The University of Birmingham and Nanjing Borui Life Science Research Institute (NBLSRI) have signed an agreement to jointly develop of innovative research that creates real-world impact in brain health.
Experts in Birmingham and Nanjing will work together using imaging, data science, and device and education policy development to deliver research that will ultimately help to improve the brain health of patients in China and beyond.
Backed by the Nanjing Municipal Government and founded by Southeast University, NBLSRI aims to accelerate development of commercial opportunities derived from research in brain health and intelligent biomedical engineering-focusing on AI imaging, bioinformatics, brain science and device development.
We are a global university with a civic outlook and this collaboration builds on our excellent relationship with Southeast University and partners in Nanjing. Our new venture could help to improve health outcomes for millions of people in China and beyond.”
University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Adam Tickell
University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Adam Tickell and Professor Yu Sun signed the agreement in a special ceremony at the re-launch of the University of Birmingham’s China Centre, in Guangzhou.
Professor Adam Tickell commented: “Signing this agreement marks the beginning of what I hope will prove to be a fruitful partnership and I look forward to the University of Birmingham and NBLSRI working together to deliver considerable future success in the field of brain health.
“We are a global university with a civic outlook and this collaboration builds on our excellent relationship with Southeast University and partners in Nanjing. Our new venture could help to improve health outcomes for millions of people in China and beyond.”
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NBLSRI plan to explore areas such as the application of AI to diagnoses using brain imaging data; the development of new brain imaging platforms and methodologies; and the use of data science to enhance education practice through better understanding of brain function.
The partnership also creates opportunities for staff and student exchanges between both institutions, building on the University of Birmingham’s long-standing links with Southeast University, in Nanjing.
NBLSRI was recently established by Professor Yu Sun, from Southeast University, who also holds an honorary professorship at the University of Birmingham. Professor Sun successfully secured significant funding from Nanjing municipal and district governments, industries, and investors to launch the Institute.
Professor Yu Sun commented: “Our mission is to integrate the best high-end scientific research resources and technological innovation talents, capital and achievements from both universities and local regions to build the Institute into an international leading high-end applied research institute, as well as a high-energy industrial innovation platform.
“We hope the new institute will play a major strategic role in supporting the R&D, transfer of scientific and technological achievements, entrepreneurship incubation and innovative industrial development of brain health and the application of AI in medical Imaging, neuroeducation and related device in UK and China.”
University of Birmingham experts will contribute scientific direction and research input to the partnership, with several Birmingham academics serving on a specially created Strategy Steering Group and Academic Leadership Committee. It is likely that many of these Birmingham academics will lead research projects, as well as directing research fellows and PhD students working in the institute.
The University of Birmingham has a long-standing research and education relationship with a range of partners in the city of Nanjing and the wider region. These include Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) and Phoenix Publishing & Media Group.
Birmingham experts have worked with JITRI to develop innovative research in key areas such as nanoparticle technology, biomedicine, recycling solutions and low-carbon clean energy. Our researchers worked closely with Phoenix and Nanjing University to establish the Shakespeare Centre, in Nanjing - a focal point for research, publishing and promotion of the works of William Shakespeare.
