BCU agrees to STEAM collaboration with top California university

Birmingham City University (BCU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), establishing a new international partnership focused on collaboration in research, enterprise and STEAM education.

The agreement creates opportunities for students and staff at both institutions to engage in global, real-world challenges, while strengthening interdisciplinary learning across areas including engineering, computing, the arts, health and business.

The partnership was launched alongside a joint STEAM sprint challenge, which brought together students from foundation to PhD level to work collaboratively on live industry briefs.

Over four days, students from foundation to PhD level worked in global teams on live industry briefs spanning aerospace to zoology.

BCU participants came from disciplines including engineering, computing, business, the arts, media, education, jewellery and midwifery.

The sprint featured six live projects for US clients, including interactive technologies and conservation media to promote wildlife protection, and the design of a droid assistant incorporating mechatronics, atmospherics and animation.

JB Souppez, Professor in Mechanical Engineering and STEAM Education at BCU, said “This is an exciting partnership that brings together expertise from both institutions to deliver a truly international and interdisciplinary approach to STEAM education.”