Empowering the UCL community to create impact through knowledge exchange

Over the past month, UCL Research, Innovation and Global Engagement (RIGE) led Transform: Creating impact through knowledge exchange. This month-long series of over 30 in-person and online training, workshops, and panel events helped the UCL community learn how to engage in knowledge exchange and innovation activity.

Turning ideas into impact

Participants had the opportunity to learn about a range of knowledge exchange activities, develop skills and hear from colleagues who have already successfully made an impact.

For those unable to attend, or anyone wishing to explore further, a digital library of training, case studies, videos, and podcasts is available on the Transform SharePoint site.

Dr Kathryn Walsh, Executive Director of UCL Innovation & Enterprise, says: “We’re proud of our knowledge exchange initiatives and the range of opportunities at UCL for staff and students to engage in knowledge exchange and make an impact. It has been great to see so many people from across the university get involved with the Transform programme this year. Thank you to everyone who came along, and those involved in planning events or sharing their skills who made the programme possible.”

The value of knowledge exchange

Knowledge exchange is a two-way exchange of ideas, evidence and expertise between universities, organisations and communities outside of academia.

These collaborations help us apply our expertise to generate impact outside of university, while enhancing our teaching and research with real-world examples and knowledge.

Sara Barberan Martin, Research Fellow, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health and Francis Crick Institute, said: “I found the programme's content super helpful. It covered a wide range of topics, including some I'd never even thought about, such as how to creatively assess the impact of a project.

“I particularly enjoyed the session that explained the structure of the UCL Translational Research Office, the support they offer, the available grants (both within and outside UCL), and how to collaborate with businesses to develop ideas and plan for real-world impact.

“The entrepreneurial skills session also showed me that I already have some of these skills from my years in academia; I just needed to view them from a new angle.”

Programme themes

From learning how to develop a strong funding application, to top tips for academics engaging with business and using LinkedIn to promote their research, there was something for everyone.

The programme themes were:

• Developing entrepreneurial skills
• Working with business
• Working with government and charities
• Public and community engagement
• Commercialising your research
• Evidencing and communicating knowledge exchange and impact
• Innovation funding

Daniel Vanello, Lecturer in Philosophy of Education, UCL IOE, said: “The Transform programme workshops I attended were very informative and friendly. I learnt key skills in setting up public engagement events. From designing engaging events, to devising catchy titles for them, to thinking about creative ways to evaluate the events.”

Explore our digital library

We have created a digital library of training, guidance, podcasts and case studies for you to learn more about how you can make impact through knowledge exchange on the Transform SharePoint site.