A placement programme at The University of Manchester is giving accounting and finance students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to real-world problems, while providing practical support to local charities.

The Social Responsibility Placement Programme led by Dr Nooch Kuasirikun, Associate Professor at Alliance Manchester Business School, was launched in summer 2025 to connect postgraduate accounting students with registered charities in Manchester.

The programme has grown from two charities taking part in its first year to five in its second, with students volunteering around one day a week over a four-to-six-week period between late June and July.

Their work has included helping charities organise financial information, analyse expenditure and donations, improve reporting and develop tools to support their financial management.

Practical help for charities

Participating charities have praised the students for their professionalism, reliability and ability to work independently while responding to the organisations' needs.

In one case, students helped a charity organise a year's worth of expenditure and work through four years of donations in preparation for a Gift Aid claim.

Another group developed a new tool designed to save staff time, improve financial reporting and help the charity identify potential financial risks at an earlier stage.

For the students, the placements have provided an opportunity to see how their accounting knowledge can be applied outside the classroom.

Several students have highlighted their satisfaction at seeing work they had produced being used by organisations in the community. One student said it was particularly rewarding to know that a dashboard they had created would continue to be used by the charity after their placement had ended.

The placements have also enabled students to develop practical skills including Excel automation and data processing, while gaining experience of working with organisations operating with limited resources.

Accounting with a social purpose

Working with charities has given the students an insight into some of the different pressures involved in managing finances in the voluntary sector, where financial sustainability has to be balanced with an organisation's social mission.

Dr Nooch Kuasirikun, who leads the programme, said the experience demonstrated the wider contribution that accounting expertise can make.

The programme is expected to expand further, with the organisers hoping to involve more Manchester charities and students in future placements.

Charities interested in taking part in the next programme, which is due to take place in June and July 2027, can contact Kirsty.Hutchison@manchester.ac.uk and/or nooch.kuasirikun@manchester.ac.uk to discuss potential accounting tasks that students could undertake.

Claims in the study that people affected by parental alienating behaviours showed greater signs of stress, PTSD and depression are also challenged by the team from The University of Manchester and the University of New Brunswick.

Lead author doctoral researcher Nic Robson, along with Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno, both from The University of Manchester, and Professor Linda Neilson from The University of New Brunswick, have published a peer-reviewed rebuttal in the Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody and Child Development of February's study led by Professor Ben Hine.

The researchers found a lack of evidence in the Hine study that the behaviours were identified by a dependable sample of the UK public, and a lack of evidence that the identified parenting behaviours were actually connected to parental alienation.

The authors of the rebuttal contend that methodological standards typically associated with academic or scientific research were not met. Other limitations identified by the researchers included:

• Reliance on online responses submitted to a marketing agency.
• Use of discredited or outdated measures, or selection of items from established psychological scales without validation.
• Limited reporting on methodology, sampling and data collection procedures.
• Absence of research methods that would enable analysis of cause and effect.
• Methodologies that failed to establish that behaviours attributed to parental alienation were not actually connected to family conflict or abuse.the first half of your story here.

The Hine study, covered by media outlets calls for policy and legal reforms, including the development of school programmes to teach children how to identify so-called “parental alienating behaviours.”

The study has also been cited within official Family Justice Council guidance raising questions about the robustness of the evidence appraisal and guideline development process of the guidance, particularly given the methodological concerns with the Hine study that have since been identified.

"The Hine study states that parental alienating behaviours cause children to become allied strongly with one parent, rejecting the other without justification during a high-conflict separation or divorce," said lead author Nic Robson, a PhD researcher from the University of Manchester. “However, the assertion is based on a controversial concept of parental alienation which has been criticised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls, the Family Justice Council in the UK, and other bodies.”

Previous research by Dr Dalgarno showed many parents accused of parental alienation are often female victims of domestic abuse who often report being subjected to biased family court proceedings.

The women in Dr Dalgarno's study said parental alienation claims were raised against them when they attempted to safeguard their children.

"The authors of the Hine study also acknowledged a correlation between the alleged parental alienating behaviours and domestic abuse among parents, yet no investigation appears to have occurred to determine if there was a causal relationship between the two," Robson said.

This points, Robson, Neilson and Dalgarno say, to a flawed report that identifies negative behaviours of parents reported by a group of online respondents that may or may not have been associated with behaviours the Hine study researchers were attempting to measure.

Robson added: “Unfortunately, while the authors presented some selected data, they did not provide adequate information about the scales they used, the survey questions, the complete dataset, or an in-depth analysis of their results.

“Consequently, it is difficult to work out if the omissions were intentional, indicative of selective reporting, or a reflection of the limitations of the survey.”

Dr Neilson said: “We strongly urge professionals and policymakers to base decisions on scientifically validated methods and rigorously tested evidence.

“Anyone reading the report of the Hine study should exercise caution, however especially in connection with policies and practices that shape clinical or legal work.”

Dr Dalgarno added: "The concept of parental alienation remains highly contentious due to its lack of scientific validation and empirical evidence supporting its reliability as both a psychological construct and a measurable phenomenon.

Allegations of parental alienation are frequently employed by fathers with histories of abuse as a legal strategy to dismiss or deflect serious claims of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and coercive control."

• Dalgarno and Robson are both core voluntary members of the SHERA Research Group , a global research collective exploring the health, social, human rights and economic impacts of domestic abuse and violence on women and children. Linda Neilson is Professor Emerita and a research associate of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick, Canada.
• The paper Methodologies and Moon Landings: A critical review of parental alienating behaviour research, is published in the Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody & Child Development, DOI: 10.1080/26904586.2026.2677135 [tandfonline.com]

‘Eat Chat Rise & Move’ was organised with grassroots community group Rise & Flourish, a non-profit organisation founded by Hanane El Hadioui, bringing together recent migrants and more established Manchester residents through English lessons, cooking classes and movement workshops.  

Volunteers who have come to live in Manchester from different parts of the world led short workshops, encouraging attendees to share ideas about identity, belonging and connection whilst sharing new recipes, crafting ideas, poetry and movement.  

Geography PhD student Clare Courtney who co-organised the event said: 

One of the event attendees commented: “Such a wonderful event, I loved meeting people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, moving and being creative together makes me feel less lonely.” 

‘Eat Chat Rise & Move’ took place at the University of Manchester last month, hosted by Geography PhD student Clare Courtney and community group Rise & Flourish, with support from the SEED Social Responsibility Fund. If you are a University of Manchester student, and you would like to be involved in volunteering with Rise & Flourish, please visit their volunteer hub.  

The milestone marks the largest level of participation in the campaign's history, having launched in 2016. This demonstrates the growing global appetite for teachers to upskill in how to engage 5–14-year-olds in practical science learning in schools.

Teachers and their pupils have been involved in thinking about scientific questions that interest them. Time has been dedicated to encouraging them to plan and undertake investigations, gathering evidence and drawing conclusions on topics ranging from nature, weather, motion and materials.

Under the annual theme 'Globally Curious', the pupils’ questions have demonstrated creativity, curiosity and wonder.

• Which is the smallest animal that makes the biggest difference in our environment?
• What do ants like to eat the most?
• How does friction affect the distance a car travels?
• How do different exercises affect your heart rate?
• How do my clothes shed microfibres and does it matter?

Teachers and educators across the globe get involved in many ways. As an inclusive campaign, sharing events take place in schools, gardens, zoos, hospital schools and community spaces.  This year saw the campaign expand its reach into Slovenia and Spain, with bespoke training for teachers and translated materials that increasingly support engagement globally.

Brompton-Westbook Primary in Kent was the school that took registrations beyond the million mark. Claire Hofer, the school’s Science Lead, said Great Science Share for Schools has enabled their pupils and teachers to do more enquiry-based science, which they share with other pupils at a showcase event at the Discovery Park in Sandwich.

Similarly, The University of Manchester welcomed 31 schools from across Greater Manchester to its Nancy Rothwell Building for a large in-person event, where pupils showcased their investigations and discoveries with the Lord Mayor encouraging them on.

The Great Science Share for Schools campaign was founded by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom through learner-led enquiry, inclusive participation and collaboration.

Professor Bianchi said: “2026 is a truly great year for GSSfS by reaching this huge milestone. This makes a huge difference to teachers and young people, as well as showing that there is keen interest to raise the profile of science education for all. As the University’s From Manchester for the world 2035 strategy really takes pace, GSSfS models our values towards social responsibility and widening participation.”

Grace Marson, Campaign Manager for Great Science Share for Schools, added: “We are really proud that the campaign continues to grow as this means it is continuing to support teachers to upskill their own knowledge and develop pupils’ confidence in science enquiry.”

As participation surpasses one million pupils for the first time, the achievement comes amid a new Royal Society report, calling for stronger support for public engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, highlighting the growing importance of initiatives such as Great Science Share for Schools.

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.

The population-based study of more than two million people showed individuals with an intellectual disability are more likely to develop bowel cancer, especially before the age of 50.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC), the study is published in BMC Medicine today (20/05/26). The research team is supported by both the NIHR GM PSRC and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

People with an intellectual disability present to their GP more often with symptoms linked to bowel cancer, but are less likely to receive key investigations such as stool tests, urgent referrals, or endoscopy the team show.

They were less likely to be diagnosed through screening programmes and more likely to be diagnosed in emergency settings or even on the date of death.

And they were also more likely to be diagnosed at stage IV, when the cancer has already spread.

Among those with early-stage disease, rates of curative surgery were similar, but survival remained significantly worse for people with an intellectual disability.

For advanced bowel cancer, individuals with an intellectual disability were far less likely to receive systemic anticancer therapy, which may contribute to poorer outcomes.

The findings highlight multiple missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis, including lower use of stool tests used to check for early signs of bowel cancer and fewer urgent suspected cancer referrals.

The researchers used anonymised GP records from a large UK database containing information on about 50 million people.

The records were linked with national data on deaths, cancer, hospital care, ethnicity and deprivation to support the research.

The study also raises concerns that current screening programmes, which often begin at age 50, may not adequately protect people with an intellectual disability, given their higher risk at younger ages.

They also highlight that emergency diagnoses can limit the time available for coordinated treatment planning, which may contribute to poorer survival even when surgery is offered.

However, lifestyle factors linked to early-onset bowel cancer—such as obesity, diet, and physical inactivity—may be more common among people with an intellectual disability, potentially amplifying their risk.

And distinguishing concerning symptoms may be more challenging for people with learning disabilities, though the researchers caution that this does not fully explain the scale of under-investigation.

Lead author Dr Oliver Kennedy, Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and The Christie said: “Our findings show clear and avoidable inequalities in bowel cancer diagnosis and treatment for people with an intellectual disability, and they underline the urgent need for earlier screening and more proactive investigation of symptoms.”

Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: “This study lays bare the stark truth that people with a learning disability are being diagnosed with bowel cancer too late, too often, and are missing out on chances for earlier treatment that could save lives. We need the NHS, government and cancer services to join us in making inclusive health a priority, acting on these findings and putting the right support in place at every stage of the cancer pathway.”

Claire Coughlan, Clinical Lead at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if it is diagnosed early. However, this study makes clear that people with an ID are not only at increased risk of developing bowel cancer; they also face considerable barriers which can lead to later diagnosis and treatment.”

Lisa Every and her niece Chloe’s story

Chloe Every died aged 27 in 2019, not long after being diagnosed with an advanced form of bowel cancer. She had a learning disability and myotonic dystrophy, a muscle condition known to affect the heart and breathing.

For Chloe’s family, the fact that her cancer was only identified at such a late stage is central to everything that followed. Like many people with a learning disability, Chloe was diagnosed when the disease was already advanced, limiting treatment options and reducing her chances of survival. Her family believe there were missed chances to investigate symptoms earlier and to take her health concerns seriously before her condition deteriorated.

