For the past five years, Dr Eric Lybeck has been working with communities in Southport to develop The Arcade Project, a cultural programme and community space within the town’s historic Grade II Listed Wayfarers Arcade. A community café space called The Engine Room, located within the Arcade, has become the venue for music, arts, craft and heritage activities co-developed with local people.

Now the story so far of the development of The Arcade Project is being told in a comic play called ‘Best Practice’, exploring the challenges of trying to make things happen in an ordinary town. The performance takes place on Friday 19^th June and tickets can be booked here. The play is part of a wider programme of cultural events continuing through the summer.

But, as Dr Lybeck explains, The Engine Room cafe and its cultural programme is just the start of reimagining the Wayfarers Arcade as the focal point of civic regeneration in Southport:

More information about the Arcade Project can be found here.

Researchers, community organisations and entrepreneurs who want to get involved can contact Dr Lybeck.

In January 2026 Dr Fatima Lahham began facilitating a singing group at the UK charity Women for Refugee Women.. Now the choir, named ‘Voices of Hope’ by its members, are participating in the Million Acts of Hope campaign with the release of their first original song ‘Love is Everything’.  

Fatima explains: “I’m a musician and researcher and my work focuses on the link between music, health and wellbeing, particularly as a strategy for organising towards more just futures. An important strand of this research is practice-based, trying to develop and understand what musical practices foster and create spaces for care, creativity and hope.  

“With the ‘Voices of Hope’ choir we’ve found that singing is a collective act that can be used to create space. We start and end each choir session in a close circle, singing together to create a geography of togetherness through sound. 

“Singing together can mirror social processes, rehearsing for the futures we dream of. For example, the choir wrote a song to ask the other members how they are - the song functions as an act of care and connection that goes beyond just asking 'how are you?' because of the shared sung element that creates a common experience." 

Jane, a member of Voices of Hope, told Women for Refugee Women: “The Choir brings us together as one, despite our different backgrounds and the struggles we face. Through singing this song, we have found unity and comfort in each other. It has given me a sense of belonging, it reminds me that I am not alone and has helped me to heal emotionally because music allows me to express feelings that are hard to put into words. Even in difficult times, the Choir reminds me that I can be joyful and strong.”  

A Million Acts of Hope is a national invitation to celebrate the everyday acts of kindness, care and connection happening across the UK from 13-20 May. It brings together charities, communities and faith groups to celebrate the everyday acts of kindness, care and connection happening across the UK. 

Dr Fatima Lahham is an early career researcher who is working within our Geography department on a Hallsworth Research Fellowship. Find out more about Dr Fatima Lahham’s research on her blog.

Academics at the Manchester Institute of Education realised that, whilst many parents were rising to the challenge of providing quality education, home educators sometimes struggle to provide the kind of hands-on learning and sharing that would be experienced in school. This realisation led to the creation of Curiosity Catalyst. 

Sara Jackson, Lecturer in Education at the University of Manchester, explains: “Talking to parents who home‑educate their children, we found that science is often one of the hardest subjects, largely because homes don’t have access to the specialist equipment and practical experiences schools can offer. 

“We realised that we could use our expertise as educators and our contacts in local institutions to work with parents who are home-educating to give them and their children better access to science learning.” 

Curiosity Catalyst is co-produced between lecturers and parents, allowing home educators to help shape the activities provided. Key partners include Manchester Museum, The Whitworth Art Gallery and the Museum of Science and Industry, all of which have provided venues for workshops, activities and sharing days.  

Sara explains: “We’re blessed in Manchester to have access to such amazing museums and galleries and we’re so grateful that the teams at these institutions have been so enthusiastic about working with us. Most recently Manchester Museum hosted a takeover day, where home educators visited the museum on a day when it was closed to the public and collectively explored whether birds are dinosaurs.”

Speaking at the Museum takeover day, Katie, a home-educator from Wigan, said: 

Amanda Banks Gatenby, Lecturer in Digital Technologies, Communications & Education said: “Curiosity Catalyst is built on trust and on two-way sharing between parents who are home-educating and us as educators. Yes, we have expertise in education, but we can also learn so much from what others are doing. It’s great to see some of the innovative ways in which these parents approach education and it’s provided us with ideas to take back into our own teaching as we train the teachers of tomorrow.” 

Since 2023 over 200 families have engaged with Curiosity Catalyst and the project team are now developing a new app to support learning in everyday places. 

