University of Sunderland recognized for regional economic impact

The University of Sunderland has been recognized for its significant impact on regional economic growth, research innovation, and business collaboration following the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results from Research England.

The assessment, which covers activity primarily from 2022/23 to 2024/25, identified local growth and regeneration in the North East as the university’s strongest category, with engagement levels significantly exceeding the average of comparable institutions. The university also demonstrated high engagement in research partnerships and intellectual property (IP) and commercialization.

Professor Jo Crotty, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, stated that the results serve as a recognition of the university’s importance to the regional and national economy and align with its “society-shaping” mission. The KEF specifically evaluates how universities share expertise and innovation with businesses, public bodies, and communities to generate social and economic benefits.