Once Chloe was admitted to Queen’s Hospital in Romford, those missed chances continued. Her aunt Lisa Every says that Chloe’s learning disability and underlying condition were not properly considered when decisions were made about her care. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, there was no clear, coordinated plan that took account of her complex needs.

Chloe was left in the hospital’s initial assessment unit for six days, far longer than was appropriate. This delay meant she did not receive consistent care under one consultant at a critical point in her illness and contributed to a lack of joined up decision making. At a time when urgent, proactive care was needed, Chloe’s treatment drifted.

Her pain was not adequately managed, and she was given medication without a clear clinical reason. Despite her myotonic dystrophy and the known cardiac risks associated with it, staff did not contact Chloe’s specialist, who had treated her for many years. This was another missed opportunity to ensure her cancer treatment was informed by her wider health needs.

During her hospital stay, Chloe suffered two cardiac arrests. Before the first, she was not observed in line with her needs by nursing staff. An irregular heartbeat was noted shortly before she was given an enema, but this was not escalated to a doctor. After she was transferred to a general ward, Chloe was again not properly monitored. She later experienced a second cardiac arrest. The causes of either cardiac arrest were never investigated.

Mencap supported Lisa to fight for an inquest into Chloe’s death and forced the NHS to revisit a request that had previously been ignored. The subsequent A Level 3 Serious Untoward Investigation by the NHS Trust identified a series of serious failings in Chloe’s care. These included poor pain management, lack of specialist input, failures in observation and monitoring, and the fact that the Trust’s Learning Disability Admission Pathway was not properly followed when Chloe was admitted.

For Lisa, the experience is marked by repeated moments where earlier action could have made a difference, from diagnosis through to end-of-life care.

‘I was told by the head of palliative care not to be distressed if Chloe was not in ITU because she was being moved to a ward, which I assumed would be a palliative ward,’ Lisa said.

‘When I arrived, Chloe was not on any medical support at all. The nurse in charge did not know Chloe had a learning disability until I told her.

‘I was told to go home because the nurse had “11 patients to look after” and that Chloe was “fine”. Chloe was then left unmonitored until she was found unresponsive.’

Chloe died shortly afterwards.

Her story reflects wider evidence showing that people with a learning disability are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer late, more likely to experience delays and missed chances for investigation, and more likely to face fragmented care once diagnosed. For Lisa, speaking out is about showing the consequences of those missed chances.

‘Chloe was young and she was loved,” she said.

‘She should have had the same chance as anyone else to be diagnosed earlier and to have her needs properly understood and acted on.’half goes here

• the paper Bowel Cancer Care in Individuals with an Intellectual Disability: A Population-Based Cohort Study of Symptoms, Diagnostic Pathways, Treatment and Survival is available here DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04906-9

Titled From Manchester, for the world: people, partnerships and place, the article highlights how the University’s future is inextricably linked to the city it calls home and how the collective work of our University community is driving forward our Manchester 2035 strategy, with its strong commitment to social responsibility, civic engagement and global impact. Professor Ivison emphasises a clear message: the University’s success depends on Manchester’s success, and vice-versa. This shared trajectory underpins Manchester 2035, the University of Manchester’s new strategy, focusing on working not just in the city, but actively for it.

Reflecting on Manchester’s character, Professor Ivison points to the city’s distinctive energy as a defining force. Having first visited in the late 1980s, he notes both the enduring spirit and the remarkable transformation of the city over time. That change reinforces the University’s civic purpose: creating opportunity, supporting inclusive growth and innovation and tackling major challenges through local partnerships.

The article also shines a light on the University’s cultural institutions - Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank, being described as the University’s ‘front door’. These spaces play a vital role in connecting communities with research and ideas, often providing the first point of engagement with the University for many people across the city region and beyond.

Partnership working is a central theme. The University’s collaborations with the NHS, schools, local authorities, businesses and cultural organisations are key to turning knowledge into impact. These partnerships are fundamental to Manchester 2035, enabling us to co-create solutions to local and global challenges while strengthening our role as a truly civic university. They not only enhance research and innovation but also create valuable opportunities for students, helping them develop skills, gain experience and build lasting connections in Greater Manchester.

The feature also highlights the University’s world-leading research, particularly in health. Manchester’s cancer research ecosystem brings together the University, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK. This is a powerful example of how scale and collaboration can deliver global impact. The proximity of research and clinical care at sites such as the Paterson Building enables discoveries to translate directly into patient benefit.

Looking ahead, Professor Ivison reinforces the University’s long-term vision: to remain at the heart of the city’s future while sharing Manchester’s strengths globally. The message is simple but ambitious - taking what makes the University special and ensuring it is recognised around the world.

·       Read the full article

·       Watch the accompanying film

The University’s social responsibility activity spans across its research, teaching, public engagement activities and University operations. 

The Making a Difference Awards highlight the extensive range of social responsibility initiatives across the University community and include categories such as environmental sustainability, alumni contribution, widening access and student success and equality, diversity and inclusion.

By sharing ideas, time, expertise and innovation, these inspiring projects accept the challenge to deliver real-world change. 

Over 140 entries were submitted this year, with judges recognising 14 winners and 20 highly commended. Winners included: 

• A project which pioneers a proactive digital approach to reduce relapse risk and improve outcomes for people experiencing psychosis.
• An initiative that re-imagined the traditional graduation ceremony to create an accessible and inclusive event for graduates and their families who may have otherwise been unable to attend.
• Student-led initiatives such as growing organic produce using low-waste methods and donating fresh food to community groups across Manchester, and an outreach project bringing practical dental advice to expectant parents across Greater Manchester. 

In addition to the Making a Difference Awards, two University Medals for Social Responsibility were presented, one to a member of staff and one to an alumnus. The recipients were: 

• The Bee Cup Scheme, a scheme reducing disposable cup use on campus through a free, app-based reusable cup system
• Alumna Hannah Broughton for transforming support for young people and families through early communication programmes and therapeutic outdoor sessions. 

During the event, a special Making a Difference Award was presented to the Manchester Access Programme (MAP). The Award recognised 20 years of the University’s flagship widening access scheme, which supports local Year 12 students across Greater Manchester to access higher education. 

• See the full list of all the winners and highly commended here
• Watch our winners’ films
• Watch the awards ceremony
• Find out more about our Challenge accepted campaign, where alumni, colleagues, students and our community are coming together to tackle urgent challenges – globally and locally. 

According to The University of Manchester researchers, medication can be disrupted at the point of release, especially when people are discharged at short notice or outside normal working hours, when services are least able to coordinate care.

The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC), is published in the journal Health Expectations today(insert date).

It paints a picture of a system which needs to better coordinate to keep people safe during one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Healthcare staff interviewed by the researchers described delays in transferring medical records between prison and community GPs, confusion over who is responsible for discharge planning, and staffing pressures that can leave little time to prepare people for release.

They also highlighted the lack of integrated IT systems, meaning important information can fail to follow people out of the prison gates, which can lead to missed doses, interrupted treatment, and increased risk of harm.

Lead author Dr Claire Planner, Research Associate at The University of Manchester said: “There are clear opportunities to reduce medication-related risks at the point of discharge. Discharge planning interventions developed collaboratively with prisoners and relevant services and which prioritise coordination and informational continuity are needed.”

Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti, Professor of Health Services and Mental Health at The University of Manchester added: “Medication safety breaks down at one of the most vulnerable points in care—when people leave prison. Our findings show that with better coordination, earlier planning, and improved information sharing, many of these risks are preventable.”

The research team interviewed 12 professionals including GPs, pharmacists, and prison officers, analysing their insights using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety framework (SEIPS) .

SEIPS is a model used in healthcare to understand how different parts of a work system affect patient safety and care outcomes.

They identified five major factors driving unsafe medication transitions: unpredictable release practices, poor communication between services, staffing shortages, outdated or incompatible IT systems, and patient-level challenges such as low health literacy, substance use, and unstable housing.

The study warns the pressures are intensified by the high turnover in prisons, with nearly half of all sentenced admissions in 2023 lasting under 12 months, and by the complex health needs of people in custody, who experience far higher rates of mental illness, chronic conditions, and substance dependence than the general population.

The researchers call for earlier discharge planning beginning at prison entry, electronic prescribing to ensure timely access to medication, better continuity of medical records, dedicated transitional discharge teams, and multi‑disciplinary meetings to coordinate complex cases.

Dr Planner added: “These findings show that safer medication management is achievable but will require coordinated action across prison and community healthcare systems.

“Improving communication, clarifying responsibilities, and strengthening processes could significantly reduce avoidable harm for thousands of people leaving prison each year.”

• The paper Exploring medication safety in transitions from prison to community: a qualitative study is available here. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70684 

The visit offered the chance to hear directly from the scholars about their experiences at university, how the bursary is supporting them day to day, and the aspirations they are developing for life beyond their studies.

Conversations reflected a wide range of academic interests and career ambitions, with many scholars pointing to the importance of financial security in allowing them to fully engage with their education and the wider opportunities available at university, including involvement in student societies.

The Sadler Bursary provides funding for up to 36 undergraduates for each year of their course.

This programme supports care‑experienced students, providing £10,000 per year for the full duration of their degree. Care‑experienced young people continue to be significantly under‑represented in higher education, with around 15 per cent progressing to university compared with 47 per cent of their non‑care‑experienced peers. The bursary aims to help address this imbalance by reducing financial pressure and supporting students throughout their time at university.

The second programme, called the Sadler Access Bursary, supports additional 30 students who have graduated through the Manchester Access Programme (MAP), the University’s flagship widening‑participation initiative for high‑achieving students from Greater Manchester.

The Sadler Bursaries reflect the University’s wider commitment to student inclusion and success, a core priority of the Challenge Accepted fundraising and volunteering campaign. Challenge Accepted brings together the University’s global community in a shared philanthropic effort to remove barriers to education and help talented students from all backgrounds to access a world-leading education and thrive once they arrive in Manchester. By reducing financial pressures and providing financial stability, bursaries such as these play a pivotal role in enabling students to focus on their studies, engage fully in university life and plan confidently for the future.

Simon is a graduate of The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), where he studied Management, and was the first in his family to attend university. He has previously described the Sadler Bursary as a way to help young people who have had “particularly complicated starts to their lives” to pursue opportunities in higher education and realise their potential.

Applications for the next cohort of Sadler Bursary Scholars are currently open, with a deadline in April 2026.

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 partnership will build  an  interdisciplinary team focused on the links between domestic violence, family courts and women’s health in South India.

That, they say,  will generate early frameworks that can inform future reforms, judicial training and survivor‑centred practice, laying the foundation for long‑term community partnerships and multi‑country research.

Domestic violence is widespread in India, with national surveys showing that almost half of Indian women have faced some form of spousal abuse.

The southwestern state  Karnataka alone recorded more than seventeen thousand cases in 2022.

Lead researcher Dr Liz Dalgarno from The University of Manchester said: “Although India handles well over a million family disputes each year, there is still no systematic research on how these legal journeys shape women’s long‑term wellbeing.

“And there is some evidence which shows that court processes can sometimes prolong stress, fear and control.”

The project will initially focus on assessing the feasibility of the study and map how family court procedures actually work for the women who go through the system.

The team will also map key organisations in Karnataka, from women’s police stations to community health workers, to understand where survivors seek help and where systems may be falling short.

“This groundwork matters because India needs its own evidence base to make sure women are supported, not harmed, when they turn to the courts,” added Dr Dalgarno.

The collaboration will provide opportunities for students in Manchester and Karnataka interested in understanding   the intersection of law, health and gender‑based violence

Arpana Verma is Clinical Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology and Head of the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care.

She said: “This  partnership aligns closely with both our universities’ commitments to tackling inequality, strengthening international collaboration and improving outcomes for marginalised communities.

