
Celebrating 125 years of achievement

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.
Researching love at Birmingham
At the University of Birmingham we love, love. We love, love so much, that over the years our academics have done a lot of research on the topic. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary this year, and it is Valentine's Day, we thought we would gift you some of our past love research.
Read more about our research
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.
Finding love on campus
We hear from four couples who met while studying, taking part in student societies, and working at the University of Birmingham.
Read our couples' stories
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
Cancer treatment – no longer a one size fits all
This year, World Cancer Day highlighted how every experience with cancer is unique. Work here in Birmingham certainly supports this, and throughout the last 125 years, the University has seen enormous advances in the understanding of cancer biology and therapeutics.
Read more about our cancer research
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 years in images


125th Anniversary Fellows and Chairs
We welcome the latest cohort of researchers joining us as 125th Anniversary Fellows and Chairs. Discover who will be driving our ambitions to become a global top 50 university.
Meet our researchers
Tell us your 125 stories
Help us celebrate our 125 anniversary by sharing your story! Whether it’s a cherished memory, a favourite spot, or a moment that made this University special to you, your story is a part of Birmingham’s history.
Submit your story