Today, Unico and Praxis are pleased to announce that they have agreed to merge into a single charity, following an overwhelming majority vote.
The merger will result in significant added value for members and customers by creating a clearly identified organisation which serves the technology and knowledge community. The merged organisation will also benefit from the resulting operating efficiencies and a more streamlined organisational structure.
A volunteer board of Trustees will govern the charity and oversee three committees: member services; training; and conferences.
Commenting on today's announcement, Unico Chair, Professor David Secher said, "This significant step will simplify the complex knowledge transfer landscape in the UK, improve the offering to members and enable us to strengthen international links with other similar organisations around the world. Universities and PSREs throughout the UK have shown tremendous support for this proposal."
Praxis Chair, Dr Alison Campbell added, "Consolidating the strengths of two leading organisations is very sensible. The merged organisation will be in a stronger position to represent the views of its members. I look forward to working closely with Praxis and Unico colleagues to bring a diverse offering that better meets the networking and training needs of the profession, to Knowledge Transfer professionals in the UK and abroad."
A working group formed of the Unico and Praxis committees will now oversee the implementation of the legal, financial, operational and communications plans.
Results of the vote were announced at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Unico in London on Monday 20 July 2009.