The White Rose University Consortium has launched a new office in Brussels as part of a long-term strategy to influence EU research policy.
The office will work with key stakeholders on areas of research excellence supported by EU funding and which align with current EU research priorities for the consortium, which is a strategic partnership between three of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities: Leeds, Sheffield and York.
The Belgian base will also spot areas of strategic importance, as well as raising the profile of the consortium’s three members.
A launch event, attended by key members of the European Commission as well as international business and research agencies, focused on key areas of global research that the three White Rose partners excel in – sustainability, food security, and health and wellbeing.
Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: “Ensuring we align our world-leading research with current EU priorities is vital. This office will not only raise the profile of the White Rose University Consortium, but also enable us to demonstrate the exceptional breadth of our research, its real-world impact, and how we are investing in cutting-edge facilities to help tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.”
Professor Koen Lamberts, the University of York's Vice-Chancellor and President, said: "The Brussels office will do a great job for the University of York – and its partners in Leeds and Sheffield – in positioning us for research funding and opportunities for our students in Europe. The office will work hard to promote the tremendous knowledge economy of Yorkshire."
Professor Sir Keith Burnett CBE FRA, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, added: “The University of Sheffield’s world-class research has pioneered new approaches in areas such as advanced manufacturing, food sustainability and security, and integrated health and social care. Much of this is being achieved with our international partners, particularly in Europe.”
For more information, visit www.whiterose.ac.uk or follow @WhiteRoseBxl on Twitter.
Image: From left, Phil Holliday, Head of White Rose Brussels Office; Alison Rose, British Ambassador to Belgium; University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands; Professor Koen Lamberts, University of York Vice-Chancellor; and Professor Shearer West, University of Sheffield Deputy Vice-Chancellor.