Welcome to the University of Exeter Knowledge Exchange Awards 2022. This evening we’re celebrating the best collaborations between University of Exeter researchers and external partners regionally, nationally, and globally.

This year, the Knowledge Exchange Awards received 156 entries from across our faculties and feature excellence in knowledge exchange from all areas of academic life – from students and early-career researchers, to established project teams and senior researchers.

A year ago, we launched our Strategy 2030 which sets out our aims to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis; make key breakthroughs to transform human health and wellbeing; and lead progress towards a more fair, socially just and inclusive society. I am delighted to see that so many of tonight’s projects reflect Exeter’s commitment to making progress in these areas.

At the University of Exeter, we understand the importance of partnership in overcoming these challenges and, as these awards demonstrate, we work together with partners, students and alumni across the region and world, to co-create research and innovation in our pursuit of lasting solutions. Each year the University works with partners on more than 2,000 projects across key sectors and, through the Knowledge Exchange Awards, we want to champion this work and celebrate the many ways our academics, researchers and Professional Services teams are taking research into the wider world, making an impact for communities around the globe.

I hope you will enjoy finding out more about our knowledge exchange tonight. I am extremely proud of the meaningful, life-changing impact of our University’s research, and am confident you will agree that the quality and diversity of work taking place here is extremely impressive.

Good luck to everyone participating in tonight’s awards, and sincere congratulations on your nominations. I wish you and all of our guests the very best for the future.