At Derby, we have strong leadership for innovation and research and clear strategic priorities, which focus on creating impact. Our University Innovation and Research Committee and University Professorial Council help set the strategy and ensure researchers have a voice within the University's highest decision-making structures. Delivering on that strategy and ensuring there is a supportive research environment is the job of the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, which acts as the main point of contact for both staff and student researchers.
Driving Innovation and Research at Derby
At the University of Derby, research and innovation are at the heart of everything we do – informing teaching, supporting businesses, driving partnerships, and delivering real-world impact. Our Innovation & Research Department (I&R) oversees all research and knowledge exchange activity, from funding opportunities and researcher development to external submissions, ethics, and impact.
Empowering Researchers, Encouraging Excellence
We provide an environment where research can thrive, helping staff and students develop groundbreaking ideas that support communities, improve lives, and challenge the status quo. Our Colleges, Academic Themes, and Research Centres promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, inclusion, and diversity, ensuring that specialisms emerge and flourish.
We nurture research talent at every stage:
- Postgraduate Student Network & Early Career Researcher Forum – Providing development opportunities for emerging academics.
- Academic Progression & Conferment Process – Supporting career advancement to Associate Professor and Professor, alongside appointments such as Professorships, Visiting Fellowships, and Higher Doctorates.
Translating Research into Real-World Impact
Innovation doesn’t stop in the lab – it transforms industries, policies, and communities. Our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) enable businesses to access cutting-edge research to drive competitive advantage. We also offer funding and support programmes to maximise the benefits of knowledge exchange.
Through strategic partnerships – including Rolls-Royce and the Nuclear Skills Academy, Bloc Digital’s Digital Technology Studio, and our Civic University Agreement – we strengthen our role in driving innovation and economic growth.
A Connected Research Community
As part of the East Midlands Doctoral Network (EMDoc), we collaborate with eight other universities to share best practices, benchmark progress, and expand research opportunities. EMDoc enables us to:
- Develop impactful researcher development programmes
- Foster collaboration on pioneering projects
- Showcase innovative research regionally and nationally
- Support initiatives like the 3 Minute Thesis Competition, EMDoc PGR Conference, and Images of Research competition
Bridging Academia and Industry
Our Business Engagement and Employability Team ensures that research translates into real-world applications by:
- Supporting students and graduates in achieving their career aspirations
- Connecting businesses with academics and research students for consultancy, research, and knowledge exchange
- Delivering industry-relevant training, including apprenticeships, CPD, and upskilling programmes
University Professorial Council
We have a University Professorial Council, which provides strategic support to the University Innovation Research Committee. The Council helps to develop and implement policy and practice that aims to enhance research and innovation quality, intensity, and the environment. The Professorial Council played a key role in developing the Innovation and Research Strategy.
The Council is made up of professors, associate professors and early-career researchers from across the University.
Creating impact
We have an Impact Officer Team, led by Dr Larissa Allwork, Associate Professor in History and Impact, which is based in I&R. Each Impact Officer supports a college and aims to get the most impact out of their research. They help drive research and impact forward, as well as providing training and resources to support the understanding of impact.
The team also help academics plan their impact, develop and deliver engagement projects and work with partners, capture robust evidence, track progress on impact, evaluate outcomes and benefits, and ensure research impact is shared.
In recognition of our excellence in supporting impact through research-informed public engagement, the University of Derby was awarded a Bronze National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) Watermark Award in 2022.
Funding your research project
Understanding and navigating research funding can be overwhelming, particularly when there are a range of funders, funding types and opportunities available. Within the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Office, we have a dedicated team who can support you in finding research funding.
They will guide you through the types of funders including Government funding, UK-based charities, trusts and foundations, and international funders, as well as exploring the funding that is available through networking grants, project grants, research fellowships and Knowledge Transfer Partnership tender and evaluation.
Throughout the process of applying for external funding, researchers and professional services teams are supported by our digital system; Haplo Research Manager. Streamlining and digitising the process, the Research Manager will support with:
- Research grants
- Knowledge Exchange grants e.g., Innovate UK KTPs (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships)
- Consultancy proposals
- Contract Research proposals
- Bids and tenders e.g., for education and training services
- Project costings for all of the above
- Internal grant competitions
- Peer reviews
For guidance on how to use Research Manager, visit our information pages (login required)
For guidance or information on funding, contact our support team at bidsupport@derby.ac.uk
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