A new report highlighting how university research is helping tackle many of the problems facing society features two De Montfort University projects.
The report 'Problem Solved: university research answering today’s challenges'| showcases the strength and quality of the UK’s research.
It has been published by the University Alliance which represents 23 major, business-engaged universities committed to delivering world-class research and a quality student experience.
The De Montfort University (DMU) activities mentioned in the report are:
The university’s Improving Business by Design| which helps small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop outstanding products;
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership| between DMU and Nottingham Scientific which led to their involvement with a 60 million Euro European Space Agency grant.
DMU has a growing reputation for life-changing research and is home to more than 50 specialist research groups and institutes actively engaged in hundreds of projects.
Research activity ranges from the creation of an artificial pancreas, set to improve the lives of people suffering from diabetes, to the Wattbox, an automated heating control system, reducing energy consumption in homes by up to 20 per cent.
DMU applies its research to the benefit of businesses and communities, delivering improvements to healthcare, society and individuals' lives.
Our outstanding track record in 'real world' research is one of the core strengths of the university.
The report highlights research in various categories particularly environmental change; cleaner energy; health and wellbeing; safety and security; and the digital economy.
Libby Hackett, Director of University Alliance said the report shows how universities are responding to global challenges as well as strengthening our economy and society.
“With the public increasingly concerned with Government spending and the looming comprehensive spending review, it is a critical time to be recognising and raising awareness of the value of university research in the UK, in particular the application of research responding to global challenge,” she said.
“Universities, through their world-leading research, advance our knowledge and understanding of these issues and solve many of the problems that drive them: environmental change; cleaner energy; health and wellbeing; safety and security; and the digital economy.
“It is exciting to witness the power of research that universities are able to carry out with their partners. Supported by significant investment from both public and private sources, universities know that they have a responsibility to ensure that their work responds to the needs of society and the economy.
“Being world-leaders across different fields enables them to use science, innovation, creativity and intellectual strength to solve the big problems of the day.
“This is why universities play a critical role; their research touches everyone, whether they know about it or not. It is often small steps forward in new knowledge that can make a big difference to our lives.”
Alliance universities have innovation and enterprise running through everything they do.
They are universities without boundaries: delivering economic and social growth through close links with their research, students and staff and the world around them – locally, nationally and internationally.
With representation right across the UK they educate over 25% of all UK students, with large proportions of international and post-graduate students.
Posted on Wednesday 27th June 2012