“By focusing on women’s health, domestic violence and legal systems, the project speaks directly to shared priorities around gender equality, prevention of harm and access to safe, trauma‑informed services.”

Professor Arathi Rao from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education said: “Family courts are often a crucial point of contact for women seeking protection from domestic violence. Legal processes, while designed to deliver justice, can also impact women’s health, safety, and well-being.

“By examining these intersections, we aim to inform more responsive, survivor-centred systems that truly protect and support women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

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.

It follows a campaign led by a national coalition of partners, including academics from The University of Manchester, and  legal representatives from Garden Court Chambers and Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, who challenged the previous policy framework.

The rules, which affect asylum seekers who have waited 12 months or more for a decision on their initial claim, come into effect on 26 March 2026.

The previous policy restricted asylum seekers to occupations on the Immigration Salary List, excluding most health professions, including doctors and nurses.

One of the leading voices in the campaign was the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education (REACHE), directed by, Dr Aisha Awan, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation.

Displaced clinicians at REACHE receive specialist language, clinical and acculturation training alongside strong pastoral support, enabling them to secure regulatory registration and safely return to practice within the NHS.

The policy change follows legal proceedings which highlighted that highly qualified, NHS-ready clinicians were unable to work in shortage specialties despite clear workforce need.

Dr Awan said: “As we continue to witness increasing displacement of people by conflict and global events, we must ethically address that doctors, nurses and health professionals becoming deskilled is a huge loss to humanity.

“Alongside being economically counterproductive, undermining NHS workforce capacity and negatively impacting mental health and integration.

“At a time of increasingly hostile rhetoric around migration, it’s been important to show the impressively positive impacts of this programme on the NHS and patients.

 “I’m immensely  proud to be part of our University which supports this sort of positive and impactful change. Our success demonstrates how evidence, persistence and coalition-building can influence systems, no matter how big the resistance to change.”

Undergraduate students from the University’s school of Law, Medicine, Computer Sciences and Languages were involved in the Interfaculty Service Learning project, attending the judicial review hearings.

Maria-Ioana Dicu a second year computer science undergraduate, was one of the undergraduates  to observe how research, evidence and advocacy connect within real-world policy debates.

She  said:  “These doctors resilience and desire to help others was incredibly powerful and their fight to practice shows the impact you can have if you step outside your comfort zone, even against all the odds.”

Aaron Drovandi, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education Research at The University of Manchester, who was involved in the data and evaluation for REACHE said: “The team have achieved tremendous impact on international debate and national policy, with the work being  acknowledged by a broad range of stakeholders including the British Medical Association and World Health Organisation.”

Stephanie Harrison KC, Garden Court Chambers, said: “Our clients were highly qualified doctors who wished to provide their skills to NHS patients in need. One of our clients was able to take up a role that had remained unfilled for over a year. This is an important step but the full removal of restrictions still recommended. It is important that policy is guided by reason and compassion, recognising both the contribution individuals can make and the wider needs of society.”

Becky Hart, from Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, said: “We are glad the Secretary of State has agreed to amend her policy to expand the jobs those claiming asylum can work in… to include doctors, nurses, and other skilled occupations.”

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President (Social Responsibility), at The University of Manchester  said: “We are proud to have played a part in this success, which is a powerful illustration of how The University of Manchester values social responsibility and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“It also reflects our obligation, as a university, to act ethically, contribute positively to society, and prepare students not only academically but also as responsible global citizens. It is a concept that connects education with real-world impact, so that we do not exist in isolation but actively shape a better future.”

Image from left to right:
Front Row: Becky Hart Solicitor Bhatt Murphy; Isaac Ricca-Richardson KC Garden Court Chambers; Aisha Awan Senior Clinical Lecturer UoM, Director of REACHE 
Back row: REACHE Doctors;  Stephanie Harrison KC  Garden Court Chambers; Maeve Keaney - REACHE Founder; Maria-Ioana Dicu - UoM Yr 2 Computer Science Undergraduate, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Dorothy Anand - UoM Yr 2 Law Undergraduate, Faculty of Arts

Announced on Tuesday (24 March), the Russell Group’s 24 leading universities, including The University of Manchester, set out plans to train more than 181,000 students in subjects critical to health and care by 2030 – an increase of more than 15%. This includes doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives delivering frontline care, alongside engineers, social scientists and technology specialists whose expertise is increasingly essential to improving today’s healthcare services.

The University of Manchester already educates around 3,000 medical and dentistry students, and Russell Group universities in the North West collectively train over 17,000 people in the skills we need for a healthier future.  

The commitment will also support the growth of life sciences companies, helping to bring new treatments, technologies and high-skilled jobs to communities across the country.

While expanding training, universities will also work to remove barriers so that more students from disadvantaged backgrounds can access medical and health careers. This includes expanding initiatives, such as targeted gateway courses, summer schools and mentoring that make health and care careers more open to students from all backgrounds.

At The University of Manchester, the commitment builds on a long-standing focus on widening participation and supporting regional skills needs, particularly across Greater Manchester and the North West.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, who is chairing the Russell Group working group behind the commitment, said: “One thing that distinguishes Russell Group universities – like The University of Manchester – is our unique combination of groundbreaking discovery research and our role in training the health workforce of the future.

“Our commitment is to training 181,000 graduates in health and care-related subjects by 2030, a 15% increase; increasing access for students from all backgrounds to join these vital professions; and supporting the growth of life sciences and innovation to help create high-skilled jobs and attract investment into communities.

“And we’re going to do it in partnership with the NHS and the patients, families, workers, industries and communities we serve. It’s about ensuring that the work of our universities translates into meaningful, real-world impact.

“There is more to do, but this represents an important step forward.”

The University of Manchester recently formed a new partnership with Wigan & Leigh College and the Greater Manchester Colleges network to place PhD researchers into Further Education classrooms, helping to strengthen teaching in priority subjects such as engineering, digital skills and STEM. The programme helps colleges with specialist expertise, while giving postgraduate researchers valuable teaching experience and building stronger links between further and higher education.

Other recent initiatives include hands-on pharmacy workshops and Healthcare Careers Pathway Days, offering students opportunities to meet professionals, visit campus and gain practical advice on applications.

The University also runs dedicated widening participation programmes, such as Lancashire Access Medics and the Preston Widening Access Programme, designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds into medicine.

While delivering on these commitments, Russell Group universities will for the first time convene a nationwide series of community engagement events.

The University of Manchester will host an in-person roundtable event bringing together partners from across the region to explore the future of the healthcare workforce. It will focus on how The University of Manchester can work with the health ecosystem in Greater Manchester to expand inclusive pathways into health careers and secure a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent for the NHS.

Read the full Russell Group announcement on its website.

The agreement to house the memorial at the University follows a commitment by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to find a permanent and fitting home for it within the city-region. The memorial will now become part of the University’s collections, where it will be cared for as a place of remembrance, reflection and learning for generations to come.

Developed in collaboration with Inquiry participants, the memorial contains bottles with a message in each one written by someone affected by the scandal.

On display at the Infected Blood Inquiry until the publication of the Inquiry Report in May 2024, the memorial has been sited  in the Whitworth building. Its presence at the University will support research, teaching and public engagement, particularly in areas relating to patient safety, ethical practice in healthcare, trust, and health inequalities.

As a civic university rooted in Manchester, the University is committed to working alongside communities to acknowledge difficult histories and to create spaces where reflection and learning can take place with care and respect. Through exhibitions, teaching programmes and public events including the annual Universally Manchester Festival, the memorial will remain accessible to the public, helping to ensure that the experiences of those affected continue to be heard and understood. 

By providing a permanent home for the Infected Blood Inquiry Memorial, the University hopes to honour those whose lives were changed forever, while supporting ongoing dialogue, understanding and learning that can help shape a more compassionate and responsible future in healthcare and public life.

Christine Burney, the widow of Peter Burney, who died of hepatitis following a blood transfusion said: “I lost my husband Peter Burney in 2019 to liver cancer, after being given hepatitis C following a blood transfusion. The inquiry memorial holds deep personal significance. As I live on the outskirts of Manchester I have visited it numerous of times since its arrival on the university grounds, finding solace in its presence.

It serves as a vital, permanent reminder of this tragedy for the medical professionals of tomorrow. My hope is that by including this history in their curriculum we ensure that the lessons of the past directly inform the care and ethics of the future.”

Sir Brian Langstaff, Chair of the Infected Blood Inquiry, said: “We must never forget the devastating effects of what happened. Foremost among them is the anguish, suffering and profound loss, so eloquently highlighted by the messages carefully placed in this Memorial by people infected and affected.  I wish to thank the University of Manchester for providing a permanent home for the Memorial. It stands now, and for the future, as a testament to all of those who fought so long to be heard.  The infected blood disaster was not an accident and its like must never happen again.” 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "This memorial is a powerful way to honour those thousands of people and their family members who suffered so much and those whose lives continue to be blighted by the infected blood scandal.  I hope this memorial provides some closure, and a place for reflection for all people fighting injustice.

“I pay tribute to the campaigners like Fred and Eleanor Bates from Wythenshawe who never gave in and helped me understand the scale of the injustice. I am proud that the memorial will be based here, in the centre of Manchester, and I know they would be too.”

Professor Stephanie Snow, Professor of Health, History and Policy and Academic Lead for Public Engagement who is based at The University’s  Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine said: “Our stewardship will honour the Inquiry’s intention that the Memorial will be a permanent symbol of the human suffering and loss caused by the contaminated blood scandal.

“Many thousands of NHS patients were infected after being given contaminated blood in what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

“According to the inquiry, the victims had been failed "not once, but repeatedly", since 1948, the date when the risk of viral infections in blood products originated. This memorial is a fitting tribute and a powerful reminder of their story. We are honoured it is to become part of the University’s collections.

John McAuliffe, Associate Vice President (Cultural Portfolio) at The University of Manchester and Director of Creative Manchester was also part of the team who helped to bring the monument to Manchester.

He said: “Our collections inspire and nurture world-class research, teaching and learning and this memorial will be of huge interest to writers, historians, social scientists, clinicians and scientists,  and others connected to the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, and to the University’s research platforms, Creative Manchester and Healthier Futures, which support interdisciplinary research, as well as to colleagues and students attached to the Justice Hub, the Centre for New Writing and the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester said: “As a civic university, we believe it is important to remember difficult histories with honesty, compassion and respect. The Memory Bank Memorial gives powerful voice to those affected by the contaminated blood scandal and stands as a reminder of the human impact behind it. 

“It is a privilege for the University to become its custodian, and we hope it will support reflection, learning and dialogue for generations to come, reflecting our commitment to social responsibility and to serving our communities in Manchester and beyond.”

• Image from left to right: Sir Brian Langstaff, Andy Burnham, Stephanie Snow, Christine Burney, Nalin Thakkar

Led by the University’s Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH), the Great Science Share for Schools encourages pupils aged 5–14 to ask, investigate and share scientific questions that matter to them. By placing curiosity at the centre of learning, it supports the development of scientific literacy, creativity and confidence from an early age empowering children to see themselves as active participants in science.

Its reach and inclusivity are among its greatest strengths and Great Science Share for Schools continues to build global momentum. In 2025 alone, more than 845,000 young people from over 4300 schools in 52 countries took part, with around 50% of participants located in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. This reflects the initiative’s position as a worldwide leader in child-centred science engagement and its strong commitment to widening access and ensuring science is accessible to all, regardless of background.

The University continues to play a central role in this growth. In 2025, during the programme’s 10^thanniversary year, we welcomed over 35 schools from across Greater Manchester onto campus for hands‑on science activities that connected children directly with our colleagues, facilities and scientific community.

With the campaign having received patronage of the UK National Commission for UNESCO in 2024, 2025 and 2026, focus is now on the global growth of GSSfS. With its inclusive, non-competitive and collaborative approach, the format is easily translatable to 5–14-year-olds across the globe to ask a scientific question, investigating it and sharing it in various means of communication.

