UWS nominated for four prestigious knowledge exchange awards

UWS has been shortlisted for four coveted Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, it was announced today (11 March 2021).

UWS projects are finalists in the Innovation of the Year, Powerful Partnerships and Innovator of the Future categories, following a record-breaking number of entries.

The University’s ground-breaking artificial intelligence collaboration with Thales and CENSIS has been shortlisted in the Powerful Partnerships category, following a pioneering project to develop AI technology which can save lives by identifying missing people and providing warnings about buildings at risk of collapse.

UWS’s work with Phoenix Instinct is up for two awards, recognising UWS’s KTP Associate, Dr Jakub Rycerz as a finalist for Innovator of the Future, and the team’s work with the Forres-based company to develop the world’s first-ever SMART, ultra-light weight, manual wheelchair, has secured them a nomination for Innovation of the Year.

Also up for Innovation of the Year is UWS’s work with the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology (The Scottish Crannog Centre) and Loch Tay, to revitalise the Centre by designing an innovative immersive visitor experience integrated with physical space and exhibitions.

The awards, organised by Interface, are recognised as the premiere celebration of knowledge exchange between businesses and academics in Scotland, showcasing the incredible achievements of collaborative partnerships and individuals alike.

It is fantastic to see UWS shortlisted for four Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards. There is truly ground-breaking, globally-relevant knowledge exchange taking place across the University, performing life-changing innovation with industry-leading organisations. These award nominations are testament to UWS’s dedication, hard work and strong partnership approach with businesses spanning a range of sectors in Scotland and beyond. I am incredibly proud of the team and wish everyone involved the best of luck for the upcoming awards ceremony.

Professor Milan Radosavljevic, Vice-Principal for Research, Innovation and Engagement at UWS

UWS’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership portfolio currently stands at 35 KTP projects, with a combined value in excess of £7 million, positioning UWS as third in the UK and number one in Scotland by size of its KTP portfolio.

Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Innovation and Public Finance, said: “The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by Interface, act as an excellent tribute to the outstanding achievements of all those working across industry and academia.

“This event also highlights the crucial role that innovation can play, especially in these challenging times for business, in building sustainable economic growth and increasing productivity

“I’d like to congratulate all the nominees who have rightly been recognised for their tremendous work throughout the year.”

All the winners will be announced online at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards Ceremony on 21^st April 2021. You can view the full shortlist here.