University of Huddersfield awarded £1m funding to accelerate research impact
The University of Huddersfield has been awarded £1million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding over three years that will help a range of projects translate the institution’s acclaimed research into real world impact.
UKRI, the government body responsible for delivering research and innovation funding each year, is investing £118 million through its Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) to translate research across 64 universities and research organisations.
Huddersfield has been successful at receiving both Art and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) IAA funding. The funding, over three years, will bring researchers together with organisations in business, the third sector and heritage. A key focus will be to maximise impact, knowledge exchange and commercialisation potential from the University’s research.
Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Professor Andrew Ball said, “The AHRC IAA funding was awarded through a competitive process and is a result of the excellent work being carried out in the culture, arts and heritage sectors, from partnerships with heritage organisations and local festivals to innovations that can transform industry, from textiles to architecture.
“The EPSRC IAA funding is a strategic award provided to institutions that have a large portfolio of EPSRC funding. Huddersfield has the largest EPSRC portfolio of the post-92 Universities, and we’re delighted that this has been acknowledged through this award.”
Dr Nick Lancaster, Director of Research and Innovation, added, “We are delighted to receive this funding and demonstrates the quality of the research across the University, and its potential to deliver real-world impact. The IAA’s will help us to grow our impressive range of industrial research partnerships as well as develop our in-house skills in intellectual property development and commercialisation. Over the life time of these projects, we expect to show real tangible benefits to industry as well as the regional communities we work with.”
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said, "Research and innovation has the potential to improve people’s lives and livelihoods, rejuvenating communities across the UK and tackling global challenges. It is imperative that we harness that potential.
"The path between discovery and impact is not simple and so it is vital that we provide flexible support that allows talented people and teams, and world-class institutions to connect discovery to prosperity and public good.
"Our impact acceleration funding has a fantastic track-record in providing support that helps brilliant ideas become realities that make a real difference."
