded ‘KEC team of the year’ and will receive £50,000 award money. Only those institutions eligible to receive RCUK funding are eligible to receive the monetary award.
Dr Sue O'Hare, PraxisUnico Chair, said: "The Impact Awards highlight the diversity of projects in which Knowledge Exchange & Commercialisation professionals are involved, and the important contribution of KEC to success. We're delighted to be working alongside RCUK in bringing this work into the spotlight.”
Professor Jackie Hunter, RCUK Impact Champion and BBSRC Chief Executive, said: “The work which knowledge exchange and commercialisation professionals do, alongside their academic colleagues, is an important factor in the UK's ability to remain competitive, innovative, and able to sustain development and economic growth. The Research Councils are pleased to be working with PraxisUnico to recognise and share the outstanding work of KEC professionals, in enabling and facilitating impact from the excellent research and capabilities supported by RCUK".
Teams (or individuals) wishing to enter must complete an online entry form on the Impact Awards website: www.impactawards.org.uk. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, April 16, 2015.
About RCUK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
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For further information please contact:
Katie Clark
Content Manager
Research Councils UK Strategy Unit
Katie.clark@rcuk.ac.uk
01793 44 4387 / 07920246129
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