The University of West London’s Knowledge Exchange (KE) team has been shortlisted for the Institutional Knowledge Exchange Team Award at the KE Awards 2026, recognising its success in embedding KE across the University and driving meaningful impact beyond academia.
The award recognises high-performing knowledge exchange teams that demonstrate excellence in collaborative practice, professional expertise and the delivery of impactful knowledge exchange activities.
Championing KE across UWL
Knowledge Exchange is recognised by the UK Government as a core mission of universities, alongside teaching and research.
At UWL, Knowledge Exchange focuses on creating positive impact beyond academia through collaboration with businesses, public sector organisations, community groups and regional partners. It involves the sharing of knowledge, expertise and research to address real-world challenges and deliver tangible social, economic and cultural benefits.
Recognition for sustained impact
The University’s Knowledge Exchange team has played a key role in embedding this activity across UWL, helping colleagues to build partnerships, develop collaborative projects and maximise the impact of their work.
The shortlisting highlights UWL’s commitment to working collaboratively with businesses, public sector organisations, community groups and regional partners to share knowledge, expertise and research that delivers social, economic and cultural impact beyond academia.
Celebrating excellence in Knowledge Exchange
The recognition acknowledges achievements such as sustained KEF performance, UWL’s 2026-31 Knowledge Exchange Strategy and associated Research England Higher Education Innovation Plan, securing Civic Partnerships with Ealing and Hounslow Councils, helping expand Innovate UK activity, leading multiple funded projects directly and administering the successful multi-year Knowledge Exchange Seed Fund programme.
Being named a finalist places UWL alongside leading institutions across the sector that are helping to advance Knowledge Exchange practice and demonstrate its value.
John Charlton, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement at UWL, said:
“This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work of colleagues across UWL who champion and deliver Knowledge Exchange (KE). We are proud to see UWL shortlisted and to be part of the wider KE community. Thank you to colleagues across the University and to our partners, whose support and collaboration make this possible.”
The winners of the Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026 will be announced on Thursday 26 November.