Swansea University has won more than £2 million of funding to continue the drive forward the impact of its wide-ranging research and innovation.
The University’s Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) has secured £2,058,212 and a significant proportion of this will be used to support a portfolio of activities.
These include:
- early-stage engagement with users of research;
- advancing the reach and depth of the University’s impact;
- stimulating ideas and demonstrating proof of benefit;
- supporting commercial routes to market, and;
- making the most of potential collaborations through seconding staff into and from partner organisations.
There will be further training opportunities for researchers to enhance impact as well as marketing and promotion activities.
The funding will also help to create research opportunities, support public engagement and create and secure employment attached to individual projects
The money is part of a three-year £118 million boost awarded by the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) to 64 universities and research organisations. The IAA funding, now in its 10th year, aims to jumpstart knowledge exchange, translation and commercialisation.
The funding will be used across the University’s Faculties and is made up of £450,000 from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), £450,000 from the Medical Research Council (MRC) with £1,158,212 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Swansea University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle said: “At Swansea University we strive to produce the highest quality interdisciplinary research, led by our pioneering academics who work with national and international partners to address the most pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.
“We are delighted to receive this significant award from UKRI, which reflects our commitment to supporting the development of our researchers, and to enhancing the application and reach of our research activity. “
The University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Helen Griffiths added: “Swansea University has been committed to working in partnership with its community to address the needs of the region and the wider world, improving the lives of citizens since its inception in 1920.
“Our commitment to research that changes lives, drives innovation and regional growth continues to this day and we are honoured to receive this latest award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to support our ambitious plans for impact.“
UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said: "Research and innovation has the potential to improve people’s lives and livelihoods, rejuvenating communities across the UK and tackling global challenges. It is imperative that we harness that potential.
“The path between discovery and impact is not simple and so it is vital that we provide flexible support that allows talented people and teams, and world-class institutions to connect discovery to prosperity and public good.”