The University of Birmingham is one of the leading research-based universities in the United Kingdom . In 2002 with a grant from the European Commission it launched the Network for European Women's Rights (NEWR) through its Centre for the Study of Global Ethics, as a platform for discussion on women's rights on four core issues; trafficking, reproductive rights, political participation and social entitlements. The University of Birmingham , together with its nine partners, brings together expertise and encourages dialogue across disciplines in all countries of Western and Eastern Europe.