Academics who are supporting local businesses, running their own enterprises or helping to put Bradford on the map for social care have been recognised in the Bradford University annual Excellence in Knowledge Transfer Awards.

University staff member Paul Edwards, a nurse who has been working with private companies and Government departments to improve care for people with dementia, clinched the top Vice-Chancellor’s award.

Mr Edwards, from the Bradford Dementia Group, was recognised for putting Bradford on the map by maintaining and developing an excellent reputation in dementia care.

Professor Raed Abd Alhameed received the Business Innovation award for his Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Saltaire digital technology group Pace Plc, to design, develop and implement multiple antenna systems.

The Tom Ashdown Award marked the success of the university’s Think Business@Bradford and Amazeyourself@ Bradford business support programmes.

Awards went to Richard Serrant of Serrant Sport based at the University and to Robert Ives of CabTure.

Mr Serrant, a graduate from the university, is putting the finishing touches to his second-generation prototype micro car and is preparing to pitch to investors.

Robert Ives set up Cabture, a new Bradford enterprise that uses taxis to advertise local businesses.

The Interdisciplinary Working Award went to Science Bridges China, an international collaboration of the Life Sciences School and the School of Engineering, Design, Technology which are working with China to develop knowledge transfer, training and assistance with healthcare products.

Chris Wilson received the Community Partnership award for his work with UCAN, the volunteering centre in the Student’s Union, for his Cycle reCycle project, which recycles bicycles to ‘as good as new’ standard.

The awards were announced by former Bradford University lecturer Dr Bob Gomersal, chairman and founder of BTL Group, a technology firm that enables A-level students to sit exams online. He also owns the Virtual College Group in Ilkley.