The Â鶹´«Ã½ has once again been recognised for the strength of its partnerships and the tangible impact of its work with industry, communities, and the public sector. The latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF5), published on 23 September 2025, places the university in the highest performance group for three key areas: research partnerships, public and community engagement, and working with the public and third sector.
Just seven other UK universities*, who are all members of the prestigious Russell Group, achieved the ‘Very High Engagement’ rating for the latter two categories: Working with the Public and Third Sector, and Public and Community Engagement.
The university also achieved high ratings for its work with business and its contribution to local growth and regeneration – further evidence of Brighton’s role as a driving force for innovation, skills, and sustainable development across the region.
These results reflect the university’s practical, partnership-based approach to teaching, learning, and research – one that delivers meaningful outcomes for people, places, and organisations.
One example of this approach is the university’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through initiatives such as the Help to Grow management programme, businesses gain access to expert guidance on scaling, innovation, and competitiveness — unlocking growth, attracting investment, and strengthening the region’s economy.
Creating real-world solutions
The Â鶹´«Ã½’s collaborative ethos is also at the heart of major projects tackling global challenges through local innovation.
The Growing Sussex project exemplifies how the university works with industry and public partners to deliver sustainable, technology-driven solutions for the future of agriculture. By integrating 5G and emerging technologies, the project team is pioneering smarter, greener farming practices that improve efficiency and productivity while creating new opportunities for the regional economy.
Empowering communities through collaboration
Working hand in hand with communities, the Â鶹´«Ã½ is helping to drive innovation and social change at every level. Through flagship initiatives such as the Ignite programme, the university partners with organisations to co-create solutions that respond directly to real-world challenges — from health and wellbeing to social inclusion and sustainability.
Ignite supports fast-track, collaborative projects that bring together academics, community groups, and creative practitioners to test new ideas and deliver measurable impact. One standout example is the university’s partnership with campaign group We Care, which used the unusual and powerful medium of embroidered dusters to highlight the often unseen and undervalued contribution of unpaid carers.
Through workshops, interviews, and an exhibition at the Welsh Parliament, the project used “craftivism” to share stories, influence policy, and strengthen community connections — ultimately winning a national award for its impact.
This work demonstrates how Brighton’s collaborative approach extends far beyond research and teaching. By empowering communities to shape and share knowledge, the university is creating lasting change and ensuring that its expertise makes a difference where it matters most.
Influencing policy and practice
Demonstrating crucial work with the public and third sector, the Â鶹´«Ã½ led Health Counts 2024,
collaborating with NHS Sussex, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the Brighton and Hove Federation, with funding from the public health team at Brighton & Hove City Council. The study revealed stark inequalities that partners have committed to addressing.
Caroline Vass, Director of Public Health for Brighton & Hove City Council, said:
“This research demonstrates the power of working collaboratively with academic research and health and wellbeing organisations to reach communities and involve residents in developing local strategies.
We are committed, alongside our partners in the NHS and community and voluntary sector, to use this deeper understanding to maintain and improve health and wellbeing for everyone across our city and tackle inequalities.”
By combining academic insight with the on-the-ground experience of partners, the Â鶹´«Ã½ is helping to shape policies and practices that make a lasting difference — a clear reflection of its belief that what we do matters.
Delivering impact now and in the future
Across every area of its work, the Â鶹´«Ã½ is focused on making knowledge count — translating ideas into action and expertise into positive impact. Its partnerships are creating meaningful benefits for people and places locally, nationally, and globally.
Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange), said:
“The KEF5 results are a powerful endorsement of the Â鶹´«Ã½’s commitment to applying its research and expertise where it matters most — on the ground, in our communities, and driving economic and social improvements.
“Whether we’re supporting local businesses to innovate, engaging with citizens to address diverse challenges, helping the public and third sector to find solutions or providing students with real-world experience through volunteering and entrepreneurship, our partnerships are built to create lasting change. Together, we put bold ideas into action to improve lives and the world around us. We’re proud to be recognised for our impact – and look forward to working with new and existing partners for a better future.”
Partner with us
The Knowledge Exchange Framework highlights how universities across England, including the Â鶹´«Ã½, are delivering real benefits for society and the economy.
To explore the KEF results, visit the .
To learn more about the Â鶹´«Ã½’s collaborative projects, initiatives and partnerships, visit:
Businesses, charities, and public sector organisations interested in partnering with the Â鶹´«Ã½ can contact the Knowledge Exchange team at KnowledgeExchange@brighton.ac.uk.
*Imperial College London, Newcastle University, The University of Birmingham, The University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham, University of Southampton.