We have recently received our results of the annual Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), an initiative introduced by Research England.

Similar to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the KEF is also a measurement that we use to benchmark and track our activities and performance – in this case within knowledge exchange.

Simply put, knowledge exchange is our work with external partners such as businesses and organisations of all sizes to share our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the community and economy.

The KEF measures seven perspectives of knowledge exchange, namely:

• Research partnerships
• Working with business
• Working with the public and third sector
• Skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Local growth and regeneration
• Intellectual Property (IP) and commercialisation; and
• Public and community engagement

The metrics used are based on income, and in the case of Public and community engagement and Local growth and regeneration – a self-assessment submission. To aid benchmarking and performance, institutions are clustered together with comparable universities.

This year we are encouraged to report that once again, our results remain consistent and expected amongst our competitor universities. We remain average or above average engagement for the majority of the above perspectives.

Our ranking slightly increased in the Research Partnerships element but dipped slightly for Working with Business. This seems to be mainly due to movements in the wider sector affecting the benchmark as our activity remains fairly stable.

We will use these results to track and improve our performance in these areas, to ensure we remain accountable and continue to play an important role in our community. It also helps to showcase the excellent work we are doing at a national level, and in the future, may be used by Research England to inform its approach to funding.

Professor Sarah Speight
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (SFHT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare education, research, and innovation across Nottinghamshire and the wider region.

The MoU sets out a shared commitment to collaborate across key areas including clinical and non-clinical placements, workforce development and digital transformation. The partnership will focus on improving the health and wellbeing of local communities while supporting the recruitment, education, and retention of high-quality healthcare professionals.

Initial areas of focus include expanding placement opportunities for NTU students, developing joint research initiatives, and creating pathways for employment and education in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

Steve Denton, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nottingham Trent University, said:

“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities. By combining NTU’s academic excellence with the clinical expertise of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, we are creating new opportunities for students, staff, and the wider population. Together, we will drive innovation, support workforce development, and strengthen the civic role of both institutions.”

Dr David Selwyn, Acting Chief Executive at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Sherwood Forest Hospitals is committed to improving lives across the communities we serve and this partnership with Nottingham Trent University is another brilliant example of how we work with other local organisations to do just that.

“This exciting partnership will help our local hospitals to explore research and innovation opportunities with our local education providers, helping our local NHS to access the cutting-edge facilities and thinking that our universities have to offer.

“Crucially, this commitment will also create more opportunities for local people to step into the NHS to learn and work locally – helping to meet the needs of our local communities, both now and for many years to come.”

The commitment builds on the institutions’ individual partnerships with West Nottinghamshire College. The partnership will also extend to the University, College and Trust working together to design university healthcare courses that will prepare local people for working in the local health and care sector.

Cutting-edge nanotechnology will drive a new generation of fertilisers aimed at addressing UK food security by improving the nutritional value, performance and health of crops and plants.

Scientists at Nottingham Trent University are working with the company Micromix Plant Health as part of the three-year knowledge transfer partnership, being funded by Innovate UK.

It will involve incorporating nanotechnology-enhanced formulations to plant feed, allowing targeted and increased absorption of essential nutrients directly into plant roots and through the leaves.

This ‘precision agriculture’ approach is expected to result in increased yields, reduced harvest times, and prevent against pests, as well as reducing reliance on imported chemicals often used in less effective traditional fertilisers.

The work will involve embedding advanced nanotechnology expertise initially developed at Nottingham Trent University for the pharmaceutical industry into commercially viable plant feed and will benefit UK commercial agriculture and horticulture sectors.

It is thought to be the first time commercially accessible plant biostimulant has been produced using bespoke nanotechnology that has the capacity to correct trace mineral deficiencies as a way of improving both crop productivity and nutrition.

The project will also address two major environmental challenges in modern agriculture by minimising fertiliser waste and reducing environmental runoff containing possible pollutants.

In turn this will also help improve the farmers’ profitability with a reduced cost of treatment to achieve the yield increases required to maintain commercial viability.

Nano-minerals will be synthesized and new fortified plant feed will be formulated in both powder and liquid form before a series of plant performance trials across the UK.

“This work will tackle general inefficiencies inherent in traditional fertilisers and will benefit both farmers and gardeners,” said principal investigator Gareth Cave, Professor in Advanced nanotechnology and sustainable chemistry in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.

