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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Our first ever giving day is fast approaching on 19 and 20 June!
Your support could enable researchers like @adbeggs, Professor of Cancer Genetics and Surgery at @unibirmingham to make the next big breakthrough.
#BirminghamGives
#UoB125
https://birminghamgives.givingday.co.uk/projects/global-health
Don't miss Professor Zubair Ahmed's inaugural lecture, taking place next Tuesday 10th June at @unibirmingham!
Open to all. Register to attend below ⬇️
“My favourite finds are about finding out something new”
Professor Henry Chapman opens up about his 40-year career in archaeology, being a regular on Time Team and 'bog bodies'
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/my-favourite-finds-are-about-finding-out-something-new
Did you know a philanthropic gift to the University has sparked decades of inspiring conversations about what it means to be happy?
Throughout the years, our annual Baggs Happiness Lecture has seen household names share their thoughts on the topic of happiness 🧵
The happiness series was made possible through alumnus Thomas Baggs who, when he died in 1973, bequeathed money to the University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness.
Learn more about Thomas Baggs and his inspiring gift here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/news/baggs-bequest-inspires-conversations-about-happiness
Want to watch last year's happiness lecture with Michael Rosen?
You can watch his talk on family, loss and happiness on our YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5TjiPIpilP_-OTD93SjUlMJbC0aTqTz4
What role do heritage places have in community and individual wellbeing?
Dr Faye Sayer and Dr Francesco Ripanti's research is uncovering the intricate relationship between heritage and wellbeing 🏛️
Read more: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/exploring-the-intricate-relationship-between-heritage-and-wellbeing
"Nearly half your day is spent running/training/gymming so it's really important to switch off."
In our mini-documentary on the University of Birmingham, Tyler Bilyard talks through the significance of the community they have on campus 💬
Bilyard has 1500m and mile bests of…
🎬 Are you SERIOUS ABOUT COMEDY? 🎭
Don’t miss the WORLD PREMIERE of Serious About Comedy — We teamed up with the @unibirmingham to create this brand new documentary, screening for the first time at the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival.
This thoughtful, funny and ambitious film…
125 years of philanthropy
Did you know our University was built - and still thrives - on the generosity of our donors?
From Old Joe to cancer research, discover how philanthropy is embedded into our buildings, our educational opportunities & our research: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/125-years-of-philanthropy
Our very own Dr Louise Curran from the Department of English Literature is in the @BBC's new documentary 'Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius'!
She was joined by fellow Austen experts to tell the story of one of literature's most celebrated authors 📚
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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.