Leading the way in knowledge exchange

Dr David Bembo, Deputy Director & Head of Research Development at the University's Research and Commercial Division has taken up the role of Chair of Council for AURIL, the Association for University Research and Industry Links. This is the first time a representative of a Welsh institution will chair AURIL.

AURIL represents all practitioners involved in knowledge creation, development and exchange in the UK and Ireland who work to ensure that new ideas, technologies and innovations flow from their institution into the market place. It is the largest knowledge transfer association in Europe, with more than 1600 members from universities, NHS Trusts and public sector research establishments.

Dr Bembo said: "It really is a terrific honour to take up this leadership role with AURIL and I will be working with a very talented team. Although these are challenging times for the sector, knowledge exchange and research impact have never been more prominent in the minds of researchers and universities. Our institutions are on a journey to better understand and effect how research can benefit society and the economy, and I am convinced that we can more effectively influence our course by working cooperatively via organisations such as the Association. I am keen to see Wales benefit from greater involvement with AURIL over the coming months.

Dr Bembo has worked in the University's Research and Commercial Development Division since 1996 in a variety of roles supporting research and knowledge transfer, following postdoctoral work in the UK and New Zealand.

He will serve a two year term at AURIL, succeeding Dr David McBeth of the University of Strathclyde. Dr Bembo has served on the Council of AURIL since 2008 (most recently as Vice-Chair 2010-12) and has already contributed to a wide range of national and regional activities on their behalf, including giving evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology evaluation of Technology & Innovation (Catapult) Centres and to the Scottish Government's Single Knowledge Exchange Office, SKEO consultation.