Research, innovation and impact

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Research, innovation and impact sit at the heart of what universities do and represent critical income strands for many institutions. We support institutions to strengthen their research strategy and delivery. Together, we’ll ensure the governance, models and cultures are in place to enable you to achieve your goals.  

We help you to

Develop clear research and innovation strategies aligned to your distinctive strengths
Strengthen research governance and assurance
Enhance impact, knowledge exchange and engagement activities
Optimise research management and support services
Assess opportunities or business cases for development
Drill into specific questions, whether it is pre- or post-award, contracts, early career experience or other common challenge areas.
Dr Thomas Owen Smith

Dr Thomas Owen Smith

t.owen-smith@sums.ac.uk

Principal Consultant
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SUMS Consulting team

SUMS Consulting team

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Member stories

Research and Knowledge Exchange Digital Transformation, University of Greenwich

SUMS supported the University in developing a business case for investment in infrastructure for digital transformation, aligned with an understanding of the business architecture and operating model of the research and knowledge exchange function. 

Review of Research and Innovation Environment, University of St Andrews

SUMS reviewed the support for research and innovation and the associated cultural environment at the University. Our recommendations were informed by insights from benchmarking and extensive internal engagement, and focused on decision-making, support structures, cultural drivers, researcher development and communications. 

Frequently asked questions

We are higher education specialists. We understand why research matters, how it happens and how it links activities across your institution. We ground our support in each institution’s real environment and drivers, combining this with insights from comparative research, cross-sector benchmarking and expertise from across our service lines about how to set direction and embed change.

Our core team and Associates bring experience of leading and supporting research, innovation and impact across institutions of varied sizes and profiles. These include the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, as well as teaching-intensive and specialist institutions.

We work with you, building on your existing data and evidence to draw new insight, whether you need in-depth analysis for major transformation or a high-level review as a critical friend. Drawing on our experience across higher education and other sectors, we work alongside your institution to understand your goals and turn them into a practical plan for action.

Speak to our team of experts

Our senior HE consultants bring proven solutions, sector insight and hands-on support. Whatever your challenge, we’ll help you find the right way forward, quickly and confidently. 

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