Curiosity Catalyst was set up with support from the School of Environment, Education and Development’s Social Responsibility fund. The project has been shortlisted for the University of Manchester’s Making a Difference awards 2026.  

Find out more about Curiosity Catalyst email cc@manchester.ac.uk. 

The Connect & Contribute Mentoring Scheme matches students studying on one of the University of Manchester’s Education programmes with teenagers who are thinking of applying to university but are unsure of whether higher education is for them. Under the scheme Year 12 students at Cheadle Hulme, Didsbury and Trinity High Schools have been matched with university students, most of whom are in their early 20s and many of whom are from overseas. 

Dr Rui He, Senior Lecturer in Education and Dr Alex Baratta, Reader in Language and Education at the University of Manchester have helped to set up the scheme. Dr He explains: 

“Connect & Contribute matches local sixth form pupils who are in the first year of studying for their A Levels with students who are already in higher education.  

“The scheme allows young people who are considering applying for university, but may be the first person in their family to do so, to connect with someone who is currently attending university. Many of our students have travelled to the UK to continue their postgraduate qualification having already completed a degree in their home country, so can also give information and reassurance about moving away from home. 

“We’ve found that by offering young people the opportunity to have structured but informal conversations with someone who is fairly close to them in age we can build their confidence in applying to university. We can also provide practical information on the sort of details to include on university applications and on potential career paths.” 

The Connect & Contribute Scheme, which is supported by Social Responsibility Catalyst Fund from the School of Environment, Education and Development within the University of Manchester, is now in its second year.  

One young person who was mentored in the first year of the scheme said:  

“It has been interesting and helpful discussing university topics, especially with a student who has experience in university life.” 

Another commented: 

“I still feel overwhelmed about going to university and living all by myself, but the meeting encouraged me to accept changes with a positive mindset.” 

A MA Digital Technologies, Communication and Education degree student who was one of the scheme mentors said: 

“I had the privilege of supporting Year 12 students from nearby secondary schools, helping them build confidence and offering insights into university applications, student life, and the overall university experience. It’s been a truly rewarding experience to share my journey and offer guidance to students exploring their academic futures.” 

Sixth form students who were mentored in the first year of Connect & Contribute will be sitting their A Levels this year and it’s hoped that many of them will be on their way to university, with some of them possibly set to become University of Manchester students in 2026-27.

This eye-catching art exhibition, which launched in October, features fourteen illustrations by seven international artists. It is being displayed in high traffic areas of the Stopford Building, the home of the University’s Medical School.

Medical art refers to the illustrations which are used to illustrate anatomy, medical procedures, surgical techniques and medical devices. It is often dominated by illustrations of White, slim, young adult, non-disabled men. Reframing Stopford aims to challenge this by showing the actual diversity of human bodies, with each piece showing people with intersectional, underrepresented characteristics. The project aims to improve the sense of belonging for students and staff while normalising difference in how we visualise health(care).   

A grant from the University’s Institute of Teaching and Learning Innovation and Scholarship Fund is now enabling the next phase of development of the Reframing Stopford Project. The cross-Faculty team will be holding creative workshops for students and staff during Spring 2026, experimenting with interdisciplinary, arts-based methods for reflecting on and improving belonging.

The Reframing Stopford exhibition is free to visit and is open for university staff and students and members of the public to view during usual University hours within the Stopford Building – refer to the gallery map for locations of the art works.  

Find out more about Reframing Stopford and the featured artists.

The Voices Beyond Borders project provides mutual academic and professional learning for Chinese students studying on our MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in Manchester and for younger female students learning English (English for Academic Purposes) in Gaza.

The two cohorts met initially over Teams, before being paired up for weekly one-to-one catch-ups via messaging or video calls, with group-to-group meetings every few weeks. These communications not only allow both parties to support each other’s English language development, they also allow both parties to connect on a human level through intercultural interactions.

As part of the programme, students are carrying out discussion and writing tasks, including considering communication in a changing world. Reflecting how the students are connecting on a human level and gaining a deep understanding of each other's experiences, one of the Manchester-based students, Leo, wrote following his conversation with his Palestinian partner, Iman:

Voices Beyond Borders builds on a history of collaboration between the Manchester Institute of Education and alumni based in Palestine going back over twenty years. To ensure the programme is culturally sensitive, it has been co-produced with input from Palestinian and Chinese alumni alongside British academics.

