Unlocking business innovation through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Date
Tuesday 2 September 2025
Location
GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry, Jubilee Campus
About this event
The University of Nottingham is proud to mark 50 years of Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) – a national programme that had transformed businesses, advanced academic research impact, and launched exceptional careers.
At this special breakfast event, we celebrated this remarkable milestone and reflected on the lasting value KTP had brought to our region, our partners, and the wider innovation ecosystem. Together, we looked ahead to the next chapter of collaborative opportunities.
The event highlighted the power of collaboration at the heart of KTP – connecting forward-thinking businesses with world-class academic expertise to drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.
Through inspiring success stories, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities, we shared how KTP had:
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Supported UK businesses to achieve real commercial impact by expanding their capabilities, boosting productivity, and improving their competitive edge.
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Enhanced research impact by translating academic work into real-world solutions that addressed industry challenges and societal needs.
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Shaped careers by enabling KTP Associates to accelerate their professional growth and make significant contributions within industry.
We were delighted to welcome Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager at Innovate UK, to share their perspectives on the future of knowledge exchange.
The event also featured a keynote address from Dr Celina Dugulin, Technical Projects Manager at Murphy and Son, who offered insights from their successful collaboration with the Faculty of Biosciences.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with our dedicated KTP team, as well as colleagues from Innovate UK, to receive expert advice on funding and support opportunities. They were also able to engage with our panel – representing all perspectives of KTP – as we celebrated 50 years of innovation and explored how we could build on this legacy for the decades ahead.
Presentations
Access the slides from the event:
Speakers
Panellists
- Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager, Innovate UK
With over 20 years’ experience across academia, business, and the public sector, Richard brings an expert national perspective on KTP’s evolving impact.
- Dr Celina Dugulin, Technical Projects Manager, Murphy & Son
Celina shared insights from Murphy & Son’s successful KTP collaboration with the University of Nottingham’s School of Biosciences, which produced innovative new products and reinforced the company’s global reputation as a leader in brewing expertise.
- Victoria Howard, Senior Social Mobility Inclusion Manager, Browne Jacobson
A former KTP Associate, Victoria shared her unique journey from academia to industry, and how KTPs can drive inclusive innovation and career growth.
- Prof Jonathan Aylott, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham
A seasoned KTP academic, Jonathan has led multiple successful collaborations across diagnostics, drug detection, and sustainable agriculture.
- Marta Villafranca Valls, KTP Manager, University of Nottingham
With a deep understanding of the people and partnerships behind KTP, Marta offers practical insight into making collaborations work for all parties.
- Chaired by Dr George Rice, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, University of Nottingham.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda item |
|---|
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8.30am
|
Arrival, registration and breakfast
|
|
9am
|
Welcome
Prof Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange, University of Nottingham
|
|
9.10am
|
Inovation UK legacy and beyond
Richard Lamb
KTP Programme Manager, Innovate UK
|
|
9.20am
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Keynote
Dr Celina Dugulin
Technical Projects Manager, Murphy & Son
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|
9.40am
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Panel discussion
Chaired by: Dr George Rice, Director, Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, University of Nottingham
Panellists: Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager, Innovate UK; Prof Jonathan Aylott, Professor of Analytical Science, School of Pharmacy; Victoria Howard, Senior Social Mobility Inclusion Manager, Browne Jacobson; Dr Celina Dugulin, Technical Projects Manager, Murphy & Son; Marta Villafranca Valls, KTP Manager, University of Nottingham
|
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10.20am
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Closing remarks
Dr George Rice
Director, Knowledge Exchange and Business Engagement, University of Nottingham
|
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10.30am
11am
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Networking
Close
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Book your place
This event has now passed.
Getting here
Location: GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry
(building 31, entrance grid reference F3 on the Jubilee Campus map).
For more information about travelling to the Jubilee Campus, including parking and public transport advice, please visit our Maps and Directions page.
Enquiries
If you have a question about this event, please email ktp@nottingham.ac.uk.
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Through government-funded research partnerships, you can unlock new opportunities, boost productivity, and expand into new markets. Whether you're looking to enhance your R&D capabilities, develop breakthrough technologies, or address complex challenges, we provide the expertise and support to turn ideas into impact.
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