The University of Birmingham celebrates 125 years (and counting) of world-changing research
To mark the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary The Exchange invites Brummies to explore research that is changing how the world works.
To mark the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary The Exchange is inviting Brummies to explore some of the homegrown research that has changed, and is changing, how the world works.
The University of Birmingham received its royal charter from Queen Victoria in 1900. As part of the plans to celebrate the 125th anniversary the university’s city centre location, The Exchange, is bringing together generations of people and ideas, all working to build a better future for all of us, both now and in the years to come in a public programme of installations, talks and events.
This programme will explore the University’s connection to its home city Birmingham through five key themes:
- Our Health
- Our Young People
- Our Money
- Our Environment
- Our Culture
The past, present and future of world-changing research
Three installations explore the past, present and future of research at the University of Birmingham, Our Health: Maternal Health (Past), Our Young People: Youth Mental Health (Present), and Our Environment: Microplastics (Future).
The Maternal Health installation focuses on an area of research which has been a priority in Birmingham since the 1800s. It highlights the work of Professor Dame Hilda Lloyd, who established the obstetrical ‘Flying Squads’ in 1936, which provided emergency care to underserved communities, saving many lives, and explores more recent lifesaving research for mothers and babies, developed by the University of Birmingham.
The second installation will centre on youth mental health, an urgent issue in Birmingham, exploring research from Professors Victoria Goodyear and Miranda Pallan's Smart Schools project, which examines how smartphone bans in schools impact the mental health of young people.
The third installation addresses microplastics following the invention of Parkesine, the first manufactured plastic in Birmingham. Visitors will learn about Professor Stefan Krause’s research on the transport and breakdown of plastics in freshwater systems, the presence of microplastics and their potential harm to health and the environment.
The Exchange will be showcasing some of the most impactful pieces of research in our installations, but also giving visitors the opportunity to get involved and share their views on important topics for Birmingham and the wider world throughout 2025. We look forward to welcoming people to The Exchange to mark 125 years and counting of world-changing history.
Other events
For International Women’s Day (Saturday, 8th March) join Associate Professor Pilar Rojas Gaviria for a warm and inspiring tea and talk, Menopausal Zest, exploring menopause through a social lens. Pilar challenges the usual narrative of medical decline, highlighting "zest" – the energy, creativity, and empowerment that can flourish during this time. Afterwards, enjoy a creative workshop inspired by our theme, guided by artist Sadie Barnett.
Pioneers: Dame Hilda Lloyd on Wednesday, 26th March, presented by Professor Jonathan Reinarz, Professor of the History of Medicine, delves into Professor Dame Hilda Lloyd’s remarkable life and work, highlighting Birmingham's pivotal role in her achievements.
Behind the Screens on Thursday 27th March will explore how smartphones and social media are shaping young people’s lives, relationships, and mental health. Discover university research on living well with social media and rethinking 'care' in digital spaces.
On Thursday, 3rd April Professor Martin Coppack from the University’s Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management and Liam Byrne MP will present insights on The Poverty Premium where people on lower incomes pay higher costs for essential services like insurance, credit, and energy. The event will include opportunities for the audience to engage in the debate and share their perspectives
Wednesday, April 9th will see a panel of experts from the University of Birmingham, Aston University and the Political Studies Association examine plans from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council for the future of our region and city. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their ideas as we reimagine what a truly liveable city could be, and ask What next for Birmingham?
Simon Cane, Director of Public and Cultural Engagement at the University of Birmingham, said: “As the University of Birmingham celebrates its 125th anniversary year, we invite the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and further afield, to come and explore some of the cutting-edge research that our academics have done throughout our history and are continuing to develop now. The Exchange will be showcasing some of the most impactful pieces of research in our installations, but also giving visitors the opportunity to get involved and share their views on important topics for Birmingham and the wider world throughout 2025. We look forward to welcoming people to The Exchange to mark 125 years and counting of world-changing history.”
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
- For media inquiries please contact Ellie Hail, Communications Officer, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)7966 311 409. Out-of-hours, please call +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.