Taghreed Al-Masry, who graduated from our MA TESOL degree in 2008, lives in Gaza and has worked through the war to coordinate ongoing learning opportunities for young women in Gaza who are missing out on education due to the conflict. Shaimaa Samara is a refugee teacher from Gaza now living in Manchester. She was a student on the MA TESOL degree in 2024/25 and is helping to deliver the project in Manchester alongside Jing Wang, a Chinese graduate who completed her interculturally-focused PhD at the University this summer. The project is led by Richard Fay, Reader in Education, and Susan Dawson, Lecturer in Education, who are both based in the Manchester Institute of Education.

After the first project session, Richard said:

“Seeing the photos from the classroom in Gaza as students gathered for the first Teams call, we get a real sense of the student excitement for the project. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in the value of intercultural collaboration. We can already see how this project can build on the great resilience of our counterparts in Gaza, and their desire to create a future for themselves.

“We can also see the high levels of interest and commitment from our TESOL students as they take on roles and responsibilities additional to, but feeding off, their studies. Understanding and being able to respond and be sensitive to different cultural backgrounds through pedagogy is an important part of advanced teaching practice. This programme gives our students hands-on experience with a culture that is different both to that of their home country and of the country they are studying in.”

Voices Beyond Borders has been supported with funding from the Faculty of Humanities and School of Environment, Education and Development Social Responsibility programmes. It will continue through the 2025-26 academic year.

The festival will take place from 11am – 4pm. For more information, visit https://library.chethams.com/whats-on/medieval-faire. 

“Through her work, Jackie has foregrounded disability inclusion, ensuring that disabled staff and students have a voice in shaping a more inclusive culture,” said Vicki Baars, Head of Culture Transformation at Culture Shift. “She truly leads by example and lives the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us’ -  her work remains a vital force for creating lasting change at the university.”

The River Rescue Kit is designed to support individuals and grassroots organisations in holding polluters and policymakers accountable. It offers guidance on gathering water quality data, lobbying decision-makers and raising public awareness.

Professor Woodward highlights the impact of groups like Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP), whose campaigning efforts have brought national attention to the issue and helped shift public and political discourse. “Community activism works,” he said. “We need more people to step up, challenge the status quo, and demand urgent action to clean up our rivers.”

River Action and Professor Woodward urge the public to engage with the River Rescue Kit and join the fight against river pollution. By equipping communities with specialist knowledge and tools, this initiative aims to drive meaningful change and restore the UK’s rivers to health.

For more information and to access the River Rescue Kit, visit kit.riveractionuk.com/river-rescue-kit. 

Professor Carter’s remarks reinforced the essential role that data plays in driving social change. The Pankhurst-Fawcett Scorecard has been a crucial tool for measuring progress across key sectors, identifying both victories and areas where further action is needed. This year’s findings provided insights into persistent gender disparities while also highlighting positive strides towards equality.

The event featured dynamic discussions, including a keynote address from Professor Helen Pankhurst - a direct descendant of Emmeline and Sylvia Pankhurst - who echoed Professor Carter’s message, stating: “Turning data into action is our greatest challenge and opportunity.”

As the event concluded, GM4Women2028 reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for systemic change. The next Dialogue and Action Event will take place in Bolton on Saturday, July 5, providing another opportunity for communities, policymakers and activists to collaborate and plan actionable solutions.

“Paul’s book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles – we are proud he chose The University of Manchester to be the place where he launches his book,” said Professor Jackie Carter.

“I run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment,” said Laura Howard. “What people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing - they've managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve.”

For more information about The University of Manchester's initiatives in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, visit the website.

Launched on 11 October 2024 in Manchester, academics from partner institutions gathered in person and online to mark the beginning of this collaborative effort at an inaugural meeting. Academics from the member institutions joined a panel discussion on sustainability and climate change – one of the key focus areas of the Alliance.

GHA members include: The University of Manchester, Ashoka University in India, Mahidol University in Thailand, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, The University of Melbourne in Australia, University of Nairobi in Kenya and University of Toronto in Canada.

The mission of the GHA is to raise the social and political impact of the humanities and social sciences through an emphasis on a programme of research and teaching that takes up global issues, incorporates diverse global perspectives and brings scholars and students together for critical conversations.

