Imperial College Provost Calls On Universities To Focus On Real-World Impact Of Research

At a public lecture held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the auditorium of the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) at the University of Ghana, Professor Ian Walmsley, CBE FRS, Provost of Imperial College London, stated that universities worldwide must do more to ensure that their research has a real-world impact. He said that this can only be achieved through strong partnerships and robust innovation ecosystems.

The lecture was part of the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Occasional Lecture Series, and he argued that universities have a unique responsibility to shape society through knowledge creation. However, he insisted that “we must move beyond producing knowledge for knowledge’s sake.”

“Innovation is at our core, application at our heart,” he added. “The founding mission of Imperial College has always been useful. That means getting research from our laboratories into the real world where it can make a difference.”

Professor Walmsley cited the Imperial West Tech Corridor and the White City Deep Tech Campus in London as examples of how Imperial is carrying out its aim. He claims that these innovation hubs offer the facilities necessary for industry partners, academic labs, accelerators, and start-ups to co-locate. He emphasized that this ecosystem has facilitated partnerships with more than 500 industry partners and enabled over 370 active companies.

Furthermore, the Provost disclosed that Imperial’s startups had a 79% survival rate, which is significantly higher than the 10% average for the UK. He attributed this to a combination of targeted support, expert mentorship and a culture that embraces both innovation and failure.

Professor Walmsley underscored the importance of convergence science, an approach that moves beyond simple collaboration by deeply integrating different academic disciplines. He explained that Imperial has established Schools of Convergence Science to bring together researchers and practitioners to address complex societal challenges in areas such as health, sustainability, artificial intelligence and space security.

“This is not just collaboration, it’s integration. We are creating entirely new ways of thinking by uniting different methods and perspectives to create barrier-breaking solutions”, the Provost said.

In addition to building institutional capacity, Professor Walmsley revealed Imperial has adopted a market-led model for commercialising university research. Rather than focusing only on research excellence, the Provost observed that this approach begins with identifying pressing global problems and then seeking the best science to solve them.

He explained that this model encourages rapid pre-incorporation investment, expert co-investor evaluation, and a “fail-fast” culture that ensures only the most viable ideas are scaled.

Since 2019, this strategy has led to the formation of over 50 academic-led spinouts and more than 230 student-founded startups, Professor Walmsley announced.

He also highlighted Imperial’s creation of key hubs worldwide, underscoring the global character of innovation. These centers, which are part of the Imperial Global Network, are intended to foster innovation, encourage research collaboration, and strengthen ties between the university and its regional partners.

Professor Walmsley went on to discuss the significance of institutional support systems like impact accelerator funds, commercialization teams, venture mentorship services, and co-located deep tech infrastructure. He pointed out that all of these are essential for assisting scholars and students in transforming scientific discoveries into profitable business endeavors.

Additionally, Professor Walmsley used the occasion to warn academic institutions that research is insufficient on its own.

“It takes more than science, it takes people, purpose and the right platforms to move from discovery to impact,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who hosted and chaired the lecture, in her remarks, intimated that the event was organised to discuss critical issues concerning university-driven innovation and how institutions like UG could leverage global best practices.

She said industry partners are a key component in developing innovations and their accompanying benefits, pointing out that no innovation ecosystem can thrive without strong local and global partnerships. She also noted that Imperial’s thriving ecosystem and track record offer useful lessons on the role of universities in translating research into real-world impact, a mission that aligns strongly with the University of Ghana’s current strategic direction.

Prof. Amfo made particular reference to Imperial’s emphasis on global partnerships and networks, stating that UG also relies increasingly on such connections to expand its innovation footprint and enhance its research relevance and impact.

Touching on the importance of interdisciplinarity, she said universities must commit to crossing traditional academic boundaries to address society’s complex challenges. She also stressed the need for greater attention to intellectual property and equitable returns from research.

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The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to Professor Walmsley for what she described as “a timely and inspiring contribution to the discourse on innovation in higher education.” She noted that the University of Ghana remains committed to impactful research and innovation and that insights from Imperial’s experience would guide aspects of the University’s ongoing strategic reforms.

Prof. Amfo concluded with a call to UG faculty and researchers to take a keen interest in the University’s innovation agenda and to actively engage with opportunities provided through partnerships such as those being explored with Imperial and to support and nurture student initiatives. She noted that there was much more to achieve, especially through sustained collaboration with institutions that have demonstrated success in building impactful innovation ecosystems.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Occasional Lecture Series serves as a platform for thought leaders from around the world to share insights that inspire academic excellence, influence policy and stimulate innovation within and beyond the University community.

Credit: University of Ghana