THE University of Kent will receive £2.2m of Government funding to support knowledge transfer from universities to business and the wider community.

The award is part of the Government's drive to boost the UK's innovation, performance and productivity. The scheme is a major feature of the Government's strategy to increase prosperity and provide high quality job opportunities.

Professor David Melville, vice-chancellor at the University of Kent, said: “We are very pleased to receive this award which will enable the University to reinforce its partnerships and support for business in Kent. This funding is a boost for economic prosperity in the region.”

The awards, which are worth more than £185m over the next two years, have been made under the second round of funding for the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF2).

They will help universities and colleges across the country to carry out a range of knowledge transfer-related activities.

Dr Mark Bowman, head of the Enterprise Unit at the University, said: “The University is delighted with the result of the HEIF2 funding round.

“We are now in a very strong position to rapidly accelerate Kent's enterprise activity and to build national and international recognition of the University's capabilities.”