BIrmingham is a real science city

Dec 18 2008 by Nick Paul, of Advantage West Midlands

Birmingham and the West Midlands region has an impressive scientific heritage, with entrepreneurs such as Josiah Wedgwood, James Watt and Abraham Darby all making their world-beating mark on the world.

Which is why I was delighted this week to learn that the University of Birmingham has been chosen to host a new higher education programme that will encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians to embark on university level studies

The National Higher Education Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme is a Higher Education Funding Council England (HEFC) funded initiative to increase the number of graduates skilled in these disciplines fulfilling the needs of our employers and boosting the economy.

Further evidence – if ever we needed it – that Birmingham is a true Science City.

As a collaborating partner on the Birmingham Science City project, Advantage West Midlands are deservedly proud of the efforts by the University of Birmingham’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences department which co-ordinated the STEM bid, successfully securing a three year programme of investment from HEFCE worth £20 million.

Great news at any time – excellent news that we’ve secured this for the West Midlands during the current economic downturn. Whilst these are difficult times for us all – we will get through this together. By securing these investments for the region, we’re not just securing a future for STEM – we’re securing a future for our region. Ensuring the West Midlands is in a position to compete once the global economy has stabilised, ensuring our businesses don’t just survive but thrive.

It is this can-do spirit of determination and working together that will be needed in 2009.

* Nick Paul is Chairman of Advantage West Midlands.