HSU Celebrates Publication of the Latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) Outcomes

Health Sciences University (HSU) has achieved strong results in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6), published by Research England. The framework assesses how universities work with businesses, public services, community organisations and wider society to generate economic and social benefit.

The latest results highlight growing strength in knowledge exchange activity at HSU, with significant improvement in the area of continuing professional development (CPD) and graduate start-ups, in which HSU moved from low engagement in KEF5 to high engagement in KEF6. HSU has also maintained strong performance in working with the public and third sector and IP and commercialisation.

At a more detailed level, HSU achieved high and very high engagement for CPD and continuing education income, licensing and other IP income, consultancy and facilities income, and co-authorship of research outputs with non-academic partners.

The results reflect HSU’s distinctive approach of integrating its three strategic missions of education, research and clinical practice. This creates opportunities for students, graduates, academics, clinicians and external partners to work together to develop, apply and translate knowledge that benefits patients, professions and communities.

One of the most significant areas of improvement was CPD and graduate start-ups. This reflects HSU’s commitment to supporting students and graduates to transform knowledge, skills and expertise into new opportunities, services and ventures that contribute to health and wellbeing. Alongside this, the University’s extensive programme of CPD enables healthcare professionals to develop new skills and apply the latest evidence in practice, supporting workforce development across health and care services.

HSU’s strengths in working with the public and third sector are demonstrated through projects such as the evaluation of oral health services for people experiencing homelessness in Dorset. Working with NHS, voluntary-sector and university partners, HSU researchers are helping to generate evidence that can improve access to care and reduce health inequalities. The University also continues to play an active role in regional collaboration through Wessex Health Partners, working with NHS organisations, universities and other partners across Wessex to address shared health and care challenges. For example, HSU collaborated with Pavilion Dance South West to develop and evaluate the Groove to Improve programme, which supports older adults living with persistent low back pain through movement and community engagement.

HSU has continued to strengthen its innovation and commercialisation activity. Through its involvement in the UKRI-funded Bridging the Gap: A Shared Technology Transfer Office Vision for Wessex project, the University supported staff to identify and develop innovations with commercial and societal potential. The initiative resulted in six intellectual property disclosures from HSU staff and helped establish new institutional policies to support innovation and commercialisation.

HSU is also strengthening its role as a connector between researchers, healthcare providers, industry and communities through the Institute for Medical and Health Innovation (IMHI). By bringing together partners from across health, care, research and industry, the Institute is creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Head of Engagement & Partnerships at HSU, Dr. Claire Nadaf, said:

“I am delighted to see such a positive results for HSU, reflecting our commitment to being a proactive system partner working closely with employers, NHS organisations, local authorities and other stakeholders. As a specialist provider we are able to co-create learning and development opportunities that directly support workforce development priorities. Our growth in CPD activity reflects the trust that organisations place in HSU to help upskill their workforce, strengthen professional capability and ultimately improve outcomes for the communities they serve.”

Director of Research at HSU, Dr. Julie Northam, reflects on the KEF outcomes:

“These results demonstrate the breadth of research and knowledge exchange taking place across HSU and the value of working closely with partners across healthcare, industry, the public sector and local communities. We are particularly pleased to see the significant improvement in CPD and graduate start-ups, alongside continued strengths in public and third-sector engagement and innovation. Together, these activities help ensure that our expertise delivers meaningful benefits beyond the University.”

Looking ahead, HSU will continue to build on its integrated approach to education, research and clinical practice. Through initiatives such as the Institute for Medical and Health Innovation, regional partnerships including Wessex Health Partners, and ongoing support for innovation, entrepreneurship and professional development, the University aims to ensure its expertise delivers meaningful health, social and economic impact locally, regionally and nationally.