Underpinning the Alliance is a core value that by combining complementary and distinctive strengths, it can better address key global challenges and showcase the difference humanities, social sciences and the liberal arts makes to the world.

Professor Angelia Wilson, Faculty of Humanities Associate Dean for Internationalisation at The University of Manchester, commented: “The Global Humanities Alliance brings together academics and higher education institutions from around the world to celebrate and to enrich the important contribution made by humanities and social science research to understanding and navigating the challenges we face in our local communities and in wider society. The member institutions are firmly committed to working together to ensure our students are fit to be engaged, value-driven, and knowledgeable citizens of the world.”

The GHA brings together thousands of humanities and social scientists from around the globe. Alliance collaborations will centre initially around four core themes: public humanities, sustainability and climate change, decolonising knowledge and digital transformations.

The GHA is working towards a range of joint research initiatives and enhanced staff mobility between Alliance member institutions through a programme of visiting fellowships.

And for students, the GHA expands opportunities for an international learning experience with Global Classrooms. Offering virtual guest lectures and international discussion boards, students will get a more diverse learning experience and options to learn from their peers around the world.

Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, said: “The Global Humanities Alliance will greatly enhance the staff and student experience, not just here at The University of Manchester but for all our partner institutions across the globe. Working with our partners in the Alliance will facilitate the co-production of knowledge, new ways of innovating teaching, and research collaboration to tackle global challenges.”

Fintech (financial technology) is everywhere. It’s the catch-all term for technology-enabled financial services innovation.

Even if you haven’t heard of fintech, you’re probably using it for payments, banking or investments. Klarna? ClearPay? Revolut? Monzo? They’re all part of an industry that attracted a staggering US$51.2 billion (£40.5 billion) of investment globally in 2023.

However, while fintech is flooded with money, it is marked by an absence of women, particularly in leadership roles. Our research, which was published on March 5, reveals the striking underrepresentation of women guiding this booming industry.

Women account for just 4% of CEOs, only 18% of executive committee members, and a mere 7.7% of entrepreneurs within fintech. There is not a single woman on the executive leadership team of the well-known fintech company Revolut.

Fintech sits at the intersection of three sectors: finance, technology and entrepreneurship. Gender inequalities in each of these combine to form what we call a “triple glass ceiling” in the fintech industry. The longstanding male dominance, continued privileging of masculinity, and rigid gender stereotypes in each of these sectors hinder meaningful progress and change in fintech.

So, where are all the women?

The sexist culture still apparent within financial services has been brought into fintech. Our research, which involved interviewing female and male fintech professionals, uncovers stories of recruiters being reluctant to hire women because of assumptions they would get married, have children, and be less committed to the business.

Several interviewees noted that women typically work harder and push more to gain the same result as their male peers. However, ideas that get dismissed when suggested by a woman commonly gain credence when offered by a man. We found that the performance of masculinity, not the quality of the work or idea, is what tends to get valued.

The masculine language in fintech job descriptions – requiring applicants to be a “hunter” and “execute” on strategies – reduces the pool of female candidates. And men are more likely to be hired since they tend to fit the masculine characteristics sought after.

Networking can be a powerful way of climbing the career ladder in fintech. It’s not what you know but who. But networking itself is a male-dominated game. Women are often excluded from networking since it typically occurs in informal spaces outside of core working hours. And who is more likely to have caring responsibilities? Women.

Deep-rooted stereotypes mean that girls and women are still not supported or encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects at school. Thus, technology careers remain associated with men.

Only 1.5% of chief technology officers or chief information officers are women – a reflection of the technology glass ceiling. In comparison, 37% of chief marketing officers are women.

Startups also comprise the bulk of fintech, and this is where an entrepreneurial glass ceiling prevails. Few women attempt to access funding, and those who do are less successful than their male counterparts. For example, less than 2% of venture capital funding went to female-founded companies in Europe in 2023.

Research finds that the venture capital industry is led by men. Since people are more likely to relate to and fund entrepreneurs similar to themselves, male-led ventures are more successful.

Socially constructed gender differences, such as confidence, risk aversion and pitching style, also lead to gendered questioning and expectations of masculine behaviour. Successful entrepreneurs have traditionally been male, leading to a male stereotype of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial success.

What does this mean for you?

Fintech makes bold claims of disruption, inclusion and progression. And yet, on a very basic level, how can an industry innovate through sameness? If people build and develop products based on their own frustrations and day-to-day living, innovation can only truly be driven by diverse people with different backgrounds and experiences.

