Solent stands out in new data

Now in its fifth year, KEF data is published by Research England and assesses the impact universities in England have in a variety of key areas, including how it benefits communities and supports economies. The latest publication shines a spotlight on the successful way Solent drives research partnerships, continued professional development and graduate start-ups in the region – and it’s well above average.

Professor Cathy Barnes, Solent’s Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, says:

“It is fantastic to see Solent continue to perform well in its key priority areas. As a university, we are pleased to have been recognised for delivering engagement well above the cluster average in a range of areas, including public and community engagement – an essential focus for us as a civic university.

“As we continue to evolve our approach in line with Solent’s Strategy 2035, we will use this data to inform what we do, ensuring it is tailored to the needs of our communities both on and off campus.”

Climbing the ranks across the last three years, Solent’s research partnerships show ‘high’ engagement in this year’s KEF publication, marking it above the rest of its cluster. Research at the University aims to tackle the challenges of today, and the institution is a partner in a successful National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) project.

As a key partner, Solent is identifying ways to improve health outcomes in Southampton alongside other organisations based in the city. Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health at Southampton City Council, and Honorary Fellow at the University, says:

“Southampton City Council is proud to lead this NIHR-funded Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) project. Together, we aim to create a culture of ‘better evidence for better decisions’ around the building blocks of health, with the goal of improving the health of Southampton residents and reducing inequalities.

“By combining local government and community knowledge with academic research expertise, local policy decisions are far better informed to achieve significant and sustainable improvement in the health of our residents.”

Collaboration sits at the heart of Solent’s approach, with an aim to impact not just its students, but local communities. This is achieved through innovative industry partnerships and includes the Solent Law Clinic.

Developed in collaboration with law firm Dutton Gregory, the clinic offers free legal advice in family and housing law to local residents, while students gain insight into working with clients in a practice-led environment.

When it comes to graduate start-ups, Solent has a long-standing reputation in this area, and KEF 5 shows ‘very high’ engagement for the third year in a row. This result sets the University apart from the rest of the cluster – a grouping of smaller universities with a teaching focus.

Since September 2023, the University has awarded more than £80,000 in funding to students and graduates with business ideas, enabling them to get their start-ups going with essential financial support. Solent Creatives and Start-Ups Manager, Sally Saunders, says:

“Supporting enterprise and start-ups is about more than just business ideas – it’s about giving our students the confidence, skills, and opportunities to shape their own futures. We take a hands-on approach, offering one-to-one guidance, practical workshops on starting a business, and access to start-up funding regardless of the size or stage of the idea.

“We’re committed to creating an environment where creativity and ambition can thrive, and where students feel empowered to turn their passions into real-world impact.”