University News Last updated 26 June
Birmingham City University (BCU) and Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM) have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen collaboration in health and care research, innovation, and education.
The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out a shared commitment to develop joint research initiatives, foster innovation with system partners, and support knowledge exchange across the region.
The partnership will leverage HIWM’s regional leadership in health innovation and BCU’s academic expertise to drive forward impactful projects that improve patient outcomes and support the NHS’s transformation agenda.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will work together to:
- Design and deliver collaborative research and innovation projects;
- Support initiatives across BCU, including the School of Nursing and Midwifery;
- Engage with enterprise hubs such as STEAMhouse and the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (IKE);
- Explore knowledge transfer partnerships and consultancy opportunities.
Professor Ian Blair, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic at BCU, said: “The University is committed to shaping a healthier future for the region and building on the strong relationship that already exists with Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM).
“The MoU presents us with a unique opportunity to embed academic excellence into the heart of healthcare innovation and empower our staff and students to co-create solutions with real societal impact, which is fundamental to our 2030 Strategy.”
Tim Jones, Chief Officer at HIWM, said: “This partnership reflects our shared ambition to place innovation at the heart of health and care transformation.
"By combining our strengths, we can accelerate the development and adoption of solutions that make a real difference to patients and communities.”
The MoU also outlines principles around intellectual property, confidentiality, and data protection, ensuring a robust framework for future collaboration.
Photo (from left): Louise Banks (Associate Dean of Innovation and Enterprise at BCU), Professor Ian Blair (Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic and Sustainability at BCU), Tim Jones (Chief Officer at HIWM), and Judith Stewart (Commercial Business and Economic Development Director at HIWM).