Senior academics from the University of Birmingham are currently visiting five cities in India on a Road Show to develop new mutually beneficial research links and collaborations with Indian institutions, strengthen existing ties and meet potential students and alumni. The fortnight-long visit highlights the University’s commitment to its ever-deepening relationship with India. 

In its third year, the University’s India Road Show sees academic representatives from its Colleges of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Arts and Law, Social Sciences, and Life and Environmental Sciences visit Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and New Delhi.

During the Road Show, Professor Anton Wagenmakers, Professor of Exercise Biochemistry and Head of the University’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is meeting Indian institutions to foster research collaborations focused on confronting the obesity and diabetes epidemic facing South Asia and worldwide. Research focused on combating obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease is a growing area of development at the University of Birmingham. Researchers across the University have come together to co-ordinate their work with the aim of understanding the metabolic processes that contribute to obesity and metabolic disease as well as implementing novel treatment and prevention strategies, for example, high intensity interval training to generate the same benefits as walking or cycling in only a fraction of the weekly time commitment.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham are helping to shape and plan the cities of the future focusing on the restructuring of cities in response to urban insecurity, climate change, natural disasters and international terrorism. Consequently, Professor Jon Coaffee, Director of the University’s Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, is meeting peers at universities in New Delhi to explore opportunities for collaboration to address India’s current and future infrastructural challenges.

Leading the India Road Show 2011, Professor Peter Byers, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching, Learning and Quality) and also Deputy Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: “The University of Birmingham’s association with India spans over 100 years and we are seeking to further our ties. During this visit we are sharing our insight on the research that we have done in areas such as combating obesity and urban resilience with leading institutions in India who are more than happy to acknowledge the same. The Road Show also provides a great opportunity for students interested in studying abroad to meet academics to ask questions about the University of Birmingham and the courses offered.”

ENDS

• A member of the Russell Group of 20 leading UK research-intensive universities, the University of Birmingham is a vibrant, global community and an internationally-renowned institution, in the top 100 globally. With approximately 28,000 students and 6,000 members of staff, its work brings people from more than 150 countries to Birmingham. For further information, visit: www.bham.ac.uk
• The University of Birmingham has a number of research collaborations with several institutions across India that are helping to transform lives and to make a real impact on society.
• The first Indian students came to Birmingham in 1909 to study degrees in Mining and Commerce and there are now more than 1000 Indian alumni. The University currently has over 180 students from India studying a wide range of subjects – at all levels from foundation to doctoral research. There is a dynamic Indian Cultural Society which attracts a wide range of students.
• Marking exactly 100 years since the first Indians studied in Birmingham, the University’s India Office opened in New Delhi in 2009. This was the first overseas office of the University of Birmingham and has been established to maintain partnerships with local providers, support the alumni in India, further consolidate research collaborations and provide local services to those students who wish to study at the University.

For further information, please contact:
Catherine Byerley, International Press and PR Officer, University of Birmingham
Tel: 0121 414 8254, Mob: 07827 832 312, Email: c.j.byerley@bham.ac.uk