The West Midlands is undergoing a transformation. The birthplace of the industrial revolution is powering forward. Welcome to the Increased investment, strong growth and infrastructure improvements are driving the economy. And at the same West Midlands. time, our region is enjoying yet another cultural renaissance. With a rich heritage of business and intellectual Our population is predicted to grow by half leadership, the West Midlands is home to three a million over the next 20 years. To meet this new thriving cities: Birmingham, Coventry and demand, major housing investment will deliver Wolverhampton. Our region is flourishing 215,000 new homes by 2031. The heart of the as our economy expands, with a GVA growth rate of 15% over the last five years. The West Our region has 2 million square feet of prime office Midlands’ success is helping to drive forward space under development, and £3 billion in the United Kingdom’s growth. long-term infrastructure investment is transforming UK. The home local and national transport connections. When The strength of the West Midlands is its diversity. HS2 arrives in 2026, travel times to London will be It’s home to the UK’s youngest population and to reduced to only 45 minutes. leaders in the finance, health and life sciences, digital, automotive and aerospace sectors. No Join us and make your mark. of industry. The surprise, therefore, that international firms such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank and PwC have also made their home in the West Midlands. 13,500 life sciences companies and 6,700 medical graduates Our success story has an impact across the globe. from our universities each year. place to make Exports have increased by 26% over the last 3 years, and the West Midlands now has more The heart of the UK’s transport Foreign Direct Investment projects than Israel, network, shaping the future of Norway or Greece. In fact, no other part of the sustainable and intelligent travel. your mark. UK outside London has created more jobs from international investment. World class university-led research The next chapter in our story is just beginning. in heating and cooling systems, fuel cell and battery technology.
Follow us 13,900 tech companies supported @wmgrowth wmgrowth.com by local universities at cutting-edge of AI and VR research.
1 Universities in the West Midlands
An internationally recognised academic community, world class research institutions, and boundless talent. The West Midlands’ universities accelerate discovery, innovation and technological development.
For centuries, the West Midlands has helped drive Each university makes a vital contribution, offering Britain forward and shape the world. It has always been leadership and game-changing innovation in specialist an engine of growth and a catalyst for change, a magnet fields. Our universities are researching, designing and for inquisitive minds and commercial innovators. And as building new business opportunities that drive the West we move forward with ever increasing pace, our Midlands forward. Engaging with universities in the universities provide the acceleration. West Midlands gives business the opportunity to:
West Midlands universities educate 150,000 students • Access the latest in sector innovation and produce more than 50,000 graduates each year. and thought-leadership Working closely with business and industry, their individual research and innovation specialisms combine • Solve real-world problems with up-to-date to secure our region’s economic future. academic expertise
Rooted in the West Midlands, their impact is global. • Bring products to market in a reduced-risk Our universities are at the forefront of positive change: environment improving health, driving transport forward, storing energy, improving construction, advancing • Benefit from tailored support and growth advice manufacturing, enabling entrepreneurs and making • Be part of a supportive and entrepreneurial people’s lives better. network that connects research with application across business sectors.
The West Midlands’ universities are at the forefront of positive change.
