PraxisAuril announces rebrand to Knowledge Exchange UK at PraxisAuril Conference 2024
Cambridge, UK – 6th June, PraxisAuril, the UK's leading professional association for knowledge exchange practitioners, announced at their annual conference that the organisation will rebrand to Knowledge Exchange UK.
PraxisAuril CEO, Stuart Wilkinson, addressed a packed conference room, detailing that the decision to rebrand to Knowledge Exchange UK reflects the organisations’ mission to share knowledge, uphold standards, represent a diverse and thriving sector, and to enable excellence in knowledge exchange. The rebrand will take effect in the Autumn to coincide with the launch of a new website designed for members and stakeholders in the knowledge exchange community.
Amanda Selvaratnam, Chair of the PraxisAuril Board, added,
“This strategic move is vital for enhancing the visibility and impact of the remarkable work our knowledge exchange practitioners do. By adopting a refreshed identity, we aim to provide greater clarity about our mission and the transformative role knowledge exchange plays in driving innovation and societal progress. This rebrand will not only amplify our presence but also celebrate and showcase the invaluable contributions of our practitioners in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the broader community.”
Praxis was founded in 2002, by Lita Nelsen and David Secher, following initial funding from the UK government to establish a national training programme for research commercialisation practitioners in the UK. Praxis merged with Unico in 2009 and with Auril in 2017 to create PraxisAuril.
David Secher, Patron of PraxisAuril and Founder of Praxis, shared his support for the rebrand, stating that “this change reflects the organisation’s commitment to fostering greater collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors. It's an exciting evolution that represents the role that knowledge exchange plays and the diverse range of activities that it supports. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this rebrand will have on the knowledge exchange community, and the wider awareness of the sector.”
Wilkinson also presented the organisations’ new brand logo and strategic vision for the future, outlining that the Knowledge Exchange Concordat and Framework play a crucial role in this landscape, providing structured approaches and guiding principles that enhance the effectiveness and visibility of knowledge exchange activities.
Trevor McMillan, Vice Chancellor of Keele University and Chair of the Knowledge Exchange Concordat steering group, recognised the significance of the change, by saying: " I wholeheartedly support the rebranding of PraxisAuril to Knowledge Exchange UK. This change underscores the pivotal role that knowledge exchange plays in enhancing collaboration between universities, and public and private sector.”
The change in name was well received across the board, from those working in academia, to those supporting businesses and investors.
Nicola McConville, Partner of Mischon de Reya LLP: “The rebrand to Knowledge Exchange UK marks a significant step forward in highlighting the crucial role of research outcomes from our leading institutions in driving innovation and economic success. This new identity will better represent the dynamic and collaborative efforts between academia and industry.”
Background Information
PraxisAuril is a world-leading professional association for knowledge exchange practitioners. With a mission is to support the professional development of the sector, uphold the highest standards, and represent the interests of the knowledge exchange community in the UK and internationally. PraxisAuril has been at the forefront of supporting knowledge exchange professionals, providing training, resources, and advocacy.
Praxis Courses Ltd was founded in 2002, by Lita Nelsen, Consultant, Adviser in Technology Transfer, lecturer and retired Director of Technology Licensing at MIT, and David Secher, independent consultant in Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation, Life Fellow of Gonville & Caius College, and former Director of Research Services at the University of Cambridge.
This rebrand is part of a broader strategy to enhance its services, better represent the KE sector, and drive excellence in knowledge exchange practices.
Knowledge Exchange UK will continue the legacy of PraxisAuril, focusing on advancing knowledge exchange practices, promoting collaboration, and driving innovation to benefit society and the economy.
Contact Information
For media enquiries, please contact Digital Communications Officer, Rita Teixeira, on [email protected]