NEWS 1 167 buzz OUR IMPACTThe Economic, Social and Cultural Impact of the University of Birmingham April/May 2017 2 PVC’S VIEW Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer’s view Delivering excellence and impact through the end of the Horizon 2020 programme. European and international engagement and The details of how we will participate in collaboration in research has never been as EU programmes are uncertain though, and important as it is now. It is therefore important we must be prepared to have to work that we understand that Brexit should not harder to maintain our place at the heart be seen as a barrier to maintaining and of multilateral European partnerships. enhancing our connections with international Whereas our position as a full-member state researchers, both across continental Europe enabled participation in EU programmes and beyond. Many of us at the University through ‘bottom-up’ interactions without have been participants in EU-funded strategic intervention, we may need to collaborations for a number of years – over be more coy about identifying who our 25 years in my own case – and have not strongest partners in Europe are, both in only benefited from the academic outcomes, universities and industry, and establishing but have also built up genuine friendships more strategic agreements with them. with colleagues across a wide range of We will also need to continue to build EU states. In my view, the most critical partnerships outside Europe – as I write Professor Tim Softley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for qualities to ensure successful international this editorial, I am on a plane bound for Research and Knowledge Transfer collaborations and partnerships are trust and Chicago to visit the University of Illinois openness. Such qualities always take time to at Urbana-Champaign with a group from be established in academic groupings, given our Research Leaders’ Programme. The our natural competitiveness, but I believe that BRIDGE partnership with UIUC already YOUR BUZZ the sustained period of our participation in acts as an umbrella for over 60 bottom-up a sequence of funded European framework collaborations, and will surely position us Next edition 7 June 2017 programmes has enabled the building of that well if the government broadens its support Copy deadline 11 May 2017 open and trusting collaborative environment for international research engagement. Contact us that makes us the envy of researchers Within this issue you will find a highlight [email protected] outside Europe. Perhaps in the early days article on our office in Brussels and the we were just ‘in it for the money’ but now facilities and benefits you can gain by using Buzz online we are ‘in it for the science’ and for the buzz.bham.ac.uk this free service to connect within Europe culture of friendship. And the opportunities and beyond. Maintaining this facility, together Follow us on Twitter provided for our students and early-career with access to internal European travel twitter.com/buzzunibham researchers to travel and exchange through funds for our researchers, demonstrates our Find us on Facebook programmes like Erasmus and the Marie commitment to enabling the continuation facebook.com/buzzunibham Skłodowska-Curie programmes has of these interactions irrespective of any embedded this culture strongly for the future. outcome of the Brexit negotiations. Indeed, Outcomes from the Brexit negotiations our presence in this office in Brussels in are a long way off, but it is extremely partnership with other universities and encouraging to see that science and organisations in the West Midlands will also Edited by Matthew Collins innovation was specifically identified as one enhance our regional engagement, and help [email protected] of the government’s 12 priorities for their us to work more closely with local partners forthcoming Brexit talks. It is also clear that to sustain and increase the economic impact Your details the government understands the importance of the University’s business. At the same Please let us know if you want extra that we attach to international research time, the Brussels office offers opportunities copies of Buzz or if you think we need collaboration and to enabling the influx of for new relationships with partners outside to amend your distribution details. talented researchers from Europe. With this Europe who will join us in taking advantage in mind, we remain optimistic that the UK will of having a base at the heart of EU business. Views expressed in the magazine are indeed continue to be associated, in some The University of Birmingham places the not necessarily those of the University form at least, with European research and highest value on our future role as a global or a statement of University policy. education programmes, thereby enabling university and this vision must be played All submissions may be subject to our researchers and students to continue out through every aspect of our work. Our editing. The Editor’s decision is final. to thrive through cross-border interaction close relationship with our neighbours in the and mobility. And it is already guaranteed European Union will be a crucial aspect of that all EU funding coming to the UK will the University’s new international strategy, be honoured if it is formally agreed before and in ensuring our future global influence. Front cover image: Our Impact Brexit occurs – that effectively takes us to BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL 3 BIRMINGHAM GLOBAL Brazil – a hat-trick of firsts in March As spring emerges on campus, the sights of International Relations during March were set firmly on Brazil and a month Opportunities for of firsts for the University. University staff to A region of strategic importance for University delegation visits key the University of Birmingham, our ever research partners in Brazil collaborate with Brazil deepening ties with Brazil were illustrated Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice- with the University’s first Brazil Week Chancellor (International), led a delegation Research funding call now open – and an overseas delegation visit to key of University academics and staff in deadline 24 April 2017 research partners, led by Professor Robin Brazil from 13 to 17 March in a week of The joint pump-priming research Mason, visiting Brazil for the first time engagements with key strategic partners. fund between the Universities of in his capacity as Pro-Vice-Chancellor The aims of the visit were to build on Birmingham, Nottingham, and FAPESP (International). This was also the first our strong research partnerships, and is now inviting proposals across all overseas trip supported by our to identify new opportunities for both academic disciplines. This represents internationally renowned Birmingham research collaboration and funding an opportunity to consolidate and foster Heroes campaign. with public and private organisations. relationships that facilitate long-term The visit included meetings with collaborative ties. Whilst tripartite Brazil Week 2017 contacts at the University of São Paulo applications are preferred, bipartite Celebrating our extensive research (USP) and São Paulo State University applications involving colleagues partnerships with top universities across (UNESP), as well as all major funding from the University of Birmingham Brazil, a week of exciting events in March agencies and government trade and and Brazilian, FAPESP-eligible for Brazil Week took place to celebrate industry bodies. colleagues will also be considered. Brazilian culture, ideas and research. An Academic Workshop hosted at Events ranged from insights into the São Paulo State University (UNESP) For more information about the call, world of diplomacy from both the current entitled ‘Identifying Research and Policy including eligibility, finance and Ambassador of Brazil to the UK, Eduardo Agendas for Sustainable Cities and deadlines visit dos Santos and the former Ambassador Energy Solutions’ showcased the Birmingham.ac.uk/brazil to Brazil, Alan Charlton, alongside research excellence at Birmingham in academic seminars on issues ranging these fields and scoped opportunities Travel fund for visits to Brazil from cultural identity to corruption for collaboration with Brazil in preparation This fund provides match-funding networks and lively discussions on for forthcoming research funding calls. costs related to visits to Brazil for the Brazilian literature and film. The week purpose of developing collaborations closed with a celebration evening of Birmingham Heroes arrive in Brazil with Brazilian institutions/organisations. live Brazilian music and performance. For the first time, the Birmingham Heroes The fund may also support visits by Peter Clack, Director of International campaign ‘We are tackling the energy individuals from Brazilian institutions Relations, said: ‘In recognition of our crisis’ was used overseas in support to the University where these may engagement and collaboration with of the delegation visit in March and the help develop collaboration. Brazil, we’re proud to celebrate our first Global Challenges Workshop. Utilising Brazil Week on campus with a range digital and social channels, the campaign For more information, please contact of exciting events.’ had individual targeting adapted to Brazil Richard Brunt, [email protected] and will grow our international reputation or on extension 47733. with key regional influencers and stakeholders. 4 NEWS NEWS Dates for the diary Birmingham Professional Forum Friday 19 May, 11.00am–12noon, Bramall Music Building. All staff are warmly invited to the forum, which is introduced by the Academic Registrar, Stephen McAuliffe. The festival agenda will follow closer to the event. BIRMINGHAM: YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WORLD See our research brought to life as We’ll also be throwing the doors open we take you on a voyage of discovery so you can explore our world-famous across the globe! cultural attractions including the FREE fun for all the family where you Lapworth Museum of Geology, Elgar can explore our beautiful, historic campus Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine and enjoy events and activities throughout Arts, and our brand new library.