Dr Lucy O’Sullivan co-leads the British Council-funded transnational education project with Universidad Iberoamericana, hosting joint teaching and workshops.
'Colombia's Guernica' (Milton Diaz/El Tiempo) and John Bellany's painting 'Allegory' (National Galleries of Scotland).
An international and interdisciplinary online workshop held on the 30 April showcased the range of exciting research being undertaken by postgraduate students in the humanities and social sciences at the University of Birmingham and the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, one of Mexico’s top private educational institutions.
The event formed part of a collaborative transnational education project coordinated by Dr Lucy O’Sullivan, Assistant Professor in Modern Languages at the University of Birmingham, and Professor Marisol López-Menéndez of Universidad Iberoamericana, which is funded by a British Council HE Connects 2025: Mexico - UK Partnerships grant. The project, entitled ‘Pursuing International Collaboration through Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Education’, seeks to forge links between both institutions in postgraduate education and research with a view to establishing a more ambitious, long-term partnership.
The online workshop featured presentations from Ibero students undertaking doctoral studies in Sociology and from University of Birmingham students on the MA in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories and those pursuing History of Art research degrees. They included research examining an infamous shattered crucifix from a bomb explosion, known as Colombia’s ‘Guernica’, and a study of the works of Scottish painter John Bellany that were inspired by his visit to Mexico. Anonymous feedback from the participants emphasised the benefits of establishing international and interdisciplinary dialogues around such research.
One University of Birmingham student said: “It was a wonderful opportunity not only to share our work, but also to learn what topics, perspectives, or analytical approaches are being explored in other academic contexts.” An Ibero counterpart reflected: “The workshop was enriching; it was interesting to hear about the projects from our peers in the United Kingdom and Mexico. The exchange of knowledge was particularly insightful in terms of art history, sociology, and visual studies.” Beyond the immediate educational advantages, participants also highlighted the longer-term benefits of participation, such as enhancing professional development and expanding future opportunities.
In March, Professor Marisol López-Menéndez travelled to Birmingham from Mexico City to co-deliver a seminar with Dr O’Sullivan on ‘Ways of Seeing: Visual Culture and Intercultural Awareness’ as part of the MA in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories. Students responded positively to the interdisciplinary framing of the co-taught session, noting that “being able to see the differing perspectives come together really aided in getting a more in-depth understanding of the material and subject matter”.
The next project activities are scheduled for August when Dr O’Sullivan will travel to Mexico City to deliver a research talk to postgraduate students at the Ibero and to hold meetings with internationalisation representatives.
Assistant Professor in Modern Languages
Biographical and contact information for Dr Lucy O'Sullivan, Assistant Professor in Modern Languages at the University of Birmingham.
