Research at Manchester

Research is at the heart of The University of Manchester and the sheer scale, diversity and quality of our research activity is unrivalled in the UK. The results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise confirm that The University of Manchester is a genuine research powerhouse both in the UK and further afield.

We have a distinguished history in research, innovation and enterprise stretching back over 180 years, with no fewer than 25 Nobel Laureates among our current and former staff and students.

Major scientific advances at Manchester include Rutherford's work leading to the splitting of the atom and the development of the world's first modern computer.

• More about our research history

Making a difference

Social responsibility is a crucial aspect of our research activity. Our institutional research priorities are geared towards finding solutions to global challenges such as cancer, world poverty, carbon reduction, nuclear energy and social cohesion.

We aim to make a difference to people's lives both in the local community and across the world. Recent advances include:

• Worm discovery could help one billion people worldwide – In a study that could lead to new therapies for up to one billion people worldwide, scientists at The University of Manchester have discovered why some people may be protected from harmful parasitic worms naturally while others are not – parasitic worms are a major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly in the Third World.
  
  
• Improving treatment for Alzheimer's patients – scientists at The University of Manchester have discovered that measurements of brain activity could be used to predict Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory problems – it is hoped the study will help improve clinical trials to find new treatments for the disease.
  
  
• New arthritis research unit – patients across the North West and beyond are set to benefit from a new national research unit based in Manchester, which will investigate the treatment of arthritis and other diseases affecting the joints and muscles.

Back to menus