New agreement strengthens tech innovation between Birmingham and China

The University of Birmingham (UoB) and Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute (JITRI) today signed a new ¥20,000,000 agreement to develop innovative research in key areas such as nanoparticle technology and biomedicine. Signing the agreement allows both partners to work together on applied research projects that will use the University’s research expertise to strengthen technological innovation in the Jiangsu Province across a wide range of engineering and medical technology.

Research opportunities could also cover nano fabrication, advanced manufacturing and electronic information systems. The partnership also helps to strengthen links between Jiangsu Province and the City of Birmingham in working together on industrial research and development.

University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood and Dr.Yidong Hu, Vice President of JITRI signed the agreement in a special ceremony in Nanjing.

Professor Sir David Eastwood said: “We are delighted to forge this partnership with JITRI, which is testament to the University of Birmingham’s growing reputation in China. It presents another exciting opportunity for our researchers to foster strong partnerships across the globe.

“Conceived as the final symbol of global ambition, the University has a proud tradition of business engagement stretching back to 1900. As a civic university in the 21st century, our responsibilities include contributing to enriching the life of our home city and the wider world.

“We are honoured to work with JITRI in helping to drive innovation and manufacturing progress, not just in China but closer to home in the Midlands region of the UK. I believe that we can make a significant contribution to a strengthened relationship between our two regions.”

The partnership is intended to help both institutions work together on research, development and demonstration activities that will help to bring new products to global markets.

Dr. Yidong Hu said: “JITRI attaches great importance to the cooperation with the University of Birmingham. As University of Birmingham is the world's top 100 universities, with high-quality teaching and scientific research ability, we will take this strategic cooperation signing as a starting point, and strengthen technical exchanges and projects cooperation in the future. We hope to introduce more advanced technology from the University of Birmingham and the United Kingdom to Jiangsu, to carry out co-operation of R&D and industrialization.”

The agreement signing follows a visit to the University of Birmingham in September, when JITRI representatives met top researchers in the fields of experimental physics, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering.

Dr Liwen He, Vice President, JITRI and his fellow visitors met Professor Kyle Jiang (mechanical engineering), Professor Zhibing Zhang (chemical engineering) and Professor Richard Palmer (experimental physics) in their laboratories on campus.

Dr He was joined by Xin Yao, Resource Development Department, JITRI; Cheng Ji, Director, Jiangnan Graphene Research Institute; Liang Shan, Vice Director, Food Biotechnology Institute of Jiangnan University; Rongchuan Wang, Director, Robotics and Intelligent Equipment Institute; and Jun Zhou, Director, Nanjing Institute of Advanced Laser Technology.

JITRI sponsors research collaboration with Chinese and global universities in a range of areas, including: advanced materials; biotechnology and new medicine; environmental protection; next generation information technology and software; and innovative equipment manufacturing.

• 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 5,000 international students from over 150 countries

• Based in Nanjing, JITRI, is a funding body set up 3 years ago by Jiangsu Province Science and Technology Commission, and aims to support development of new industrial technologies via collaboration with national and international researchers.
• JITRI will establish an initial fund of ¥20,000,000 to support approved research projects developed under this agreement.
• Professor Richard Palmer established the Nanoscale Physics Research Lab (NPRL) in 1994 as the first centre for nanoscience in England. His research interests lie in atomic manipulation, atomic clusters, nanofabrication and novel instrument development with applications in catalysis, theranostics and clean energy.
• Professor Zhibing Zhang has built an international reputation for developing original work on micromanipulation of single micro-/nanoparticles and encapsulation / bioencapsulation with applications in chemical, food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, household care and human care industries.
• Professor Kyle Jiang is Director of Biomedical Engineering and Micro/Nanotechnology Research Centre. He has authored over 200 publications in books, scientific journals and refereed international conferences. He is the inventor of 11 patents. His research in microengine has received wide public media reports.