Great Science Share for Schools provides opportunities for university academics and research to feature in the campaign through the resources produced each year. The campaign has also worked closely with Manchester Museum staff and the University’s Creative Manchester.

The impact of Great Science Share for Schools over the past decade was recently recognised in a feature in the Manchester Evening News, which highlighted the programme’s Manchester roots, its global influence and its success in empowering hundreds of thousands of children to explore the world around them. By nurturing curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of science, the initiative continues to demonstrate the power of meaningful engagement with young learners.

• Further information can be found here on the Great Science Share website.
• Please contact us if you are interested in collaborating on the campaign.
• See the full article in the Manchester Evening News

Working Well: Roots to Dental Jointly led by University of Manchester, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The scheme has already shown how addressing oral health can make a real difference to people’s lives, improving residents’ confidence and readiness for work while supporting the training of the next generation of dentists.

One participant said: “Previously I struggled with pain when eating and sensitivity all the time. I could not drink without a straw, and this makes people look funny at you. Now I have had two root canals on my front teeth I can bite better and eat better, and it’s not sore. I feel more confident to smile as my teeth are a much better colour. I can’t wait to have the rest of them done... I think it will improve my employment prospects by looking better and having less pain.”

This success comes against a wider backdrop of unemployment linked to health and disability in Greater Manchester, with oral health emerging as a significant but often hidden barrier to accessing and sustaining good jobs. Working Well: Roots to Dental is a leading example of how to integrate oral health and employment support as well as giving opportunities to dental students to make a difference to local communities. It connects directly to Greater Manchester’s ambition to remove barriers to good jobs by providing everyday, neighbourhood‑based support that links health, skills and opportunity, so residents can thrive in work and life.

Following a successful pilot supporting over 200 residents, the scheme was recognised with an Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability Award for Adding Social Value, won in partnership with employment support provider Ingeus. It now plans to widen access to even more Greater Manchester residents through the Working Well programme and other selected referral pathways, so that more people can benefit from integrated dental treatment and employment support.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester lead for Technical Education and Skills, said:  

“Roots to Dental shows what’s possible when we join up health, skills and employment support in a way that works for everyone. Residents are getting the treatment and confidence they need to move closer to work, while dental students gain vital, real‑world experience that prepares them for their future careers.”

Sarah-Jade Akintomide, undergraduate dental student said:

“Through Roots to Dental, I am learning to deliver high-quality treatment to help people smile again. It's about more than just teeth; it's about restoring people's confidence and improving their quality of life.”

Professor Allan Pacey, Deputy Dean and Deputy Vice President of the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health said:

“Social Responsibility is a core goal at The University of Manchester and so I am delighted that our students are making a real difference in communities where change is so desperately needed.”

• Working Well is a family of services that support people experiencing or at risk of long-term unemployment due to poor health or complex needs.
• To date, over 92,000 residents in Greater Manchester have been supported.
• Working Well: Roots to Dental has recognised unmet need in relation to oral health and employment. Many participants were living in dental pain and felt embarrassed about their teeth, impacting on their ability to move into work.
• Data from a cohort of 4,469 participants in a related Work and Health programme showed:

o   10% had pain or problems in their mouth

o   A further 10% felt embarrassed about speaking and smiling due to dental issues

o   40% of participants had no access to a regular dentist

• Residents or key workers supporting Working Well services can find out more on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website: Roots to Dental - Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Professor Ruth Itzhaki from The Universities of Manchester and Oxford, reveals how for many woman and girls, extreme violence, sexual attacks, killings tied to the honour of a family or clan, and female genital mutilation are a common reality.

A  leading neurovirologists who is known for her pioneering research into the role of viruses in Alzheimer’s disease, her book is the culmination of years of work published by World Scientific.

She was inspired to turn her hand to global women’s rights after reading harrowing  news reports-  and a shocking TV documentary showing Dalit women in India forced to remove human waste by hand using only straw brushes and pans.

Drawing on authoritative sources from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and under researched government surveys, she presents a comprehensive and troubling picture of women’s rights in low and middle income countries (LMIC).

The book draws on extensive evidence from LMICs where data is available, showing abuses are widespread but nearly always under‑reported.

In some LMICs, even if the crimes are punishable by law, public opinion in general tolerates or even condones the crimes.

Professor Itzhaki said: “For millions of women and girls, their value is frequently measured solely by their ability to produce sons, forcing many into repeated pregnancies regardless of age or health.

“An innocent glance at a man can lead to punishment; dishonour can lead to violent retribution or even death, inflicted by male relatives -  sometimes, with the assent of female relatives-  who believe they are restoring family pride.

“Girls can be married long before adolescence; their education restricted or banned entirely in some countries.

“Widows can be blamed for their husbands’ deaths, accused of witchcraft, dispossessed of their homes, and forbidden to remarry.

“In one country – Afghanistan - women are even banned from speaking audibly in public.”

The book also offers practical guidance on how individuals and communities can help combat gender‑based violence and discrimination.

It emphasises the importance of supporting organisations that protect survivors, promote equal rights, and work to end violence against women.

And it urges parents and educators to help shaping children’s understanding of equality, respect, and human rights, calling for conversations that help young people reject rigid expectations of how men and women should behave.

She added: “I hope this book will inspire readers to take action, advocate for justice, and support initiatives that empower women through education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

“It shows these abuses are not isolated incidents but systemic crimes affecting vast numbers of girls and women simply because of their sex.

“But despite that,  public awareness remains dangerously low; silence allows these injustices to persist.

“Especially pertinent on international women’s day, this book is an attempt to redress that balance.”

The annual ceremony, which took  place on Wednesday  March 4 at 1:15pm, will remember the donors whose selfless gift has helped hundreds of medical, dental and science students gain a deeper understanding of human anatomy.

The donors also give surgeons a crucial opportunity to further their knowledge of anatomy in their quest to constantly improve clinical techniques and procedures.

The service, which is distinct from the final committal or funeral service of the donors, was multi-denominational so any religious belief - or those without - were warmly welcomed.

Relatives and friends of the donors attended the ceremony alongside students, academics, technical and bequethals staff along with senior leaders at the University.

There was  a candle lighting ceremony during the service where a candle will be lit for each donor and their names read out.

Professor Margaret Kingston, Director of Undergraduate Medical and Dental Education spoke alongside Dr Bipasha Choudhury, School Lead for  Anatomy.

There was bereadings from Humanist minister Paul Costello, Methodist minister Richard Mottershead and Father Dushan, a Roman Catholic priest.

The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, His Majesty the King’s representative for Greater Manchester, was present.

Professor Nalin Thakkar,  Vice-President for Social Responsibility at the University of Manchester said: “As a University, we would like to express our deepest thanks to those who gave their bodies to science: your final act became a beginning for countless others.

“Their generosity helps knowledge to grow, medicine and science to advance, and humanity to move forward. Their wonderful gift will not be forgotten.”

Dr Choudhury said: “We are sincerely grateful to the donors for the gift they have bestowed upon our students and staff, helping us learn human anatomy in a profoundly moving way.

“Through their generosity, and the generosity of their families, future health care professionals gain a deep understanding of the form and workings of the human body.”

The wife of one of our donors said: “We were moved by the serious gratitude expressed in the words of the service. The candle and name card represent the fact that the last resting place of John’s body is not under a gravestone or in a casket but it the brain and memory of each student for whom this was his final teaching role.”

• For more details about donating your body to education and science, visit the University’s bequethals webpage here.

Published in the journal European Urology Oncology today (20/02/26), the researchers show men with learning disabilities are 35% more likely than similar aged men without learning disabilities to have prostate cancer symptoms but 34% less likely to have a diagnostic PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test. 

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC). The research team is supported by both the NIHR GM PSRC and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). 

Following an elevated PSA, referrals are 17% less likely, biopsies 46% less likely and prostate cancer diagnoses 49% less likely. 

They were almost six times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer on the date of death, 79% more likely to present with metastatic disease at an advanced stage and had a two-fold increased risk of death following diagnosis. 

And they were also 61% more likely to have missing Gleason scores, the grading system used to evaluate prostate cancer based on how cancer cells look under a microscope. 

However, when prostate cancer was diagnosed at a localised stage and deemed to require treatment, men with learning disabilities received curative therapies at similar rates to those without. This suggests that the benefits of early diagnosis apply equally to this group.

The study population comprised 29,554 men with a learning disability compared to 518,739 men with no recorded diagnosis of a learning disability, linked to hospital, mortality, and cancer registry data. 

Lead author Dr Oliver Kennedy a clinical lecturer from The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said: “Learning disabilities are increasingly recognised as a hidden driver of cancer mortality. However, evidence on prostate cancer care in this population is limited. 

“This study is the first to identify specific points along the prostate cancer diagnostic and treatment pathway that may contribute to poorer outcomes for patients with a learning disability.” 

And co-author Professor Darren Ashcroft, director of the NIHR Greater Manchester PSRC and professor at The University of Manchester, said: “Learning – or intellectual - disability is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by significant impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, with onset in childhood. 

“In the UK, 1.5 million people have a learning disability. This group frequently encounters barriers within healthcare services, including communication difficulties, not doing enough to remove barriers, and the overshadowing of new symptoms on existing  health conditions. 

“Men with a learning disability face disparities across the prostate cancer care pathway, from investigation of relevant symptoms to survival after diagnosis. Targeted interventions are needed to address these inequities.”

Dr Kennedy added: “Addressing these health disparities has been recognised as a priority by the NHS Long Term Plan, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, and the Learning from Lives and Deaths programme in England.

“We hope our study provides strong evidence that prostate cancer should be part of that conversation

Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: “Too many men with a learning disability are being let down by a health system that doesn’t spot their cancers early enough or support them to navigate complex treatments.

“This important research into what is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK should be a wake-up call: with the right reasonable adjustments, accessible information and specialist support, these inequalities are not inevitable.

“Through Mencap’s I’m In campaign we’re working with health partners across the UK to get more people on the Learning Disability Register. Being on the register means they’ll receive free annual health checks and support in the way they need it, so health problems can be spotted and treated earlier.

“But we can’t do this alone. We need the NHS, government and cancer services to join us in making inclusive health a priority – acting on this evidence and putting the right support in place at every stage of the cancer pathway.”

Natalia Norori, Head of Data & Evidence at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "The results of this paper are deeply concerning. It sheds light on the stark inequalities men with learning disabilities face at every stage of the pathway - from diagnosis, to treatment and even death.

"This issue goes beyond prostate cancer, but by understanding the impact of these inequalities in the most common cancer in the UK, we can begin to tackle it.

"More work now needs to be done to understand more about why these men are facing so many obstacles to accessing care and how to prevent them. That's why Prostate Cancer UK's TRANSFORM screening trial has been specifically designed to evaluate the impact of screening in all men, including those with learning disabilities, to ensure no man is left behind."

• The paper Prostate Cancer Care in Men with an Intellectual Disability: A Population-Based Cohort Study of Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Survival is  available here DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euo.2026.01.004

The landmark licensing agreement was announced at a celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Cypriot university this week (18 Feb) in Limassol.

The University of Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences programme will be used as a model to develop a new offering to teach undergraduate medical students at a new medical school in 2028, with a new building planned at the Limassol campus.

The agreement is testament to the quality of medical education at Manchester which can trace its roots way back over 250 years.

It is also reflects the university’s commitment to  social responsibility by helping to reduce the global deficit of health professionals.

The University of Manchester will provide training to support staff at Frederick University working with two private hospitals in Limassol: Ygia hospital and the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus to deliver clinical placements for the Frederick University medical students.

The programme is being thoughtfully adapted to reflect the healthcare priorities, regulatory framework, and cultural context of Cyprus, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet local and regional medical needs while benefiting from an internationally respected academic framework.

