The Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) brings together academic colleagues across a range of disciplines; from finance to law, from energy policy to education in a dynamic and multidisciplinary melting pot of academic expertise.
BISCA has launched its new report ‘Bridging Research and Policy for Global Action’, which will serve as a cornerstone for our engagement at COP30. This is no ordinary institutional document. Its insights, woven together from months of focused enquiry and dialogue, crystallise the urgent priorities facing the climate movement and policy-makers and -takers - climate justice, equitable energy transition, sustainability education, health, resilient finance, and adaptation.
More than simply mapping the challenges, our report equips its readers with actionable pathways for integrating academic rigour with real-world policy outcomes.
Our report launch at The Exchange, in Birmingham city centre, served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we bring together diverse voices from academia, industry, government, and youth to bridge the gap between research and policy.
We heard bold ideas, confronted real challenges, and explored collaborative pathways that can lead to transformative climate action - illuminating the urgency and complexity of the climate crisis, and the critical role universities – critically working in partnership - must play in driving evidence-based solutions.
It is important that we now maintain the energy and innovation on display at our report launch - translating momentum into measurable progress and requiring that:
- The report reaches beyond the university community. Targeted dissemination to policymakers, NGOs, and international partners is vital, ensuring the recommendations inform real-world decision-making.
- Robust, proactive engagement at COP30. Preparing a well-equipped and diverse University of Birmingham delegation showcasing groundbreaking research, nurturing new partnerships, and championing the University’s global footprint.
- Expanding global collaboration. Deepening partnerships, particularly with institutions across the Global South, must be prioritised. Initiatives such as Engage Amazonia 2025 together with joint research calls and fellowships through BISCA and the University of Birmingham Brazil Institute, can help amplify the voices and expertise of communities most affected by climate change while fostering innovation.
- Empowering youth and local communities. Genuine progress hinges on harnessing the passion and innovation of youth, as well as engaging local communities. A youth-led sustainability forum ensures the next generation is not just included but empowered.
- Monitoring progress and evidencing impact. It is crucial to track progress transparently - evidence of impact will help keep the coalition honest and energised and inspire future partnerships and investment.
The climate crisis cannot be solved by any single institution, sector, or nation; nor should the responsibility rest solely on established leaders. Our report launch represents a call to partnership, ongoing conversation, and shared responsibility. This is an open door for continued engagement with the University of Birmingham and its partners on behalf of people and planet alike.
Distilling research into policy, turning ideas into impact, and nurturing the next generation of climate leaders are actions that will truly close the gap between intent and achievement. The tools to stay connected have never been more accessible; participants are encouraged to use the resources and networks shared to remain part of this growing movement.
Professor David Hannah and a team of University of Birmingham experts - including Professor Stefan Krause, Professor Sami Ullah, and Dr Katinka Weber are taking part in the 'Brazil-UK Pre-COP30 Dialogue: From Science to Public Policy' conference on 22 and 23 October. Watch the discussions live.
