World Academic Summit 2024

THE WAS 8 OCt

Interdisciplinarity is the key to tackling our major challenges, but how to make this happen across university's that are organised around disciplines is something that remains tricky.

On 8th October, The University of Manchester’s Research Platforms - Creative Manchester, Digital Futures, Healthier Futures, and Sustainable Futures, - hosted the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit. Chaired by our Vice-President of Research, Colette Fagan, the panel featured:

Helen Holmes, Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Deputy Director of Sustainable Futures

John McAuliffe, Professor of Poetry, Director of Creative Manchester

Justin Zobel, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Graduate and International Research at the University of Melbourne.

The session delved into how The University of Manchester’s research platforms – and other similar initiatives at The University of Melbourne and elsewhere - drive and amplify interdisciplinary collaborations. Discussions highlighted the platforms’ pivotal roles in supporting research, fostering external engagement, and creating impactful connections with local authorities and businesses in Greater Manchester and beyond.

As John McAuliffe noted, given the wide range of complex challenges that communities locally and globally encounter, ‘the future is fundamentally interdisciplinary.’ The value of initiatives like Manchester’s research platforms lies in their capacity to provide opportunities for interdisciplinary networks to be nurtured and to grow.

Inspired by each of the Research Platforms ‘The Art of Research’ was showcased, exemplifying our interdisciplinary approach.