Birmingham renews valuable European research partnership

The University of Birmingham has extended its partnership with the European Commission’s science and knowledge service which provides independent scientific advice and support to European Union policymakers.

The University has held a Collaboration Agreement with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) since 2014 covering a growing range of research areas including engineering and physical sciences, medical, life and environmental sciences, and social sciences.

Signing the extension allows Birmingham and the JRC to continue with a range of joint activity including staff and student placements, visits and workshops, training programmes, seminars, summer schools and guest lectures.

The partnership focusses on a number of key research themes including:

• Energy (renewable cooling) – Professor Toby Peters
• Environmental ‘omics’ (precision toxicology) – Professors John Colbourne and Mark Viant
• Vehicle emissions (connected, cooperative and automated mobility) – Professor Hongming Xu
• Characterization of nanomaterials (characterization of nanomaterials properties and behaviour for health and safety applications) – Professors Eugenia Valsami-Jones and Iseult Lynch
• Microplastics (in relation to human health and environment) – Professors Eugenia Valsami-Jones and Iseult Lynch
• Urban change (global R&D and innovation networks and industrial dynamics) – Professor Lisa de Propris and Dr Paulina Ramirez
• Urban Change (urban and regional development and environmental challenges) – Dr Lauren Andres

University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood commented: “The University of Birmingham is the original global ‘civic’ university and we are committed to nurturing and valuing our European partnerships. We understand from the JRC that their agreement with Birmingham is one of the most vibrant of their university collaborations.

“Through interactions between researchers, our collaboration reinforces the JRC’s scientific excellence and knowledge, whilst allowing the European Commission to support policy making decisions with evidence gained through stronger technical and scientific support.

“Renewing our collaboration with the JRC provides a stronger impact for our research in relation to EU policy making. It also allows us to continue access to first-class research facilities, as well as European and international researchers – strengthening Birmingham’s role in collaborative applications for EU and UK research bids.”

• 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 and teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.
• The JRC is the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, employing scientists to carry out research in order to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy through its five research centres across Europe (Petten, Geel, Seville, Ispra, Karlsruhe).