2 3 Aerospace
Aerospace
A long tradition of precision Efficiency and safety in aerospace are West Midlands engineering excellence has made the specialities. Working together with industry, universities across the region are developing new ways to reduce West Midlands the natural home for cost, improve performance and limit the sector’s the aerospace sector. Industry leaders environmental impact. including Meggitt, Moog, Rolls- Royce and Collins Aerospace all have Keep it light important centres here. Universities in the region work in close partnership Engineering expertise developed at universities in the West Midlands allows companies to achieve cost Key University Centres with key organisations throughout the and fuel savings by reducing weight in aerospace applications. Our universities explore innovative design Aston University Coventry University sector supply chain. and manufacturing techniques and assess the potential Institute of Photonic Technologies Engineering, Environment and Computing of new materials such as magnesium to enable the Aston University has been innovating in optical sensing Using multi-simulation facilities at the High-Performance sector to respond effectively to the low-carbon agenda. systems for 20 years, delivering practical solutions for Engineering Centre, the EEC team delivers large-scale research into the aerospace sector, such as advising on the application next generation flight deck technologies with BAE Systems, General and utilisation of Fibre Bragg gratings to next generation Electric, Rolls Royce and DLR. Complementary work in the Human Rapid prototyping composite wing and fuselage structures. Systems Integration Group adopts a systemic approach to the implementation of human factors in the aviation industry. Website The industry benefits from close collaboration with Website university research into rapid, low-risk prototyping. Birmingham City University Alongside Additive Layer Manufacturing (3D printing), University of Warwick emerging virtual and augmented reality techniques Institute of Sustainable Futures iSF connects organisations with BCU’s specialists to help Lightweight Technologies Centre of Excellence are also in development at our universities. These new them find solutions to business or societal challenges. Current This centre of Excellence designs and manufactures the developments enable fast testing in a cost-effective projects include UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) testing in densely next generation of transportation lightweighting solutions. “virtual factory” of research labs and imaging suites. populated and built up city environments. The lightweight materials deliver fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Website Website The human factor Magnesium Innovation Group A strategic alliance with Meridian Lightweight Technologies UK, University of Wolverhampton the world’s largest producer of magnesium high pressure die- The sector also calls upon university expertise in cast components. The group’s work makes it easier to develop Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research human-systems integration. This work, delivered in lightweight, low-volume magnesium components for use in the A focal point for new engineering and materials technology. aerospace and automotive sectors. partnership with leading companies, is guiding the Research groups are involved in optimising materials for design of future flight-decks and improving monitoring Website aerospace applications and developing 3D printing techniques for metals. and training systems. Advanced information processing and pattern analysis techniques developed by University of Birmingham Website universities improve monitoring of human performance and modelling of faults in complex systems. Advanced Materials Engineering Projects developed here in partnership with groups such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the European Space Agency More than 15,000 people study technology are creating the ability to ‘print’ complex items such as engine and engineering-related subjects at West Midlands components in their finished state. universities each year. Aerospace companies can Website rely on their skills and expertise to accelerate their businesses.
4 5 Automotive & Transport Technologies Key University Centres
Aston University University of Birmingham
Aston Logistics and Systems Institute Vehicle Technology Research Centre ALSI has an extensive range of expertise in supply chain and The centre develops new combustion and energy conversion logistics and is helping businesses with supply chain design technologies, along with alternative fuels, as a means to create Automotive & and integration, ICT and analytics and sustainable supply chain clean, efficient and sustainable power sources.
management. Website Website Transport Technologies Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education European Bioenergy Research Institute BCRRE is Europe’s largest rail research group, working in EBRI leads the development of the next generation of electric partnership with international companies such as Siemens and The West Midlands is a world leader in transport technologies. There are more vehicle charging infrastructure which allows power to flow both Bombardier to develop new aerodynamic models, power and from grid to vehicle and from vehicle to grid. traction systems, condition monitoring and environmental and than 500 specialist automotive firms in our region, employing close to 47,000 geotechnical engineering. Website people in vehicle manufacturing and around 126,000 in the wider advanced Website engineering sector. Birmingham City University University of Warwick Institute for Sustainable Futures More than a third of all UK automotive sector employment is concentrated in the wider iSF develops state-of-the-art driverless cars to cut congestion, WMG reduce emissions and improve transport access for people that WMG specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering, West Midlands. Internationally recognised brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston are blind, visually impaired or have problems with mobility. new materials, 3D X-ray analysis and design. Its wide range of industry partnerships develops hybrid vehicles and manufactures Martin thrive here in partnership with our universities. Website low-carbon and battery technologies.
