ERA is made up of eight internationally-renowned Midlands universities which are part of the Midlands Innovation partnership, together with the British Geological Survey.

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Aston University

Aston University has a history of leading the way. We have evolved over the last 120 years to become a research-led university known for world-class teaching quality. Aston focuses on high quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.

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University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Our research has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made a lasting impact. Capitalising on our multi- and inter-disciplinary strengths, our research is creating innovative and enduring solutions to complex global challenges. From advanced manufacturing, transport and energy, to life sciences and global ethics, we are at the forefront of research and

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Cranfield University

As the UK’s only exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. Cranfield is the largest UK provider of master’s-level graduates in engineering and offer a flagship MBA, extensive world-class customised executive education and professional development programmes. Our work informs government policy and leads the way in producing cutting edge new technologies and products in partnership with industry.

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Keele University

At Keele University, 97% of research is deemed to be world-leading, or of international importance (REF 2014).The interdisciplinary institutes are undertaking cutting edge research that aims to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges. They bring students, academics and researchers together from across the University, and serve as hubs that stimulate collaboration and debate.Keele is helping to change the world for the better by engaging in cutting-edge research, and tackling some of society’s most urgent problems, including renewable energy. 

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University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is an international centre for excellence renowned for research. Ranked in the top one per cent of global universities and a top 25 university in the TES Research Power rankings, 75 per cent of our research is judged internationally excellent. Our research cuts across multiple disciplines in engineering, medicine, biological sciences, psychology and social sciences, arts and humanities, with wide-ranging impacts on society, health, culture and the environment.

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Loughborough University

Loughborough University has an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry and unrivalled achievement in sport and its academic disciplines. Ranked in the top ten in England for research intensity, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen’s Anniversary Prizes in recognition of its contribution to the sector. Awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, it is among the best universities in the world.

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University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham has a long history of delivering world-class research. Ranked 8th in the UK on research power, more than 97 per cent of our research is recognised as international standard, with wide-ranging impact on society, the economy, health and welfare, culture, public policy and the environment. By grouping our research around five global themes, we can use creative interdisciplinary approaches to deliver research excellence on a global scale.

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University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is a world-leading university with a dynamic, enterprising approach to solving global challenges. It has earned a reputation for independent thinking and academic excellence. Warwick is ranked 7th in the UK Research Excellence Framework and was The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year in 2014. It has an excellent track record of working alongside business regionally and internationally to connect research, innovation and economic growth and seeks to provide a tireless yet supportive environment to enable all in its community to make an impact.

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British Geological Survey

The British Geological Survey is a world-leading geological survey. It focuses on public-good science for government, and research to understand earth and environmental processes. It is the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and knowledge. The BGS provides expert services and impartial advice in all areas of geoscience. Our client base is drawn from the public and private sectors both in the UK and internationally.

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Midlands Innovation (MI)

Midlands Innovation is a world-class research and innovation partnership. We unite the power of university research with the unique strengths of Midlands industry to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills development.

MI is making a difference, helping create world-class centres of excellence through initiatives like ERA. Our ambition is to grow as a global hub for research and innovation, attracting investment, creating jobs and increasing productivity to power an Engine for Growth in the Midlands and beyond.