Three Early Career Researchers (ECR) from South Korea are joining Birmingham City University (BCU) to help drive next-generation urban innovation.
They will work with BCU academics on a project titled: Making Cities Smarter and Healthier through Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Digital Transformation.
“AI is accelerating, and so must we,” said Dr Muhammad Afzal, project director and Associate Professor in Computer Science. “This is our moment to build cities that are smarter, healthier, and more human-centred.”
BCU’s three South Korean fellowships are being supported by British Council’s Early Career Fellowships in Research and Innovation Programme, under the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).
“Working on an international scale is a priority for BCU, and our ISPF partnership with South Korea reflects this commitment,” said co-director Dr Mohammad Mayouf, Associate Professor in Built Environment.
“By collaborating with a global leader in AI, digital transformation and smart cities, we’re strengthening our research capability.
“We’re also driving meaningful impact for both South Korea and the UK by welcoming some outstanding post-doctoral talent to drive innovation.”
The three South Korean Fellows are:
- Dr Kyounghee Cho – after receiving her PhD from the University of Warwick, she is looking to develop responsible and inclusive digital governance frameworks as part of the UK-South Korea collaboration goals
- Dr Chulwoong Park – a graduate from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, he has an interest in using AI for urban planning and management
- Dr Yeunsoo Park – returning to Birmingham after getting his PhD from University of Birmingham, he wants to use data to create environmental and health justice indexes for the city
“We’ve found a supportive, high-quality research environment fostered by BCU, the British Council and industry partners,” said Dr Park. “This experience will shape us into people who can change things and make a difference.”
The ISPF, which is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, puts research and innovation at the heart of UK international relationships.
“I’m confident that the fellowship will greatly enhance the careers of the South Korea Fellows, resulting in and result in sustainable international collaborations partnerships in these frontier technologies,” said Carolne Okaroh, Programme Manager, British Council ISPF Early Career Fellowships.
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, External Engagement and STEAM, said: “Working with partners in South Korea and the British Council is establishing BCU as a world-leading institution for research and innovation.
“From automated congestion trackers to motion-activated street lighting, BCU will be developing new technology that has an impact on daily life in cities across the world.”
Martin Weston, Head of Incubation and Venture Capital at BCU, added: “The agreement will deepen economic cooperation through climate, AI and technology initiatives.
“Projects like ISPF embody this agreement through enabling research collaborations and underpinning a global strategic partnership.”