Website On track Carbon reduction Coventry University National Automotive Innovation Centre Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Adopting innovation and embracing new ideas are In response to calls for reduced carbon emissions, NAIC is a partnership between WMG at the University of Collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart also key to the success of the rail industry in the West universities in the West Midlands are working with the Warwick, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tata Motors UK. It is the Manufacturing Group. This “faculty on the factory floor” largest research centre of its kind in Europe, with 33,000m2 Midlands. Universities, business and government are transport sector to refine energy storage and e-drive brings together the best in academia, industry and R&D dedicated to automotive innovation. The centre’s work is focused working together to develop advanced control systems solutions for electric vehicles. In addition, scientists in a “live” manufacturing environment. Learning and research on the long-term challenges outlined by the UK Automotive is carried out at AME’s 1700 sq ft manufacturing hub, housing using digital solutions to solve problems in traffic and and technologists are developing new materials and Council, including electric vehicles, carbon reduction and smart state-of-the-art robotic automation, forming, joining, analysis and connected cars. capacity management on the railways. techniques to reduce weight in transport applications. and simulation, metrology and product verification technology. Website Website The focus in the region is on carbon reduction science Advanced Propulsion Centre UK that is ready for industry. Longstanding links between National Transport Design Centre A central hub to provide the UK automotive industry with the transport technologies sector and higher education The NTDC investigates influences on future vehicle design to resources and facilities to develop advanced propulsion create safe and sustainable transport solutions for the cities of institutions ensure that research breakthroughs are systems and supply chains. the future. The centre houses equipment such as precision CNC achieved in partnership and new ideas are developed milling machines for scale model creation; a range of 3D printing Website quickly into practical applications. technologies; large bed graphics printers and structured white- light 3D scanning for reverse engineering. University of Wolverhampton Website 21st century driving Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research Centre for Connected Autonomous Automotive Research The centre conducts leading research into the design CCAAR is a joint initiative of Coventry University and HORIBA and development of lightweight materials for automotive A new era in transport is fast approaching. Alongside applications. Its work includes materials development, energy MIRA, a world-leader in vehicle engineering, research and developments in low-carbon technology, universities in storage and research into advanced manufacturing engineering. product testing. It develops and tests the latest intelligent the West Midlands are helping businesses address the connected vehicle technology and is located at the HORIBA Website challenges of autonomous vehicle design and testing. MIRA headquarters in Nuneaton.
Website Improving the competence of autonomous vehicles School of Art & Design and developing secure connected vehicle systems will The largest and longest established automotive & transport transform the way we travel in the near future. University design programme in the UK. It collaborates with most major expertise combined with a commercial mindset international automotive manufacturers and its alumni are employed in design studios around the world. and entrepreneurial spirit are opening doors to new transport opportunities. Website
6 7 BPFS Key University Centres
Aston University and STEAMhouse University of Warwick Free workshops and events allow organisations to share and develop ideas with experts from many different Enterprise Research Centre backgrounds. Members can access co-working, co- A joint initiative of Aston and Warwick Business Schools, making spaces, equipment and grants to bring ideas to Business, Professional the Enterprise Research Centre is the UK’s leading centre life. In addition, advice from industry experts and practical of excellence for research into the growth, innovation and business support, STEAMhouse enables businesses to productivity of SMEs. collaborate in the generation of new thinking. and Financial Services Website Website
International Centre for The West Midlands is the largest regional BPFS hub in the UK. With world- Aston University Transformational Entrepreneurship Advanced Services Group The Centre investigates sustainable socio-economic renowned business schools and innovative programmes that support A centre of excellence at Aston Business School, the transformation through systemic approaches to entrepreneurship in communities nationally and internationally. sustainable SME growth, our universities are driving forward a sector that Advanced Services Group supports manufacturing and technology-innovating SMEs as they explore new business Website contributes more than £24 billion GVA to the West Midlands economy. models, revenue models and contract models as part of their servitization journey and advanced services transformation. University of Birmingham Website The BPFS sector provides employment for around 350,000 people in the West Midlands. The region is emerging as a global BPFS hub, with firms such as HSBC, KPMG, PwC and Deutsche Aston Centre for Growth Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Aston University has held the Small Business Charter since Leadership, Economy & Diversity Bank expanding their presence here. Our universities train more business students than any 2014. At the Centre for Growth, SMEs are supported with WE-LEAD blends research with contemporary business other part of the UK outside London, and their joint initiatives with leading companies advance understanding and engages with policy makers and investment-ready pitching competitions and on high profile our understanding of business growth and leadership. programmes such businesses to answer important questions about female as Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. enterprise.
