University welcomes VIP visitors from Germany's Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing as successful strategic research partnership continues.
High-level representatives of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) visited the University of Birmingham to explore future opportunities for the long-standing partnership.
University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Adam Tickell welcomed a diverse BAM delegation to the Edgbaston campus.
Led by Professor Dr. Ulrich Panne, BAM President, and comprising BAM departmental heads, theme leads, researchers and coordinators, the delegation took part in a full day of discussions, tours and workshops.
The VIP delegation also included Dr Hans Josef Linkens, First Counsellor for Science, German Embassy UK, and Christian Kiock, Chairman for Wales and the Midlands of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG).
Since it began in 2018, the University of Birmingham’s partnership with BAM has grown into a trusted and impactful collaboration. By working together, we are creating innovative research opportunities and outcomes that continue to strengthen and deepen our relationship.
Germany and the UK last year signed the Kensington Treaty on on Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation, which included a commitment to intensify cooperation in the field of science, technology, research and innovation.
This set the scene for discussions in Birmingham to explore future opportunities around seven key research themes:
Civil Engineering
Chemistry & Materials
Energy
Materials Engineering & Additive Manufacturing
Chemicals & Nanomaterials in the Environment
Microorganisms in the Environment
Sustainability
University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Adam Tickell said: “Since it began in 2018, the University of Birmingham’s partnership with BAM has grown into a trusted and impactful collaboration. By working together, we are creating innovative research opportunities and outcomes that continue to strengthen and deepen our relationship.
“International partnership is central to the University’s mission. Bringing together researchers, students, and technical experts enables us to address shared challenges and deliver lasting, meaningful impact through long-term, strategic international collaboration.”
Professor Nicole Metje (right) welcomes BAM visitors to the National Buried Infrastructure Facility on campus.
Our partnership with the University of Birmingham creates real added value – scientifically, socially, and strategically. Following the Kensington Treaty signing, we look forward to the next phase in developing our collaboration.
BAM and the University of Birmingham last year extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Originally signed in 2018, the MoU continues to serve as the foundation for intensive collaboration in research, innovation, and academic exchange.
BAM President Professor Dr Ulrich Panne said: “Our partnership with the University of Birmingham creates real added value – scientifically, socially, and strategically. Following the Kensington Treaty signing, we look forward to the next phase in developing our collaboration. It is important to combine scientific research with industrial opportunity, and we now have a special opportunity to move our partnership forward.”
Since 2018, the collaboration has generated over €9 million in joint funding bids and created over 30 joint publications, 12 collaborative research projects, 23 undergraduate placements and 14 joint PhDs.
BAM is a scientific and technical institute with responsibility to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. It provides testing, analysis, research and advice to protect people, the environment, and material goods.
The partnership with Birmingham is based on thematic research clusters that reflect the shared strengths and interests of both partners. For example, 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.
For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager or call +44 (0)7827 832312.
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, teachers and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
Professor of Physical Chemistry
Staff profile for Professor Tim Albrecht, Chair in Physical Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham
