Canterbury Christ Church University is celebrating its strongest-ever performance in Research England’s latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

The University has achieved the highest possible top 20% ranking among English universities for two areas, Research Partnerships and Public and Community Engagement, with five of the seven areas assessed as ranking in the top 40%.

The KEF is an annual assessment of how universities collaborate with external partners to benefit the economy and society, helping to drive economic growth, enrich communities, and address societal challenges.

This year’s results highlight the University’s exceptional progress in building meaningful connections across the region, and the prominent role it has in Kent and Medway. Demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the value of its partnerships, from research and innovation to public engagement, regional regeneration, and workforce development.

In addition to achieving the highest possible top 20% rating for Research Partnerships and Public and Community Engagement, the University also secured a position in the top 40% for other key areas, including Local Growth and Regeneration, Working with the Public and Third Sectors, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Graduate Start-ups.

“At Canterbury Christ Church University we have always prided ourselves on being at the heart of the local and regional communities that we call home, as well as on using our research strengths to drive our work with key partners to support economic growth. Our ranking in the top tier of English universities for Research Partnerships and Public and Community Engagement underpins our ambition to lead innovation and enhance community and cultural life across Kent and Medway. Our traditional strengths in Working with the Public and Third Sector, Continuing Professional Development and in supporting Graduate Start-Ups, are also recognised, which reinforces our long-standing commitment to regional entrepreneurship and to supporting workforce development for our frontline services.
Professor Mike Weed, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and Business Development

The KEF4 results are a significant achievement for the University, cementing its position as a national and regional leader in knowledge exchange and community impact. Through strategic research partnerships with both the public and private sectors, it is driving innovation and addressing key societal challenges. Such as its partnership with Kent Cricket to promote women’s participation in sport. Or its commitment to supporting equal access to education and raising aspirations and attainment for local students through award-winning outreach initiatives such as the Community Lab, STEM Hub, and Inspiring Minds, where the University has reached over 6.4 million young people over five years to promote STEM education.

This achievement follows the recent launch of Our Pledges – Our People, Our Place, Our Partners, which forms part of the University’s Civic University Agreement. Our Pledges demonstrates the University’s commitment to strengthening, celebrating, and supporting Kent and Medway through these three key areas. The KEF4 results show that we are already delivering on these promises, highlighting our track record of meaningful collaboration. They further emphasise the University’s active civic role and its open, accessible approach in supporting communities, driving economic growth, and fostering positive social change

For more information on the Knowledge Exchange Framework and Canterbury Christ Church University’s performance, visit Research England at kef.ac.uk or contact the University’s Enterprise and Engagement Department at b2b@canterbury.ac.uk

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