The programme, which is still being finalised, will be submitted to the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.

Manchester, one of the UK’s leading centres for medical education, research, and clinical excellence, will provide ongoing support and training for each academic year.

Deputy Dean and Deputy Vice President of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester, Professor Allan Pacey and Professor Margaret Kingston,  Director of Undergraduate Medical and Dental Studies, were at the celebration.

Professor Pacey said: “As one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most innovative medical schools, we are delighted to announce this partnership.

“Based in one of Europe’s largest healthcare hubs in Manchester, our medical students benefit from early patient contact, world-class teaching hospitals, and a curriculum grounded in innovation, compassion, and evidence-based practice.

“Graduates leave not only as highly skilled clinicians, but as leaders ready to shape the future of global healthcare.

“We are delighted to be able to share our experience with Frederick University so they will be able to nurture their own world class medics in Cyprus.”

Professor Tony Heagerty, Head of the School of Medical Sciences said: “The University of Manchester,  founded as a civic university, has had a historic focus on social responsibility and this partnership has been built on a foundation of those shared values.  

“Our agreement between School of Medical Sciences and Frederick University  reflects our part in helping to reduce the global deficit of health professionals.

“And It aligns with the university's commitment to ensuring teaching can make a positive, ethical, and lasting impact on society.

“In Frederick, we recognise a partner which is also focused on making a difference in Cyprus and the rest of the world.”

President of the Council of Frederick University, Natassa Frederickou said: “We are honoured to partner with The University of Manchester in this landmark collaboration, which marks an important milestone for Frederick University and for the development of medical education in Cyprus.

“The establishment of the first Medical School in Limassol reflects the shared long-term vision of Frederick University and The University of Manchester to advance medical education and research in the region. This partnership is grounded in a common commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and global impact.

“By sharing the curriculum approach, academic philosophy, and rigorous standards associated with one of the world’s leading medical schools, we will offer education of international calibre. Together, we aim to educate future doctors who combine scientific expertise with compassion, while strengthening healthcare systems and advancing medical research for the benefit of society. This partnership is built on shared values, and we are proud to take this significant step forward together.”

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 event brought people together to exchange scholarly insight, share lived experiences and highlight the interfaith work already happening across the region. Organised in response to rising levels of faith prejudice and violence across Greater Manchester, it sought to strengthen faith inclusion, deepen civic relationships and inspire partnerships and ideas to shape future action.

Academic and Civic Panel

The evening began with an academic panel who provided perspectives on the complex landscape of religious tolerance in Britain. Professor Daniel Langton reflected on Judaism and antisemitism in the UK, Dr Kamran Karimullah discussed diversity, Islam, and Islamophobia, and Dr Cllr Eve Parker explored inequalities and patterns of religious intolerance. Professor Hilary Pilkington examined how religion can be both used and abused in narratives around religious tolerance and extremism.

A panel of civic and community voices added further insight. Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, spoke about the public sector’s role in responding to religious intolerance. Hamayoun Choudry from Cheadle Masjid and Sajjad Amin from Khizra Mosque shared ongoing work with Greater Manchester Citizens and The University of Manchester to advance social cohesion and interfaith action. Rabbi Warren Elf offered practical insights on multi-faith collaboration, while Kelly Fowler, CEO of cohesion and integration network Belong discussed lessons learned from social cohesion practice.

Roundtable Reflections

After hearing from both the academic and civic panels, guests were invited to reflect on what they had heard through a facilitation exercise. Themes that emerged included the importance of empathy, shared humanity, challenging harmful language, and the uses and limitations of the concept of tolerance. Participants also reflected on the importance of grassroots relationships, building trust over time, and ensuring that all voices, including those often unheard, are included in future conversations.

Looking Forward

Professor Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor and chair of the event, commented “These Community Conversations exemplify our role as a civic convenor — creating space for dialogue across difference and bringing our academic experts together with members of our community. I hope everyone who joined us felt supported and sees the University as a partner in building understanding and trust.”

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director for Social Responsibility, added, “This event is part of our series of Community Conversations and our Office for Social Responsibility is committed to advancing this type of work with openness and purpose. Social responsibility is a core foundation of our Manchester 2035 strategy. As a trusted civic partner, our goal is to work alongside people and organisations in Greater Manchester to affect positive change.”

Led and funded by researchers at The University of Manchester and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The papers, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, examined adults and young people who accessed the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, which was established to coordinate psychological support following the attack.

The attack on 22nd May 2017 killed 22 people and around 19,500 people were present at the Arena, including concert-goers, staff, parents and emergency responders.

Adult study: timely help seeking is linked to lower levels of mental distress

The first paper analysed data from 2,627 adults who registered with the Resilience Hub during the three years after the attack. Researchers examined screening results for symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety and problems with social or work functioning. Participants were grouped according to when they first registered—from three months to more than three years after the attack—and followed over time.

Those who sought help earlier were less symptomatic when they first contacted the Hub. People who waited longer to register tended to have higher levels of distress, depression and anxiety, but all groups showed improvement in mental health over time. Later registrants improved at a slightly faster rate once they engaged with support.

The analysis also showed that individuals who had more contact time with Hub staff, through assessments, therapy sessions or group workshops, tended to experience greater reductions in depression and anxiety scores.

Researchers concluded that early and sustained engagement with mental health support services can be beneficial after a traumatic event. They also found that even those who delayed seeking help experienced improvement once they accessed care.

Dr Louise Hussey, lead author and Research Fellow at the  University of Manchester said:

“These papers explore how the Resilience Hub supported people affected by the 2017 traumatic event. They add to existing evidence showing the benefits of providing timely mental health support after major incidents. The research also offers valuable insight into how the Hub was developed as a rapid and ongoing response to urgent needs. This work is helping to inform future service planning and provision, with the aim of improving outcomes for those affected by similar events.” 

Sister paper: impact on children and adolescents

A companion study, “Has mental health changed in children and adolescents registered with a dedicated support service responding to the Manchester Arena attack: 3-year follow-up,” examined similar data from younger registrants of the Hub. It explored how symptoms changed over time among children and adolescents affected by the attack, including those present at the Arena and those indirectly affected through family members. Researchers also looked at some of the children and adolescence mental health screening scores in relation to those provided by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians with a higher level of mental distress were observed to assign higher anxiety scores to their child or adolescent in relation to the score reported by the young person themselves. This showed that parental wellbeing was associated with child’s mental distress indicating shared family trauma should be considered when planning care.

Together, the two studies provide a detailed picture of the psychological impact of the Manchester Arena attack and the long-term value of proactive, coordinated mental health support.

Wider lessons

The authors note that the findings reinforce the importance of early outreach and accessible psychological services following mass trauma events. We recommend that future emergency response planning should include systems for early identification, regular follow-up and data collection to support ongoing evaluation.

Read more about the project here: https://arc-gm.nihr.ac.uk/projects/Evaluation-of-mental-health-outcomes-following-major-incidents

Read both papers in full via the links below;

• Hussey L, Gittins M, Hedges A, et al. Longitudinal changes in the mental health of those affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena attack: 3-year follow-up of adults seeking support from the Resilience Hub. The British Journal of Psychiatry. Published online 2025:1-9. doi:10.1192/bjp.2025.10342
• Hussey L, Gittins M, Hedges A, et al. Has mental health changed in children and adolescents registered with a dedicated support service responding to the Manchester Arena attack: 3-year follow-up. The British Journal of Psychiatry. Published online 2025:1-8. doi:10.1192/bjp.2025.10310

Anyone impacted by the Manchester Arena attack can still contact the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub on 0333 009 5071 or email gm.help@nhs.net. The Hub provides a range of specialist, psychological support services to help people affected by trauma; including supporting anyone living in Greater Manchester affected by the Manchester synagogue attack in October 2025.

This patronage is a formal endorsement by a National Commission for UNESCO for an external activity that aligns with UNESCO's mission, acting as a recognised mark of quality.

The Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS) aims to engage young people in asking, investigating and sharing scientific questions. The campaign has over 800,000 young people registered in 50 countries across the world.

Earlier this year, GSSfS celebrated 10 years of the programme, leading to registrations from 835,135 pupils. The University of Manchester hosted more than 35 schools from across Greater Manchester in its Nancy Rothwell building. They explored questions such as, are all flowers the same? And, does the temperature of the ocean affect coral? 

The team are now working towards their 11th year, seeking to continue to build international engagement, with significant inroads made in training teachers and engaging schools in Malta, Spain and Slovenia.

With an overall score of 98 out of 100, Manchester is now 10^th globally and 5^th in the UK in recognition of its ability to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges - a shift from 9^th and 4^th respectively last year.

The University remains the only university in the world to feature in the top 10 of both the QS Sustainability Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Now in the fourth year, this year’s QS assessment is its most comprehensive yet, evaluating 2,002 universities, compared with 1,745 in 2024. It assesses Universities’ commitment to sustainability, evaluating them on everything from the impact that alumni are making in science and technology to solve climate issues, to the impact of research being done across the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It evaluates the social and environmental impact of universities as a centres of education and research, as well as a major employers with the operational sustainability challenges of any large and complex organisation.

The University of Manchester has placed social responsibility as one of five foundations in its new strategy From Manchester for the world, and as one of the world’s leading research institutions, the University is driving global change through groundbreaking research, teaching, community engagement and responsible campus operations.

In the past five years alone, Manchester academics have produced more than 21,500 SDG-related research publications, accounting for 4% of all UK research on the goals.

Through teaching, students are empowered to address global challenges through accessible education, the Stellify programme and curriculum-embedded social responsibility opportunities.

The University holds a prestigious Platinum Watermark for excellence in public engagement and its work with cultural institutions including Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, aims involve and inspire local and global communities with the SDGs.

Meanwhile, its campus operations continue these values, from being a living wage employer and a leader in equality standards to its commitment to reach zero carbon by 2038.

Earlier this year, the University begun powering its campus with clean, renewable electricity from a major new solar farm, which means that up to 65% of the University’s electricity demand will now be met from exclusive ‘new-to-earth’ renewable infrastructure. The move will reduce University carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2e each year - enough to power 21,000 homes.

Find the full QS Rankings here.

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 National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) has approved the University’s Quality Mark, which signifies a university has demonstrated support for the inclusion and success of students with care experience or who are estranged.  

The Quality Mark has been renewed for another three years. The framework covers the student lifecycle, from outreach through to graduation and beyond, institutional culture and leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement and future plans.  

Melissa Jacobi, Head of Access And Student Success and Development at The University of Manchester, said: “The NNECL renewal process was a fantastic way for us to capture, evidence and reflect on the many ways in which our University community cares and supports our diverse student body, and our many students who are navigating their university experience without family support, be they care experienced or estranged.  

This recognition is a reflection of how colleagues work tirelessly across The University of Manchester with genuine care and compassion for the individuals we are supporting, to provide help and ensure our processes enable students to make the most out of their time at Manchester.” 

University of Sanctuary status has also been reaccredited, with the panel commenting on the ‘breadth of the opportunities, community collaboration, and the various pathways that facilitate access to sanctuary seekers’ at The University of Manchester. A sanctuary seeker is an individual seeking refuge or protection, such as from war, violence or persecution. 

Support ranges from financial aid, such as scholarships and tuition fee concessions, library study support and volunteering opportunities to help build transferrable skills. Awareness sessions are also run through the University’s partnership with Manchester City of Sanctuary for staff and students, while activities are held in schools and the local community during Refugee Week. 

Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, who also chairs the University of Sanctuary Steering Group, reflected: “At The University of Manchester, being values-led and socially responsible is at the heart of everything we do. This is powerfully demonstrated by our renewed status as a University of Sanctuary, which recognises our deep commitment to supporting those seeking refuge — whether in our city region, our student body, or through our research and humanitarian work in the UK and beyond. 