Website Website Nurturing acorns Leadership Aston Degree Apprenticeships Lloyds Banking Group Centre Aston pioneered degree apprenticeships in the for Responsible Business UK. Designed specifically to fill skills gaps, degree Located within Birmingham Business School, and funded by Universities in the West Midlands are partnering with Universities engage with business, government and apprenticeships can upskill existing staff and nurture new the Lloyds Banking Group, this strategic initiative champions international consultancies and SMEs to develop new the third sector to advance the art of leadership and talent that brings fresh ideas to business and industry. responsible business. It develops new sustainable business ways for smaller companies to achieve growth. SME deliver training and development solutions. Triple- models which deliver positive social, environmental and Website support from universities and global leaders such as accredited (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB) business economic impact. Goldman Sachs is key to enabling new and established schools in the West Midlands are part of an elite group Website businesses to unlock their potential and create wealth of global institutions translating academic research into Birmingham City University in our region. operational business practice. Centre for Enterprise, Innovation and Growth University of Warwick A practical research centre dedicated to developing a Diversity in business and leadership are also stronger understanding of the foundations and process of Innovation, Knowledge & Organisational Networks Responsible and Resilient Business growth in firms, particularly SMEs. increasingly at the forefront of public debate and our Established in 1997, the IKON unit at Warwick Business School studies the interactions between innovation, universities are helping to lead the discussion. Website Our universities play a leading role in the development knowledge and networks. Its work with organisations such
as the UK National Health Service helps the public and of intelligent and ethical business practices. Multi- Coventry University private sectors innovate by exploiting knowledge. disciplinary work spanning finance, economics and Tomorrow’s specialists
engineering is helping businesses and policymakers Trading Floor Training Website Coventry Business School has the largest academic trading understand and address the complex factors that More than 34,000 people study business-related floor of its kind in Europe. The trading floor gives students University of Wolverhampton contribute to financial crises. subjects in the region each year. Around 16,000 FinTech real-world experience and the opportunity to obtain students graduate from our universities annually, each Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters certifications. Management Research Centre As society’s expectations of business evolve, equipped with the new skills the industry demands. Website The Management Research Centre concentrates research researchers in the West Midlands are also working with As a result, there are now more than 2,000 FinTech
on labour processes and employment relations, labour global and national leadership teams to identify new companies operating in the West Midlands. market economics and human resource development. opportunities for ethical business. Website
8 9 Creative Industries Key University Centres
Aston University Centre for Post-Digital Cultures The Centre explores cross-disciplinary and creative Systems Analytics Research Institute approaches to open and disruptive media, the posthuman, the Experts in SARI are supporting the sector across a range of posthumanities, the Anthropocene and the Capitalocene to areas including user experience evaluation, 3D modelling, help 21st century society respond to the challenges they face motion capture and audience augmentation. Aston University’s in relation to ‘the digital’ at a global, national and local level talented Product Design and Engineering students showcase research has been funded by Jisc, the National Lottery Fund, the EU, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council. their work each year at the Aston Inspired design show. Creative Industries Website Website University of Birmingham There are almost 10,000 creative enterprises in the West Midlands. Birmingham City University
A concentration of talent that contributes more than £4 billion in GVA Centre for Contemporary Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Literature and Culture The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire is an internationally A home for studies in literature, film, TV and popular culture. and sustains a robust, world-class arts and creative scene across the region. respected institution renowned for producing high- The Centre maintains strong connections with artists, venues, calibre musicians, actors and theatre professionals. The production companies and other research institutions. Conservatoire works directly with industry to ensure students The West Midlands is also home to a substantial become successful and employable. Backstage Website advertising, marketing and design sector, including Website The Shakespeare Institute web, product and fashion design, PR and marketing Universities in the West Midlands have an enviable track Located in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Shakespeare Institute data analysis. Birmingham School of Media has been a beacon for international scholarship since its record in media education and training, ensuring that The School of Media is centre of excellence, providing foundation in 1951. It also collaborates closely with the Royal our region’s creative industries have ready access to educating and supporting the development of professional Shakespeare Company’s artists and practitioners. New platform and content creation techniques skills for multimedia creative production industries. the next generation of technical specialists. Film and are developing across the West Midlands. Merging Website TV crews, sound engineers, designers, directors and Website advanced technology with creative vision, companies producers all learn their trade in the West Midlands. in the region are bringing new immersive experiences University of Warwick Coventry University to gaming and on-screen media. Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies Centre for Dance Research World Stage The centre extends and defines the field of cultural policy Using breakthrough technologies, including advanced research, focusing on evaluation and impact studies and Universities in the West Midlands nurture outstanding motion capture systems and life-size holograms, this Creative Industries policy. creative talent. 10% of the UK gaming industry is located The West Midlands is home to the Royal Birmingham research centre is transforming dance learning and documenting dance heritage. in the West Midlands, and more than 11,000 students Conservatoire, a world-class institution providing Website study creative or media related subjects each year. exceptional training for the musicians, actors, Website stage managers and performers of the future. The University of Wolverhampton School of Media and Performing Arts Conservatoire attracts the best and brightest students Creative Gaming Nurturing talent and honing professional skills in dance, University of Wolverhampton Science Park to the West Midlands, along with internationally theatre, music technology, media and communications, Home to a cluster of companies from the creative and digital renowned performers and teachers. digital media, journalism, media production and photography. media sector. Its SPARK business incubation centre supports The West Midlands is home to a globally significant The School maintains close links with artistic employers and nurtures new and young businesses in the Creative and organisations in the West Midlands, nationally and Industries sector. cluster of more than 40 gaming companies. “Silicon internationally and leads the Coventry Dance HUB Project.
