On Thursday
22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer
Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria
University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria
Academics involved in the programme including RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024 winner, Catherine Sinclair.
At the
meeting Catherine presented her work as a KTP Associate with leading architect
and design firm, Space Architects, through which she is aiming to drive forward
innovation in the field of low carbon. Early intervention is crucial for whole
life carbon (WLC) reduction, and Catherine is on a mission to bring WLC
analysis to the forefront of the design decision-making process.
Through the
partnership she is developing a digital tool that can analyse the WLC of design
decisions from the earliest stages, including location, form and structure.
This enables WLC analysis to be treated as a core rather than specialist
activity within architecture.
Rob
Charlton, CEO of Space Group has been impressed by the work Catherine has
completed, saying "We couldn't be prouder of Catherine and all that she
has already achieved in her career. Catherine exemplifies what it means to lead
with vision, innovation and integrity, setting an inspiring example through her
dedication to helping others and leading the research into Whole Life Carbon
and reducing impact of the built environment."
Speaking on
the benefits of undertaking her KTP Catherine said: “The partnership has
allowed the opportunity for both Space Architects and Northumbria University to
collaborate and progress early strategies for whole life carbon reduction
across the design process. Embedding sustainability at the core of the design
process and having developed the D-CARB tool to be used at the earliest stage
of a project has already provided proven impact and outcomes in regard to whole
life carbon reduction within our designs.”
Following
their visit to campus Richard Lamb, Head of KTP Programme, Innovate UK and John
Clayton, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK KTN, met with the project team
for the Northumbria University and Space Architects KTP.
Speaking on
the visit, Richard Lamb said: “It has been marvellous to visit Northumbria
University as part of our wider North East tour celebrating the 50th birthday of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. It has been fantastic
to hear about the ongoing KTPs at Northumbria and especially pleasing to meet
Catherine and the team at Space Architects to hear about such a successful
example of a KTP.”
Innovate UK
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring together forward-thinking businesses and
expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic,
societal or environmental outcomes. The partnerships are tailored to the
specific requirements of individual participants and businesses, each
addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates,
businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12-36
months.
Since 1975,
KTPs have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between
businesses and academic institutions. They have proven effective for businesses
and universities, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around
800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college,
research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates.
Find out
more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships atNorthumbria University.
