A week of collaboration, culture, and shared learning between sister cities
Birmingham recently welcomed a delegation from its long-standing sister city, Leipzig, for a packed programme of meetings, cultural exchange, and collaborative dialogue. The visit, which took place from 10–13 June 2025, highlighted the enduring strength of the Birmingham–Leipzig partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation in research, education, and civic engagement.
The delegation included Ms Manuela Blum from Leipzig’s Department Office for International Affairs and Dr Antje Nolting, who leads on the city’s science agenda and Ines Dietrich from Kreatives Leipzig. They were joined by members of Birmingham’s International Affairs team, and other Birmingham stakeholders including Bertz Associates, Aston University, STEAMhouse and the University of Birmingham.
A shared commitment to knowledge exchange
Both cities are keen to access Horizon Europe funding and identify projects that can bring academic knowledge exchange and benefit for their citizens. Potential topics for co-operation were discussed during two visits to local universities. Aston University hosted the delegation on 11th June with a warm welcome from Professor Mike Caine, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise and Angels Odena from Aston University’s Research Services, and the session was chaired by Dr Ed Turner, Co-director of the Aston Centre for Europe.
Aston’s researchers showcased a wide range of impactful projects, from cybersecurity innovation and educational research to virtual reality in historical storytelling and interdisciplinary public engagement. The discussions reflected Leipzig’s keen interest in knowledge transfer to society—particularly in developing formats that bring academic insights to broader audiences.
Exploring Birmingham’s innovation landscape
The delegation also visited STEAMhouse, Birmingham’s hub for creative innovation, and Grand Union’s Floating Garden, where they explored community-led urban regeneration. These visits offered a glimpse into Birmingham’s vibrant ecosystem of creativity, sustainability, and civic participation.
On 12th June, the group attended the German Career Road Show, a day-long event promoting international career pathways, followed by an evening reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in honour of the Leipzig delegation. Held in the historic Chamberlain Room at the Council House, the reception celebrated the cities’ shared values and future ambitions. The reception was also an opportunity for the Leipzig Ensemble Nobilis, an internationally renowned acapella music group to showcase their talents.
The visit concluded with a stop at the Birmingham Design Festival, where the delegation experienced the city’s thriving design and creative industries first-hand.
Looking ahead
This visit not only reaffirmed the strong ties between Birmingham and Leipzig but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration—particularly in areas such as research impact, public engagement, and international mobility.
As Birmingham continues to grow its global partnerships, exchanges like this serve as a powerful reminder of the value of city diplomacy in tackling shared challenges and creating new opportunities.
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