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Celebrating 125 years of achievement

1900-2025: 125 years of University of Birmingham

Welcome to 125 years of the University of Birmingham.

This milestone anniversary marks a legacy of driving change and shaping society ever since Queen Victoria granted our Royal Charter in 1900. Through our ambitious and progressive approach to education and research, we are proud to have fostered a global community of leaders and problem-solvers.

Our unbound approach to research has enabled us to consistently push boundaries to address global challenges, build a thriving planet, advance life-changing technologies, connect cultures, improve global health and foster a fairer world.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to redefining what is possible and to changing how the world works.

125 Anniversary stories

Throughout our anniversary year, we will feature stories that celebrate the people, events and achievements from the last 125 years, and highlight those that are fuelling our success today.

Cavity Magnetron: the device that changed World War II

The cavity magnetron is a device developed at the University of Birmingham which played an important role in the Allies’ success in the Second World War and remains a key piece of technology used to power today’s microwave ovens. A historic blue plaque installed at the University in 2024 celebrates the work of collaborative research pioneers John Randall, Harry Boot and James Sayers, who developed the device between 1939 and 1941. The magnetron is a radio source that operates at microwave frequencies and was initially used to power early radar systems to detect enemy aircraft and vessels. Professor Marco Martorella, Chair in RF and Space Sensing, explores the history and science behind this transformational device.
  • Black and white photo of a graduation ceremony taking place in the Great Hall

    Our heritage

    In the late 1800s, when the country’s only independent universities were Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and London, it was our founder, the former Lord Mayor of Birmingham and Cabinet Minister Joseph Chamberlain, whose radical vision underpinned our inception.

    Read about the University's history
  • A family photo of Molly Schiller hugging her brother Max

    Student’s heartfelt mission to tackle genetic condition

    When Molly Schiller’s younger brother died suddenly overnight from an undetected heart condition, the then 15-year-old schoolgirl had no inkling of how his loss would shape her future life and achievements. Yet the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which cut Max Schiller’s life short was to become the focus of his sister’s studies, after she made the decision to pursue a career in science, and to make the genetic condition the focus of her Master’s research at the University of Birmingham.

    Read Molly's story
  • A black and portrait of Dame Hilda Lloyd

    Life-saving legacy of obstetric ‘flying squad’ pioneer

    Dame Hilda Lloyd was a pioneer in many senses. After becoming the first female professor at the University of Birmingham in 1944, she rose to become the first President of any Royal Medical College: the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1949. One of her many accomplishments was introducing the use of obstetric ‘flying squads’ in Birmingham, which saved the lives of countless mothers and babies.

    Read more about Dame Hilda Lloyd

125 Anniversary Concert

Join us on Saturday, 21 June 2025, for an unforgettable celebratory concert set against the iconic open-air backdrop of the Green Heart and Old Joe. Experience the thrill of live music with a special Brummie twist; from the music of ELO to Elgar, pop to rock, classical to folk, and everything in between, we celebrate the music of Birmingham and its people. 

Featuring the University Philharmonic Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and a host of guest singers, bands and entertainment. We invite you to bring a camping chair and blanket, and get ready to dance, sing the night away to help us celebrate the University’s 125th anniversary in style.

Gates open: 17:30

Event start time: 18:45

Food stalls and a bar will be open throughout the event.

Free entry / Booking essential (Booking opens in the New Year)

125th Anniversary Fellows and Chairs

Are you looking to accelerate your research? Join our research community as a 125th Anniversary Fellow or Chair and you will receive the support, flexibility, and facilities you need to lead your field and grow your research. Apply by 12 January 2025.
125th Anniversary Opportunities
  • Members of staff chatting together in the sunshine while sitting at an outdoor table

    Tell us your 125 stories

    Help us celebrate our 125 anniversary by sharing your story! Whether it’s a cherished memory, a favorite spot, or a moment that made this University special to you, your story is a part of Birmingham’s history.

    Submit your story