Winners included a ground-breaking software project that enables scientists to predict how a drug will behave prior to clinical trials, thereby saving multi millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on testing drugs that could later fail. Richard Birtles, Company Secretary and Portfolio Manager at Suel Ltd and Member of Simcyp Executive Group said, "Simcyp is delighted to win this award, which recognises how a piece of innovative academic research can be turned into a profitable, growing business serving a global market. The University of Sheffield believes it will inspire researchers further to maximise the impact of their research beyond the walls of academia."
Also winning was a company that develops, markets and distributes world-leading software solutions for engineering design and simulation.Commenting on the award, Simpleware’s founder Prof Philippe Young said, “We are delighted that our software has been recognised by this accolade. It is a testament to the effort made by the whole team at Simpleware and the University of Exeter over a number of years. The award recognises our achievements in applying computer simulation techniques to complex structures and objects.”
Other winners included a twenty-five year collaboration that is now having huge impact on national CO2 emissions resulting from engine improvements in everyday passenger cars and a special recognition award that went to a project that transformed a business through its engagement in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between a business and university. Finally, there was an individual award for those who are involved in translating the outputs of UK research into the new innovations of tomorrow.
Dr Douglas Robertson, PraxisUnico Chairman rounded off the evening by saying, “What a fantastic evening. It is incredibly important to celebrate achievements and the field of technology and knowledge transfer is no different. My congratulations to all who participated and, in particular, the winners. These success stories demonstrate the diversity of activities emerging from university and research laboratories. We had over 100 applications but that in turn represents just a very small part of the research base's contribution to the economy much of which goes unnoticed.”
The winners
Business Impact – Achieved award:
University of Sheffield for The Simcyp Simulator
Business Impact – Aspiring award
Simpleware Ltd/University of Exeter for Simpleware
Collaborative Impact award
University of Bath and Ford Motor Company for Fuel Efficient, Low Carbon Cars
Special Recognition
Tough Furniture Ltd/University of Wolverhampton, School of Art & Design for Tough Furniture
KT (Knowledge Transfer) Achiever of the Year
Dr Sonja Vujovic, Edinburgh Research and Innovation
Winners of The Impact Awards were announced at the PraxisUnico Conference Gala Dinner, the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth on Thursday evening, 14 June 2012.
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For further information:
Additional information
The Impact Award categories include:
· Business Impact – Achieved
· Business Impact – Aspiring
· Collaborative Impact
· KT Achiever of the Year
In 2012 a Special Recognition award was included for the first time.
About PraxisUnico
PraxisUnico is the UK’s leading research commercialisation association and a not-for-profit educational organisation set up to support innovation and commercialisation of public sector and charity research for social and economic impact. PraxisUnico encourages innovation and acts as a voice for the research commercialisation profession, facilitating the interaction between the public sector research base, business and government. PraxisUnico provides a forum for best practice exchange, underpinned by first-class training and development programmes.