Despite all the hype, fintech is falling short. To recognise the needs of a diverse population, fintech needs more diversity of its producers. Otherwise, it contributes to inequality and wastes potential economic and social benefits.

Our findings should serve as an alarm call to those inside and outside of the industry. Most adults in the UK use fintech every day – even without knowing. If made aware of the gender inequalities in the industry, fintech users can be a voice for change.

Everyone is responsible. Creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace will only occur if the industry receives pressure from all sides. Shattering the triple glass ceiling represents an immense challenge, but we cannot be allowed to fail.

Chloe Fox-Robertson, PhD Researcher, University of Manchester and Dariusz Wojcik, Professor of Financial Geography, National University of Singapore

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Wellbeing inequalities: LGBTQ+ young people report lowest life satisfaction

Overall, this year’s #BeeWell survey results, which analysed data on young people from across all 14 Local Authorities in Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, found that young people are generally satisfied with their lives. However, there are noteworthy inequalities in life satisfaction, mental wellbeing and emotional difficulties across gender and sexuality.

• 41.2% of young people who identify as lesbian or gay reported a high level of emotional difficulties (e.g. worrying a lot, feeling unhappy, having problems sleeping). This figure rose to 44.5% for young people who identify as bisexual or pansexual. This is compared to 12.1% of heterosexual young people. High scores in this area could indicate that young people may require additional, preventative support
•  When considering gender differences, 22% of cisgender girls reported a high level of emotional difficulties compared with 6% of cisgender boys. The proportion reporting high levels of emotional difficulties rose to 33.9% for transgender and gender diverse young people and 21% for those questioning their gender
• These inequalities are also seen in life satisfaction and mental wellbeing scores, with gay and lesbian young people experiencing the lowest wellbeing and reporting that they are least satisfied with their lives, followed closely by bisexual and pansexual young people, and those who identify as transgender and gender-diverse

Building on the results, the #BeeWell programme is working with schools, partners and the wider community to act on these and other findings in the data. This has included an exciting collaboration with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which is working to deliver the scheme for young people in those neighbourhoods identified as having the lowest wellbeing.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award brings young people together and enables them to discover new passions, gain new skills and connect with their community - however, opportunities for personal development and enrichment, which we know help boost confidence, give people hope and drive success, aren’t always accessible to everyone – we’re working hard to change that,” said Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“Using insights from #BeeWell, over the last 18 months, we’ve licensed eight new organisations in Greater Manchester, offering the DofE to some of the country’s most marginalised communities. Looking ahead, we’re excited to widen access to the DofE further, as we identify areas in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. Through this work, we hope to give young people the positive experiences, skills and capabilities they need to succeed in the future, which in turn, will boost wellbeing and optimism and that’s something we all so want to see.”

“It is great to see hope and optimism is improving for our young people - however, it is disappointing to see that the inequalities, particularly in regard to gender, are still so stark when it comes to life satisfaction and wellbeing,” said Professor Jess Deighton, Director of Innovation Evaluation and Dissemination at  Anna Freud. "We now need to work together to target these groups, understand what they need and start making the impact that is required to enable these young people to be heard and for their wellbeing to be improved."

“The findings from the #BeeWell survey provide us with an invaluable insight into the needs and aspirations of young people," said Anthony Harper, Deputy Director for Children's Care at the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board. "It will support us in our drive to ensure early identification and support is available to children and young people where and when they most need it.”

“I am a firm believer in the importance of expanding the voices of young people in our society and giving solutions to the challenges we face,” said Uyuhansi Fernando, North East Councillor, Hampshire Youth Parliament. "All young people should have equal access to opportunities that help their wellbeing. I am confident that by listening to the voices of young people through #BeeWell, we can have a better understanding of the modern world ahead of us.”

#BeeWell Neighbourhood Data Hive

Following the release of the headline findings from the #BeeWell survey, an interactive public dashboard will show more detailed results and insights into young people’s wellbeing across 64 different neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester and 46 different neighbourhoods in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. This will be published online at the end of March 2024, with a view to inspiring action across local government and civil society.

Read our full report here: #BeeWell Headline Findings 2023 Report.

