TSP case studies

For more than a decade, the Transforming Systems through Partnership (TSP) programme has enabled more than 300 collaborative projects that connect universities and industry across the world. Each project is led by a host university from, for example, South Africa, India, Thailand, Jordan, Colombia, Turkey, China, Malaysia and the Philippines, which then partners with local or multinational industry and a UK academic institutions. Over 900 organisations have worked together to tackle challenges that span all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read more about how TSP works here.

The case studies below highlight just a few examples from this wide portfolio, and range in focus from sustainable energy and public health to advanced manufacturing and climate resilience. These case studies were compiled by Technopolis following a thorough year-long assessment, evaluating the effectiveness and impacts of the TSP programme and it's predecessor, the Industry-Academia Partnership Programme (IAPP).

Accelerating Marine Energy in Colombia

Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, and Aquatera, developed engineering capacity for Colombia's marine energy industry, identifying key knowledge and skills gaps.

The Community Solar Energy in Colombia

The Community Solar Energy in Colombia project, led by Universidad EIA and UCL, brought solar power to 25 homes and a community centre, through a peer-to-peer energy trading pilot with EPM, ERCO, and the Ministry of Mines.

Transforming global health through computational cookstove design

Led by Amrita Vishwa Vidyaapeetham and Imperial College, the project improved wood-fired stoves with CFD models by National Centre for Combustion R&D and Prakti, and trained undergraduates in fluid simulation.

An integrated system for treatment of textile industry wastewater 

Led by PSG College of Technology and Open University, this project, in collaboration with WATSAN, developed a cost-effective, eco-friendly textile wastewater treatment using low-cost photocatalysts and a phyto-microbe-chemo system.

Integrating and Digitising RECP in Food Industries

Led by the Royal Scientific Society, UWE, Decapolis, Al Mazraa Dairy, and Gheras Trading, this project enhanced Jordan's dairy sustainability through improved efficiency, CO2 reduction, and advanced cold chain logistics, focusing on women’s skills.

Right-first-time fused deposition for healthcare manufacturing

University of Jordan and University of Sheffield led a multidisciplinary project to produce 3D printed surgical tools and implants using advanced materials alongside industry partner The Printie 3D Company.

IT and conservation of traditional architecture and heritage

Led by Applied Science Private University and the University of Bradford, this project developed virtual 3D models and BIM objects with support from Jordan Tourist Board and Bentley for preserving Jordan’s traditional architecture.

Development of innovative integrated engineering curricula (SA)

Led by the University of Pretoria and UCL, this project aimed to revolutionise South African engineering education with holistic programs integrating technical skills, employability, and interdisciplinary learning, involving multiple universities and industry experts.

Developing sustainable affordable housing using innovative technologies

Led by the University of Cape Town and the University of West England, this project created innovative, affordable housing solutions for South Africa, identified key success factors, and advanced engineering education with National Home Builders Registration Council support.

Establishing a bioprocess workforce to deliver affordable biological medicines

A project involved biopharmaceutical and vaccine sectors in Thailand and nearby countries, fostering a small academic-industry community with 15+ partners, expanding beyond TSP participants into R&D and manufacturing.

Evaluation of public transportation performance and accessibility

Led by Middle East Technical University and University of Aberdeen, this research enhanced big data analysis and visualisation for public transit, aiding future planning and impact assessment in Turkey and beyond.

To read about even more TSP awardees and their work, explore our alumni lists in: