Celebrations as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships awarded ‘outstanding’

(Photos: Puffin Packaging / Rail Wagon Association)

The University of Huddersfield is proud to announce that two of its Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) – with Puffin Packaging and the Rail Wagon Association Ltd – have both been awarded the highest possible grade of ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK.

An ‘Outstanding’ grade signifies that a KTP has exceeded expectations across all key areas, including innovation, collaboration, impact, and delivery. It represents the top recognition awarded by Innovate UK, reflecting exceptional achievements in embedding new knowledge, driving business growth, and creating lasting impact.

Ann Storey, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser for both projects, praised the collaborative effort that led to these outstanding results.

She commented: “As KTP Advisor, I am delighted to see these projects recognised as ‘Outstanding’. They demonstrate how strong partnerships between universities and industry can accelerate growth, deliver practical solutions, as well as real impact for society and the environment.”

Puffin Packaging: Pioneering Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The KTP with Puffin Packaging, supported by associate William Turner who is now employed by the company, focused on developing more sustainable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and insulating packaging solutions.

The project was supported by the University of Huddersfield academics Professor Parik Goswami and Dr Athanasios Angelis-Dimakis, working closely with the co-founder of Puffin Packaging, Yannis Archbold.

Professor Goswami, Director of both Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange and the Technical Textiles Research Centre at the University, commented: “The Technical Textiles Research Centre works with the fibre ecosystem to provide opportunities for stakeholders through research initiatives. In collaboration with Puffin Packaging, the University of Huddersfield is involved in developing products intended to support the supply chain and consumers, illustrating how local manufacturing can address broader challenges with input from academic institutions.”

Dr Angelis-Dimakis, Reader in Chemical Engineering from the University’s School of Applied Sciences, added: “This project showcased the development of new and sustainable products, by integrating the environmental impact assessment to the entire life cycle of product development, from their inception to their commercialisation. The project’s success is highlighted by the launch of multiple novel products to the market.”

Rail Wagon Association: Advancing UK Rail Freight Innovation

The University’s KTP with the Rail Wagon Association Ltd has enhanced the understanding of the causes of wear and damage to freight wagon wheelsets, while also exploring strategies to mitigate them. The work involved investigating models, methods, processes, and technologies to enable more proactive, data-driven approaches to wheelset maintenance. The outcomes are now being disseminated across the GB rail freight sector.

The project was supported by University academic Professor Adam Bevan, in association with Colin Denman and Steve Taylor from the Rail Wagon Association, and KTP associate Rizwan Shaik.

Professor Bevan, Associate Director - Enterprise, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange at the University’s Institute of Railway Research, commented: “We are thrilled that our partnership with the Rail Wagon Association has been recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK. This project not only advanced a data-driven approach to freight wagon wheelset maintenance with potential for significant cost savings, but also fostered valuable knowledge exchange between academia and the freight sector. We look forward to building on this strong collaboration with RWA and its members.”

Driving Innovation and Impact

These achievements underscore the University of Huddersfield’s strong track record in working with industry to deliver innovation that makes a measurable difference. The Outstanding ratings highlight the value of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships in embedding academic expertise into businesses, helping them achieve growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.

KTPs are government-funded programmes aimed at helping UK organisations improve performance through innovation. The programme, which is celebrating 50 years of innovation and partnership this year, involves a collaboration between an organisation, a university and a graduate associate, who is funded full-time for the duration of the project.

The University of Huddersfield currently has a portfolio of around 25 KTPs attracting a total of almost £6 million in funding. To find out more about KTP awards at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the KTP section of the University's website or email ktp@hud.ac.uk.