Innovation and Impact Awards

Pioneering research and innovative business collaborations which have changed policy and practice in the fields of business, healthcare and society have been recognised at Cardiff University's annual Innovation and Impact Awards.

Sponsored by Geldards Law Firm and Fusion IP, the awards celebrate the impact of excellent research and practice across the University's three Colleges. The ceremony (21st May 2013) saw four research projects or collaborations receiving awards  in front of guests including the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones.

The Business Innovation Prize was awarded to a collaboration between the Schools of Engineering and Computer Sciences & Informatics and Ford Motor Company Ltd. A series of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - where an Associate is recruited to work on a strategic project at the business premises, mentored by University staff - have increased productivity and reduced costs at the engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales.

The ASSIST programme, led by Professor Laurence Moore of the School of Social Sciences and Professor Rona Campbell of the University of Bristol, in partnership with DECIPHer Impact Ltd received the Innovation in Healthcare Award for helping reduce the uptake of smoking among teenagers by training influential students to act as peer supporters.

The Regional Impact Prize was awarded to Professor Justin Lewis and Dr Stephen Cushion of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies for their research which was influential in changing the way the BBC reports on political issues post-devolution

Professor Martin Innes of the Universities Police Sciences Institute, based in the School of Social Sciences, was presented with the Award for Social, Cultural or Policy Impact for his research which helped crack down on serious drug-related crime in South Wales.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: "These are some of the best examples of how Cardiff's research, collaborations and partnerships are having a real impact on society, healthcare and industry in Wales and beyond. We are committed to sharing our world-leading research with organisations, businesses and communities to help them grow and succeed."

Leading law firm Geldards sponsored Cardiff University's Innovation & Impact Awards. The firm's Chief Executive, Jeff Pearson, who presented two awards on the evening said: "Geldards values its relationship with Cardiff University and has always looked to support and encourage innovative ways of thinking and that is why we've sponsored these Awards since their inception 15 years ago.

"It's vital to support and develop new ideas and initiatives. Cardiff University is doing a remarkable job in nurturing the people behind them as they will make a key contribution to kick starting the economic wellbeing of Wales and the rest of the UK."

Doug Liversidge the Chairman of Fusion IP who presented the Award for Social, Cultural and Policy impact said: "Fusion is delighted to be sponsoring these awards for the sixth year running. We greatly value our relationship with Cardiff University and look forward to helping to create exciting new businesses out of their world leading IP for many more years to come."

The Innovation and Impact Awards Competition is organised under the auspices of Cardiff University Innovation Network; the business/university network established in 1996. The Awards are an opportunity for Cardiff University academic staff to showcase their innovative collaborations with business and other non-academic organisations, demonstrating the positive impact that universities can have on economy and society.