Lancaster has strengthened its position as one of the UK's leading universities for supporting business innovation, building partnerships and driving local growth and regeneration, according to the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
Published by Research England, the KEF assesses how universities work with businesses, public services and other stakeholders to share knowledge and deliver economic and social impact.
Lancaster was already among the UK's strongest performers, but this year's results show further progress, with improvements in the University's delivery of continuing professional development (CPD) and continuing education, as well as its support for graduate start-up companies.
Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent said: "Lancaster's KEF results show the University is among the best in the UK at using its world-leading research and innovation to engage with partners and improve society.
"When considered alongside our recent gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and our strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), these results support our high position in all national higher education league tables, including 10th in The Complete University Guide 2027, and our 5-star ranking in the QS World Ratings.
"I'm incredibly proud of the role colleagues play in helping Lancaster contribute to the places we serve and look forward to continuing working with our partners to drive innovation and economic value."
The KEF evaluates how universities work with external partners to share research and expertise which benefit the economy and society. Lancaster's strong performance reflects its wide-ranging partnerships, from supporting small businesses and developing new technologies, to working with schools, the NHS, local authorities and wider communities.
Lancaster retained its place in the highest scoring category of 'very high engagement' across key areas, including:
- Working with business
- Working with the public and third sector
- Local growth and regeneration
The University scored greater than or equal to its 'cluster' average across six out of the seven perspectives - showing the university ranks highly amongst its peer group - including Leicester, Essex, Bath, Hull, UEA, Surrey, Brunel, Loughborough, York and Durham.
Lancaster's KEF success reflects its strategic commitment to engagement - which supports the University to add £2 billion in annual economic impact (London Economic Report). Lancaster continues to play a vital role in shaping a better future through a range of collaborations across government Industrial Strategy growth-driving sectors including digital and technologies, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence and life sciences. Some highlights this year include:
- Lancaster's NW CyberCom project won the Sector Collaboration Initiative category at the Knowledge Exchange UK (KE) Awards.
- Lancaster University launched MENO-Kit - a collaborative toolkit which allows employers to respond more effectively to menopause in the workplace, improving wellbeing and helping to build more inclusive workplace cultures.
- Launch of new Lancaster University cyber security co-working facility - LENS.
- Lancaster spin-out company, Mindgard, raises US$30m (£22.2m) in a Series A funding round as demand intensifies around AI cyber security.
Learn more about Knowledge Exchange at Lancaster: www.lancaster.ac.uk/knowledge-exchange
View the full KEF results: Knowledge exchange framework: Dashboard
