The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is proud to announce that Valerie Pondaven was named a finalist for Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year at the prestigious PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange Awards 2024, held in Bristol.
The annual awards celebrate excellence in knowledge exchange across the UK's research and education sectors, recognising professionals who create meaningful impact through collaboration and innovation. Valerie was shortlisted alongside distinguished academics from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and The University of Salford, with Salford University ultimately taking home the award.
Starting from scratch just two years ago, Valerie created a powerhouse initiative that bridged the often-challenging gap between academia and industry. Under her guidance, the Food Accelerator programme has supported over 100 enterprises and facilitated the launch of 19 new products, growing from a local Kent initiative to one gaining international recognition. What set Valerie apart is her exceptional ability to navigate the different priorities of business and academia, creating meaningful collaborations that benefit both worlds. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience in business innovation support, she has developed a comprehensive support system that includes scientific, commercial, regulatory and investment-readiness training. Her commitment to continuous learning, even taking it upon herself to deepen her understanding of food science through independent study, exemplifies her dedication to excellence. Most impressively, Valerie has fostered an environment where quick business results coexist harmoniously with academic rigor, building lasting partnerships that extend beyond single transactions. Her work hasn't just supported local businesses - it's fundamentally changed how the university approaches knowledge exchange, making her an invaluable asset to both the institution and the wider business community.
Stuart Wilkinson, CEO at PraxisAuril, highlighted the significance of this year's awards: "The KE awards last night showcased an amazingly diverse array of knowledge exchange projects and people who have and are continuing to make a real impact economically and in society, all from a wide range of organisations and their KE partners. It truly was an inspiring snapshot of what is happening across the UK, as research and education organisations come together with partners of all kinds to collaborate and make a real difference to people's lives."
The ceremony, which featured inspiring video stories and celebrated outstanding projects, served as a reminder of knowledge exchange's crucial role in bridging academic research with real-world applications and societal benefits.
This recognition reinforces NRI's commitment to excellence in knowledge exchange and highlights the institute's growing influence in creating sustainable solutions through collaborative partnerships.
Read the PraxisAuril article about the KE Awards 2024 highlights
Watch the NRI video on YouTube