University of Birmingham visit highlights research partnerships and student exchange programs

A group of smiling people arranged in two rows— front row is four people sitting at the end of a table, back row has seven people standing, with space between them for a large monitor on the wall, showing the face of a person who joined the group by a video call.

Andrea Edwards (front row, second from the left), the director of Global Relations and Research at the University of Birmingham, met with members of the Office of International Affairs as well as BIRMAC seed fund recipients on a visit to McMaster Nov. 7. In addition to the funding that has supported collaborative work by more than 40 researchers from UoB and McMaster, a partnership between the two schools also offers robust global education and exchange programs for students. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

BY Elizabeth Diemanuele, Student Affairs

November 12, 2024

As part of an ongoing partnership focused on collaboration, student experience and research, McMaster welcomed visitors this month from the University of Birmingham (UoB) to discuss shared goals, successful outcomes and future opportunities.

“The collaboration between McMaster University and the University of Birmingham represents a significant step forward in our mission to foster global research partnerships,” said Bonny Ibhawoh, vice-provost, International Affairs. “By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise to make a meaningful impact on society.”

“This partnership not only enhances our research capabilities, but also enriches the academic experience for our students and faculty.”

In 2023, the two institutions established a seed fund called BIRMAC to support collaborative research projects.

“I’m delighted to be visiting McMaster University again to reconnect with our academic collaborators and international relations friends and colleagues,” said Andrea Edwards, director of Global Relations and Research at the University of Birmingham.

“I was last here in 2022, when the Queen’s Baton relay came through the campus, and it’s great to see how our partnership has flourished since then through our joint BIRMAC fund, which has enabled over 40 academics on both sides to collaborate across areas such as law, water sciences and anti-microbial resistance.”

“I have no doubt that we will see more impactful research and education initiatives as a result of the next BIRMAC call and look forward to where the next stage in the partnership will take us.”

Three smiling people stand indoors in front of a large green wall with the letters SSC spelled out in white.
McMaster student Vanessa Gull, centre, participated in an exchange that took her to the University of Birmingham. She and McMaster global experience coordinator Jenna Levi, right, met this month with Andrea Edwards, director of Global Relations and Research at the University of Birmingham,  when she visited McMaster. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

The BIRMAC Project and Ideas Fund has enabled experts at McMaster and UoB to harness their complementary strengths and work collaboratively to tackle some of our most pressing global challenges, says Andy Knights, McMaster’s vice-president, research (acting).

“We’re thrilled about the successful connections we’ve built between our researchers so far and proud to continue partnering with UoB to strengthen the student experience and advance research with impact,” Knights says.

The partnership also supports study abroad initiatives and other global experiences for students at both institutions.

The visitors from Birmingham stopped by the Student Success Centre’s International and Exchange Student Experience hub, where they discussed the McMaster Exchange Program.

“Global experiences offer students the chance to develop intercultural skills and global competencies, contributing to their learning experience and skills development,” said Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president, Students.

“We value UoB and our global partners for continuing to provide these transformative experiences that support student success.”

Unforgettable student exchange opportunities

Two smiling students in casual clothes and jackets stand outdoors during the fall in front of a university building and a clock tower.
McMaster students Ramneek Grewal, left, and Mia Faraj stop for a picture during their exchange at UoB. (Photo courtesy of Ramneek Grewal and Mia Faraj)

The exchange experience at Birmingham is “nothing short of engaging,” says McMaster student Ramneek Grewal, who is in the Faculty of Humanities’ Justice, Political Philosophy and Law (JPPL) program.

“The mix of academic challenges and the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world has made the time I have spent unforgettable,” says Grewal.

“It truly has opened my horizons on academia and learning and I am excited to continue exploring the opportunities this exchange has to offer.”

Fellow JPPL exchange student Mia Faraj agrees, calling her time at Birmingham “eye-opening.”

“They have given me the opportunity to learn about international legal topics and engage in new methods of learning,” Faraj says.

“I have adapted to my new life abroad by joining the volleyball team and Canadian society to ease my transition.”

“Active participation in school activities, living in accommodations, and travelling has given me a strong social group of friends from all over the world. I feel a real sense of community in Birmingham!”