Our reaccreditation reflects the collective efforts of our community: from extensive student volunteering with sanctuary seekers in Manchester, to scholarships and bursaries that break down barriers to education, and the impactful research undertaken by our colleagues. We are grateful to City of Sanctuary UK for this recognition and look forward to building on this work in the years ahead.” 

To find out more about the support offered for students who are care experienced, estranged or sanctuary seeking at The University of Manchester, email wecare@manchester.ac.uk  

Part of the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), the priorities were unveiled this week at a special event at the Royal Northern College of Music, attended by civic leaders, university partners, members of the Greater Manchester Citizens’ Panel and Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council.

Developed in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and shaped by the Citizens’ Panel, the new priorities ensure the universities’ civic mission remains grounded in the needs of residents while also supporting Greater Manchester’s long-term vision of becoming ‘a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life’.

The Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), launched in 2021, brings together the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Salford, alongside the the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in a shared commitment to align the strengths of the universities with the needs of the city-region, with a shared goal of improving the lives of people across Greater Manchester.

Professor Jennie Henley, Chair of the Civic University Board, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Our universities are not separate from Greater Manchester; they are part of its fabric. These refreshed priorities are about reaffirming our long-term commitment to the people of this city-region. By working in partnership, we can achieve more together than any of us could alone, helping to build a Greater Manchester that is fairer, healthier, greener, and full of opportunity.”

The four new priorities focus on areas where the universities can make the biggest collective difference:

• Opportunity & Prosperity – widening access to education, creating lifelong learning pathways, supporting innovation, and helping people secure good jobs.
• Health & Wellbeing – training the next generation of doctors, nurses and social care professionals, supporting mental health initiatives, tackling health inequalities, and using research and expertise to put prevention at the heart of the region’s health strategy.
• Culture – celebrating Greater Manchester’s cultural strengths, making arts and creativity accessible to everyone, and building the skills that keep the city region’s creative economy thriving.
• Environment – helping Greater Manchester reach net zero by promoting sustainability in learning and research, creating greener places to live, and preparing people for the jobs of the future.

Greater Manchester’s universities already contribute over £4 billion to the local economy each year, educate more than 100,000 students and welcome millions of residents to concerts, lectures and public events. They also train the region’s future workforce, including an estimated 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers between 2022 and 2027.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester’s universities make a massive contribution to our city region, one that goes far beyond educating students. These refreshed civic priorities reflect the breadth of our universities’ impact across our society and economy, from creating jobs and supporting business innovation to enriching our culture. We recently set out our vision for Greater Manchester’s next decade of growth and we know our universities have a vital role to play in our continued success.”

By refreshing their priorities, the universities have renewed their pledge to work with civic partners and communities to make Greater Manchester a place where everyone can thrive. Explore our shared priorities for Greater Manchester.

• Explore the shared priorites for Greater Manchester

The report models the potential effectiveness of the Government’s ‘Getting Britain Working’ programmes, showing these savings could be made by the end of this Parliament in 2029 if just 5% of out-of-work people in receipt of Universal Credit returned to work.

The report estimates that:

• Getting 5% of unemployed under-25s back into work would save £903 million.
• Getting 5% of under-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £631 million.
• Getting 5% of unemployed over-25s back into work would save £6.67 billion.
• Getting 5% of over-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £11.9 billion.

The 5% estimate is based on what happened with the similar New Deal initiatives that happened in the UK in the 2000s. Savings would be made in the form of both reduced benefits spending and increases in tax and national insurance revenue.

The costs to Government of assisting this number of people back into, and helping them stay in, employment could be between £1.5 to £1.9 billion. So that within just two years, the Government could save almost £10bn, meaning every £1 invested in employment support programmes could return between £5.21 and £6.63.

Currently, more than five million people in the UK are out of work and in receipt of Universal Credit - including almost one million people aged 18-24 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 1 in 5 of these young people receive health-related benefits largely for mental health conditions. Ill-health related economic inactivity accounts for over three million claims and is particularly concentrated in the most deprived and deindustrialised areas. As of May 2025, the average household on Universal Credit received £961.63 per month in England.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Work and Pensions Select Committee and produced by Health Equity North with academics from Newcastle University, The University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, and University of Glasgow.

The UK government has introduced several return-to-work initiatives over the last 12 months as part of its desire to ‘Get Britain Working’. This includes:

• Creating a new Jobs and Careers Service by merging Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service
• Establishing eight “Trailblazer” areas that receive funding to test local partnerships between the NHS, councils, colleges, and employers
• A Connect to Work programme providing rapid job-matching, training, and in-work coaching
• Embedding employment advisers in mental health and musculoskeletal services, with expanded Individual Placement and Support provision.
• Launching a new Primary Care pilot will enable GPs to directly refer patients for employment support.
• Launching proposals for the Employment Rights Bill and the NHS 10-Year Plan’s, which focus on prevention will further reduce ill health among working-age people.
• The Youth Guarantee for NEETS, which ensures access to apprenticeships, training, education, and tailored job support - including paid work placements for those out of work for more than 18 months.

These schemes replicate previous New Labour successes of the ‘New Deal’ return to work programmes which, between 1997 and 2010, saw a spike in employment across all age groups. This saved up to £2,500 per New Deal participant, with 46% gaining a job and 27% sustaining employment that lasted six months or more.

The report has been submitted as evidence to the Government’s Work and Pensions Select Committee, which looks into the policies and spending of the DWP, including benefits for people both in and out of work.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: : “After more than a decade of austerity-driven policies - further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic - levels of ill health and health inequalities have deteriorated across the UK, but particularly especially in deprived areas. As a result, the country now faces significantly higher rates of economic inactivity due to ill health compared with similar economies such as Germany, Sweden, and France. This poses a major economic challenge, contributing to stagnant growth, widening productivity gaps, and increasing poverty and health inequalities. In the past we have seen the value of supportive welfare-to-work programmes, such as the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Young People, which addressed the needs of the whole person in helping them to get into work. It’s imperative that these Government ‘Trailblazer’ schemes are ramped up – if we can get even a small proportion of the out-of-work population working again, we will see extraordinary gains, not only fiscally, but for these individuals, their families and across communities, workplaces, and public services alike.”

Professor Clare Bambra, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University, said: “Constituencies such as East Marsh and Port, Grimsby, Central Easterhouse, Glasgow and Birkenhead Central have around 30% of the working-age population receiving ill health-related welfare benefits. In these areas, life expectancy is 12 years less than the national average. This stark inequality reflects the deep connections between health, work, and place - where decades of industrial decline and underinvestment have left communities struggling with poor health, limited opportunities, and persistent economic disadvantage.

“By embedding employment support within health services and targeting investment where ill health and unemployment overlap, we have a real opportunity to break this cycle. Helping even a small proportion of people in these areas back into good, secure work could have transformative effects - not just for the government and local economies, but for people’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.”

Dr Luke Munford, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at The University of Manchester, said: “When people are supported to stay healthy, skilled, and connected to good jobs, everyone benefits – be it individuals, families, businesses or the economy as a whole. This report highlights the value of investing in people’s health and employability. Even modest improvements in getting people back into the workplace could deliver billions in savings by the end of the decade. These findings show that the Government’s efforts to integrate and embed health and employment can be a huge step towards the economic recovery of the UK.”

Dr Andy Baxter, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, said: “Employment is one of the strongest determinants of health. When people are in good, secure work, they’re less likely to experience long-term illness, more likely to engage with preventive healthcare, and more connected to their communities. Reducing economic inactivity through health-focused employment programmes provides stability, purpose, and the foundation for healthier, fairer futures. Effective back-to-work schemes are crucial in rebuilding a Britain that is healthy and prosperous, and our research shows that the return on investment potential is huge.”

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “We’ve seen in the past that well-designed back-to-work schemes can transform lives and deliver real results for both people and the economy. But this time, it needs to be right from the very start - ensuring programmes are properly funded, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of local communities. If the Government can combine effective employment support with investment in health, skills, and opportunity, they have a genuine chance to break the cycle of long-term unemployment and ill health once and for all.”

Read the full analysis ‘Estimating the savings and financial benefits to the UK government of return-to-work for people in receipt of Universal Credit’ here: https://www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/app/uploads/RTW-REPORT-FINAL-1.pdf

The celebration, in partnership with the University’s music department and  organised by university alumnus James Keirle with  Professor of music Ricardo Climent and his sister Dr Sarah Keirle will take place at 12pm this Friday. 

It is part of a cultural exchange programme which highlights the significance of  grass roots banding culture in both the North of England and East of Spain. 

As part of the visit they will be carrying out a 45 minute march around campus performing instrumental pieces on route and at stopping points along the way. 

James Keirle, a professional musician now based in Valancia studied at the University’s renowned Martin Harris Centre. 

He said: “I'm extremely proud to have trained and performed in the Northern banding tradition. Now we are lucky enough to bring two musical cultures together. 

“Valencia's rich history of symphonic wind band performance perfectly complements the University of Manchester's wonderful brass band.” 

Professor Climent, who is originally from Valencia, said: “The bands of the North of England and East of Spain are an enormous source of pride for local communities.

“This cultural exchange tour will foster new relationships with the Symphonic Wind band of Benimaclet, Valencia and celebrate the cultural power of international banding traditions.”

The banding traditions in the north of England and the Valencian regions share a common history.

Whereas the north's bands represented mines and factories, the Valencian equivalents fought for the rights of orange growers and workers unions.

Both are powerhouses of grass roots music making which made it to the highest professional level of performance.

And both foster rich and unique worlds of new compositions; both regions use competitions to drive their bands to even higher standards.

Organised in partnership with Rethink Rebuild Society and supported by the Chemists’ Community Fund (Royal Society of Chemistry), 48 children aged nine to 14 visited the University’s state-of-the-art Makerspace facility over three days to take part in a variety of fun and practical experiments, including making batteries out of lemons, testing acidity with natural indicators, and simple filtration experiments.

The initiative is the brainchild of Dr Abdullatif Alfutimie, Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University. Dr Alfutimie first came to Manchester from Aleppo in 2009 to pursue postgraduate study before going on to complete his PhD in 2012. But while pursuing his research career, his home city of Aleppo – once one of Syria’s most vibrant cultural centres – was being devastated by civil war.

Staying closely connected to family and friends affected by displacement and the collapse of education, he began to consider how he might use his own expertise to help displaced students regain educational confidence.

Dr Abdullatif Alfutimie, who led the programme, said: “This event wasn't just about science — it was about recognising curiosity, celebrating identity, and creating a sense of belonging for children who often face immense challenges.

"If we need to rebuild our country or even to contribute to improve this country, we need to educate this generation.

“The enthusiasm from the pupils was truly heartwarming - one parent told us that their child couldn't wait to repeat an experiment at home for their siblings.”

The initiative concluded with a Community Celebration Day at Rethink Rebuild Society’s centre in Manchester, welcoming more than 150 children and family members. Each child received a certificate and a take-home chemistry kit to continue their learning at home. A representative from the Royal Society of Chemistry was also in attendance to present the certificates and celebrate the children’s achievements.

Magda van Leeuwen, Volunteer and Engagement Manager for the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Chemistry Education for Refugee Students is an important initiative that gives young people who have already experienced a lot in their lives hope and opportunities. Programmes like the one Abdullatif has developed show that chemistry really is for all and can be a catalyst for instilling a lifelong passion in our subject.

“Through the Outreach Fund and with the backing of the Chemists’ Community Fund, the RSC is committed to supporting projects that give more people the opportunity to get hands-on scientific experiences. We are proud to have played a small part and want to applaud Abdullatif and his colleagues for their hard work in putting together such a practical and engaging experience for the participants.”

The University of Manchester is recognised as a University of Sanctuary, working to make the University a welcoming and safe place for refugees and asylum seekers. The University’s commitment to supporting sanctuary seekers is embedded across its three core goals: research, teaching, and social responsibility. The city of Manchester is also a City of Sanctuary, part of the City of Sanctuary UK initiative. The University works closely with the organisation to help its aim of making Manchester a place that is open and fair. 

