Lancaster University has seen three projects shortlisted in the national Knowledge Exchange UK (KEUK) Awards, recognising its work to turn research and expertise into practical solutions for businesses, workplaces and communities.

The initiatives span workplace wellbeing, health and care innovation and cyber security and digital skills. Together, they demonstrate how the University works with external organisations to address real-world challenges and deliver benefits for society and the economy.

The annual KEUK Awards celebrate excellence in knowledge exchange across higher education, highlighting how universities and their partners translate research, expertise and innovation into tangible impact.

Dr Mark Rushforth, Associate Director of Enterprise and Innovation at Lancaster University, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories in the KEUK Awards, reflecting the breadth and strength of knowledge exchange across the University.

“We pride ourselves on working closely with external organisations to develop demand-led solutions which draw on our research strengths and deliver meaningful benefits for society. Our valuable partnerships extend from private and public sector organisations to charities and other higher education institutions.

“This recognition builds on the University’s recent strong performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework and demonstrates our commitment to translating research and expertise into high-quality outcomes that make a difference.”

MENO-Kit, the UK’s first free, evidence-based online menopause training toolkit, has been shortlisted in the Public Vote category. Developed through collaboration between Lancaster University researchers and partners, the toolkit was tested with more than 2,100 participants across eight organisations.

It provides practical resources to help people understand and manage menopause symptoms in the workplace, supporting employers to create more informed and supportive working environments.

Explore the toolkit and register for free at www.meno-kit.org.uk. Public voting will open in early November at ke.org.uk.

In the Advancing KE Culture category, judges recognised the Health Innovation Community, which brings together health and care experts around Lancaster University’s flagship Health Innovation Campus.

The community provides a focal point for collaboration between researchers and organisations across the public, private and third sectors, helping connect expertise, encourage new ideas and support innovation.

The Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) has been shortlisted in the Sector Collaboration category for its work bringing together expertise from four universities, a further education college network and more than 20 industry partners.

The initiative enables businesses and education providers to share knowledge, research and facilities to develop new products and technologies, strengthen supply chains, build collaborative relationships and develop workforce skills. Its work focuses on areas including cyber security, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.