Novel nanoparticle research agreement signed

A new agreement has been signed by the University of Birmingham and a Chinese research centre to aid nanoparticle research.

The agreement will see almost £700,000 invested to develop equipment to help researchers test nanoparticle strength. Researchers from Jiangsu Industry Technology Research Institute (JITRI) will support the research for three years.

Professor Jon Frampton, Director of the University of Birmingham’s China Institute, said: “We look forward to seeing the results of this project enhance nanoparticle research in the UK, China and around the world. The University of Birmingham’s reputation in China continues to grow as our researchers foster strong partnerships across the globe. We are honoured to work with JITRI in helping to drive global innovation and manufacturing progress.”

Looking ahead

Both institutions will work on research and development, demonstrating activities that will help bring new products to global markets. It will also strengthen research links between Jiangsu Province and the City of Birmingham in other areas such as advanced manufacturing and electronic information systems.

The agreement was signed at a special ceremony attended by Professor Qing Liu, JITRI President, Professor Frampton and Mr Xiaodong Ye, Deputy Director of Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Equipment at JITRI. The research will be led by Professor Zhibing Zhang, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham and is the result of an initial agreement signed by the universities in November 2016.

Professor Qing Liu, JITRI President, said: “JITRI’s goal is to ensure the top scientific research results are actually applied through building relationships with leading universities around the world and also helping scientists to achieve their ideas. The successful cooperation of this project is an important breakthrough.”