Dr Rommany Jenkins visit

On Monday 25 April we welcomed Dr Rommany Jenkins to the University to hear about our research and knowledge exchange activity.

Dr Jenkins is our Institutional Engagement Manager based within Research England (RE). RE is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is the non-departmental public body of the Government of the UK that directs the research and innovation funding through the science budget of the Department of Business, Energy and Industry Strategy (BEIS). RE oversees the functions of UKRI in relation to university research and knowledge exchange in England.

Dr Jenkins had a packed day. She met with the faculty directors of research to hear about the various research projects and significant successes. She learnt about our Graduate Research School and also about researcher development at the University. Discussions were held around our REF2021 submission and Dr Jenkins had a robust conversation about what REF2021 meant for the non-Russell Group universities. Prior to lunch, there was a tour of the Engineering Innovation Centre.

"Dr Jenkins noted how much we as a University collaborate with businesses, charities and public organisations. We hope this is the first of a number of key visits from Research England and UKRI."

Once lunch was finished, discussions moved to knowledge exchange and presentations were made from the various faculties on a variety of projects. The requirements around the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and the Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC) were also explored. The day finished with a visit to the Young Scientist Centre.

Thank you to all involved. Dr Jenkins noted how much we as a University collaborate with businesses, charities and public organisations. We hope this is the first of a number of key visits from Research England and UKRI.