Creating the cities of tomorrow Published on: 5 October 2016 The University is working with global energy company, ENGIE, to explore joint projects that address challenges around ageing, smart data and energy. The strategic relationship will link ENGIE’s ‘’ initiative with the University’s , and will span each of the three national research centres recently announced for Science Central. The partnership will primarily concentrate on the analysis of urban data, digital services for ageing populations, intelligent networks and battery storage. The MOU was signed by the Vice-Chancellor and Isabelle Kocher, CEO, ENGIE, at a special event at The Core, on the Science Central site. Professor Chris Brink said: “This new partnership is testament to the potential of Science Central as a global centre for urban innovation. Building on the announcement of three national research centres, working with ENGIE will take us a step closer to realising our vision for Science Central as an exemplar of sustainable urban development.” Isabelle Kocher stressed the importance of the work being undertaken by Ãå±±½ûµØ in the fields of sustainable energy and urban development, as well as the relationships the company has already established with Ãå±±½ûµØ and North Tyneside Councils. She said: “The energy revolution starts in cities. The fact that ENGIE’s Urban Strategy Council is holding its 8th meeting in Ãå±±½ûµØ is symbolic of ENGIE’s strategy of integrating itself into public-private partnerships to jointly build the city of tomorrow. “This MOU is the foundation stone for future cooperation between ENGIE and Ãå±±½ûµØ and furthers ENGIE’s ambitions to become a leader in Digital Services for cities, and be able to provide integrated local services.” , Director, Ãå±±½ûµØ City Futures, added: “This partnership will provide us with a unique opportunity to not only generate further globally significant research but create new opportunities for businesses and citizens to make Ãå±±½ûµØ a test bed city for innovation. Our relationship with ENGIE enables us to develop collaborative ideas that make a real difference to how we shape our future.” Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ recognised with geography award Ãå±±½ûµØ has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK’s open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 Ãå±±½ûµØ historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners’ lock-out of 1926, historians at Ãå±±½ûµØ are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can’t adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures