"The InterAct Partnership: A unique PSRE collaboration" was one of four shortlisted finalists in the Collaborative Impact category of the PraxisUnico Impact awards, beating off stiff competition from 80 applicants in all categories. The awards recognise and celebrate the success of collaborative working and the process of transferring knowledge and expertise beyond higher education, charities and public sector research establishments for the wider benefit of society and the economy. The finalists have all produced outstanding impact through successful knowledge transfer.

Chair of PraxisUnico, Dr Phil Clare said, "The Impact Awards have once again revealed a rich mix of diverse projects to which knowledge and technology transfer professionals contribute. These shortlisted entries are examples of some significant achievements within the profession. With the translation of research for economic benefit remaining a high priority for the nation - and of many institutional strategies - it is important that these projects, and others like them, are acknowledged."

The second InterAct project reached a successful conclusion as its funding period came to an end on 31 March 2011. All the targets set for the project were reached or exceeded. Crucially, in an increasingly challenging environment for government funded research, the project has produced 31 new exploitation vehicles which are bringing in new revenue streams to all the partners. More than 30 other potential opportunities for commercial income are also close to completion. Another key result of the project has been to boost the commercial outlook throughout the partnership, from the scientists as well as the business teams.

Although the formal project is complete, the relationships that have been built up through the project remain, and will form the basis of ongoing partnerships between the different organisations. In particular, the collaborations on new developments have led to increased effectiveness and efficiency, and sharing rather than duplication of resources. There is better cooperation and a greater understanding between the partners, spreading good practice throughout the partnership.

The final workshop organised under the InterAct project was held in January, completing a series of 10 workshops held during 2010/11. These workshops have brought together scientists from across all of the partners to discuss topics including: Ecotoxicity and REACH testing; Decontamination; Nanoparticles; e-Commerce; e-Training; Stress Measurement and Management; Isothermal diagnostics; Software visualisation tools; Virtual slides; and Sharing of IT resources. The workshops have helped to build the relationships between the partner scientists and encourage cross-government collaboration and efficiencies. Several potential commercial opportunities have been identified, and these are being progressed through the wider InterAct project.