Read more about Abdullatif’s initiative on the RSC website.

The peer reviewed meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 71,336 patients from the US, UK, and the Netherlands published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research today (10/09/25), is a wake-up call to policy makers grappling with escalating numbers affected by the disease. 

“Our study provides evidence of significant disparities in telemedicine use for type 2 diabetes among men, black communities and those with lower levels of education,” said Nawwarah Alfarwan, a PhD researcher and lead author of the study. 

“These groups already face many challenges in accessing essential healthcare services. 

“Every 10 seconds, somebody dies from diabetes-related complications worldwide, most of whom have type 2 diabetes, so policymakers  really need to think about how to improve access to this crucial form of healthcare.” 

Telemedicine has revolutionised the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care by improving access to healthcare services, and consequently health outcomes. 

Comprising a range of technology including virtual consultations, wearable devices, mobile health apps and other technologies, health services have successfully used it as a response to increasing prevalence of the disease. 

Data from 5 studies comprising 59, 609 patients showed patients with higher education levels had 68.1% greater odds of using telemedicine than those with lower education levels. 

The less educated, say the researchers, have lower levels digital and health literacy, and be more likely to have concerns about trust and privacy. 

Ten of the studies, comprising 68,355 patients, showed female patients had a 5% higher chance of using telemedicine than men.

The difference can be explained, say the researchers, by women being more actively engaged with healthcare services not only for themselves but also their family.

Existing epidemiological evidence, they add, suggests men’ have lower help-seeking behaviour, stronger preferences for in-person consultations, or lower levels of digital health literacy.

Five of the studies showed that compared to white patients, black patients were less 45% likely to use telemedicine.

Many people within black communities, the researchers argue, have limited access to digital infrastructure, mistrust in healthcare systems, language barriers, and inadequate insurance coverage or digital literacy support.

And 10 of the studies comprising 47 927 patients showed older patients were 2.1% less likely to use telemedicine than younger patients.

Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti , also from The University of Manchester,  added: “For patients with type2 diabetes, we show the extent of the digital divide in certain demographics, especially those from minority backgrounds.

“Lack of affordable access to computers, smartphone, and lower levels digital and health literacy all contribute to these inequalities.

“By understanding these disparities and addressing the underlying factors, policymakers could make more inclusive and effective telemedicine interventions.

“They should also  consider targeted strategies to improve engagement among men, such as awareness campaigns and tailored interventions.”

• The paper is Demographic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Telemedicine Utilisation Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis is published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research  doi:10.2196/73113

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

The final version of the tool, called INSPECT-SR, is now published on the pre-print server medRxiV. 

It was developed by a worldwide collaboration of more than 150 integrity and health research experts, led by Dr Jack Wilkinson from The University of Manchester 

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), it was developed in collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Cochrane, a not-for-profit organisation which is the world’s leading publisher of health systematic reviews. 

Some of the studies are subject to critical but honest errors, but many appear to be fraudulent.

Concerns are growing over the increasing numbers of problematic high-level summaries of the research evidence from randomised controlled trials , known as systematic reviews. 

In 2023 alone, over 10,000 research papers issued globally were retracted by journals according to an analysis by Nature, many of which used evidence from problematic RCTs. 

Dr Wilkinson warns problematic RCTs  can result in medical research potentially being compromised, drug development hindered and promising academic research jeopardised. 

INSPECT-SR is designed to root out problematic RCTs which publish faked or manipulated data or have Inadvertently made critical errors. 

Some, written for a fee by outfits known as “paper mills”, are entirely fabricated. 

The tool guides users through a series of 21 checks, grouped into 4 domains:

• Post publication notices which express concern and retractions.
• conduct, governance, and transparency
• text and figures
• data discrepancies and statistical errors.

One of the most well-known examples of problematic RCT research was around claims the drug Ivermectin, hailed as a miracle drug that would save the lives of people with severe COVID-19. 

However, some of the trials used to make the Ivermectin claims appear to have been fabricated, according  health authorities in the US, UK and EU. Subsequent high-quality trials suggested little or no benefit. 

In another example , the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reversed recommendation for a device called a fetal pillow, developed to assist caesarean sections, following the retraction of three clinical studies supporting it. 

According to an article in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, a trustworthiness assessment may have prevented the use of the evidence in the NICE guideline, as it contained statistical anomalies. 

And trustworthiness concerns were also identified in a group of trials around the use of  CBT and exercise to combat spinal pain. The trials had substantial impacts on clinical practice guidelines. Several have now been retracted.

Dr Wilkinson said: “When a systematic review is carried out, it includes all randomised  controlled trials on a given topic.

“But historically, there has been no way to identify fraudulent or otherwise problematic RCTs, meaning that these studies are inadvertently included in systematic reviews.

“This is a big problem, as systematic reviews are very influential - they inform health guidelines for example.

“Most fraudulent RCTs are produced by individual researchers rather than commercial paper mills, but with the  advent of  AI I fear  this is likely to become more of a problem in the future.”

He added: “Academic papers are often assessed for quality before they are published. But reviewers do not ask the more fundamental question of whether the evidence they are reading is even genuine..

“But we anticipate that INSPECT-SR will become the standard for assessing trustworthiness of RCTs, especially as it has been created withCochrane for use in their systematic reviews of health interventions.

“However, it’s important to stress that our tool is not merely a test for fraud and misconduct-  though clearly many problematic studies are examples of that.

“It also tests for critical errors which is why our priority is to  determine if a clinical trial should be used to guide healthcare decisions.

“Work is ongoing to develop more automated systems -  perhaps using AI-  to assist with this process. In the future, we hope to expand our work  to detect problems in other forms of research studies, not just clinical trials.”

• The paper INSPECT-SR: a tool for assessing trustworthiness of 1 randomised controlled trials is available on the print server medRxiV https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.03.25334905

The energisation of Medebridge, located in Ockendon, Essex, means that up to 65% of the University’s electricity demand will now be met from exclusive ‘new-to-earth’ renewable infrastructure.

Developed in partnership with leading UK clean energy firm Enviromena, the project is part of a 10-year Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), facilitated by EDF and supported by Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor. It is the UK’s largest solar CPPA with an educational institution.

The development represents the University’s long-term commitment to sustainability and energy resilience.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, said: “The University’s new long-term solar power agreement is a landmark moment in our journey to zero carbon. By entering into this corporate Power Purchase Agreement, we are directly supporting the development of new UK renewable energy while significantly cutting our own emissions.

“Universities have a vital role to play in tackling the climate crisis, not just through research and education but by taking bold, practical action. At Manchester, we’re proud to be the only university ranked in the global top ten every year for social and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and we remain determined to lead by example to help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our partners, including Inspired, Enviromena and EDF, whose expertise and support have been essential in making this project a reality.”

Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena, added: “We’re incredibly proud to see Medebridge go live. It’s our largest and most complex project to date and a major step forward in the UK’s net-zero journey.

“By securing a long-term commitment with a top-tier academic institution, this project proves how large-scale renewables and corporate sustainability can align to deliver real impact.”

The construction of Medebridge commenced in April 2024. Comprising of around 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres (roughly the size of 70 football pitches), the site will generate more than 72 GWh of electricity annually, 80% (58GWh) of which will be purchased directly by the University over the next decade. The move will reduce University carbon emissions by 12,000 tonnes of CO2e each year - enough to power 21,000 homes.

In addition to emission reduction, the site will also create a significant biodiversity net gain. Enhancements to the existing hedgerows and planting of native grassland and wildflower meadow beneath and around the solar arrays will encourage nesting opportunities for wildlife and improved habitat connectivity.

Since the CPPA was agreed, Inspired have supported the Enviromena team to connect Medebridge to the UK grid to facilitate the delivery of this power to the University via a sleeving arrangement.   

Richard Sullivan, Managing Director of I&C and Estate Intensive at Inspired, said: “CPPAs are an increasingly popular choice for organisations seeking to decarbonise as they offer up to 100% renewable power and much-needed additionality to the grid. Now a solar farm in Essex supplies The University of Manchester with renewable energy. 

“This is the culmination of years of meticulous contract negotiations and support our technical experts have provided, and we are delighted for the project to have reached this point. We look forward to powering our partnership on with The University of Manchester and Enviromena alike.” 

Following a successful tender bid in 2025, The University of Manchester has also extended its procurement contract with Inspired to 2030, providing energy security and ongoing CPPA in-life management. 

EDF, Britain’s largest buyer of renewable electricity, is playing a key role in delivering and running the agreement that enables renewable electricity from Enviromena to power The University of Manchester. As part of this CPPA, EDF takes the variable output from the solar farm and turns it into steady, predictable blocks of power before adding it to the University’s energy supply contract. This ensures a smooth and reliable supply of renewable electricity, while delivering the transparency, reliability and carbon savings the University expects from a major renewable energy initiative.

Tom Abbott, PPA Director at EDF, said: “We’re proud to help The University of Manchester turn its sustainability ambitions into reality. By bringing power from Medebridge Solar Farm through this tailored CPPA, we’re showing how smart partnerships can unlock big wins for decarbonisation. Our balancing, shaping, and sleeving services mean the University gets dependable clean power - and a clear path towards its net zero goals.”

The Medebridge partnership adds to the University’s growing portfolio of environmental and sustainability initiatives from big changes, such as ending all investments in fossil fuels, and completing three zero carbon buildings, to the smaller ones, such as placing food waste bins in every University building, using peat free compost across campus and the Bee Cup initiative.

The University of Manchester was recently ranked in first place in the UK and Europe and second in the world for benefitting society and the environment by Times Higher Education for the third year running and was chosen to lead a pioneering global programme by United Nations designed to empower education’s role in the transition towards net zero.

The University’s unique commitment to addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is world leading. Manchester is the only university in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in all seven years of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 

The 17 SDGs are the world’s call to action on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing humanity and the natural world, and The University of Manchester’s consistent top ranking is recognition of its leading role in tackling them. 

In this year’s assessment, more universities than ever were ranked with 2,318 institutions from 130 countries being ranked against how they are addressing the most pressing challenges facing our planet.  

The ranking, is the world’s only one that measures universities’ contributions to the UN SDGs and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, who leads the institution’s entry to the ranking, said: “Each year, we submit a wealth of evidence demonstrating how we embed social responsibility across all areas of our work—from sustainability and cultural engagement to research impact, widening participation and the student experience. This continued recognition highlights the dedication of our entire University community to making a positive difference locally and globally.” 

The University of Manchester came top in the world for SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Significantly contributing to this is the investment made in four public-facing cultural institutions. Manchester Museum has recently been recognised as one of Europe’s leading museums after winning the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) 2025.  

The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and Manchester Museum is the first university museum to receive it, earning recognition for the way it balances globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility.  

The University has also directly addressed the energy impact of its campus in a landmark deal to see up to 65% of its electricity demand supplied via a new renewable project. In support of SDG7 – Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, the University is building a 104,000 solar panel farm to generate green energy and also create a significant biodiversity enhancement to previously low-grade farmland. 

The University was ranked second in the world for SDG15 – Life on Land. Particularly key contributions towards this goal have come from Professor Rich Bardgett for his climate research on restoring grasslands in the UN’s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative. Alongside this is Dr Johan Oldekop’s leading research on socially driven reforestation policies to better protect our environment. 

President and Vice Chancellor, The University of Manchester, Professor Duncan Ivison said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for our University community to once again be recognised as the UK and Europe’s top-ranked university - and second in the world - in this year’s THE Impact Rankings. This reflects not only the depth of our commitment to social responsibility but also the passion and dedication of our staff, students, and partners who bring that commitment to life every day. 

