Our commitments
We make several commitments as a university to ensure our open and responsible research environment prioritises making a positive impact on society. These include:
- Delivering solutions into practice rapidly through our unique and established research and discovery capabilities.
- Connecting a wider range of research institutes at the University to extend the scope of our environmental expertise and the impact of Sustainable Futures.
- Integrating a wide range of environmental expertise from across the University to facilitate interdisciplinary research and greater impact.
Areas of research
At Manchester, our multidisciplinary approach brings together researchers with a wide range of knowledge and skillsets to tackle the world’s biggest environmental challenges with innovative, future-proof solutions.
Our key areas of focus are advanced materials, biotechnology, cancer, energy and global inequalities.
Here are just some examples of how our research is contributing to a more sustainable world.
Innovating solutions to decarbonise transport and industry
Our researchers and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change worked together to identify new ways to accelerate the decarbonisation of high-emitting sectors like air travel, shipping and road freight.
Supporting planners to understand social and spatial vulnerability to climate change
Our researchers have developed a mapping tool to measure climate disadvantage and identify vulnerable groups, to inform local planning and policy responses.
Improving radioactive waste management to reduce risks and benefit the environment
Our University’s research into the behaviour of radioactive materials has helped the Sellafield nuclear facility to improve industrial treatment processes and site safety.
Research funding
Our Policy on Responsible International Research Collaborations (Word Doc, 285KB) sets out our expectations for due diligence with research collaborations. The Research Relationship Oversight Group (RROG) assesses the suitability of higher-risk research funders and research partners, collaborators, or sub-contractors. The overall objective of an RROG review is to provide assurance that our research relationships are consistent with the University’s guiding principles, values, mission, and goals, including that of academic freedom. This group reports to the University Executive Team and is chaired by the Vice-President for Social Responsibility. The University also has a Gift Acceptance Policy and Processes (PDF, 275KB).
The University’s Research Compliance Committee (RCC) publishes annual statements on research integrity to the University’s Board of Governors. The RCC is chaired by the Vice-President for Social Responsibility. The Committee is responsible for advising on policies and procedures that promote research integrity and good research conduct.
Additionally, our Policy on Responsible International Research Collaborations sets our expectations for due diligence.