How our innovation and research is managed

At Derby, we have strong leadership for innovation and research and clear strategic priorities, which focus on creating impact. Our University Innovation and Research Committee and University Professorial Council help set the strategy and ensure researchers have a voice within the University's highest decision-making structures. Delivering on that strategy and ensuring there is a supportive research environment is the job of the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, which acts as the main point of contact for both staff and student researchers. 

Leading research at Derby

Through Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research, innovation and research has a voice at the highest level of decision-making within the University: the Executive Board. Warren also chairs the University Innovation and Research Committee (UIRC).

Alongside Warren, Dr Amanda Baxendale, our Head of Research and Innovation Services, works with companies to help them develop collaborative relationships with the University.

Making research happen

The University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (URKEO) is responsible for the day-to-day business of innovation, research and knowledge exchange at the University of Derby. They support our staff and student researchers in a variety of ways, from developing and submitting research proposals and funding applications, to managing the Researcher Development Programme.

Knowledge exchange goes hand-in-hand with research as it is the translation of our research into sectors, industries and the wider society and means we have a real-world impact. We apply our research knowledge to support the sectors that drive national economic growth and support effective policy-making and governance, whether it’s through funded support, research commissions or specialist equipment and expertise.

Our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships offer businesses the opportunity to tap into our research to develop and explore innovative solutions to increase their competitive advantage. We also offer funding and support programmes in relation to knowledge exchange in order to allow businesses to benefit the most from our research.

We are also one of nine universities that are included in the East Midlands Doctoral Network (EMDoc). EMDoc facilitates information sharing, promotes good practice and encourages engagement in projects that support the development of researchers from Postgraduate (PGR) to Professorial level. We benefit as it provides insights into and benchmarking across the sector. Furthermore, it enables collaborations allowing our research to expand and progress.

The link between EMDoc and the University helps to:

• Develop effective programmes for PGR and researcher development
• Encourage collaboration on projects
• Promote our innovative practice within the region
• Support regional 3 Minute Thesis Competition and the EMDoc PGR annual conference which provides opportunities for PGR students to engage with a wider PGR community. This allows connections to be made with peers from across the region
• Promote our own Images of Research competition  

University Professorial Council

We have a University Professorial Council, which provides strategic support to the University Innovation Research Committee. The Council helps to develop and implement policy and practice that aims to enhance research and innovation quality, intensity, and the environment. The Professorial Council played a key role in developing the Innovation and Research Strategy 2020 - 2026. 

The Council is made up of professors, associate professors and early-career researchers from across the University and is led by Professor Paul Lynch, Chair of the University Professorial Council and Head of Governance.

Creating impact

We have an Impact Officer Team, led by Dr Larissa Allwork, Associate Professor in History and Impact, which is based in URKEO. Each Impact Officer supports a college and aims to get the most impact out of their research. They help drive research and impact forwards following our submission to the Research Excellence Framework in 2021, as well as providing training and resources to support the understanding of impact.

The team also helps academics to plan their impact, develop and deliver engagement projects and work with partners, capture robust evidence, track progress on impact, evaluate outcomes and benefits, and ensure research impact is shared.

In recognition of our excellence in supporting impact through research-informed public engagement, the University of Derby was awarded a Bronze National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Watermark Award in 2022. 

Funding your research project

Understanding and navigating research funding can be overwhelming, particularly when there are a range of funders, funding types and opportunities available. Within the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, we have a dedicated team who can support you in finding research funding. They will guide you through the types of funders including Government funding, UK-based charities, trusts and foundations, and international funders, as well as exploring the funding that is available through networking grants, project grants, research fellowships and Knowledge Transfer Partnership tender and evaluation.

Throughout the process of applying for external funding, researchers and professional services teams are supported by our digital system; Haplo Research Manager. Streamlining and digitising the process, the Research Manager will support with: 

• Research grants
• Knowledge Exchange grants e.g., Innovate UK KTPs (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships)
• Consultancy proposals
• Contract Research proposals
• Bids and tenders e.g., for education and training services
• Project costings for all of the above​​​​​​​
• Internal grant competitions
• Peer reviews

For guidance on how to use Research Manager, visit our information pages (login required)

For guidance or information on funding, contact our support team at bidsupport@derby.ac.uk