W100 Representative
Jo KiteDeputy Director of External Relations
Jo is Deputy Director of External Relations at the University of Birmingham and leads on the University’s reputation and engagement activities.
She is responsible for three directorates within the External Relations Division: Birmingham Global; Public and Cultural Engagement; and Communications and Reputation. She was previously Director of Communications and Reputation at Birmingham and has also held communications and marketing roles in the public and private sector.
As well as being a member of the World 100 Committee, she is active in other senior communications and engagement networks and has previously been Co-Chair of the Russell Group Communications Directors network.
University of Birmingham have been a member of the World 100 Reputation Network since 2016
Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge, and made an impact on people’s lives. We continue this tradition today and have ambitions for a future that will embed our work and recognition of the Birmingham name on the international stage.
The University grew out of the radical vision of our first Chancellor, Joseph Chamberlain. Founded in 1900, Birmingham represented a new model for higher education. This was England’s first civic university, where students from all religions and backgrounds were accepted on an equal basis.
Birmingham has continued to be a university unafraid to do things a little differently and in response to the challenges of the day. It was a founder member of the National Union of Students.
The University of Birmingham was established by Queen Victoria by Royal Charter in 1900 and was the UK’s first civic or ‘redbrick’ university.
The Latest from University of Birmingham
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As part of our renewed civic agreement to Birmingham, we’re inviting all brummies to The Exchange to make their own promises to the city. How will you make a difference?
In our 125th anniversary year, we've renewed our civic agreement with @BhamCityCouncil, reinforcing our commitment to the city’s future. Hear from our Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, about what it means to be a university for Birmingham.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/university-pledges-civic-commitment-to-birmingham
Did you know there's been a 22% rise in our students wanting to start their own business or freelance?
Discover how our B-Enterprising team and their Elevate incubator programme is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial spirit, Elevated - University of Birmingham
Students are rethinking their future career paths and demanding more business and freelance opportunities.
www.birmingham.ac.uk
Did you know the magnificent stained glass window in our Great Hall was installed in 1908 and highlights the origins of the University and our civic pride?
Discover more about the history of this campus icon - and what actually features on the 'lights'
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/a-window-into-our-civic-past
Don’t forget clocks change this weekend - forward 1 hour! 🕰️
As a reminder here's a great photo of the face of our clock tower; cast at a foundry in Whitchurch, the workings came from Joyce Clocks.
Image: Mike Ralph Photography, from a slide owned by Paul Frazer, Joyce Clocks
The university FOR Birmingham.
What does it mean to be a civic university?
Discover more about the history of this institution; of how we were the first civic university with a Royal Charter, aiming to forge a strong connection to the city and community
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/the-university-for-birmingham
The hit Netflix show Adolescence has started an important conversation but care is needed to address misogyny in schools
@DrSophieKH explains why we need to steer away from demonising young men & boys, open vital dialogue with young people and truly listen
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/adolescence-has-started-an-important-conversation-but-care-is-needed-to-address-misogyny-in-schools
Smartwatches could help people with Type 2 Diabetes to stick to exercise regimes that help them to keep the condition under control, a new study reveals.
Read more about the research from Dr Katie Hesketh and her collaboration with international partners https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/smartwatches-may-help-control-diabetes-through-exercise
To mark the 125th anniversary of our Royal Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to the city that has been our home since 1900.
Our Vice-Chancellor Prof Adam Tickell & Birmingham City Council have signed the Birmingham Civic Agreement.
Read more: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/university-pledges-civic-commitment-to-birmingham
A global top 100 university
University of Birmingham bring together the people and resources to tackle the major challenges of our time. The university have a global network of partnerships.
Although our partnerships are wide-ranging and span all continents, we have identified China, India, Brazil and North America as key strategic regions in which we wish to develop more focused engagement.
The university have also established networks which promote excellence in global engagement via centres such as the China Institute and Africa Hub.
We draw on and give back to the region through our research, our education and our global reach and reputation.
Mission and vision
- Excellence: We have the highest standards, knowing we can always be better
- Leadership: We shape our own future and support others’ success
- Pioneering spirit: We are the first to do things and we take calculated risks
- Purposefulness: We know our strengths, focus on our goals and persist in adversity
- Pragmatism: We are well-grounded and practical, tackling and solving problems
A research environment in which academic rigour, innovation and delivery are made possible
81%+
of Research is excellent or world leading
60+
Research fellows recruited since 2011
By investing in, and cultivating, intellectual talent and ideas, and delivering world-class research and education, we will unlock value, make important things happen, and continue to thrive.
Research that takes place at Birmingham impacts on the lives of people regionally, nationally and globally. The University is home to leading academics focusing on global sustainability research and the Sustainable Development Goals. The university’s Birmingham Heroes campaign brings together the academics who are part of a large teaching and research community dedicated to enquiry, debate and change in transforming health, environment and society.
Key research being conducted includes:
- Rail decarbonisation
- Liver transplantation
- Hydrogen-powered train
- Birmingham Plastics Network: Shaping the Fate and Sustainable Future of Plastics
- and much much more!
Become a Member
The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.