KTP Awards 2025 - Celebrating 50 Years of KTP: A Night to Remember in Manchester
Last week, the West of Scotland KTP Centre team travelled to Manchester for a very special occasion - the KTP Awards, held at the breathtaking Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. With its grand architecture and elegant atmosphere, the venue was the perfect backdrop to mark 50 years of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme.
As we descended into the ballroom, the excitement was palpable. The evening kicked off with historian and broadcaster Professor Suzannah Lipscombe, who shared reflections on her own journey as a former KTP Associate. Her words set the tone beautifully for what was to come. The keynote address by Baroness Greenfield CBE followed, highlighting the enduring impact and importance of the KTP programme.
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for - the awards ceremony. We were absolutely thrilled that all of our finalists came away with a win!
- Dr Simeon Skopalik took home the Future Leader Award for his KTP with Soapworks and the University of Glasgow.
- The Soapworks project also clinched the Technical Excellence Award.
- Dr Firdous Ul Nazir from the School of Science and Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University was named Academic of the Year for his outstanding work with TNEI Services. A huge congratulations to all of them!
The KTP Centre was also proud to be a finalist for the Best Knowledge Base KTP Support Team. Although the trophy went to the University of Essex (well deserved!), it was an honour to be recognised alongside such strong contenders, including Aston University.
We were delighted to share the evening with Professor Jillian MacBryde, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, and Professor John Connolly, Pro Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University. Also attending were several of our KTP Associates, Susan Armstrong, Knowledge Exchange & Contracts Lead at GCU, Professor Steve Love from Glasgow School of Art, and our friends from the East and North of Scotland KTP Centres.
After the formalities there was a fabulous selection of food, and then it was time for a fiendishly difficult quiz. Suffice to say we did not win, but we had a great time trying!
Huge thanks to Innovate UK for such a memorable event!