Civic engagement in research

Our commitment to civic engagement is demonstrated in our research that involves our population and informs local policies and in our wider knowledge exchange initiatives.

As Britain's first civic university, we were founded by, and for, the people of Manchester. For us, contributing to the wellbeing and prosperity of Greater Manchester is a fundamental part of our purpose. We work with our own community to take on challenges and opportunities faced locally. Building on our strong regional relationships we co-create, understand and apply world-class research across a range of social, economic, health, environmental and cultural agendas.

We were ranked 4th in the UK, and 8th in Europe by Reuters’ Europe’s Most Innovative Universities ranking in 2019.

Through civic commitment, our research contributes to the delivery of Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy’s priorities in health innovation, advanced materials, and building a creative and digital city region committed to clean and inclusive growth and carbon neutral living by 2038.

We've worked alongside other universities in the region to develop a joint Civic University Agreement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and its ten local authorities to address COVID-recovery, economic growth, good jobs, inequalities, health and the environment.