Deva Vadibeler Shortlisted for Future Leader Award
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Deva Vadibeler has been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award at the upcoming National KTP Awards. This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions and dedication to the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between water@leeds and Andel Ltd, based in Nexus, supported by Innovate UK.
Andel Ltd is an innovative environmental company specialising in water, oil, and gas resource control and management within built and natural environments. The goal of this KTP with Andel is to develop advanced ground surveying technology and cutting-edge data analytics for the bespoke installation and performance assurance of a novel flood barrier, FloodWall®. This is a modular, low-cost perimeter flood defence system designed to provide long-term protection for homes and businesses at risk of local flooding.
Deva began her role as KTP Associate in June 2023 and has already made a significant positive impact on Andel, consistently exceeding her responsibilities. Peter Double, Andel Ltd’s Managing Director, remarked:
We are delighted that Deva has been shortlisted for the KTP awards. Deva’s work during the first year of the KTP has been fundamental in helping us gain a deep understanding of the functionality, benefits and design choices for our FloodWall® product.
He added, 'Deva has gone above and beyond in developing a cost-effective solution for customers facing property-level flooding.'
Most importantly, Deva’s shortlisting is a recognition of her commitment and talent, providing a wonderful opportunity to highlight her achievements. Her nomination is very well deserved and demonstrates how Deva has always gone above and beyond throughout her time at Andel.”
Deva also shared her thoughts:
"When asked to say something about this opportunity, I struggled to find the words to articulate just how ecstatic I felt—it is a true honour, one I did not expect. I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive team who motivates and drives me to break stereotypes and shatter glass ceilings. Opportunities don't always align perfectly, but with my KTP project, I feel like I am exactly where I belong, doing what I love!"
Deva presenting at the Flood and Coast 2024 event at the Telford International Centre.
A KTP project is a collaboration between an external organisation (typically businesses, charities, and some public sector organisations) of any size or sector, and a Knowledge Base such as a university, aimed at addressing strategically important challenges through the application and translation of innovative research, generating real-world impact. Funding comes from Innovate UK and the partner organisation and applications are accepted via a rolling deadline cycle.
Developing impactful practical activities to reduce the impacts of flooding.
The KTP with Andel Ltd is led by an interdisciplinary team comprising Professor Joseph Holden (School of Geography), Professor Fleur Loveridge and Professor Andrew Sleigh (School of Civil Engineering) and aligns well with water@leeds’ four missions ‘to develop novel ideas, utilise skills and techniques from across disciplines and deliver both blue skies and directly applied research’. Professor Holden says:
'Deva is wonderful to work with as she is resourceful, willing to innovate and try new techniques, a great networker, and she has been a perfect ambassador for the University, water@leeds and Andel Ltd. The KTP has been great for the University as it has broadened connections with a local business beyond the project itself, towards wider collaborations on new project proposals and working with other partners for mutual benefits, as well as supporting MSc projects, building new PhD studentship ideas, and developing impactful practical activities to reduce the impacts of flooding on householders and businesses. Deva’s approach to the project and ways of working have been central to ensuring the KTP is delivering its goals while also promoting wider benefits and an enduring relationship between the University and Andel Ltd.'
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bridge the gap
A KTP project enables an external organisation to access cutting-edge knowledge, technology, facilities and skills within the university to resolve a critical and innovative business or technical challenge while allowing academics to test and apply their research in the real world, generating benefits and impacts for all partners and society. Ian Blakemore, Knowledge Transfer Adviser for Innovate UK, added:
“Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) bridge the gap between businesses and academic institutions, fostering innovation and economic growth via collaborative projects. KTP Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of these partnerships, with the Future Leaders award recognising and celebrating a KTP Associate who has shown exceptional attitude and attributes, above and beyond normal expectations. This is demonstrated in the delivery of an excellent project, and also that they have significant potential to be a future leader.”
Join us in congratulating Deva on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to celebrating at the KTP Awards later this year! The ceremony for the Innovate UK KTP Awards 2024 will take place on 27 November at the VOX in Birmingham.
The University has a dedicated KTP Office that supports full cycle project development and management enabling partners to focus on delivering highly impactful outcomes. If you'd like to hear more about KTPs, please email KTP@leeds.ac.uk, or follow us on LinkedIn (KTP@Leeds) or X (@UniLeedsKTP).