University of Chester recognised nationally for its commitment to research and business partnerships

The results of the fifth Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) have been published today (Tuesday, September 23, 2025) revealing that the University is in the top 20 per cent of its peers for its work with Research Partnerships and Working with Businesses. 

 The KEF provides details on a wide range of activities across seven ‘perspectives’ of Knowledge Exchange (KE); from how Universities approach community engagement and contribute to local growth, to work undertaken with businesses.  

It enables institutions to have a better understanding of their own performance, as well as providing businesses and other users with more information to help them to access the world-class knowledge and expertise that exists in English universities. 

The University of Chester also placed in the top 40 per cent in the categories for Working with the Public and Third Sector, and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and Graduate Start-Ups, with High Engagement, as compared against its peers. This shows that, for KEF5, the institution is performing at or above average for all seven perspectives and above average in three of the seven perspectives. 

The University works with partners from businesses to charities to progress research, and enhance projects, services, wellbeing and more, in numerous ways. 

Examples of research partnerships include Computer and Engineering Scientists working with local healthcare company, Passion for Life Healthcare Ltd, on an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project to develop a timely intervention for sleep disorder breathing.   

Among the University’s strong links with local businesses and anchor organisations, are jointly-funded postgraduate studentships, such as our Chemical Engineers working with Rothon Research Limited on the large scale dispersal of silica from geothermal power stations, and University Psychologists working with Chester Zoo to develop a novel welfare and personality tool for zoo-housed elephants. 

The Social and Political Sciences team’s work with West Cheshire Foodbank to evaluate their service is one initiative which is part of the University’s work with the public and the third sector. 

Further initiatives include the Community Law Project. In support of individuals facing discrimination, the Director of Pro Bono and Community Engagement at Chester Law School leads the project, which engages students as Project Managers to deliver a range of community services, including legal advice, advocacy and training resources. 

A member of staff also has board membership of the West Cheshire Poverty Truth Commission, which has supported Community Inspirers (individuals with lived experience of poverty) to have a role in co-creation, including alongside students, with the upcoming publication of a co-created ‘Food for All’ strategy, focused on tackling food poverty locally, and, the development of a co-production hub. 

Wider work has included the evaluation of the Armed Forces Covenant Trust’s Tackling Serious Stress Programme and co-delivery of an Armed Forces Community Research International Webinar Series. This work has attracted the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, in recognition of its outstanding support for the Armed Forces community. 

In addition, the University has signed a partnership agreement with Cheshire West and Chester Council; a public commitment to achieving shared goals to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of the local area. The One City Plan “recognises the key role the University plays in developing and retaining a highly skilled workforce, tackling the climate emergency, diversifying the residential population, and driving the local economy forward, both in terms of workers and spenders”. 

Professor Paul Bissell, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester, said: “We take great pride in the breadth and quality of our knowledge exchange and collaborative partnerships at the University of Chester, which are driving meaningful, positive change for our local communities and the wider region. 

“Our encouraging KEF5 results reflect this impact, and we’re excited to build on this momentum in the years ahead.” 

To find out more about KEF5 visit here - Knowledge exchange framework: Dashboard

Caption: Dr Lindsay Murray, Associate Professor of Animal Psychology in the Division of Psychology presenting about research at Chester Zoo at Chester Town Hall.