University of Birmingham top-rated for four Knowledge Exchange Framework measures
University of Birmingham recognised in KEF 2025 for outstanding partnerships, public engagement, and driving local economic growth.
The University of Birmingham’s excellence in partnerships, engaging with the public, and its contributions to local growth have been recognised in the 2025 Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
The annual framework assesses the range of activities universities conduct with external partners across seven ‘perspectives’. Birmingham scores five out of five for four of the perspectives:
- public and community engagement
- research partnerships
- working with the public and third sector
- local growth and regeneration
The University also performed strongly in intellectual property (IP) development and commercialisation, and working with businesses, scoring in the second quintile.
Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE FRS, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) said: “This year’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results put a welcome spotlight on some of Birmingham’s leading strengths and contributions to society and the economy.
“We especially pride ourselves on the positive societal and economic impact that we have in Birmingham and the West Midlands through our research and our relationships with civic partners, communities and businesses.”
The University of Birmingham is one of the city’s biggest employers and its research and knowledge transfer activities contribute £1.4 billion to the economy. For every £1 million of research income it receives, the University generates £6.49 million of impact in the UK economy.
This year’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results put a welcome spotlight on some of Birmingham’s leading strengths and contributions to society and the economy. We especially pride ourselves on the positive societal and economic impact that we have in Birmingham and the West Midlands through our research and our relationships with civic partners, communities and businesses.
Strong research partnerships
The University of Birmingham has a strong track record of collaborating with partners to help drive innovation for the benefit of the economy and society.
Birmingham scored a 5 out of 5 in the 2025 KEF for Research partnerships, which include the development of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). For over 50 years, the University of Birmingham KTPs have supported researchers in driving impact to tackle river pollution, create advanced robotics, and develop new therapeutics.
Recent collaborations with business include advancing clean water access with Salinity Solutions and pioneering circular carbon fibre supply chains with Gen2Carbon. The University’s new civic partnership with Birmingham Botanical Gardens also enables opportunities for unique environmental and social sciences research.
Public Engagement excellence
The University holds the Gold Engage Watermark, awarded by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, recognising its outstanding commitment to public engagement. In honour of the institution’s 125th anniversary in 2025, a programme of public art, events, and engagement with the City of Birmingham’s diverse community has celebrated the University’s rich history and vibrant future.
Lauren Deere, Interim Director of Public and Cultural Engagement, said: “We are deeply committed to working collaboratively with partners and communities on research opportunities that serve the city and region. Through meaningful public engagement, we gain richer insights into societal challenges and aspirations— enabling us to produce impactful, influential and responsive research.”
Regional impact for Birmingham social science research
A recent report from the UK’s Academy of Social Sciences explores the impact of social science research in the region and highlights Birmingham's West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI). WMREDI informs and guides policy choices for regional and local policymakers by providing evidence-led analysis of the various challenges facing the West Midlands.
Professor Rebecca Riley, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of Regional Engagement, said: “WMREDI’s work featured in this important report highlights the transformative role of social science in shaping regional policy and investment. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, our research informs decisions that directly impact the economic resilience and social well-being of the West Midlands.”
In 2025, the University of Birmingham has improved its position amongst the best-performing universities in the world, rising four places in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The University placed 76 in the global ranking, the third successive year of improvement, and its highest position in a decade.
Developed by Research England, the KEF seeks to enhance the effective use of public funding for knowledge exchange and furthers a culture of continuous improvement in universities. It provides businesses and other users with information to help them access world-class knowledge and expertise.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham press office on or +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.