“Our partnership with the University of Birmingham is a prime example of international cooperation with real added value – scientifically, socially, and strategically,” says Professor Dr Ulrich Panne, President of BAM.
Since the beginning of the collaboration, over €9 million in joint funding has been applied for, more than 30 publications have been co-authored, and 14 funded PhD exchanges have taken place. In addition, more than 50 joint workshops, seminars, and professional events have been held.
“International collaboration is central to the University of Birmingham’s mission and our partnership with BAM reflects this commitment. Bringing together researchers, students, and technical experts enables us to address shared challenges and deliver lasting, meaningful impact through long-term, strategic international cooperation,” says Professor Rachel O'Reilly MBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham.
The cooperation is based on four thematic research clusters that reflect the shared strengths and interests of both partners: Chemistry and Materials, Energy, Additive Manufacturing, and Environmental and Life Sciences.
- The Energy cluster focuses on hydrogen technologies, battery safety, and wind energy. One example of practical knowledge transfer is the jointly developed hydrogen safety module, which has been successfully delivered multiple times as part of the Joint European Summer School.
- Research in Additive Manufacturing centres on innovative applications in aerospace and energy technology. A highlight is the University of Birmingham’s unique systems for processing copper and precious metals using electron beam technology.
- The Environmental and Life Sciences cluster addresses current challenges such as microplastics, PFAS, antimicrobial materials, and biofilms. A flagship project is the EU-funded STOP project on surface transmission of pathogens, which connects science and practice with a budget of €4.3 million.
- In the Chemistry and Materials cluster, the focus is on sustainable chemistry, nanomaterials, and energy materials. The collaboration provides access to highly specialized infrastructure and promotes scientific exchange, especially for early-career researchers.
A highlight of the collaboration has been the exchange of doctoral and undergraduate students, with six co-funded PhD exchanges since 2020 and over 20 undergraduate students undertaking summer internships at BAM.
“During my time at BAM, I could access state-of-the-art equipment which enabled me to perform some of the experiments that I am the proudest of. Both my scientific and professional development were further enhanced by the diverse network of colleagues and collaborators that I met during my time at BAM,” says PhD candidate Joseph Okeke.
The extension of the MoU marks the next step in a partnership characterised by trust, shared goals, and a clear focus on societal relevance.
In the future, new interdisciplinary fields will be explored, including civil engineering, cultural heritage protection, and non-destructive testing methods. With the renewal, BAM and the University of Birmingham reaffirm their intention to deepen cooperation and jointly develop solutions to global challenges.
