Leeds Beckett University recognised for outstanding partnerships in national Knowledge Exchange Framework
Leeds Beckett University (LBU) has been recognised for the strength of its research and partnerships in the fifth national Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published today by Research England. The university remains in the top 20% of UK institutions for Working with Business, Working with the Public and Third Sectors, and Research Partnerships.
It also retained a High Engagement rating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Graduate Start-ups.
Professor Silke Machold, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said:
“We are immensely proud of this important recognition for our work with business, the public and third sector, our research partnerships, and our CPD and graduate start-ups… We are dedicated to turning academic insight into practical innovation, sharing our knowledge and cutting-edge research to help businesses and communities grow and thrive.”
Research partnerships at Leeds Beckett University
LBU’s research and knowledge exchange address global challenges through three key themes: Greener, Sustainable Communities, Sport and Healthy Communities, and Inclusive, Prosperous Communities. Research centres include the Leeds Sustainability Institute, Centre for Dementia Research and the Obesity Institute, along with expertise in sport research and social justice.
How Leeds Beckett University is working with business
The university is currently delivering 21 Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects. Its KTP team won Best Knowledge Base Support Team at the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2024. A KTP with Aggregate Industries is now a finalist for Best KTP 2025. New KTPs this year include partnerships with Dementia Forward, The Grammar School at Leeds and Northern Ballet.
LBU also supports business through initiatives like the Help to Grow: Management course, West Yorkshire Boost and the Business Productivity Service, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Exemplas.
How Leeds Beckett University is working with the public and third sectors
LBU researchers are leading and contributing to several impactful, NIHR-funded health and social care projects. Professor Louisa Ells is co-leading the national ENHANCE study evaluating NHS England’s support for children and young people with complications from excess weight. Academics in the Centre for Dementia Research are addressing workforce challenges in adult social care, while the Centre for Health Promotion Research has helped improve Calderdale’s Warm Spaces scheme. Meanwhile, the Glowing Stars study – led by Professor Persephone Sextou in collaboration with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust – is using applied theatre and digital tools to make MRI scans less intimidating for children.
KEF compares universities in clusters, with LBU placed in Cluster E – large institutions with strong research across all disciplines. The full KEF dashboards are available via its interactive website from 12:00 on 23 September.