Partnership establishes University of Birmingham and Nanjing University research hub to tackle environmental health, sustainability, and climate change.
New partnership will tackle global research challenges
The University of Birmingham and Nanjing University have signed an agreement to jointly develop innovative research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time - climate change, environmental health, and sustainable development.
In a landmark partnership, the two institutions will establish the UoB-NJU Joint Centre for Research and Education in Environment & Health, and Sustainability & Climate Change.
University of Birmingham Vice Chancellor & Principal Professor Adam Tickell and Professor Tieniu Tan, Secretary of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, signed the agreement during a high-level meeting in Nanjing, attended by senior leaders from both institutions.
The new centre will serve as a hub for collaborative research, academic exchange, and joint education programmes.
This centre represents a bold step forward in our commitment to global collaboration. By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver innovative research, support student and faculty exchanges, and contribute to solutions for global environmental challenges.
Professor Adam Tickell commented: “I am delighted to return to Nanjing to deepen our collaboration with Nanjing University. This strategic collaboration unites two globally renowned institutions to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“This centre represents a bold step forward in our commitment to global collaboration. By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver innovative research, support student and faculty exchanges, and contribute to solutions for global environmental challenges.
“Our shared history and mutual respect have laid the groundwork for this exciting new initiative, which will allow us to focus our resources and expertise to shape the future of climate and environmental research—locally, nationally, and globally.”
Professor Tan underlined Jiangsu Province’s strengths as a powerhouse in education, science and the economy, and offered concrete proposals for strengthening collaboration. He expressed the hope of expanding two-way exchanges between the two institutions through platforms such as the Nanjing University International Visiting Scholars Programme and the Global Research Immersion Program for Young Scientists (GRIPS).
Nanjing University, is ranked first globally in Earth & Environmental Sciences by the Nature Index. The University has long been a leader in environmental research. Its Schools of Environment, Atmospheric Sciences, Earth Sciences & Engineering, and the Institute of Environment and Health offer a rich foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The University of Birmingham, through its School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action shares a deep commitment to advancing research and education in these critical areas.
The Joint Centre will facilitate:
This partnership reflects the University of Birmingham’s broader commitment to civic engagement, cultural diplomacy, and global impact. It also reinforces Nanjing University’s role as a leader in environmental science and sustainability.
For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham press office or +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
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 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
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.
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. The University of Birmingham and Nanjing Borui Life Science Research Institute (NBLSRI) are jointly developing innovative research that creates real-world impact in brain health.
Professor of Atmospheric Science
Professor Bill Bloss is an atmospheric scientist with expertise in air pollution & atmospheric chemistry.
Professor of Meteorology and Climatology
Professor Leckebusch is a leading expert in natural science research on meteorological and climatological extreme events and related impacts.
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability)
Professor David Hannah studies hydroclimatology in cold regions, focusing on river dynamics, climate interactions, and ecohydrology.
Professor of Atmospheric Biogeochemistry
Professor Shi's research focuses on atmospheric chemistry and its interactions with ecosystems, air quality, and climate.
