The University welcomed the European Union’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK Isabell Poppelbaum, and West of England Mayor Helen Godwin to campus on Thursday 9 July for a visit showcasing how our European partnerships are helping to create opportunities for students, drive research and innovation, and support regional growth.

A key focus of the visit was the importance of international mobility and the opportunities that European collaboration creates for students and staff. Discussions highlighted the value of study, work and research experiences overseas, as well as the potential offered by the UK's return to Erasmus+, helping future generations develop new skills, build international networks and gain valuable global experience.

Enhancing EU mobility

During a working lunch hosted by Professor Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), students and professional services colleagues shared first-hand experiences of studying, working and collaborating across Europe. They were joined by doctoral researchers whose work is funded by or connected to European programmes, demonstrating the breadth of the University's engagement with European partners.

Professor Barcia said: “It was wonderful to welcome Isabell, Helen and their teams to our campus. Their visit was a powerful reminder of the enduring value of UK–EU collaboration in education, research and innovation, and of the life-changing opportunities that international mobility creates for our students.

“As a truly international university, Bath is proud of its strong European partnerships and looks forward to developing new connections that create opportunities for our students, researchers and partners in the years ahead.

“I am especially grateful to the students who returned to Bath to share their own experiences of studying or working in Europe with the delegation; their stories brought to life the lasting value of international exchange and the opportunities it creates for future generations of students.”

Deputy Ambassador Isabell Poppelbaum added: "Our visit to Bath highlighted the West of England's strong European outlook and the enormous potential for even closer cooperation in education, research, innovation and business.

“Ultimately, the future of the EU–UK relationship will be built as much in places like Bath as in Brussels or London. We are particularly excited about the opportunities Erasmus+ will create for the University of Bath, as across the UK's universities, opening new pathways for teachers and learners from all backgrounds and strengthening the people-to-people ties at the heart of the EU–UK relationship."

Research with EU impact

The visit also showcased the University's research and innovation strengths. At the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research & Applications (CAMERA), the delegation heard how researchers are working with European partners on projects spanning artificial intelligence, sport, health and cultural heritage.

They also learned about collaborative work through the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB), the Centre for 21st Century Public Health and sports technology spin-out Forceteck, highlighting how international partnerships are helping translate research into real-world impact.

At the University's Sports Training Village, meanwhile, the delegation met athletes including Paralympic GB wheelchair fencing gold medallist Piers Gilliver learning more about how Bath's expertise in sports science is supporting elite performance, health and wellbeing both in the UK and internationally.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin added: "The West of England should be proud of its long history of working collaboratively with partners across Europe and the wider world.

"It was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom to Bath, to showcase everything from the University of Bath's world-leading sports facilities to the innovation of our businesses and the rich heritage of the Roman Baths.

"I look forward to continuing to build deeper economic and cultural connections between our region and the EU – particularly the welcome return of Erasmus+ next year, which will be the chance of a lifetime for people across our region and Europe to immerse themselves in new cultures and build lifelong friendships and connections."

Partnership and regional priorities

The visit concluded at the University's Innovation Centre, where business, civic and education leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen economic, research and innovation links with European partners.

The conversation reflected the ambitions of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's Growth Strategy, which places innovation, international engagement and good growth at the heart of the region's future prosperity.

Dr Jon Hunt, Institutional Lead for Innovation, who hosted the session, added: “Strong partnerships between universities, businesses and public institutions are essential to driving innovation and economic growth. Visits such as this demonstrate the value of UK–EU collaboration in addressing global challenges through partnership.

“What’s essential is building the relationship, really understanding what our partners need rather than what is possible and developing positive partner experiences. If we get that right, then we can have greater influence over the eventual impact - with thanks to our partners who deliver that for us.”

The visit, organised by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the University's External Affairs Unit, formed part of a wider programme across the City, which also involved Bath College and the Roman Baths.