He said: “Our technology can help drive agricultural productivity and resilience by accelerating crop growth and yield, strengthening plant defences against environmental pressures, and reducing vulnerability to pests.

“This precision-targeted approach to nutrient delivery will ensure controlled release directly to plant roots, optimising absorption while preventing excess leaching into ecosystems.

“The result is healthier soil, reduced environmental impact and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.”  

Tom Mawhood, Director of Micromix Plant Health, said: “We are excited to commence work with Gareth and his team both to develop new products but also to improve the effectiveness of our existing products.

“Farmers face considerable financial and practical challenges and we anticipate that these enhanced nano-products will materially improve quality, yield and profitability.

“There are already some interesting developments we are pursuing for each of cereal crops, oilseeds, potatoes and sugar beet.”

Chef Michael Cook, who studied for a Master’s Degree in International Tourism and Hospitality at Cardiff Metropolitan University, has been recognised with the Life Change Award in this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards.

Following the recent success of the Netflix drama, Adolescence, Masculinities Scholar and Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dr Ashley Morgan discusses masculine toxicity.

Ashley said: “The rise of the ‘manosphere’ in the 2020s marked a significant cultural shift. What began as fringe online forums has evolved into a widespread network of influencers, podcasts and social media personalities promoting hyper-masculine ideals, often under the guise of self-improvement or so-called ‘male empowerment’.

“As these narratives gain traction among impressionable young audiences, particularly boys and adolescents, the lines between confidence and aggression, mentorship and manipulation, have become increasingly blurred. This raises urgent questions about the impact of digital culture on male identity and emotional development.”

What is masculine toxicity? Is it new? What are the signs? Was Adolescence a catalyst for conversation and reminder of society’s responsibility to protect young boys from harmful online content?

For further information or to arrange an interview with Ashley Morgan, please contact press@cardiffmet.ac.uk or call 029 2041 6362.

A mature student has achieved first-class honours at Cardiff Metropolitan University and secured national recognition as an ’Undergraduate of the Year’ finalist.

Warren Abraham, 52, made the decision to retrain as a teacher following the death of his wife during the Covid-19 pandemic, having previously worked as a teaching assistant. Determined to build a new future for himself and his young son, he enrolled at Cardiff Met and quickly stood out for his academic strength and resilience.

Throughout his time at Cardiff Met, Warren immersed himself in opportunities to develop professionally and connect with peers, including mentoring younger students. As a mature student with real-world experience, he became a positive role model within Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy – earning the nickname of ‘Dad’ among his cohort.

He was also recognised in the highly competitive Undergraduate of the Year Awards, where he was shortlisted from over 5,000 applicants across the UK in the ‘career changer’ category. The Undergraduate of the Year Awards is run by Target Jobs and rewards the best students in the UK.

The Career Changer award celebrates individuals who have made significant shifts in their careers and demonstrated excellence and determination in the face of challenges. As part of the finalist event, Warren had the opportunity to meet other shortlisted students and public figures, including Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea.

As part of his final year at the University, Warren won a first-class grade for his final project exploring the experiences of left-handed children in education. Drawing from his own observations and personal interests, he investigated the often-overlooked challenges that left-handed pupils face in classroom environments predominantly designed for right-handed learners.

Warren credits his academic success to the support of his late wife’s family, who have played an essential role in helping him raise his son. Their help with childcare and tuition finance allowed him the time and peace of mind to focus on his studies.

Now preparing to enter the classroom as a fully qualified teacher, Warren is particularly drawn to working with upper Key Stage 2, year groups he finds both challenging and deeply rewarding. He explained: “With older pupils – especially in Years 4, 5, and 6 – you really have to earn their engagement. They’re beginning to form their own ideas and test boundaries, so building that connection takes effort, but that challenge is what makes it so rewarding. I’m excited by the opportunity to make a lasting impact at such a crucial stage, just as they’re preparing for the big leap to secondary school. It’s a pivotal time in their lives, and I want to be someone who helps them navigate it with confidence.”

Crossing the Wales Millennium Centre stage at Cardiff Met’s graduation ceremony in July, Warren looks forward to being joined by his son and parents-in-law for the big day.