The University of Brighton has earned the highest possible assessment for its research activities and collaboration with industry partners.
The institution was awarded the distinction of very high engagement across four categories: connections with business, research collaborations, work with public and third-sector organisations, and community involvement.
Research England released the most recent Knowledge Exchange Framework rankings, which evaluate how higher education institutions engage with external organisations to generate benefits for society and the economy.
The University of Brighton attained very high engagement status in four of the seven Knowledge Exchange Framework categories.
Imperial College London was the sole additional English university to achieve this top-tier rating in four categories.
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Brighton, explained that the outcomes showed the institution performing at its peak, with an external focus, clear ambitions, and strong ties to surrounding businesses, organisations and communities.
Professor Jaspal added that being among only two English universities to reach the highest engagement level across these four areas represented significant acknowledgement of the joint achievements of staff, students and partner organisations.
The professor also noted that progress in business partnerships advancing into the highest engagement category was particularly positive.
The university leadership expressed considerable enthusiasm for future plans.
The institution’s objective was for Brighton to serve as an increasingly influential driver of innovation, opportunity and beneficial transformation throughout the city and surrounding region, promoting enterprise and equity by collaborating with partners to convert knowledge, ideas and specialist expertise into practical outcomes.