"As we prepare to launch our new strategy, Manchester 2035, this recognition is a powerful reminder of the role we can play, both here in Manchester and around the world, in leading on addressing the major challenges of our time: advancing sustainability, tackling inequality, and supporting inclusive growth.” 

The University of Manchester has also, this week, been ranked 35th in the annual QS World University Rankings which evaluate over 8,000 institutions around the world. The results reflect the University’s international profile and continued excellence in research, with other standout performances in indicators such as the International Research Network and International Students.

Read more about The University of Manchester's rankings.

Over 2000 scientists, veterinarians, technicians, and regulators from across Europe and beyond converged on Athens for the sixteenth FELASA Congress to hear BSF Director Dr Maria Kamper’s vision on transformational leadership. 

The Congress is held every three years in different European cities to advance excellence in laboratory animal science. 

FELASA - the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations - develops guidelines and policies on all aspects of laboratory animal science, including training programs, welfare standards, and scientific best practice. 

Representing professionals in over 28 countries across Europe, this year's Congress took place between June 2 and 5 at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre. 

Dr Maria Kamper, Director of the BSF, spoke to a packed audience about how exceptional leadership creates excellence in laboratory animal science.

 Drawing from her philosophy that "people are the heart of our work," Dr Kamper challenged the traditional approach to facility management. 

"We don't just ask our staff to follow protocols," Dr Kamper told the Congress. "We inspire them to see themselves as guardians of breakthrough discoveries. 

“Every refinement they create could spare suffering for thousands of animals. They go to work knowing they are advancing human knowledge while honouring every heartbeat in their care," she added. 

The BSF's Dr Jo Stanley and Mike Addelman from the University's Directorate of Communications, Marketing and Student Recruitment also addressed the Congress on the University's sector-leading openness agenda in animal research. 

The University - officially recognized as a Leader in Openness - has developed an award-winning website and engagement programme that has become a trailblazer for the sector, demonstrating how transparency fosters public trust, enhances research integrity, promotes collaboration, and exemplifies ethical rigor in the responsible use of animals in research. 

Dr Kamper said: "Being part of FELASA was an extraordinary privilege and represents the kind of strategic leadership that looks beyond daily operations toward future possibilities.

“We are proud of the culture of excellence we have cultivated at Manchester - where our teams don't just meet standards, they set new ones.

 “Our hope is that the transformational approach we've developed here will inspire colleagues across Europe and beyond to lead their teams toward excellence that serves both scientific advancement and compassionate animal care.” 

• Dr Stanley's attendance was supported by a LASA (Laboratory animal science association) bursary
• To view the presentation by Dr Kamper, click here
• To view the presentation by Dr Stanley and Mike Addelman click here

Join us on Saturday 14 June, 11am - 4.30pm for a day of creativity, discovery and play. Our free community festival offers something for everyone with inspiring talks and performances, hands-on science experiments, art and crafts workshops, heritage tours and more.

One of the festival’s standout features is the Bee Curious programme, featuring thought-provoking talks and performances for all ages. Highlights include: exploring the science and art behind how our brains respond to everyday environments, people we see, and places we visit with Dr Sarah Fox and Dr Henry McPherson;  taking an interstellar journey to find out about other worlds with Dr Eamonn Kerins as the Jodrell Bank Alien; and exploring links between creativity and wellbeing to find joy in the everyday with Manchester-based poet, Rebecca Hurst. 

Step back in time with Grant Collier and explore the roots of our revolutionary institution on a guided historic walking campus tour. Uncover the rich tapestry of history that makes our campus unlike any other. As the nation’s first ‘civic’ university, our unique identity has pushed us to global prominence and this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about pioneering individuals and groundbreaking discoveries.

Try your hand at street art with local art collective Grit Studios, presenting The Art of Research, a vibrant showcase of artwork inspired by research at the University. There’ll be a series of free drop-in workshops throughout Saturday, so release your inner artist and get creative with sprays and stencils.

Come plant with us! Pop along to our University community allotment a partnership between the University and Ardwick Climate Action and get hands-on with planting and sustainability.  Then visit the co-curated, community exhibition Blue Skies at Manchester Museum, which asks a critical question: “You wouldn’t drink visibly dirty water, so why would you breathe invisibly dirty air?”

Together we’ll explore what makes for a greener, healthier and fairer world for everyone. Take part in over 80 interactive stalls. Uncover the mysteries of the human body as we take a closer look at our hands, hearts and minds. Interact with robot companions, step into a world of virtual reality and explore the wonder of space. Meet the makers of marvellous materials. Enjoy wellbeing and craft making activities, learn the art of calligraphy and don on a University graduation gown! There’s plenty to discover and do – with activities on offer for all ages. 

Be amazed by the power and joy of chemistry in our visually exciting Flash Bang Show with Dr Frank Mair. Expect fantastic colour changes, flashes and the occasional bang - get ready to hold on to your hats!

Our Universally Manchester Festival is taking place on our Oxford Road campus and is free and open to everyone.

Find out more about our family-friendly activities on the Universally Manchester Festival website.

The Awards highlight the extensive range of social responsibility initiatives across the University community and include categories such as environmental sustainability, alumni contribution, widening participation and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Over 130 entries were submitted this year with judges recognising 14 winners and 23 highly commended. Winners included a recruitment initiative providing meaningful employment opportunities for members of our local community; an initiative that aims to inspire underrepresented students to pursue a career in research; and a project addressing asthma diagnosis, improving access and patient care.

Winning student-led initiatives included projects ranging from a student-led initiative teaching children in Kenya about oral health, to a project promoting sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles through bicycle use.

In addition to the Making a Difference Awards, two University Medals for Social Responsibility were presented, one to a member of staff and one to an alumnus. The recipients were Lee Barlow for The Bright Idea project, a solar solution transforming campus energy and cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions; and Charles Bakolo Mvula for a youth-led environmental movement initiative which is championing environmental sustainability in Malawi.

During the event a special Making a Difference Award was presented to the Tyndall Centre Manchester. The Award recognises 25 years of the UK’s first interdisciplinary climate change research centre. The Tyndall Centre’s mission is to work across disciplines and academia to shape effective and evidence-based policy to create real world impact. 

Speaking at the Award ceremony Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Tonight we have seen the extraordinary gift of expertise, care and commitment that has been given by our staff, students and donors to the communities that we serve. It has been inspiring to be part of these Awards and witness this work. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all of the community groups and partners that work with us to make a difference.”

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, said: “We pride ourselves on being a pioneering institution for social responsibility, and these Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work our staff, students, alumni, and partners do each year to enhance the wellbeing of society and the environment.”

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, concluded: “The Making a Difference Awards are a true celebration of extraordinary individuals and teams and the spirit within our University; an inspiring reminder of how passion, dedication, and vision can drive meaningful change. As we shape our strategy for 2035, our award winners illuminate the path forward, showing us the remarkable potential we have to transform lives and communities, both locally and globally.”

More Information 

See the full list of all our 2025 winners and highly commended 

Watch our winners’ films

Watch the Awards ceremony

“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.

The station, part of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement and Modelling Advancement (GEMMA) programme, will monitor and provide crucial data on key climate-relevant gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). A new high-precision analyser for monitoring atmospheric hydrogen (H₂) is also being deployed at the site to monitor atmospheric hydrogen (H₂) generated through the growth of the UK’s hydrogen economy.   

The project is a collaboration between The University of Manchester’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group at the University of Bristol.

Simon O’Doherty, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Bristol, added: “We can only understand the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by making continuous high-quality, physical measurements of the atmosphere. The current UK network of monitoring stations set up in 2012 has been a huge success in furthering our understanding, however, the addition of the Jodrell Bank station to the network will enhance our ability to determine emissions in the north-west region of the UK.” 

Data collected from Jodrell Bank will be added to a long-term dataset collected by the UK’s Deriving Emissions linked to Climate Change (DECC) network. These measurements are combined with a computer model that represents the transport of gases from the emission sources to the measurement locations. This enables scientists to estimate the size and location of emissions for each measured gas. The total UK emissions estimated for CH₄ and N₂O using this method are included in the UK’s National Inventory Report that is submitted annually to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

As the first site in North West England, the new Jodrell Bank station will provide more granular detail on emissions from Wales and North West England. This will help to improve the accuracy of UK emission estimates and will also permit new studies focused on regional greenhouse gas emissions. Jodrell Bank is also well placed to monitor changes in atmospheric H₂) resulting from planned industrial developments near Ellesmere Port. 

Alistair Manning, Met Office greenhouse gas monitoring Scientific Manager, said: “Jodrell Bank is ideally located to monitor emissions from north Wales and the north-west of England. It complements the existing network perfectly and will enable a better spatial understanding of the emissions of greenhouse gases from these regions. The resulting information will enable the UK to better understand its current emissions and monitor its progress to net zero.” 

The GEMMA Programme is a consortium led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), which includes the Met Office, National Centre for Earth Observation, National Centre for Atmospheric Science, University of Bristol, University of Manchester, and others working together to create a single integrated network to monitor all sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the UK, funded by NERC and the Building a Green Future Programme. 

Richard Barker, Head of Environment, NPL, said: “With the welcome addition of Jodrell Bank, we can start to provide greater resolution of UK emissions now and also assure the UK network is better suited to the future, more challenging, demands of achieving net zero.”

The University of Manchester’s total economic impact on the UK economy in the 2022-23 academic year stood at £7.3 billion. In fact, The University’s income alone stood at £1.3 billion in total, larger than that of Manchester United Football Club. 

The new analysis by London Economics shows the scale of the University’s positive effects as a major employer with one in every 25 jobs in Manchester being provided by the University. Indirectly, the institution also supports an additional 31,000 jobs outside of the University across the North West and the rest of the UK. 

Professor Richard Jones, Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement said: “The University’s ambition is to power a strong and inclusive economy, positioning Manchester as a central player on the global stage. The scale of what we have achieved currently is remarkable, but there is more to do. There is a huge opportunity now for the city-region of Greater Manchester and the University to work together, with other partners, to accelerate the kind of economic growth which benefits all in society.” 

Economic Contribution: In 2022-23, the University generated approximately £2.1 billion in economic impact within Greater Manchester, which is 56% of its total impact in the North West.  

Civic and Employment Impact: In 2022-23, the University's activities supported 19,050 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in Greater Manchester, which is a significant portion of the total 31,310 FTE jobs supported across the UK.  

Research and Knowledge Exchange: The University's research and knowledge exchange activities have a profound impact on the region. In 2022-23, these activities supported approximately 6,040 FTE jobs in Greater Manchester and generated a total economic impact of £3.0 billion across the UK.  

Innovation and spin-out/start-up companies: The University has 343 spinout and start-up companies, with 175 headquartered in Greater Manchester. 

The Impact Report was revealed today during an economy and regeneration committee meeting at Manchester City Council. 

Professor John Holden, Associate Vice-President, Major Special Projects said: “The University of Manchester is one of the most significant innovation assets in the North of England, and a driver of growth and prosperity for our city-region and the UK, with global reach. This report highlights how investment in our research, teaching, cultural, and innovation activities – and the activities of our staff, students, alumni and partners – creates economic and societal wealth for communities across the UK.” 

The University is seeking to now supercharge its impact through innovation and commercialisation via the activities of Unit M, a new specialist function will transform how the University partners with start-ups, scale ups and industry to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.  

The impact of students has also been highlighted, as the University seeks to develop its Manchester 2035 strategy to work with ambition and focus, to make Manchester an example of a civic-embedded and social responsibility-led institution. The University is currently ranked at 6 in the UK and 34 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and as the third largest higher education institution in the UK, teaching and learning activities provide substantial benefits to the UK economy.  

Today’s report reveals the impact of teaching and learning generated by the 2022-23 cohort of University of Manchester students stood at £1.6 billion, based on enhanced employment and earnings benefits to graduates and associated public income.