The University of Nottingham has strengthened its position as one of the UK's leading universities for knowledge exchange and regional impact, following the publication of the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6) results by Research England.
The KEF assesses how effectively universities work with businesses, public sector organisations, charities and communities to ensure research and expertise deliver real-world benefits. Nottingham's latest results highlight continued excellence in key areas while demonstrating significant progress in research partnerships and support for local growth and regeneration.
The University of Nottingham continues to be recognised for its strength in collaborating with organisations beyond academia, with top level rankings in four of the seven areas, including:
Working with business
Working with the public and third sector
Public and community engagement
Local growth and regeneration
The university has improved its performance from previous assessment, with notable progress in research partnerships and local growth and regeneration.
Of particular significance is Nottingham's performance in supporting local growth and regeneration, where it is now among the highest-performing universities in its peer group. Among comparable Russell Group institutions, Nottingham is one of only two universities recognised at this level.
These results demonstrate the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to ensuring that our research and expertise make a meaningful difference beyond the university.
He added: "We are particularly pleased to see recognition for the work we are doing to support growth and regeneration across our region, alongside improvements in research partnerships. These achievements reflect the dedication of colleagues and the strength of our collaborations with businesses, public bodies, charities and communities."
The latest results reinforce the University of Nottingham's role as a major driver of innovation and economic growth across the East Midlands.
Through partnerships with businesses, local authorities, NHS organisations and community groups, the university is helping to address regional challenges, attract investment, create jobs and develop the industries of the future.
The strong performance in local growth and regeneration reflects a sustained focus on supporting innovation-led growth across the region, building on Nottingham's longstanding contribution to the East Midlands innovation ecosystem.
Alongside maintaining excellence in several areas, the university continues to invest in initiatives designed to strengthen its knowledge exchange activity and maximise the impact of its research.
Recent initiatives include:
The East Midlands University Compact, bringing together the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Derby and the East Midlands Combined Authority to tackle shared regional priorities across skills, innovation, business growth and inclusive economic development.
A new hybrid propulsion research facility, providing industry with access to cutting-edge testing and manufacturing capabilities to accelerate the development of low-carbon aviation and transport technologies.
The East Midlands Innovation programme, funded through Research England's Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and led by the University of Nottingham, supports businesses across the region to access academic expertise, innovation support and funding to develop new products, improve processes and unlock growth opportunities.
Strengthening Nottingham's innovation and commercialisation ecosystem, the university launched six new spin-out companies in 2025/26, its strongest year on record for venture creation. To support future growth, it has also launched the University of Nottingham Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Fund. Managed by SyndicateRoom, the fund creates new opportunities for private investors to back high-potential university spin-outs and help accelerate the commercialisation of world-leading research.
Building long-term, strategic partnerships to tackling healthcare challenges through collaboration with industry and public sector partners. Recent examples include a collaboration with Boots to advance digital and integrated healthcare innovation, and a partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) and GE HealthCare to explore new approaches to patient care, healthcare innovation and education.
The KEF6 results show the University of Nottingham continuing to build on its strengths while making progress in key strategic areas. With four of the framework's seven areas now recognised at the highest level, the university remains one of the UK's leading institutions for translating research and expertise into economic, social and cultural impact.
