Our commitment

The University of Manchester is one of the world’s leading universities and committed to academic freedom. 

This means that we have, and will continue to, work with defence and security organisations across a range of our activities, including research and teaching. 

In an ever more turbulent world, defence and security have come more to the fore. Liberal democratic societies have always sought to ensure they can defend their citizens and ways of life. We believe that having the credible ability to provide defence is critical in today’s world and to the freedoms we enjoy.  

Of course, we also believe it is vitally important that our staff and students have the right to critically evaluate and analyse what governments and other organisations do, including in relation to defence and security.  Academic freedom applies here too.  

We are committed to transparency and this page sets out our defence-related activities and demonstrates how we make sure that they are carried out appropriately and within the law.

Academic freedom 

Our statutes govern how the University operates. 

Statute X states: “Academic staff shall have the freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges.” 

This means that we will never compel academics and students to work with any particular industry – including defence and security – but we will also enable them to do so if they wish, within the law. 

What does defence research mean at Manchester? 

There are a variety of types of research related to defence and security, all of which may take place at Manchester: 

• Research which is intended for military application. 

• Research which may be ‘dual use’. This means that it could have military or civilian applications and could be commissioned by defence and security, or civilian organisations. 

• Research with organisations in defence which is non-military in nature.  

What checks are in place? 

We will always comply with UK law and international law adopted by the UK when assessing our partnerships and research. 

This includes: 

• The National Security and Investment Act.  

• Export Controls Act.  

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme.  

• Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. 

• Sanctions. 

• International treaties ratified by the UK such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Biological, Toxin Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention, Arms Trade Treaty, and the Genocide Convention. 

• International regimes and guidelines adhered to by the UK, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement (on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies), and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). 

Our Research Relationship Oversight Group makes case-by-case decisions on research partners and considers their fit with our missions, values and reputation. We do not work with companies which manufacture controversial weapons. 

We have extensive resources and training in place to make sure our colleagues understand their responsibilities, and dedicated staff to ensure compliance. 

Investments in organisations operating in the defence sector 

Our approach to our investments is covered by our Policy for Responsible Investment (PDF document).

Our portfolio includes investment in a wide range of companies and this will include defence.  However, just as with our research partnerships, our policy stipulates that we will not invest in companies which manufacture controversial weapons.  

We regularly publish a list of the companies with which we hold investments (PDF document). 

Organisations operating in the defence sector at careers events 

Organisations operating in the defence sector do not sponsor our careers events. We do not receive sponsorship from any organisations for our events. and all exhibitors pay set fees for a stand. 

Students can filter by sector any organisations attending our Careers Fairs through our careers platform. There is a category for ‘Defence, Emergency and Security Services’.  Students can also filter vacancies in the same way. 

Organisations operating in the defence sector are categorised as such on our careers platform and students can identify if an organisation works in the sector. 

If a careers event is held in a University of Manchester Students’ Union venue, we are bound by their policies which do not permit organisations from the defence sector on their premises. 

The University of Manchester’s Careers Service is a member of AGCAS and therefore adheres to the AGCAS Code of Ethics. We have a commitment to impartiality in careers guidance ensuring that we help students and graduates make informed decisions that align with their ethics and values.  

If you are interested in having a stand at a careers event, please visit our services for recruiters. 

Student protests at careers events 

We provide dedicated areas at all our careers events for students to be able to protest peacefully.