Enabling collaboration

We champion interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and opportunities to share and learn from and with others to strengthen our research culture.

Engaging with the wider research sector

Cross-institutional networks, such as the Early Career Development Network, enable our early career researchers our postdoctoral communities to shape and direct their own development. 

We engage with the wider sector on research culture and environment through existing networks, such as the Research Culture Enablers Network, the Midlands Research Culture Network and the Wellcome-funded Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health (EDIS).

We also work closely with Russell Group peers and UKRI’s research and innovation culture team to develop shared expectations of inclusive research and grant cultures.  

Our partnerships with other higher education institutions and a varied range of organisations create new opportunities to advance understanding and solve some of the biggest challenges we face.

  • A team of University of Birmingham staff in helmets and high-vis jackets inspecting a new innovation asset

    A pioneering approach to research strategy, engagement and impact

    Our internal teams reflect our commitment to collaboration, with the University’s Research Strategy and Services Division bringing together several teams to facilitate high quality strategic research development and services across the entire research life cycle. In a Russell Group first, our business engagement and research impact functions sit within one team.

    How we engage with our partners
  • Two people sit in discussion at a desk

    Explore the ways we are enabling collaboration

    Through Research England's Quality-related Research (QR) funding, we are enabling collaboration within and across the University, and with external partners. Check out our case studies for a snapshot of researchers and research-related staff's work.

    Our case studies