Spa” has a 30-year history in game development and Website Website hosts key industry names including Codemasters, SEGA 10% of the UK gaming industry Wolverhampton School of Art and Media and Ubisoft. is located in the West Midlands, The Hyper-studio Building on a heritage that stretches back to the Great A radical and innovative approach to disciplinary projects in Exhibition of 1851, the School maintains close links with the and more than 11,000 students the arts and creative industries. The initiative links traditional Supporting the industry, universities across the West creative industries sector and with practicing artists and study creative or media related practice, emergent media technologies, creative practitioners, makers across the West Midlands. Midlands are at the cutting-edge of artificial intelligence scientists and industry in the delivery of a programme of and virtual reality research. subjects each year. challenge-based projects. The hyper-studio will become a Website physical and virtual space in the Faculty of Art and Humanities redevelopment project in 2020.
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School of Art & Design The School leads national and international research projects looking at health, lifestyle and leading the conversations about the arts.
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10 11 Gaming & AI Key University Centres
Aston University University of Wolverhampton Aston Lab for Intelligent Collectives Engineering (ALICE) Wolverhampton Cyber Research Institute ALICE research expertise includes various forms of intelligent, The Institute works in collaboration with academic, industry and social and collective computing systems: multi-agent systems, government partners on all aspects of security and privacy. Its evolutionary computation, swarm intelligence, artificial social focus is on security for critical national infrastructure. It develops agents, machine learning, self-adaptive, self-organising and self- new techniques to secure healthcare applications, autonomous aware systems. ALICE’s work is being applied to a wide range of transport communications and infrastructure such as power and domains including sensor networks, swarm robotics, computer- Gaming & AI generated art, decision support systems, economic modelling, water networks. healthcare, smart manufacturing, and intelligent virtual agents. Website
Website University expertise in gaming and artificial intelligence is leading the West Smart Homes In partnership with Wolverhampton Homes and Mr. Electric, Midlands economy into the third decade of the 21st Century and Industry 4.0. Birmingham City University the UK’s leading electrical franchise brand, the University of Wolverhampton is developing smart heating systems to help More than 11% of the UK’s games workforce is based in the West Midlands, Digital Media Technology Lab homeowners reduce their energy consumption. The Lab develops new applications in mixed, augmented and universities in the region produce more than 1,800 Computer Science and virtual reality. It works with some of the world’s leading Website international companies to develop novel solutions for remote graduates each year. demonstration of medial procedures, eye-gaze computer interaction for disabled users and on-set pre-visualisation of Institute of Coding effects for the film industry. Universities across the West Midlands are partners in the UK Website Government IoC initiative to develop the next generation of Serious Games Making Sense of Big Data digital specialists. Coventry University The West Midlands’ gaming cluster is supported Universities in the West Midlands are working in by university initiatives such as Gamer Camp from partnership with businesses to identify needs and Disruptive Media Learning Lab Birmingham City University. Recognised by the UK develop new intelligent algorithms that ask the right The Lab bring together world-leading experts in research, innovation, game-based learning, serious games and Interactive Entertainment Association for its meaningful questions of big data. Smaller businesses often find it gamification. Responding to the disruption of connected business engagement, Gamer Camp kick-starts careers difficult to exploit the latest developments in this field, media technologies, the lab develops radically new approaches to teaching and learning. It provides the support, expertise through intensive, industry-backed undergraduate and but initiatives such as Aston University’s Think Beyond and resources needed to enable projects to experiment with higher degree courses. Data project give SMEs access to some of the most pedagogies, business models and technologies.
advanced data-processing techniques in the world. Website Universities in the West Midlands are also accelerating developments in the fields of simulation and modelling. University of Birmingham These developments provide solutions to business that Keeping us safe transform planning and training, allowing major event Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research Digital security and privacy are growing global concerns. A national scheme jointly supported by the UK Government and organisers, for example, to model security incidents as Universities in the West Midlands are working closely the Research Councils’ Global Uncertainties Programme. The they train their staff. group continuously researches the impact on national resilience with industry and with government to advance our of cyber threats to financial services, electronic voting and understanding of the ever-changing world of cyber personal privacy.
