Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding its Regional Forum meeting at
Northumbria University last month. During the event on 22 May the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria academics involved in the programme including Catherine Sinclair, the university’s
RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024.
At the meeting Catherine Sinclair presented her work as a KTP Associate with leading architect and design firm,
Space Architects, through which she is aiming to drive forward innovation in the field of whole-life carbon (WLC). Early intervention is crucial and Catherine is on a mission to bring WLC analysis to the forefront of the design decision-making process.
Through the partnership she is developing a digital tool that can analyse the WLC of design decisions from the earliest stages, including location, form and structure. This enables WLC analysis to be treated as a core rather than specialist activity within architecture.
Space Group’s CEO Rob Charlton has been impressed by the work Catherine Sinclair has completed. He said: “We couldn’t be prouder of Catherine and all that she has already achieved in her career. She exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, innovation and integrity, setting an inspiring example through her dedication to helping others and leading the research into WLC and reducing impact of the built environment.”
Early strategies
Speaking on the benefits of undertaking her KTP, Catherine Sinclair said: “The partnership has allowed the opportunity for both Space Architects and Northumbria University to collaborate and progress early strategies for whole-life carbon reduction across the design process. Embedding sustainability at the core of the design process and having developed the D-CARB tool to be used at the earliest stage of a project has already provided proven impact and outcomes in regard to whole-life carbon reduction within our designs.”
Following their visit to campus, Richard Lamb, head of KTP Programme at Innovate UK and John Clayton, Knowledge Transfer adviser at Innovate UK KTN, met with the project team for the Northumbria University and Space Architects KTP. He said: “It has been marvellous to visit Northumbria University as part of our wider North East tour celebrating the 50th birtday of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. It has been fantastic to hear about the ongoing KTPs at Northumbria and especially pleasing to meet Catherine Sinclair and the team at Space Architects to hear about such a successful example of a KTP.”
Innovate UK KTPs bring together forward-thinking businesses and expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic, societal or environmental outcomes. The partnerships are tailored to the specific requirements of individual participants and businesses, each addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates, businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12 to 36 months.
Since 1975, KTPs have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between businesses and academic institutions. They have proven effective for businesses and universities, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates.