University News Last updated 03 March 2021
A UK and an Australian university have joined forces to form a new strategic partnership aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries and tackling major global challenges.
Birmingham City University (UK) and RMIT University (Australia) today (Wednesday 3 March) put pen to paper on a Memorandum of Understanding, which will aim to drive innovation and economic development by connecting the arts with traditional scientific disciplines.
The partnership will see the institutions work together to boost international research cooperation, technology and innovation transfer, student and staff exchange, commercialisation and training across a range of sectors.
The initiative will build on Birmingham City University’s key work in developing STEAM thinking, which aims to embed the arts into traditional subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), to drive innovation, collaboration, creativity and economic growth.
As part of the new agreement, the partnership will establish a ‘Commonwealth STEAM Challenge’, to coincide with the 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham.
The Challenge will task people with using STEAM thinking to explore how design can play an integral part in enhancing sport at all levels, and boosting the positive social and public health benefits associated with sport and exercise.
This will form part of a wider ‘International STEAM Challenge’, focused on critical environmental and social challenges facing the world and bringing together students, faculty and commercial partners in the UK, Spain, India, Vietnam and Australia.
The partners also plan on developing a program of urban innovation including the transfer and trialling of appropriate technologies between the countries and cities, with a view to potential commercialisation. This will be achieved by connecting the Melbourne Urban Innovation District, itself a partnership between RMIT, the City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne, with the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter and the West Midlands National Park.
Speaking about the new partnership Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “Birmingham City University is delighted to be establishing this formal relationship with a truly international university such as RMIT.
The agreement was formalised during in a virtual signing event today, bringing together officials from both institutions.
The announcement builds on Birmingham City University’s existing partnership with Indian motorbike and cycle manufacturer Hero Group, and the establishment of the Munjal BCU School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBSI).
MBSI, also known as STEAMhouse India, was established to drive innovation in the Pubjab’s industrial clusters and promote entrepreneurship, and tap into the state’s workforce, as well as boost the potential of knowledge-intensive businesses.
RMIT has well established activities in India and across South East Asia, including its campuses in Vietnam, which will be a focus for the partnership with Birmingham City University.
RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Professor Peter Coloe, said: “As a global university of technology, design and enterprise, we understand the power of partnership in preparing our students for the realities of a rapidly-changing international landscape.
“Now more than ever, we need innovative solutions to tackle challenges at global scale, and we’re proud to work in partnership to help shape the leaders of tomorrow, so they in turn, can shape our world for the better.”
Dr Robin Daniels, Managing Director of Redpill Group Ltd, who are facilitating the partnership, said: “The complex challenges facing us all demand an integrated and dynamic approach that delivers real solutions and prepares young people for a changed world. This partnership is rooted in those goals and we are delighted to be part of the journey that begins today."