Working with business and government

The following pages provide information and guidance for academic staff  who would like to work with business and / or government, whether for research collaborations, consultancy, funding opportunities, or student placements and projects.  Research & Knowledge Transfer (RKT) is the first point of contact and central point of management for advice, referrals, and support to help you connect and work with businesses.

You should also be aware of the University's Finance Handbook, which you can see online here.

If you are an external organisation wishing to work with the University, please see our Business website for more information.

Who we are

Research & Knowledge Transfer creates, coordinates, and manages links with business and key project partners.  In 2008-09 RKT supported and managed over 500 projects worth over £150m.  Our experienced team can provide support and advice to you in all aspects of setting up and managing projects with businesses.

Expertise and support available from RKT:

• Managing commercial partnerships;
• Enabling links with commercial partners;
• Guidance and support for submitting bids and tenders with UK government and international funding bodies;
• Provide specialist help and advice in the exploitation of intellectual property;
• Give up to date information about new and future national and international developments and initiatives; and
• Put you in touch with other academics working with commercial partners.

If you have any queries about working with businesses, please follow the links below or speak to the Research & Knowledge Transfer Manager for your School / College

You can also find out more about our partners and stakeholders.

Mechanisms for working with business

IP and Commercialisation (internal access only)

Intellectual Property (IP) is an important asset for the University and underpins the value of many of the University’s transactions with external organisations. The translation (through commercialisation) of the University’s research work is of increasing importance and particularly to the Research Excellence Framework and the Impact agenda.

Contract Research and Consultancy (internal access only)

Guidance for University staff on undertaking research or consultancy projects with external organisations.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (internal access only)

KTP is the Government's leading knowledge transfer programme, designed to enable businesses to improve their effectiveness and productivity by accessing the knowledge and expertise contained within universities.

Research Students (internal access only)

Research & Knowledge Transfer works closely with the Graduate Research Faculty and Academic Schools to support the University’s Graduate Research Strategic Plan and to ensure we maximise the funding and recruitment opportunities of research students.

Open Innovation Platform

The Open Innovation platform provides financial support to academics in order to enable engagement with business and industrial partners.  It is intended to support development of collaborative relationships with this sector leading to a long term, sustainable growth in research income from these sources for the University.  Find out more information and how to apply for the Open Innovation platform.