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University of Birmingham Brussels office to accelerate research collaboration and innovation

The University of Birmingham’s new office in Brussels has opened, deepening its commitment to research collaboration with European partners.

8 October 2025
Professor Carole Mundell, Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE FRS and Ms. Signe Ratso

Professor Carole Mundell, Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE FRS and Ms. Signe Ratso.

On Tuesday 7 October 2025, the University of Birmingham welcomed senior leaders from European institutions, business and academia to the opening of its new Brussels office.

Opening the event, Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE FRS, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) said: “University of Birmingham researchers – me included – know that international collaboration enhances the quality, relevance and reach of our research. This new office is a symbol of our commitment to nurture existing partnerships and forge new ones with European partners. If your ambition matches our own, we want to be working with you.”

University of Birmingham researchers – me included – know that international collaboration enhances the quality, relevance and reach of our research. This new office is a symbol of our commitment to nurture existing partnerships and forge new ones with European partners. If your ambition matches our own, we want to be working with you.

Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE FRS, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), University of Birmingham

Guests at the reception had the opportunity to learn more about some of the University’s research strengths, including the work of researchers with EU-funding, from uncovering how language and translation shapes EU law, to reimagining surfaces with circular, bio-based materials and using personalised treatments to pave the way for more inclusive clinical research.

Professor Rachel O'Reilly MBE FRS presents to a crowd

Guests also heard more about the proposals for FP10, the next European research funding framework, from Ms. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director General at the European Commission’s Research and Innovation Directorate. Highlighting association into Horizon Europe from non-member states such as the UK, Japan and others, Ms Ratso noted: “The University’s commitment to European collaboration is clear, from its performance in Pillar II to its role in hosting the first segment of the UK Horizon Europe Roadshow and now the new University of Birmingham office in Brussels.”

The University’s commitment to European collaboration is clear, from its performance in Pillar II to its role in hosting the first segment of the UK Horizon Europe Roadshow and now the new University of Birmingham office in Brussels.

Ms. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director General at the European Commission’s Research and Innovation Directorate

Reflecting on her experiences of working in science diplomacy, and most recently as Director of Science at the European Space Agency, Professor Carole Mundell, emphasised the importance of pan-European collaboration:

“Europe leads the world in breakthrough space science - built through collaboration and co-operation over the past 50 years through the founding of the European Space Agency in 1975.  We have ambitious plans for the future; we must invest to attract talent, to drive the research-innovation-industrial ecosystem, and reap the societal benefits of global leadership for the coming decades."

Europe leads the world in breakthrough space science - built through collaboration and co-operation over the past 50 years through the founding of the European Space Agency in 1975.  We have ambitious plans for the future; we must invest to attract talent, to drive the research-innovation-industrial ecosystem, and reap the societal benefits of global leadership for the coming decades.

Professor Carole Mundell, Director of Science at the European Space Agency
University of Birmingham Brussels office opening reception

In 2024, the UK won over €735m in Horizon Europe grants, making it the 5th most successful country in the programme that year. The office opening reception is the first in a series of events taking place at the University of Birmingham’s new office in Brussels over the next 12 months to mark its first year. The University of Birmingham, a top UK performer in Pillar II, will use the office as a gateway to grow its networks and deepen partnerships that will accelerate research excellence and impact.  

Notes for editors

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 a global university with over 35,000 staff across campuses in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and Dubai.

For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham press office or +44 (0)121 414 2772. 

Featured staff

  • Professor Rachel O'Reilly

    Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research)

    Professor Rachel O'Reilly is Chair in Chemistry at the School of Chemistry. She leads the O'Reilly Group whose research targets the design, synthesis and application of uniquely derived polymeric materials.

    Email:

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