Research impact, shaped together
How collaboration, trust and shared ownership turn research into action.
Impact takes shape through relationships
Through careful listening, collaboration, compromise and mutual learning, shared purpose grows and new ways of working emerge.
Discover inspiring stories that show how partnership shapes positive local and global change, day by day.
How collaboration creates impact
The most meaningful impact is built together.
These five intersecting themes and accompanying stories reflect some of the ways collaboration and partnership turn knowledge into action, connecting communities, companies and countries to tackle complex challenges and drive change.
Team research
When teams share ownership and learn from each other’s strengths and skills, collaboration becomes stronger and more adaptable.
"The most successful projects are the ones where everybody is involved, collaborating and co-creating," says Lynn Provoost, Assistant Head Teacher at The Derby High School and one of our partners helping to shape science teaching in schools.
Explore our stories
Hyperlocal engagement
When research is grounded in place and shaped with local people, it can drive significant and lasting change.
"Differences forced us to talk, reflect and adapt together. The collaboration has taught me that impact doesn’t come from playing louder or better, but from listening deeply and working together,” says Amina Hussain, Music Therapist and Principal Flute at Manchester Camerata, reflecting on the co-created, improvised approach behind the Music in Mind dementia programme.
Explore our stories
International collaboration
When partnerships cross borders, positive transformation can be made globally.
“Everyone was open-minded and willing to contribute from their own perspective,” says Nuhu Ibrahim, PhD Researcher at The University of Manchester, describing the cross-disciplinary and international collaboration underpinning a project to improve safety online for women in Ethiopia.
Explore our stories
Interdisciplinary research
When disciplines work together, new solutions emerge that no single field could reach alone.
“Creating the space where other people can do brilliant work – that’s what has made the difference,” says Gareth Clay, Professor of Geography at The University of Manchester, reflecting on a project which co-developed practical tools to improve wildfire preparedness and response.
Explore our stories
Innovation
When researchers collaborate with industry or social enterprises, innovation flourishes through shared expertise and real-world application.
“I’ve seen how innovation takes answers and technology and applies them to a real-world problem – without losing that curiosity that scientists have,” says Ryan McBerney, Head of Feedstock Engineering at C3 Biotech, about his experience collaborating with researchers to scale-up and commercialise sustainable chemicals synthesis.
Explore our stories
Make an impact with us
These stories show what happens when research impact is shaped through trust, shared ownership and long-term partnership – carefully, openly and together.
Discover how we collaborate with partners, communities and industry. Working together, we use knowledge to fuel action and create impact that lasts.
Have an idea, partnership or challenge to explore? Email the Research Impact Team at impact@manchester.ac.uk to start a conversation.