Oxford and Liverpool universities and councils are teaming up for a new partnership, which will see the two cities working together to tackle some of the world’s largest challenges.
The University of Liverpool and the University of Oxford, along with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Oxfordshire City Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding last Thursday which committed the two cities to collaboration on research of key global issues.
The two universities will also share events and programmes, led by both academics and students, to help advance innovation and knowledge.
The partnership will see a greater dedication to research and development in the UK and contributing to the national economic plan of growth.
A key development will be expanding collaboration between the two main research and innovation campuses operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council: the Daresbury Laboratory in Halton, and STFC Harwell near Oxford.
The relationship is expected to attract new investment and generate more high-value jobs across both areas.
Metro Mayor for Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, said: “For generations, the Liverpool City Region has been an engine of change – from powering the first industrial revolution to shaping breakthroughs in modern science. That spirit of innovation hasn’t gone anyway.
He added: “This is a nationally significant collaboration that will deliver benefits far beyond Liverpool or Oxford – showing what’s possible when regions come together to drive growth and innovation, strengthen our economy, and position the UK at the forefront of the industries of the future.”
Issues such as vaccine development, infection control and women’s health will be at the forefront of the research advanced by the universities’ partnership.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, said: “This strategic partnership also recognises a shared national opportunity and challenge: to ensure that high-growth UK businesses, intellectual property, talent and investment are retained, scaled and industrialised within the UK.”
Featured Image: Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Left to Right: Professor Tim Jones, Professor Irene Tracey, Mayor Steve Rotheram and Councillor Liz Leffman. Copyright: Cyrus Mower.
