Birmingham City University will be supporting other local partners to promote Birmingham to the many visitors attending the Conservative Party Conference (3-6 October 2010).
An estimated 14,000 delegates are expected and the Conference will attract national and international media attention. The University will be holding a stand to help promote the city to its many visitors during the four day event. With around 25,000 students, Birmingham City University is a major UK university – and one of the most dynamic in the sector. Proudly based in Birmingham, the UK’s second city, which has a vibrant and diverse learning community supported by world-class research, cutting edge teaching and enviable links to business and industry.
As a university that is never afraid to innovate, Birmingham City University is influencing change in society at every level.
Prime Minister David Cameron recently discovered how the University is able to apply fresh thinking and pioneering technology in the real world by teaming up with local organisations and global players, such as Apple, O2 or computer giant Cisco.
While on a fact-finding tour of the West Midlands, the British Premier saw how the University is supporting Birmingham-based business East End Foods, the UK’s leading Indian food supplier, to regenerate an historic part of Birmingham – the former factory site for HP Sauce. The ambitious plans include the development of a state-of-the-art Urban Farm project and food-themed visitor centre. The facilities will provide a showcase for green technology by demonstrating the production of bio-energy from algae.
Dr Peter Rayson, Associate Dean of the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment (TEE), said the scheme was an excellent example of how a progressive university can help make a real difference to its local community. Dr Rayson said: “East End Foods have a clear vision for transforming the old Birmingham HP sauce factory site.
“They have teamed up with Birmingham City University because of our diverse expertise in bio-energy, construction, media and ICT – all these capabilities will underpin the Urban Farm and Food Journey-themed visitor centre planned for the area.”
The Prime Minster was impressed with the bioenergy aspects of the project, as well as the University’s pioneering approach to applying new technology in the real world. An example shared with the Prime Minster was a national pilot project with telecommunications partner 02 to test the iPhone’s potential as a 21st Century learning tool in the classroom. Birmingham City University is the first in the UK to trial the iconic smart phone in this way and is part of the University’s iLearning agenda. This also includes the University being one of the first in the UK to work with Apple to support the iTunesU initiative, in which bespoke educational podcasts can be downloaded onto a smartphone so students can access their learning materials anywhere, any time.
The University has even developed its own iBCU app which can be downloaded to help users access useful information and updates about the campus community, as well as being a gateway to the University’s virtual learning environment.