Senior research and knowledge exchange leaders from across the UK higher education sector will come together at GuildHE’s annual Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium on Thursday 19 March 2026.

Hosted by GuildHE in collaboration with the GuildHE Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place (KIP) Network, the event will provide a forum for institutional leaders to explore emerging developments in research and knowledge exchange, share best practice, and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

The programme will focus on key priorities for research and innovation in smaller and specialist institutions, including approaches to measuring and evidencing knowledge exchange impact, strengthening engagement between research and public policy, and recognising the vital contribution of technical specialists to research and innovation.

Sessions will include contributions from the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology, the Universities Policy Engagement Network, the National Development Centre for Technicians, and Harper Adams University.

Rachel Persad, Head of Research Policy at GuildHE, said: “We’re pleased to bring together research and knowledge exchange leaders from across our diverse membership to share insights and explore how institutions can demonstrate the value and impact of their work. This symposium reflects GuildHE’s commitment to supporting research leaders in smaller and specialist institutions and ensuring their work continues to influence policy, practice and innovation across the sector.”

Dana Gamble, Policy Manager at GuildHE, said: "We're excited to invite colleagues to join the programme today that focuses on knowledge exchange and impact. We will explore how we can demonstrate the full value of knowledge exchange and translate innovation and research into public policy. In a complex research landscape, we need to keep Knowledge Exchange on the agenda and continue to lobby for a more sophisticated environment for innovation."

The event will also include networking and peer discussion sessions to support knowledge sharing and new collaborations.

 

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For media enquiries and interviews:
Julia Roche, Interim Communications Manager: [email protected] or telephone +44 7418 069 364.

Notes to editors:

  1. Further information including a full speaker list can be obtained on GuildHE’s website.
  2. Attendance is open to GuildHE members only. Institutions interested in GuildHE membership are invited to email [email protected] for further details.
  3. This in-person event will be held between 9:30am to 4:00pm, at the George Fox Suite, Friends House, London NW1 2BJ. 
  4. GuildHE is an officially recognised representative body for UK Higher Education, championing distinction and diversity in the sector. Our members are small and large, rural and urban, practice-based and online, publicly and privately funded. The diversity of our membership enables us a unique and valuable perspective into the challenges and opportunities within, and for, the sector at any given time. 
  5. GuildHE members are renowned for their practical, industry-relevant education, research and innovation - which meet critical skills needs for the twenty-first century, while making a significant contribution to regional growth, industry development and the national economy. As an organisation, we lead the charge for a dynamic and future-focused sector comprising a variety of institutional types to ensure the opportunities and success we know underpin its strength. We empower members to drive progress and shape a better future.
  6. GuildHE Research strengthens research capacity in smaller and specialist UK higher education institutions, shaping sector policy, providing peer support, and enabling collaboration for research leaders.