University of Birmingham sign MoU to advance rail engineering in Jamaica

University of Birmingham and University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) have announced that experts from each university will work together to advance the development of railway engineering and transport in Jamaica.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been agreed between the universities which will create opportunities for researchers to work together on engineering and related projects, as well as boosting the development of networks with local railway agencies.

The agreement was signed during the first International Symposium on Railway Engineering, held jointly by UTech, Jamaica and the University of Birmingham. The two-day event saw delegates discuss railways in Jamaica, global rail perspectives and opportunities for future partnership working. The event and MOU signing were made possible by Dr Kevin Brown, leader of the Partnerships Working Group on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) an advisory body set up to facilitate more effective engagement between the Government of Jamaica and its citizens overseas (Diaspora).

“We are joining forces with UTech, Jamaica to develop world-leading railway technologies, drawing together expertise at both institutions,” Professor Clive Roberts, Head of the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, said. “With strong industry links in both countries, we are looking forward to delivering solutions that can be rapidly adopted by the rail sector.”

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 9,000 international students from over 150 countries.

“UTech, Jamaica’s partnership with the University of Birmingham for technical cooperation on railway rehabilitation efforts in Jamaica will positively impact capacity building in support of research, knowledge, and competency in modern rail technology,” Oneil Josephs, Head of the School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Computing at UTech, said. “We are excited about the prospects of combining expertise from both our institutions towards providing innovation and sustainable solutions to Jamaica’s broader thrust for railway technology development.”