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  1. Home
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  • Explore Research
  • Research Spotlights

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    • Rail decarbonisation

      Decarbonisation is one of two railway grand challenges (along with digitalisation) that requires a strategic, whole-sector approach with government, industry and academia working together. We are leading the way in decarbonising the railway in the UK and across the world.

    • Birmingham Plastics Network: Shaping the Fate and Sustainable Future of Plastics

      The University of Birmingham has established a Birmingham Plastics Network, an interdisciplinary team of more than 40 academics working together to shape the fate and sustainable future of plastics

    • Hydrogen-powered train

      Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education’s (BCRRE) research into the application of fuel cells and hydrogen in railway traction system design stretches back over the last decade and beyond.

    • Quantum Technologies

      Developing the use of sensors and clocks in innovative, ground-breaking technologies to change the future landscapes of healthcare, transport, defence, civil engineering and more.

    • Responsible Business

      Academia partnering with business, investigating, developing and co-creating robust and innovative solutions to achieve responsible business success. Building the foundations for a more responsible and sustainable future.

    • Air Pollution

      We are working with partners across the globe to understand how to save lives at risk from poor air quality.

    • Superdiversity

      Challenging established views and policy responses to migration and its impact on societies in a rapidly changing world.

    • Global Ethics

      Birmingham academics work on major issues in international ethics and global justice and train the next generation of students to tackle these issues.

    • Liver Transplantation

      Birmingham has been at the forefront of transplants since the pioneering work of Sir Peter Medawar. Our researchers are continuing his legacy.

    • Explore our Spotlights

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A footprint on Mars

In 'Perspectives'

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg: a careful, precise, and unwavering lawyer
  • Past debates and perspectives
Maggie Lieu Perspective

Maggie Lieu

“The Mars One project plans to create a human settlement on Mars by 2024. The catch? No human has ever done this before and the trip will be one way. There will be no coming home. ”

Read full opinion

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