Welcome to IES

"Research and Knowledge Exchange sits at the heart of the University of Bedfordshire’s commitment to making a significant social and economic contribution to the local and national economy.

We understand the key challenges faced by businesses and entrepreneurs; and use our academic resources and expertise to help you thrive through a range of programmes that include professional consultancy, funding opportunities, work experience placements and targeted training sessions.

We believe that higher level skills help people, businesses and public sector organisations to achieve the very highest levels of success. The University has the largest offer of apprenticeships in the SEMLEP area, and we offer a variety of CPD courses that help add value to your organisation.

We strive to translate our research into impactful results that help to solve both global and local challenges, and influence policy and strategy. With nine specialist Research Institutes at the University, our knowledge helps develop novel approaches that solve real-world problems."

Dr Nicholas Lancaster

Director, Innovation & Enterprise Service

Our Social and Economic Impact

In January 2020, Hatch Regeneris, an independent economics consultancy, carried out a robust research analysis of the University of Bedfordshire's social and economic impact on the local and national economy.

Read the University's Impact Report [PDF] to find out about our key Research and Knowledge Exchange activities.

Research and Knowledge Exchange in our Strategic Plan

Working collaboratively with businesses to create social and economic impact is specifically outlined as theme 4 of our Strategic Plan [PDF], integrating seamlessly with our widening participation mission.