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
Great news for hay fever sufferers 🌼
Our researchers are working on a revolutionary, drug-free nasal spray to prevent hay fever before it starts!
The spray is being adapted from one developed during the pandemic to block airborne viruses.
Find out more: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/birmingham-researchers-work-on-revolutionary-approach-to-prevent-hay-fever
Welcome to everyone joining us on campus today for our first open day of the year.
Hope you have a great day!
Many congratulations to our four researchers who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to advancing the chemical sciences, by The Royal School of Chemistry.
Discover more about their work and why they have been recognised here:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/birmingham-scientists-win-royal-school-of-chemistry-prizes
The recent success of the Netflix show Adolescence has drawn attention to misogynistic rhetoric and how it spreads online.
But what does the term 'alpha male' mean? Why is it harmful? And how is it being used to radicalise young boys?
https://theconversation.com/what-is-an-alpha-male-254503
Fairer World | Our comprehensive Inclusive Education research aims to give all children access to high-quality, equitable education. Find out how: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/fairer-world/inclusive-education-spotlight?utm_campaign=communications-fairer-world-inclusive-education-autism-education&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social
Introducing the University Doctoral School!
Our doctoral researchers drive discovery, innovation, and change. And our newly relaunched Doctoral School has a unified, inspiring environment where their research journey is supported every step of the way
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/doctoral-school
Congratulations to @t_dafforn who has been appointed the Ministry of Defence's new Chief Scientific Adviser.
Tim will support @DefenceHQ drawing on years of experience advising the Government on science & technology
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/professor-tim-dafforn-to-become-new-mod-chief-scientific-adviser
For many, the University is more than just a place to work or study; it’s woven into their family story.
As we celebrate our 125th anniversary year, we’re shining a light on the people who have helped shape our story, generation after generation.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/meet-the-families-who-have-shaped-our-university-across-generations
Did you join us for our 125th anniversary Community Festival & Concert?
Campus was buzzing with families during the day enjoying fun activities & the Green Heart was rocking in the evening at a concert celebrating the music of Birmingham brilliantly hosted by alumnus @benshephard
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.