Knowledge Exchange

At the University of Derby we are committed to supporting the local community and work closely with businesses and organisations to deliver applied research and knowledge exchange.

How knowledge sharing benefits our partners

The University is the only higher education institution in Derbyshire and our Strategic Plan articulates our role of ‘Being a Force for Positive Impact’ on the economic, social, cultural, educational and environmental prosperity of our home. Our collaborative approach has enabled organisations to benefit from access to industry expertise, graduate talent and higher-level skills.

Our Knowledge Exchange provides an indication of the University’s engagement with businesses and community and below are just a few examples of successful partnership delivery.

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Scale up support for Bloc Digital

The University of Derby has been working closely with immersive technology firm Bloc Digital. A package of business support, research expertise and student and graduate talent.

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A long term knowledge exchange collaboration with SureScreen

The partnership has enabled SureScreen to create a new revenue stream, new jobs, and most recently, to make a significant contribution to the global fight against Covid-19.

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Covid Collaboration with NHS and Riverside Medical Packaging

During the pandemic, our research engineers have been working with local NHS trusts and Riverside Medical Packaging Ltd, to design and manufacture face shields for healthcare staff.

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DE-Carbonising The Region

‘DE-Carbonise’ is our most recent collaboration with Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils. The project only began in late 2019.

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Supporting Derby’s Rail Sector

We have provided a wide range of support including R&D collaborations with rail companies, a new research centre specialising in rail, knowledge exchange collaborations.

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Supporting Business Diversification - Penny Hydraulics

Capital funding, collaborative research and innovation are just some of the ways we have helped manufacturing firm, Penny Hydraulics, expand, innovate and diversify its product offer.

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Supporting the Transport Equipment Manufacturing Supply Chain - Devtank

Knowledge exchange projects, CPD, graduate recruitment and mentoring have all helped this company to expand and enhance its skills base.

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Graduate talent and CPD for Airport Information Systems

AIS have been producing and developing support software for the airport industry for the past 30 years. Recently they have worked with us on succession planning, new skills development and networking.

Supporting your innovation and progression

To find out how the University of Derby could support your organisation, contact businessgateway@derby.ac.uk.