Collaborative Research and Innovation

For driving forward collaborative partnerships across a strategic theme.

Winner: The Aftrak Team

Aftrak is a groundbreaking initiative that combines solar microgrids and tailored tractors to empower smallholder farmers across Africa. It aims to significantly increase crop yields and smallholder incomes while providing access to clean, green electricity in rural communities. Invented, designed and manufactured on campus, Aftrak demonstrates reliable and affordable energy generation in remote locations, from small to large scale with innovative modular solar microgrids, whilst improving soil preparation for people of all levels of ability.

The Aftrak Team with the Vice-Chancellor
The Aftrak Team receiving a VC award from the Vice-Chancellor, Nick Jennings

Nominees

Jane Spencer

Jane managed the UK PACT project – a partnership between several parties including the World Bank and the Kenyan and UK governments. Jane has managed stakeholders in a professional, respectful and very human way to make the most of these partnerships. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ's relationship with Government of Kenya has clearly been improved by this project.

The Hydrogen Works Development Team

The ‘Hydrogen Works’ development team have played a key role in lining together the University’s narrative around Green Hydrogen, and telling it to the world. Their approach has secured funds from East Midlands Freeport for an Innovation Centre in clean energy – bringing partners from across industry and education together.

Advanced Ceramics Research Group

Through their pioneering, £18.6 million ‘Strength in Places’ flagship research project, this group have advanced the frontiers of Additive Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics and created significant international leadership for º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. Much of this was only possible due to the team’s embedded research ethos on carrying out adventurous, interdisciplinary, collaborative research.

The DECODE Project Team

This is a collaborative research project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research that brings together multidisciplinary researchers. This team explores new approaches to the co-ordination of health and social care for multiple long-term conditions – like diabetes, heart disease and asthma – among adults with learning disabilities.