Projects
The Activity Happening Within the Partnership
The Universities Partnership is a dynamic alliance where innovation meets action. Through collaborative Theme Groups and joint initiatives, our member institutions deliver projects that empower communities, drive sustainable growth, and redefine the role of higher education in society. From advancing carbon literacy amongst community leaders to fostering ethical business practice, our work spans disciplines and geographies – uniting experts to create tangible, lasting impact. Dive into our featured projects below, and join us in building a future shaped by shared knowledge and purpose.
Open Libraries Initiative
Opening doors to knowledge for all, the Open Libraries Initiative grants free public access to university libraries’ archives, cultural exhibits, and study spaces. This ground-breaking project has ignited widespread local engagement, becoming a cornerstone for lifelong learning and community connection.
Responsible Business Toolkit
A blueprint for ethical enterprise, this toolkit equips businesses with strategies for sustainable supply chains, employee wellbeing, and stakeholder collaboration. Co-created with industry experts, it’s reshaping corporate practise across the region.
Graduate Retention
De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, and Loughborough University collaborate to retain graduate talent in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Through employer partnership, internship, and sector-specific mentor programs, graduates gain local career opportunities, strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.
Evolve Your Skills to Success
Evolve is a skills-based programme supporting Key Stage 3 learners to raise attainment through metacognition, self-regulation, and confidence-building. In partnership with schools, universities, and Uni Connect: Pathways, the project builds core learning skills and raises aspirations across the region.
Rutland Innovation Business Support
This project bolstered the growth of Rutland’s businesses by leveraging collective regional strength. It gave local enterprises unprecedented access to expertise and innovation support, helping them scale and contribute to a stronger local economy.
Collaboratory Research Hub
The Collaboratory brings together university researchers, community organisations, and partners to co-create solutions to relevant local issues. It offers funded PhD studentships and research placements, giving students hands-on experience while generating impactful knowledge through collaboration.
VentureVersity
Ventureversity turns academic ideas into commercial reality through spin-outs and business collaborations. It supports graduates and local businesses with resources to accelerate development—offering guidance on market research, business planning, and technology or market growth. This project came out of the work the Economy Theme Group undertakes.
Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero
A whole-system approach to decarbonisation, Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero tackled the non-technical barriers holding back climate action. Through four focused work packages and strong cross-sector partnerships, it harnessed collective power to develop a model that other counties can adopt.
Greener Future Leicestershire
As part of the Leicestershire Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero programme, Greener Future supports businesses and communities to grow and thrive in the green economy. Offering credible advice and a digital resource hub, this advisory service helps build long-term resilience and futureproof organisations for a low-carbon future.
Together, We Achieve More
The Universities Partnership is committed to strengthening the region through collaboration in education, research, and community engagement. For more information about our work and impact, find email us at:
From Workshops to conferences, our event showcase the power of collective action. Join us at upcoming collaborations or explore past successes to see how the partnership turns vison into reality.