University News Last updated 09 October
Birmingham City University’s (BCU) Professor Sharon Cox has won Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year at the 2025 Women in Tech Awards.
Professor Cox is a Professor of Information Systems and has most recently worked with one of BCU’s Knowledge Transfer Partners (KTP), PDS Direct – who nominated her for the award.
Professor Cox led a two-year project with PDS Direct, an Oldbury-based logistic provider, which improved efficiency and increased their capacity in half the time that was initially predicted.
“I’m delighted to receive this award,” said Professor Cox. “But I’m really pleased that this partnership has created authentic learning opportunities for BCU students.
“Too often knowledge exchange is seen as transactional.
“But partnerships, like the one with PDS Direct, can be long-term collaborations that deliver real business growth while equipping students with skills and confidence for their future careers.”
Women in Tech Awards was set up to highlight and recognise the ongoing contribution of women to the tech sector.
Currently, fewer than 20% of IT roles are filled by women and only 5% of leadership positions in that industry.
Stephen Kinsey, General Manager for Transport and IT at PDS Direct and KTP associate, nominated Professor Cox for the award.
Stephen, who’s also a BCU alumnus, said: “Professor Cox gave me first hand support and guidance, but also cared about my professional journey,”
“She got me involved in training and experiences and created a network of KTP associates which allowed me to bounce research ideas and collaborate with others.
“She has tremendous insight on how to transfer academic knowledge in an industry setting, which makes her incredibly valuable when trying to innovate within business.”
The collaboration support teaching on the BSc Business Information Technology and MSc Digital Transformation courses through live case studies, industry-mentored projects and academic-industry workshops.
Since the end of the first KTP, PDS Direct has invested in two further KTPs this year which will see BCU graduates employed by the firm.