Human-Machine Interaction security. The West Midlands is recognised by the UK Website Government as a centre of excellence for research and Our universities are working with partners to develop development in cyber security. Human Interface Technology The University of Birmingham’s Human Interface Technology a new understanding of the opportunities technology team works with the Royal Defence Medical College, a centre can offer. Practical developments include digital of excellence for defence medical research, to implement manufacturing techniques, touch-table interaction with “The Midlands is literally the augmented and virtual reality solutions to help personnel train for battlefield incidents. cultural heritage and mobile learning solutions. Using heart of game development cutting-edge machine learning techniques, researchers Website and clinicians are also teaching robots to recognise and in the UK.” react to human emotions. Applications include elder and University of Warwick paediatric healthcare and education. Louise O’Connor, Executive Producer at Rare Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence A development centre for new technologies in machine learning and large-scale data analysis. It provides solutions to pressing problems in sectors including transport, healthcare, and cyber security.
Website 12 13 Health & Life Sciences Key University Centres
Aston University The Alison Gingell Building. A new five storey building that includes a simulated house, Tried and tested Aston Brain Centre an ambulance cab, an operating theatre, a ward and various laboratories. Designed to give students a real-life experience in Health & A specialist centre focusing on epilepsy, dyslexia, autism, The West Midlands has a large, ethnically diverse and ADHD and sleeping disorders. Its mission is to develop paramedic intervention, nursing, occupational therapy and other translational applications of fundamental neurophysiological health related studies without compromising patient safety. non-transient regional population of more than six million research to clinical service provision. people, offering the perfect landscape for delivering
Life Sciences Website clinical trials. This has long been recognised by the UK Website National Health Service and by international life sciences Aston Medical Research Institute University of Birmingham partners - many of which have important centres linked to With state-of-the-art clinical Part of Aston Medical School, the Medical Research Unit West Midlands universities. develops new clinical solutions to life-threatening cardio- Centre for Human Brain Health facilities, a diverse population vascular and maternal health conditions, and is undertaking A specialist facility dedicated to improving understanding important research into the biomanufacturing of advanced cell of what makes a brain healthy, and how to prevent The West Midlands has one of largest clinical trial and pioneering partnerships and gene therapies and reverse damage. It develops new and non-invasive portfolios in Europe. It offers immediate access to both neuroimaging methods and investigates early intervention between academics and clinicians, Website state-of-the-art facilities for experimental medicine into mental disorders. and world-leading academic expertise, enabling new the West Midlands is at the cutting Ophthalmic Research Group Website treatments to move efficiently from trial to Optometrists, ophthalmologists and biomedical engineers edge of medical technology and the dispensary. work together in an integrated research group to advance Healthcare Technologies Institute understanding of preservation and restoration of sight. global healthcare. The Institute brings together leading experts to advance Website new technologies and treatments that encourage better tissue healing and rehabilitation. Expert workforce There are 13,000 health and life sciences Birmingham City University Website companies in the West Midlands, a testament Almost 4,000 students study medicine in the West to the region’s strength in the sector. Businesses School of Life Sciences Henry Wellcome Centre for Bimolecular NMR Midlands each year, and around 20,000 study related The Birmingham City University School of Life Sciences is the A global network of researchers developing actionable subjects. Training for clinicians, scientists and associated and clinicians are attracted here by the ideal West Midlands’ largest provider of qualified health and social insights into the molecular basis of human health, cancer practitioners is a key component of the West Midlands care professionals. progression and infectious diseases. landscape for clinical trials, a strong talent pool universities’ contribution to the strength of the sector. and world-class university medical facilities. Website Website
Institute of Translational Medicine New business Coventry University Scientists, researchers, clinicians and industry partners work together at the Institute to turn medical science into innovative Our universities are also supporting business growth in Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences patient and healthcare system applications. CSELS applies biological and exercise-related sciences to the health and life sciences sector. Initiatives developed improve diagnosis and prevention of disease. Four specialist Website in the West Midlands provide a strong offer to biopharma areas within the centre advance knowledge in the fields of and MedTech innovators seeking rapid and cost-effective sport and human performance, physical activity and exercise commercialisation of new discoveries. MD-TEC - an interventions, health and mechanisms of disease University of Warwick and functional genomics. initiative led by University Hospitals Birmingham in Institute of Digital Healthcare partnership with the University of Birmingham and Aston Website Working closely with industry and the UK’s National Health
