Royal Agricultural University comes top again for knowledge exchange and working with industry

20 September 2024

For the second year running, the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has scored high marks for its knowledge exchange activities in the annual Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) survey run by Research England.

The University is part of a cluster of twelve institutions that specialise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and each is scored on its performance across seven criteria. The KEF surveys more than 130 English universities and institutes, and the STEM grouping includes the land-based universities, such as Harper Adams, Hartpury University, and the Royal Veterinary College.

The RAU’s consistent achievements across the criteria scored means that it remains in top position for the second year running - alongside the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and St George’s, University of London.

Commenting on the results, Professor Mark Horton, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the RAU, said: “Yet again the RAU is able to perform well above its competitors in the annual Knowledge Exchange Framework.

“It is a mark of our growing research reputation and how we have been able to apply this to the real world, where climate change, the ecological emergency, and food security are some of the most urgent issues for society.

“Through our innovatory work, we are able to make a direct contribute of local prosperity and the growth of the national economy.”

The KEF plays a key role in providing unique and important public information on the rich and diverse ways in which English universities continue to engage with society and our economy, locally, nationally, and internationally.

The RAU scored particularly highly in its professional development courses, graduate start-ups, community engagement and working with the public sector and businesses.

RAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter McCaffery added: "We are delighted that this year's KEF results confirm that the RAU continues to be the sector-leading provider in the services we offer to business, commerce, and our community.

“We contribute more than £50m to the local and regional economy and this recognition demonstrates the University's commitment to our business and civic community - to making a real practical difference in people's lives.

“We aim to be a great local university and these results again show we are on the right path."