The Shenzhen-based Beijing Genomics Institute and the University of Birmingham have announced a joint project to set up a research and training center in the UK.

The center, to be located at the UOB campus, will focus on research into environmental change and human health using the latest discoveries in molecular biology, including DNA sequencing, metabolomics and bioinformatics.

According to the agreement, UOB will invest 2 million pounds ($ 3.1 million) in the center and both sides will contribute scientific equipment and research personnel in the center for a series of start-up environmental and health projects. In the future it is anticipated the scope of the project will broaden.

The two institutions will also exchange students, and UOB will provide PhD level training for BGI researchers.