For further information on the #BeeWell survey and its initiatives, please contact beewellprogramme@manchester.ac.uk 

The gift, which is the most recent donation to the University from the Foundation, will deliver an ambitious programme of work aimed at redefining the role of global development research in the 21^st Century. This supports the GDI’s overarching mission of addressing global inequalities and promoting a socially just world for all.

The gift aims to build equitable partnerships between the GDI, one of the foremost development studies research institutions globally and Universities across the developing world. The GDI aims to reshape, and lead by example, the way that leading North-based universities work with Global South partners to ensure knowledge creation is co-created.

Activity funded by the gift includes a new policy lab – aimed at translating academic research into policy change – and the creation of new PhD studentships focused on climate change and poverty reduction.

Recent GDI research has encouraged the UK government to launch new development programmes worth £270 million, catalysed improved gender equality for one million women working the supply chains of companies such as Nike and Marks & Spencer, and has resulted in improved life expectancy for over 3,750 Indonesians at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Professor Sam Hickey, Head of the GDI said: “The gift from the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks foundation will enable us to transform the ways in which global development institutes like ours operate.

“We want to do this by targeting new Global South partnerships. This is where we move beyond very short-term income-led forms of partnership, to much more durable and equitable relationships. The aim is to ensure that scholars in the Global South have a larger and louder voice in setting research and teaching agendas around global development, which has previously been captured very much by northern based academics.”

This new activity will build on the GDI’s track record of learning from and amplifying academic voices from across the globe. Gig economy workers in Ghana and Bangladesh are benefiting from the efforts of GDI researchers who are helping to rank platforms like Uber and Upwork. These rankings are driving up pay and conditions for workers in a wider range of low-income countries.

 

Gerald Arhin, a PhD researcher based at the GDI, is using his research to drive policy change in order to ensure that communities in his home country of Ghana benefit from prosperity brought to the country from the mining industry.  

“The people who are really short-changed are often the local people. In order to make sure the local people benefit, it is important that their views are elevated to a level where they have a greater say in governance,” said Gerald.

“The University is number one in terms of research towards sustainable development goals. I have no doubt in mind that the nature of the GDI is contributing immensely towards this.”

The Brooks’ extraordinary contribution reflects a deep commitment to promoting sustainable development and social justice worldwide.

Rory Brooks is co-founder of the international private equity group MML Capital Partners. Rory graduated from UMIST (now The University of Manchester) in 1975 and serves on the Charity Commission.   He was the donor member of the Pearce Review into philanthropy in Higher Education in 2012 and was awarded the CBE in 2015.

Rory Brooks said: “Philanthropy, at its best, should be used to catalyse new and bold activity that is less likely to be funded through traditional channels. We are very encouraged and pleased to be able to support the ambitious plan of the GDI to recast global development research in partnership with Institutions around the world.”

The gift follows a recent £1.5 million gift to The University of Manchester from alumnus and businessman Simon Sadler, which will provide life-changing financial support for care leaver students.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor said: “The University of Manchester owes its very existence to philanthropy. As we step into our third century, philanthropic gifts play a critical part in delivering our goal of creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.”

The University of Manchester, renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and education, is the home of the Global Development Institute. This significant donation underscores the University's position as a leader in addressing complex global challenges and underscores its ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on society.

For more information about the Global Development Institute at The University of Manchester, please visit https://www.gdi.manchester.ac.uk/

🌳 Trees can make farms more sustainable – here’s how to help farmers plant more.@GlobalDevInst pic.twitter.com/q2jGxFTsrV

— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) March 13, 2024

Written by Dhanapal Govindarajulu, Postgraduate Researcher, Global Development Institute

Imagine making one change to a farm field so that as well as producing food, it also generated building materials, fuel and fodder. At the same time, this change would nourish the health of the soil, regulate the micro-climate and support pest-controlling wildlife. In fact, it could even produce a whole other crop.

All these things could be possible by simply planting trees amid crops – and not just trees, but also shrubs, palms and bamboo.

This approach to farming is known as agroforestry, and experts believe it could improve the sustainability of agriculture worldwide. On a large scale, it could help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon in land that can still serve other purposes. Countries can even count trees planted on farmland towards their reforestation commitments.

There is a lot of scope for planting trees on farms in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. But a lot of these plots are small – on average, less than 2 hectares (or two football fields). Any use of space has to really earn it.

So, how do we ensure trees work for farmers and the planet? India, where the last two decades have seen phenomenal changes in agroforestry, offers some insight.