Service across disciplinary boundaries, the Institute’s objective University - helps SMEs bring products to market quickly, Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science is to improve the quality, safety, accessibility and productivity at lower cost and with reduced risk. A research centre focused on the development and of healthcare. It supports the implementation of digital evaluation of theoretically-rooted, evidence-based solutions for the public, patients and professionals. psychological interventions. Translational medicine Website Website
In order to ease progress from laboratory discovery to School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health University of Wolverhampton improved and personalised patient care, universities in the The School delivers undergraduate, post graduate West Midlands are increasingly focused on translational and doctoral courses for a range of health professions Research Institute in Healthcare Science including nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational Interdisciplinary research at the Institute explores medicine. The world-renowned Institute of Translational therapy, dietetics, paramedic science and operating opportunities for advancement in the understanding of Medicine is a pioneer in this field, with bioinformatics department practice. cancer, diabetes, molecular medicine and pharmacology and precision medicine at its core. amongst other fields. Website Website
14 15 Low Carbon Technologies
Low Carbon Technologies
The birthplace of the first industrial revolution is now a hotbed Key University Centres of innovation in a new, low carbon revolution.
Aston University University of Birmingham World-class university-led research is accelerating low carbon technology development in The European Bioenergy Research Institute Birmingham Energy Institute the West Midlands. Almost 9,000 West Midlands companies are active in the low carbon EBRI provides practical solutions to help companies and local The Institute is dedicated to changing the way we deliver, Technologies sector, specialising in heating and cooling systems, fuel cells and batteries. West authorities in the UK, Europe and beyond explore the growing consume and think about energy. A focal point for the Midlands university research excellence and industry expertise work hand-in-hand to tackle bioenergy market. University and its national partners, it combines expertise
in the fundamental sciences with engineering and business some of the biggest energy challenges facing the UK. Website experience to create technology and inform public policy.
Birmingham City University Website Energy storage Energy from waste Powertrain Test and Development Facility University of Warwick A unique, independent auto-industry research facility catering Some of the most innovative and practical energy Alongside efficient storage, generating clean energy for hybrid-engine research and the exploration of cleaner Energy Innovation Centre burning fuels and bio-fuels. The Energy Innovation Centre is a national facility for storage solutions in the world are in development in is also essential to a low carbon future. Universities in the
battery research across the R&D process - from materials and the West Midlands today. In partnership with industry, West Midlands are developing new ways to generate Website electrochemistry through to application integration universities are developing new battery materials and energy from a wide range of waste and bio-products, and recycling. chemistries that enable electric vehicles to travel faster working directly with businesses to help Coventry University Website and further. them implement cost-saving solutions. Institute for Future Transport and Cities The institute brings together expertise in disciplines across University of Wolverhampton There has been a surge in demand for electric vehicles Accelerating industry art and design, human factors, engineering, manufacturing, in recent years. In the UK alone, new registrations of computer systems and business studies to deliver a vision Brownfield Research & Innovation Centre plug-in cars increased from 3,500 in 2013 to more than and business in the West of safe and sustainable transport solutions fit for the cities of In partnership with local government and business, 166,000 by August 2018. Over the next five years, WMG the future. It works across three core themes of training, skills Midlands – sustainably. the University of Wolverhampton has brought together public will develop the manufacturing systems needed to meet development and research to demonstrate and commercialise and private sector stakeholders to develop cost effective and this demand at its UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. new technologies to deliver impact and business growth. sustainable solutions to brownfield development. The low carbon technologies sector is thriving in the
West Midlands. More than 63,000 people work in Website Website This new technology is not just for travel and transport. the sector, and our universities train around 15,000 Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Built Environment Climate Change Innovation Efficient energy storage also helps homes and engineers and technologists each year. R&D is creating Systems (C-ALPS) The team promotes sustainable economic opportunities and businesses use green energy generated on-site more new opportunities for responsible and sustainable A new advanced testing and research facility for the transport growth by working with SMEs to develop innovative climate effectively. Technology is evolving in the West Midlands business development. industry. The new £50m centre creates cleaner mobility solutions change solutions within the built environment. to enable energy stored at home or in vehicles to be for the global transport sector. With a limited number of test returned to the grid. beds available for manufacturers to utilise in the UK, C-ALPS will Website drive research into low carbon transport propulsion solutions and associated development methods and tool chains. Almost 9,000 West Midlands Website companies are active in the low carbon technologies sector.
