The White Rose University Consortium’s core mission is to put people at the heart of everything we do. Our latest initiative has equipped a new cohort of university professionals from across the Research Office to take their partnership development and collaboration skills to the next level.

Congratulations to all the participants from across the universities of Leeds, Sheffield, and York who recently completed the intensive Essentials of Partnership Development programme.

By learning how to build mutually beneficial relationships, commercialise innovation activity, and bridge the gap between academia and the non-academic world, this cohort is now primed to deliver social and economic benefits across Yorkshire and beyond.

Delivered in collaboration with Knowledge Exchange UK (KEUK), the UK’s leading professional association for knowledge exchange practitioners, the programme was uniquely designed ‘by practitioners, for practitioners’. 

Over two days, attendees engaged with interactive sessions led by expert facilitators. Together, they explored what external partners truly look for, analysed academic motivations, and learned how to dismantle the common barriers to cross-sector innovation.

Day two shifted focus toward the practical, human mechanics of building and maintaining healthy external relationships. 

Thank you to everyone who brought their energy, ideas, and collaborative spirit to these sessions. 

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