India’s agroforestry experiment

India’s first effort to get more trees on farms started in 1999 with the Lok Vaniki scheme in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. The state government started the scheme to help farmers with degraded land secure additional income from timber and provided them with saplings of teak.

The scheme had a troubled start. The Indian supreme court had banned all tree felling except that permitted under the forest working plan three years earlier. Before farmers could sell the timber they grew, their request to fell the tree would need to be approved by the government.

Farmers were apprehensive about planting something they may not get permission to harvest, and teak trees take 20 years to yield timber. A cumbersome process for obtaining permits and high transport costs for small and marginal farmers scuppered the scheme.

The state responded by exempting certain trees from felling regulations. By 2014, India had a national agroforestry policy that offered farmers saplings and simpler procedures for harvesting and transporting trees. Still, the tree cover on farms didn’t budge. In fact, the last decade has seen a severe decline in trees on farms in India, according to a study I contributed to.

The decline was pronounced among mature trees. Once these gnarled veterans had shaded open wells on farms and kept water from evaporating in the sun’s glare. Now deeper bore wells could be dug, rendering such trees obsolete.

The expansion of mechanised farming put a premium on treeless fields where tractors and farm vehicles could easily manoeuvre. Attacks by fungal parasites claimed other trees.

Some farmers were unsentimental. In interviews, many said they saw few benefits from trees, which could prevent sunlight from reaching crops. But the decline of native trees on farms like neem, mahua and jamun, once prized for their medicinal oils and nutritious fruit, threatened rural diets, particularly in the poorest regions.

Trees on farms, not tree farms

While farmland trees dwindled across India, block plantations expanded. These are essentially farms growing nothing but trees.

These plantations largely comprise exotic and fast-growing trees like eucalyptus, poplar and casuarina, which are all exempt from felling regulations. Enticed by the prospect of generating carbon credits on the international carbon market, and by demand for pulpwood for making paper, farmers with some of the smallest plots in India tried switching their crops to block plantations.

When the price of carbon credits dropped with the collapse of the UN’s clean development mechanism in 2012, these small farmers were left with little to show for it. A study later confirmed that many would have been better off keeping their land for agriculture.

Although there is increasing demand for pulpwood and timber in India, it is likely to favour farmers who can plant in large areas, cover harvest and transit costs, and wait for returns from plantations – a situation small and marginal farmers can ill afford.

These exotic plantations are no boon for the environment either. For instance, eucalyptus consumes a lot of water and soil nutrients, leaving the land less fertile for future cultivation. Its leaves and flowers are less useful to birds than many native trees.

There is a rush globally to plant more trees on farms without considering what farmers will do with the tree in 20 years, or how it may interfere with crop production. This problem is not unique to India and has been noted elsewhere, including Kenya.

Trees should still be encouraged on farms; preferably native trees that are beneficial for local diets and medicine. So far, though, the trend in India and elsewhere has been towards block plantations of exotic trees – a phenomenon largely driven by the lure of carbon credits.

The focus should be on supporting small and marginal farmers to grow native trees sustainably. Scattered trees of many species on small farms have bigger benefits for farmers and the environment than single-species plantations.

For that to happen, though, there has to be some way of financing this process. If carbon credit mechanisms can recognise this model of agroforestry and help small farmers add trees to their cropland, it would be a big shift in the right direction.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

UNEP accreditation grants our University the privilege to submit written contributions, participate in the work of UNEP’s Governing Bodies, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and be granted observer status to the Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.

The University is delighted to have been awarded such status and looks forward to using its outstanding research contributions in environmental sustainability to influence and drive further change through such a prestigious organisation as UNEP.

“The Appeal is a unique opportunity for us to reach a huge audience and to bring in donations for our #HackMusic Catalyst Fund initiative,” said the charity’s CEO and Artistic Director, Ruth Daniel. “This campaign supports the development of grassroots music projects in places affected by conflict, where music is used to bring communities together. These projects offer a tangible alternative to violence, provide a platform to marginalised voices, and empower those wanting to create lasting change to use creativity to transform a culture of conflict and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom."

In Place of War selects projects to receive the #HackMusic Catalyst Fund from its network of more than 130 change-maker partner organisations, where music is used to impact positive social change. Recipients of the Catalyst Fund are chosen via an application and judging process, and the successful organisations are supported with a seed funding grant of £3,000.