16 17 Materials Key University Centres
Aston University High Temperature Research Centre A partnership with Rolls-Royce, the centre develops Aston Institute of Materials Research advanced manufacturing technologies for high Research and development at the Institute includes temperature materials. Using production-scale carbon fibres, ceramics, glasses, nano-diamonds, experimentation, it delivers rapid innovation in design nanotubes, polymers and thin films for real-world and manufacturing techniques for the aerospace sector applications. Materials and related industries.
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Materials underpin the history of industrial and advanced manufacturing Birmingham Centre for Strategic Birmingham City University excellence in the West Midlands. Today, university innovation is powering Elements & Critical Materials Centre for Advanced The centre develops new scientific and technological the development of a new generation of Materials sector technology and Manufacturing and Materials solutions to address the challenges posed by supply Specialises in creating practical engineering solutions constraints on scarce and industrially valuable materials. helping new industries make their mark. through the application of materials-led design thinking and analysis. Website
The West Midlands is home to the largest concentration of materials-related employment in Website University of Warwick the UK. The region’s expertise feeds into the supply chain of major industries, especially in the Institute of Sustainable Futures High Value Manufacturing Catapult Automotive, Aerospace and Rail sectors. Working in close partnership with industry, universities The Magnesium Innovation Group develops innovative A technology and innovation centre based in the West Midlands are ensuring that our materials expertise will always be fit for the future. uses for magnesium which deliver fuel efficiency at WMG. It accelerates R&D into commercial success, through weight savings. The group’s work is an exclusive collaborating with transport sector partners to exploit partnership with Meridian Lightweight Technologies, emerging lightweight technologies. the world’s largest producer of magnesium components. Website A low carbon future New materials Website Lightweight Technologies Centre of Excellence Materials research and development in the West Our universities investigate new materials, assess Coventry University A centre of excellence which develops and proves Midlands leads the way in helping the transport sector their suitability for processing and develop manufacturing processes that can be used to Institute for Advanced reduce its carbon emissions. Lightweight technologies engineering solutions that are ready for the factory produce lightweight, robust and reliable structures Manufacturing and Engineering for practical application. developed at our universities deliver fuel savings in floor. SMEs across the West Midlands are supported Established in partnership with Unipart Manufacturing Website automotive and aerospace applications. Innovative as they seek to adopt resource-efficient materials Group, the Institute combines academic excellence use of materials such as magnesium, pioneered in processing techniques. with industry expertise to create a ‘live’ manufacturing the West Midlands, aims to reduce global transport’s environment ideally suited to advanced R&D University of Wolverhampton and training. The Institute houses the Centre for impact on the environment. With almost 20,000 students studying engineering, Environmental Technologies technology and the physical sciences each year, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering which deals with a wide range of expertise: Functional Materials, and Resource Efficiency Support Service businesses in the West Midlands and beyond have Supply and demand Metrology, Welding & Joining, Magnetohydrodynamics EnTRESS supports small and medium-sized enterprises access to the talent that will help them grow. and electromagnetic processing of materials (MHD), to adopt environmental technologies and resource Materials, Mechanics and Measurement, Collaborative efficiency processes. West Midlands university know-how is identifying and Sustainable Manufacturing, and Materials Website alternative sources for the scarce elements behind Birmingham has the largest Engineering and Structural Integrity. solar, wind and fuel cell technologies. New science and recycling techniques help safeguard industries concentration of materials Website against shortages of these critical materials as related jobs of any regional city. demand increases. University of Birmingham Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory AMPLab develops new materials and assess their suitability for processing using a number of advanced manufacturing methods.
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18 19 Natalie King Account Manager – University Sector West Midlands Growth Company +44 (0) 7375 079618 [email protected]