The University of Stirling has won another national award for its innovative work with bumblebees.

At the PraxisUnico Impact Awards Ceremony, held in Nottingham, Stirling's outreach work won the 'Environmental Impact' award category, which recognises projects that have made an outstanding environmental impact through successful knowledge transfer.

Professor Dave Goulson, Head of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Stirling, and co-founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "We are thrilled with this award which recognises our success in translating academic research on bumblebees into practical, on-the-ground conservation measures for this vital and endearing group of insects. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the 7,000 members of the public across the UK who have joined the trust and who support our activities."

This award follows on Professor Goulson being named Britain's Social Innovator of the Year by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC) for his work in bumblebee conservation.

The annual Impact Awards aim to raise awareness of the potential of knowledge transfer activities by demonstrating best practice and impact. Organised by PraxisUnico, the UK's leading research commercialisation organisation, they showcase the very best examples of knowledge transfer activity.

Maggie Philbin, who regularly provides analysis and comment on technology for the BBC, hosted the ceremony and presented the awards to the winners.

Professor David Secher, PraxisUnico Chairman, said, "Fostering knowledge creation and its application is a high UK priority and its support is a key element of the national strategy. The Impact Awards recognise those teams, and individuals, who are creating the businesses and social enterprises of tomorrow."

 

Photo caption: Daniela Bolle, Business Development Manager with the University of Stirling, and Professor Dave Goulson, Head of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Notes:

For further information on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, see www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/

The PraxisUnico Awards Ceremony falls during the inaugural 'Universities Week' which takes place from 14-20 June 2010. The week, organised by Universities UK, the body which represents all universities in the UK, provides an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Universities at local, national and global levels. See www.universitiesweek.org.uk/Home.aspx