Cranfield University has been ranked as one of the leading specialist science and technology (STEM) universities in England in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) published by Research England.

In its specialist grouping, Cranfield was named as within the:

• Top 10% for Working with Business
• Top 10% for Skills, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• Top 30% for Intellectual Property and Commercialisation.

The KEF, led by Research England, provides information about the achievements of English Universities in serving the economy and society for the benefit of the public, business and communities. The aim of the KEF is to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public funding for knowledge exchange (KE) and to further a culture of continuous improvement in universities.

The University’s full result in the Knowledge Exchange Framework can be found here.

Professor Tom Stephenson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Cranfield University, said: “Cranfield has a leading reputation for working with businesses locally, nationally and internationally. The Knowledge Exchange Framework results confirm our strengths as a leading research institution, working closely with business, generating enterprise and innovation and transferring our knowledge into practical business applications.”

Dr Christine Thompson, Director of Research and Innovation at Cranfield University, said: “From commercialising our research, to supporting local SMEs and some of the world’s leading companies, Cranfield has the needs of business at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted that the Knowledge Exchange Framework showcases our strong business links; this is a real credit to the commitment of our staff and our partners.”