A software product commercialised with support from the Centre was among the University of Sussex research projects acknowledged as a high impact technology at the inaugural Sussex Impact Awards. TexRAD’s medical imaging software can be used to perform textural analysis of radiological scans, helping with the early diagnosis of cancer and other conditions.

Researchers from across the University joined the vice-chancellor and guests last Tuesday for the Awards, which marked the culmination of the first Sussex Impact Day, celebrating research with the power to change lives and make a difference in the world. Each winning entry received a certificate and £1,000 paid into a research support account.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Michael Davies, said: “The UK government and other research funders increasingly require universities to demonstrate the impact of their research, and at Sussex a key part of our approach is to recognise, celebrate and invest in outstanding impact.

“This first ever set of University awards for outstanding impact not only recognise our researchers’ achievements but also include a modest financial investment in their work. This demonstrates our institutional commitment to the future of the University as a place of excellence and innovation.”

TexRAD was initially launched as a joint venture between the University and a number of academic and commercial partners, before being bought by medical imaging tools specialist Feedback plc in a deal worth £800,000 last year.

TexRAD is a software application that analyses the textures in existing radiological scans to assist the clinician in assessing the prognosis of patients with cancer.