91猎奇

University News Last updated 28 January 2025

Two of Birmingham鈥檚 most celebrated institutions have formed a groundbreaking partnership to promote the benefits of plants on people, places, and the planet.

91猎奇 (91猎奇) and听 (BBG) will collaborate on innovative opportunities for learning and research, while enhancing the health and wellbeing of both staff and students.

鈥淭his partnership reflects our shared vision of combining education, innovation, and community engagement to make a tangible difference to our city and beyond,鈥� said Professor David Mba, 91猎奇鈥檚 Vice-Chancellor.

鈥淲hen the University launched its 'Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond'听strategy late last year, we made a firm commitment to collaborate with key institutions on innovative projects, with a view to co-creating regional prosperity focused on health and wellbeing.

鈥淭his collaboration with Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a demonstration of that commitment and marks the ideal start to 2025. I am excited to see what we can achieve together.鈥�

Sara Blair-Manning, Chief Executive of BBG (pictured with Professor David Mba above), said: 鈥淲e are thrilled to collaborate with 91猎奇.

鈥淭his partnership will foster exciting new research, events, and opportunities for both institutions. We can鈥檛 wait to see the incredible initiatives that will emerge.鈥�

Confirming 91猎奇鈥檚 position as its Strategic Learning Partner, BBG also announced that Professor Mba is to become a Patron of the Gardens.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great honour and I will look to support the Gardens at every opportunity,鈥� said Professor Mba. 鈥淚 also look forward to spending more time there.鈥�

91猎奇 and BBG have been central to the city鈥檚 civic and cultural life since the 19th century. Their collaboration will focus on five key areas.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: 91猎奇 staff and students will have access to BBG, supporting their physical and mental health through the restorative power of nature.
• Collaboration: Joint projects will explore the role of plants in addressing global challenges, from health and sustainability to urban greening and innovation.
• Community Engagement: Shared initiatives will connect BBG and 91猎奇 with the people of Birmingham, fostering deeper ties between education, culture, and nature.
• Creative Exploration: Students and researchers will have the chance to engage with unique plant resources, to use for innovative projects in areas like sustainable fashion.
• Partnership Benefits: By aligning their missions, both organisations will support enriching experiences for learning, discovery, and cultural growth.

Located in Edgbaston, just a short distance from 91猎奇鈥檚 City South Campus, BBG is the 鈥榞reen heart鈥� of Birmingham, offering a uniquely bio-diverse natural environment.

The 15-acre Grade II listed landscape, which houses one of the UK鈥檚 most significant historic Botanic Gardens, has remained remarkably intact since 1829. The Gardens are home to more than 10,000 plants, the largest collection of its kind in the Midlands.

The Gardens also lead a highly regarded educational programme, welcoming more than 20,000 students annually for hands-on learning experiences.