University News Last updated 24 April 2019
A leading UK academic has been handed a top honour by India’s largest private university.
Lovely Professional University has awarded Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University (UK), with a Visiting Professorship.
The institution, based in Phagwara in India’s Punjab region, issued the accolade in recognition of Professor Beer’s major contribution to international trade and improving business links between the UK and partners overseas.
The honour was presented by Ashok Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, during a ceremony held at the University’s campus.
Collecting his award Professor Julian Beer said: “It is an honour to be presented with this Visiting Professorship from an institution which is so well respected across India and beyond.
“Working with international partners is of great importance to UK industry, as well as for universities, policy makers and other important bodies across the country.
“In the current climate of uncertainty in the UK it is more important than ever that we make sure we have strong links with partners across the globe, particularly those such as India with whom we share such a longstanding history.
“I would to thank everyone at the University, for welcoming me today to present this award and look forward to working with them all for years to come.”
Professor Beer has been recognised for his contribution to a number of different sectors including being one of the founders of the world’s first Centre for Brexit Studies, leading the STEAMhouse initiative and advising government departments.
He also serves as the President of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Aman Mittal, Head, International Affairs, Lovely Professional University, said: “We are very happy to collaborate with BCU. Both LPU and BCU are very ambitious universities and have a lot of things in common.
“We will be working in various areas including research, knowledge sharing and students exchanges. We hope that within one year a collaborative research centre may also be established at LPU that will give impetus to this collaboration and seal a long term commitment from both sides.”