Keele Vice-Chancellor furthers role as knowledge exchange champion
Keele University Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan has been invited to attend the newly-formed Research England Council board meetings, in order to help deliver the Council’s aim to create and sustain the conditions for a healthy and dynamic research and knowledge exchange system in English universities.
Professor McMillan, who will attend board meetings in his capacity as chair of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) steering group, is the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) knowledge exchange framework champion, guiding the organisation’s work on the framework programme from the perspective of university leadership.
Professor McMillan recently led a review of technology transfer in UK universities, looking at extensive evidence on UK and overseas practice and performance. The McMillan Group was tasked with reviewing good practice in technology transfer, defined as the ‘process of spinning out new companies based on university intellectual property (IP) and licensing IP to existing companies’.
Professor McMillan commented: “I am extremely pleased to be working alongside the Research England Council to represent the Knowledge Exchange Framework steering group. I look forward to closely working with the Council members and a wide range of university experts to deliver excellent research and a high-performance knowledge exchange framework that generates economic and social impact.
“Keele’s own knowledge exchange strategy is reinforced by its reputation for high-quality teaching and research training, and we intend to support the government’s mission in forging strong partnerships, and meet national priorities and global challenges.”
Research England Executive Chair David Sweeney said: “Research England has a unique position within the dual funding system for research, and as the English funder within a UK-wide organisation.
“Success will depend on strong partnerships, and the diversity of experience on the Council will support our work with key partners including the devolved funding bodies, and will ensure that Research England plays its role in the success of UK Research and Innovation.”
Former Vice-Chancellor of Keele University Dame Janet Finch will also sit on the Research England Council.
The Council will help shape the strategic direction and priorities for Research England as part of UK Research and Innovation, and will have an important role in supporting the transition process to the creation of Research England in April 2018.