Knowledge Exchange Policy

Why do knowledge exchange?

At CERF, we recognise that the value of excellent research is limited without a direct pathway to impact. CERF is therefore committed to delivering impact through both cutting edge research and a results-oriented portfolio of knowledge exchange activity.

To meet this commitment, we enlist our dedicated Knowledge Exchange Manager to attract and engage stakeholders, raise awareness of the research and its findings, and ensure timely dissemination amongst key stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, or the public).

Fig. 1: An example knowledge exchange process

Fig. 1: An example knowledge exchange process.

Knowledge exchange activities

Every knowledge exchange project is different. For this reason, we work with our partners at the beginning of each research project to understand who the end users for the research might be, and the knowledge needs amongst that community. We have experience in delivering a range of approaches - whether it's a high-profile project that requires knowledge exchange with government, industry, and the public, or a piece of confidential consulting where the results need to be firmly embedded in the organisation.

We go far beyond dissemination though academic journals and conferences, and believe in making sure our knowledge is presented in a way that the end user can use and value. In the past, we have achieved this through the delivery of:

E-newsletters: to enhance risk knowledge and community awareness in Defra
Communication tools: to communicate complex results to decision makers in an engaging and intuitive format
Annual Reports: to report on project progress
Free e-publications: to build the knowledge base in useful areas
Risk games: to engage the public on complex issues
Podcasts: to educate and raise awareness of "hot topics" in our research
Training materials: for use in training days and workshops
Conferences and workshops: to facilitate knowledge exchange between experts, communicate our research direct to end users, and build bridges between disciplines. Recent workshops were rated “very good” or “excellent” by 94% of delegates, with 100% rating presentations as “very good” or “excellent”.
Community development: to promote knowledge sharing amongst risk practitioners in government
Secondments: to enable two-way knowledge exchange between client and researcher
Short courses: which enable us to disseminate research directly to the end user

Collaboration

Our research is highly collaborative, and we frequently collaborate closely with colleagues from across the University, knowledge transfer networks, and external academics on a national and international basis, in order to provide multi-disciplinary support to clients and to our students. CERF is a member of the Environmental Sustainability KTN, Nanotechnology KTN, Financial Services KTN, founder of a network of risk expertise for Defra, and accredited under the Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) programme.

Research is highly applied, and therefore often involves direct collaboration with the end-user/ client. Recent collaborations with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Fera, Cefas and the Environment Agency have led to the production of co-authored manuscripts.

We maintain active collaborations with Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, University of South Australia, University of Alberta, London School of Economics, Rothamsted Research, Lancaster University, University of Kentucky, University of ST Andrews, Loughborough University, Scottish Association for Marine Science, University of Aberdeen, and University of Edinburgh. Additionally, individual contributions have been made to expert panels, such as the Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances.