The University of Birmingham and Siemens Mobility Limited have announced a new, academic framework research collaboration, deepening the relationship between the two organisations. This collaboration will allow the University of Birmingham and Siemens Mobility to advance the industrial application of fundamental academic research, whilst furthering the University’s R&D capabilities.
The first stage of this collaboration will see the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) join with Siemens Mobility to deliver a pipeline of innovation for the rail industry, developing the application of fundamental research by working with a range of industry partners across the rail supply chain. The collaboration was formalised on Wednesday 26 February between University of Birmingham Provost, Professor Tim Jones and Siemens Mobility Limited CEO, William Wilson, during Destination Digitalisation, an industry event hosted by Rail Alliance part of BCRRE, and at which Mr. Wilson was speaking.
Professor Jones says: “Siemens Mobility has made an enormous investment in the future of the UK’s railways and we are delighted to be collaborating with it in bringing the world-class expertise of BCRRE to support this mission.”
William Wilson says: “We are proud to be deepening our relationship with the University of Birmingham, which since the launch of UKRRIN (UK Rail Research Innovation Network) has gone from strength to strength”
During the event, BCRRE and Siemens Mobility also unveiled details of the University of Birmingham’s involvement in the new Rail Accelerator and Innovations Solutions Hub for Enterprise (RaisE). This major R&D facility is being developed alongside Siemens Mobility’s new manufacturing site in Goole, East Yorkshire. RaisE is being established to accelerate collaboration and innovation in new railway technologies throughout the UK and globally, driving significant industry and ultimately passenger value in defined areas of advanced research. The facility will focus on providing research and development support, enabled by a network of partners from the UK rail industry and higher education.
BCRRE with Rail Alliance, will be establishing the Supply Chain Community Hub at the site to offer a high-quality facility for start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The hub will become a regional facility for developing supply chain knowledge and capability whilst connecting local companies with wider rail opportunities.
Professor Clive Roberts, Director of BCRRE, says: “This collaboration is the beginning of a long term alliance with Siemens, strengthening the connections between academia and industry and producing products and services that will be of real benefit to the industry as a whole.”
Siemens Mobility and the University of Birmingham are the leading partners for the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), which is a collaboration between Industry, Academia and Government, launched in February 2018.
– ENDS –
For media enquiries please contact Beck Lockwood, Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)121 414 2772: email: r.lockwood@bham.ac.uk
Notes to editor:
- The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.
- Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) is Europe’s largest specialist railway research, education and innovation centre. With over 170 academics, researchers and professional support staff, BCRRE provides world-class research and thought leadership within railways, and offers an expanding portfolio of high-quality education programmes. In 2018 BCRRE became lead partner in the £92m UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) and in 2019 it absorbed the activities of the Rail Alliance into its offering, increasing its breadth of support for innovation and growth in the rail industry. Further information is available at: birmingham.ac.uk/research/railway/index.aspx
- Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in transport solutions for more than 160 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio in its core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems, intelligent traffic systems as well as related services. With digitalization, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2019, which ended on September 30, 2019, the former Siemens Mobility Division posted revenue of €8.9 billion and had around 36,800 employees worldwide. Further information is available at: siemens.com/mobility.