Published:
The eighth Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards has officially opened for entries today (5 October 2022) during a ceremony held at Heriot-Watt University.
Interface, an organisation committed to developing and supporting collaborations between business and research communities in Scotland, will host the Awards in person on Thursday 23 March, 2023.
The Awards acknowledge collaborations from businesses, social enterprises, public sector organisations, third sector, universities, research institutes, innovation centres and colleges.
The eighth Awards were launched by Mr Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, at an event for past winners at the new National Robotarium, the largest and most advanced applied research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence in the UK.
Located on Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus, the vibrant hub for innovation and industry collaboration was a fitting location for the launch.
Dr Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “We're enormously proud to have won several Knowledge Exchange Awards in recent years. These prestigious awards recognise and celebrate the importance of working in partnership with business and the impact that approach can have on accelerating research into commercial application. At Heriot-Watt University, entrepreneurship and innovation lie at the heart of our strategy and we work hard to inspire our students and academics to pursue the commercial potential of their creative ideas.”
Business Minister Ivan McKee said: “It was great to be part of the launch event for 2023 Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (SKEAs), celebrating the innovative collaborations between business and the research community across Scotland.
“I have been involved with the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards for a number of years now and always look forward to hearing more about the impact of these business-academic partnerships across all sectors of industry, helping to tackle some of society's big challenges and making Scotland a more resilient nation.”
Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, added: “It is important we acknowledge the impact of these unique partnerships and celebrate the achievements of the individuals who are driving growth, prosperity and innovation in our local communities.”
The eight Award categories now open for entries are:
Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd
Innovator of the Future – sponsored by SCI Scotland Group
Knowledge Exchange Champion
Knowledge Exchange Heroes
Making a Social Difference – sponsored by CEIS
Making an Environmental Difference - sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland
Multiparty Collaboration
Powerful Partnership
The winners will be chosen on their demonstration of innovation, impact - societal or economic - and transformation, along with personal contributions to knowledge exchange.
Individuals from academia or businesses are encouraged to apply by 9 December, 2022.