The University of Birmingham (www.birmingham.ac.uk) has received the go-ahead from Birmingham City Council for a new ‘state of the art’ School of Engineering.

Funded as part of the newly created UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), the new school will focus on railway control and simulation, data integration and cyber-security, condition monitoring and sensing, and improved methods for technology introduction.

This builds on the university’s existing strength in rail research.

Mark Sterling, head of the School of Engineering, said: “This is a really exciting project that will bring many of our engineering disciplines into one purpose-designed building, and it will help us nurture the engineers of the future.”

Clive Roberts, who is leading the university’s digital rail work, said: “I am really looking forward to seeing this building become a reality.

“The new school will ensure that the university plays a part in taking the next step in Britain’s transport infrastructure.”

Building is due to commence in August, and the project should be completed in 2020.