University of Birmingham launches permanent presence in Brussels

The University of Birmingham has launched an office in Brussels, becoming the first UK University to have a dedicated presence in the political centre of the European Union. The office wwas officially launched by HMA Jonathan Brenton the British Ambassador to Belgium at a special event on Wednesday 1st December 2010. Other speakers at the event include Malcolm Harbour MEP and Dr Anneli Pauli, Deputy Director-General of DG Research for the European Commission. The office has been established to help inform European policy debates and the development of programmes, support alumni in the Benelux region and consolidate European research collaborations. The office will also provide local services to the staff and students of the University when working and studying in Brussels. Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is now one of the world's leading universities for the quality of teaching and research. Birmingham was England's first civic university, where students from all religions and backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis.