At the time of writing, we are in the midst of a global health crisis of a scale unseen in our lifetime. The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted on every area of life across the world.
For our University, this has meant moving quickly and decisively to ensure the safety of all our people, and turning our attention to finding solutions to the huge and varied challenges the virus poses to the world.
Delivering benefit to society is core to our University’s purpose. At a time when this is needed most, the response of our people has been incredible. Many colleagues have quickly grouped together to find new ways to deliver our key activities, from teaching to annual events, as we aim to ensure that current students are not disadvantaged and future students are able to experience the same outstanding education and distinctive opportunities that Manchester offers.
We have paused much of our laboratory-based research, but have rapidly switched focus to the fight against COVID-19. Our researchers are working tirelessly with regional and national partners to further accelerate the impact of our work, with facilities and supplies repurposed and donated to our health services. Students, staff and alumni are adapting to the challenges we face and, in many cases, giving their time to help others, for example on the frontline in our hospitals and supporting those who are vulnerable and isolated. You can read many of these stories in this issue of our magazine, and yet more on our coronavirus webpages.
While short-term priorities have by necessity changed, we have not lost sight of our longer-term ambitions. We are currently in constant dialogue with authorities, partners, staff, students and other universities, and are working hard to ensure that we will emerge ready to realise our vision for the University.
I am immensely proud of how our people are pulling together to work with the knowledge, wisdom and humanity that is at the heart of our University. Our shared values will be crucial as we navigate our way towards the future and return to our ambitious agenda.