The University of Birmingham (UoB) and Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute (JITRI) have signed a new ¥20,000,000 agreement to develop innovative research in key areas such as nanoparticle technology and biomedicine.

Signing the agreement allows both partners to work together on applied research projects that will use the University’s research expertise to strengthen technological innovation in the Jiangsu Province across a wide range of engineering and medical technology.

Research opportunities could also cover nano fabrication, advanced manufacturing and electronic information systems. The partnership also helps to strengthen links between Jiangsu Province and the City of Birmingham in working together on industrial research and development.

University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood and Dr.Yidong Hu, Vice President of JITRI signed the agreement in a special ceremony in Nanjing.

Professor Sir David Eastwood said: “We are delighted to forge this partnership with JITRI, which is testament to the University of Birmingham’s growing reputation in China. It presents another exciting opportunity for our researchers to foster strong partnerships across the globe.

“Conceived as the final symbol of global ambition, the University has a proud tradition of business engagement stretching back to 1900. As a civic university in the 21^st century, our responsibilities include contributing to enriching the life of our home city and the wider world.

“We are honoured to work with JITRI in helping to drive innovation and manufacturing progress, not just in China but closer to home in the Midlands region of the UK. I believe that we can make a significant contribution to a strengthened relationship between our two regions.”

The partnership is intended to help both institutions work together on research, development and demonstration activities that will help to bring new products to global markets.

Dr. Yidong Hu said: “JITRI attaches great importance to  the cooperation with the University of Birmingham. As UoB is the world’s top 100 universities, with high-quality teaching and scientific research ability, we will take this strategic cooperation signing as a starting point, and strengthen technical exchanges and projects cooperation in the future. We hope to introduce more advanced technology from the University of Birmingham and the United Kingdom to Jiangsu, to carry out co-operation of R&D and industrialization.”

The agreement signing follows a visit to the University of Birmingham in September, when JITRI representatives met top researchers in the fields of experimental physics, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering.