Interdisciplinarity, or the encouragement of work between disciplinary areas, has long been a feature of the Birmingham academic culture. It has given rise to many long established research groups and an increasing number of new areas of work that are tackling the major challenges facing human healthcare, global issues and social challenges. Increasingly it involved formal collaborations with researchers in other institutions.
Midlands Innovation
Midlands Innovation is a world-class research and innovation partnership, combining the collective excellence of leading universities in the heart of the UK. We unite the power of university research with the unique strengths of Midlands industry to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills development. Midlands Innovation universities are Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Warwick and Aston.
A new searchable online database has been developed for the group which includes details of the equipment that can be shared, its location and contact details for more information and to make bookings.
Institute for Energy Research and Policy
Founded in 2005, the Institute brings together a wide range of high quality energy research, much of which has been undertaken at the university for more than 50 years, but addressing issues that will come to epitomise the 21st century.
Combining both pure and applied research, its work touches both the technical and non technical aspects of energy and draws on the knowledge of academics from a wide range of subject areas. Not only is this contributing to public education and the debate on energy matters, it is also shaping the next generation of energy professionals.
Institute for Energy Research and Policy website
Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics (CN-CR)
An area of growth and major investment at the University, the CNCR initiative will discover more about how the brain learns, ages and recovers from severe injuries and degenerative or developmental neurological disorders. This will enable scientists to provide innovative treatment for the rehabilitation of patients and to help develop the next generation of intelligent robots.
The centre will expand Birmingham’s ground-breaking expertise in neuroscience and robotics to new areas, using robotics and computer science. New facilities will include additional laboratories and specialist equipment.
Transcript of CNCR - Understanding the Human Brain video
CNCR - Humans and Robotics video
Security and Conflict Knowledge Hub
The security hub is a one stop portal through which researchers, donors, the general public and students can access the vast array of international and national security knowledge within the Birmingham academic community. It brings together over 100 scholars with expertise in this area and provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and information derived from the latest research. It also encourages and uncovers synergies between different, but cognate, disciplines with original and at times surprising outcomes. Security and Conflict Knowledge Hub website