Driven by a thriving community of specialists, academic consultancy is one of the most agile mechanisms for delivering meaningful impact.
By connecting Cambridge expertise with the needs of government, business, industry and other partners, consultancy enables knowledge exchange at local, national and global levels.
These engagements often spark further collaboration and can form the basis of broader strategic partnerships. Spanning all disciplines, consultancy ranges from specialist advice to the development of tailored training programmes.
We ensure that the consultancy process is simplified and carries minimal risk, allowing academics to focus on delivering the work. Activity reached new highs again this year, with increases in executed agreements and newly engaged consultants of 11% and 25% respectively.
The benefits extend well beyond the immediate outcomes of individual projects. Many consultants choose to donate their income back into departments to support research and teaching, while the consultancy work itself helps academics build new skills and apply research to societal challenges. These engagements bring fresh perspectives into teaching, strengthen the University’s wider mission and deepen its connections with partners around the world.
For the individual, there are additional benefits. New consultants join a growing and collaborative community of consultants who have worked with us over the years – one that we brought together this year to connect, share experiences and strengthen relationships at a
Consultants Community Event in June 2025.
This year, a leading academic provided pivotal expertise to a major UK public inquiry, demonstrating how consultancy enables rapid, high-quality impact at a national level.
“Consultancy plays a pivotal role in connecting Cambridge’s research with real-world challenges.”
Dr Amanda Zeffman continued:
“It broadens the reach of Cambridge’s expertise, sparking innovation and collaboration between academia, industry and beyond, enhancing capabilities and impact.”
Critical care expertise for national inquiry
Professor Charlotte Summers, Director of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, and NHS Honorary Consultant, led Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s Critical Care Response during the pandemic and served as an advisor to government initiatives. She provided evidence synthesis and expert testimony to the UK Covid Inquiry focused on the impact of the pandemic on NHS healthcare systems and offered recommendations to strengthen resilience against future pandemics.
This contribution underlines the vital role Cambridge expertise plays in informing national decision making and improving the quality and safety of public services.
