Newsroom University of Manchester

Contribute to Shaping the Digital Worlds Theme!

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:40:51 +0100

"The funding landscape is moving under our feet. UKRI and the research councils are shifting decisively towards research done with industry. This includes partnership expectations written into calls, co-created programmes, impact measured in adoption and so on.

It is really important to me that we understand can the theme help you be prepared and build a wider collective UoM collaborative space to be prepared and perhaps discover new ways of working in the process? Our theme has enormous potential in many areas from digital twins, sensing and connected environments, immersive and virtual worlds. Realising that potential often it starts with a conversation with the right partner at the right moment or having assistance in maintaining conversations and partnerships already in place."

David Topping, Digital Worlds Theme Lead, is inviting The University of Manchester colleagues to complete a short consultation that will help shape how the Digital Worlds theme works with industry and business partners over the coming year.

In return of colleagues completing this short consultation, the intention is to build a recurring offer:

- An annual Digital Worlds Industry Showcase
- Two themed roundtables a year (digital twins; sensing and connected environments; immersive and virtual environments; the physical–virtual interface)
- A live partnership map and case-study repository
- An annual report back to everyone who contribute

Please complete the consultation via the link below:

https://bit.ly/digitalworldsform

The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Alternatively, if you would prefer an informal conversation, David Topping would be pleased to hear from you at david.topping@manchester.ac.uk.

Manchester Geography research informs OECD toolkit for adopting ideas from other cities

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:36 +0100

Cristina Temenos, Professor of Human Geography in the School of Environment, Education and Development, has contributed her expertise in policy mobilities and policy transfer research to the OECD Toolkit for Adopting Ideas from Other Cities.

The toolkit is part of an OECD-Bloomberg Philanthropies project that supports city governments to identify, assess, adapt and implement policy innovations developed elsewhere. Professor Temenos was invited to contribute to a high-level workshop on “Adopting Ideas from Other Cities” at the OECD headquarters in Paris, bringing academic insight into how ideas, policies and practices travel between urban contexts.

Drawing on research in policy mobilities, urban governance and policy learning, her contribution helped shape discussions about how cities can make informed, place-based and context-sensitive decisions when adopting ideas from elsewhere. This included considering the conditions that support effective policy learning, how to assess whether an idea is suitable for a new setting, and the practical challenges involved in adapting and sustaining adopted policies.

Professor Temenos’ involvement highlights the international relevance of Geography research at Manchester and the value of critical urban scholarship for organisations working with city governments. Her contribution to the toolkit helped inform a practical resource designed to encourage more reflective and context-aware approaches to urban policy adoption.

The Digital Environment Conference 2026: Open Call

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:38:26 +0000

Digital Futures is excited to announce that the presentation and poster submission is now live for The Digital Environment Conference 2026!

Interested in presenting your work at The Digital Environment Conference 2026, hosted at SISTER on 1st April 2026? We are looking for individuals to present their research in 15 minute speakers slots, or present their work on a poster board at the event.

Please email Jade at digitalfutures@manchester.ac.uk with your presentation and/ or poster title, and topic or area of research.

Please note that the open call for presentation or poster submissions deadline is Friday 27th February 2026.

Greater Manchester - the UK’s first age-friendly city region

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:41:00 +0000

Greater Manchester is the UK’s first age-friendly city region, as recognised by the World Health Organization. This means we are a place committed to enabling older people to actively participate in their community, to stay connected, to stay healthy and active, to provide appropriate support to those who need it, and to treat everyone with respect regardless of age.

On Friday 16 March, the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub launched an ambitious strategy to deliver on Mayor Andy Burnham’s manifesto commitment to make Greater Manchester a better place to grow older. This covers neighbourhoods and communities, housing, older workers, health and social care, transport, culture, physical activity and a positive change in the way older people are viewed.

Sport England is investing £1M to get over 55s more active in their communities, socially and physically – especially those who have been previously inactive. Greater Manchester is holding a Festival of Ageing from 2-15 July 2018, celebrating older people and portraying a positive view of ageing.

Together we will:

establish age-friendly communities across Greater Manchester, promoting volunteering and bringing generations together;
become a world leader in research and innovation for an ageing society;
support more people to be physically active as they age;
campaign for positive change in the way older people are viewed.

More information:

Greater Manchester Ageing Hub website