This is boosted by the guidance of a carefully selected mentor from the international music industry, matched to the requirements of the local change-maker team running the project on the ground. Music manufacturer partners including Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ and Roland, offer additional support in resourcing through equipment donations. 

Current recipients of the Fund include an organisation using music and theatre to rehabilitate former ISIS members in Lebanon; an organisation working to protect the culture of indigenous communities in the Peruvian-Colombian border area affected by climate change; and an organisation using music to provide an alternative to gang violence in Colombia.

Tune in to BBC Radio 4 at these times to hear the appeal:

Sunday 4th February at 07:54 and 21:25
Thursday 8th February at 15:27

See the In Place of War website for further details.

Michael Magwira from Malawi was another scholar who graduated, after gaining a distinction for his MSc in Medical and Molecular Virology. Alongside resuming his career as a Molecular Laboratory Scientist, he will use his newly-acquired knowledge of virus biology to understand the HIV pandemic in his home country, which he hopes will have a positive effect on its future transmission and control.

“Prior to applying to The University of Manchester, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the standards of teaching and facilities available at a number of UK universities,” he said. “When I received notification via the Equity and Merit Facebook page about the scholarship, Manchester rose to the top of my list as it had everything I was looking for, from my education to the environment I wished to study in. I then spoke to few E&M alumni from Uganda and Tanzania who had nothing but positive things to say - two highlights of their feedback that encouraged me to apply were the high standards of teaching and the support available at the University.”

“The support that the University gives to its students is fantastic, and is centred around the wellbeing of the students. The lifestyle in Manchester is very diverse and inclusive - regardless of your nationality, you will always find someone to talk to. Apart from good entertainment and football exposure, the road and transport networks make it easier to access the University from all around the city.”

Another of our graduates was Rufaro Matsika from Zimbabwe, who attained an MSc in International Development majoring in Environment, Climate Change and Development. She wants to assist businesses to account for their emissions and monitor the progress of their decarbonisation strategies. She aims to establish a consultancy firm that facilitates the integration of sustainable practices in business operations while providing opportunities for young individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain hands-on work experience in the field of sustainability.

“I enjoyed everything about the University, from the vast number of resources available to help my academic journey to the exceptional support and guidance I received from the university staff and my academic advisor,” she said. “Everything you need as a student is at your disposal, including career guidance, creating a CV and preparing for interviews. I also liked how the model of learning allows students to apply critical thinking skills.”

“Living and studying in Manchester was a highlight due to its remarkable diversity, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. There is so much entertainment and many activities that one can do with friends, and transport is easily accessible. I also liked the fact the city houses two prominent Premier League football teams, Manchester City and Manchester United - these are teams that I used to just see on TV, but having them in your neighbourhood was a dream come true!”

The research has demonstrated that when money gets tight, people are more likely to keep up more expensive ethical purchases like buying fair trade products.

The study is one of the first to look at ethical purchases using actual market data from a major UK supermarket chain.

Lead researcher Dr Jibonayan Raychaudhuri, from UEA’s School of Economics, said: “As a possible UK recession looms closer, we wanted to better understand how people’s spending might change – especially when it comes to purchasing ethical products - like fair trade coffee or ‘dolphin-friendly’ tuna.”

The team studied the impact of the economic recession of 2008 on consumer expenditure of eco-labelled food products.

They used UK supermarket loyalty card data and showed that the recession had widely different effects on the spend share of different types of eco-labelled groceries.

Dr Raychaudhuri said: "We found that the amount shoppers spent on organic products declined but the amount they spent on fair trade products increased over the same period.

"It’s really interesting that the consumption of some eco-labelled goods – namely fair trade products - held up during the recession. It’s surprising, because we expected that consumers would change their spending during an economic downturn, with the sales share of all eco-labelled products falling - as they tend to be more expensive."

“We looked at the effects of the 2008 economic downturn on food products with different eco-labels,” said Professor Ada Wossink from The University of Manchester. “Our research used supermarket loyalty card data. The results confirm trade reports from back in 2008 that during the recession, fair trade held up whereas the organic share dropped.  Traditional economic theory cannot explain this - we would expect sales to fall across all eco-labelled products because these all tend to be more expensive. We find that recent models which use social psychology can offer useful insights.”

‘Ecolabels and The Economic Recession’ is published in the journal PLOS ONE.