This research by The University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) scientists is the first of its kind to show people who stop using a prescribed treatment for COPD are at significantly higher risk of exacerbations than expected for their disease.

COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a common condition, affecting about 1 in 20 people aged over 40 in England, and is a major cause of death and disability.

People with COPD often experience ‘exacerbations’ – sudden flare-ups of breathlessness and coughing that make their condition much worse. These exacerbations are a leading cause of emergency hospital admissions.

Treatment for COPD can help slow the progression of the condition, control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. This includes taking inhalers which deliver medicine into the lungs to help make breathing easier.

91ֱ�� lead Dr Alexander , researcher in the NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC’s Respiratory Theme and a Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester, said: “Many people with COPD use inhalers every day, but some only use them for a short time and then stop. They may feel better and think they no longer need them, they may struggle to afford them if they are not free of charge, or they may simply forget to use them. Overall, that around half of all prescribed doses are missed.”

In this new study, 91ֱ�� researchers analysed data from the 2013-2016 FLAME trial, a large international research project sponsored by Novartis which investigated how patients respond to different COPD treatments. Novartis shared these trial data as per standard data sharing practices with the independent research team in 91ֱ�� to answer additional research questions beyond the original study.

The FLAME trial compared 2 types of in more than 3,300 participants with COPD – these are effective treatments used to open up the airways and reduce inflammation in COPD.

The team found that when people with COPD stop their inhalers, they face a significantly increased risk of flare-ups for around 3 months. Importantly, during this period the risk is higher not only compared with their own usual level of risk, but also compared with people who were not taking these medicines at all.

The study followed patients for a full year after stopping treatment and showed that this increase in risk is temporary. The excess risk of flare-ups is concentrated in the first 3 months after stopping inhalers, over and above what would normally be expected following treatment discontinuation. After this period, the risk settles and does not persist beyond 3 months.

The study, published in , showed for the first time that stopping a common type of inhaler called a LAMA (long-acting muscarinic antagonist) can lead to these withdrawal effects. It also confirmed that stopping inhalers containing another medication called inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can increase the risk of flare-ups.

Dr Mathioudakis, who is also an Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at MFT and completed his PhD in COPD research at 91ֱ�� BRC, said: “There are situations where clinicians may need to change or stop an inhaler for specific medical reasons, and in these cases it is important to be aware that short-term “withdrawal effects” can occur.

“More importantly, many people with COPD stop their inhalers on their own, often repeatedly, without medical advice. Each time this happens, it can trigger a period of particularly high risk of exacerbations. These new findings highlight the need to clearly communicate the risks of stopping treatment to patients, to help prevent avoidable flare-ups and hospital admissions.”

• The paper “Disproportionate increase in COPD exacerbation risk for 3 months after discontinuing LAMA or ICS: insights from the FLAME trial” is available : DOI:

The agenda included a stakeholder meeting at Christie’s Bistro on The University of 91ֱ��’s campus on Wednesday 4 February, and a creative roundtable in MediaCity on Thursday 5 February, hosted by Professor of Poetry, John McAuliffe, on the role of the creative economy in innovation. 

Transport for Greater 91ֱ�� (TfGM) also hosted a meeting to showcase 91ֱ��’s transport network, providing the chance to share learnings between the two cities, before the first partnership advisory board meeting was held at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC). 

The events were attended by both the mayors of Greater 91ֱ�� and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough respectively, Andy Burnham and Paul Bristow, and the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge, Professor Duncan Ivison and Professor Deborah Prentice. Attendees also included the leaders of both city councils, Shaun Grady, UK Chair of AstraZeneca, and industry leaders from both regions.  

The visit to 91ֱ�� follows on from the launch of the partnership and the initial stakeholder visit to Cambridge last year, after £4.8 million in funding was awarded by Research England for the pioneering city-to-city collaboration.  

In October, the partnership announced its advisory board during the 2025 Innovate Cambridge Summit which brings together leaders from academia, industry and policy to guide the collaboration between the two cities. 

The partnership is led by the universities of Cambridge and 91ֱ�� and their innovation ecosystem organisations  and . The ambitious collaboration was launched to boost UK economic growth and advance inclusive innovation, while supporting the delivery of industrial strategy and local growth plans. 

The partnership is connected at every level: University to University, innovation ecosystem to ecosystem, council to council, Combined Authority to Combined Authority and business to business. This multi-layered connectivity allows ideas, talent, investment and opportunity to flow between places and organisations.   

Find out more about the partnership and get involved –   

The Research England funding has been allocated for use in three key areas: ecosystem activation and integration; growing investment; and testing and learning. 

● Ecosystem activation and integration: It will strengthen relations within and between the innovation ecosystems of the two cities, to create a vibrant and ambitious cross-city innovation network. This aims to create progressive new approach inclusive growth. 

● Growing investment: It will harness the combined strengths of both universities and partner cities to support start-ups and scale-ups to secure funding and grow, attract innovation-intensive FDI to the UK, and stimulate investment into R&D. 

● Testing and learning: It will pilot new approaches and share best practice for delivering ecosystem collaboration and inclusive growth. This will allow other cities, the wider higher education sector community, and local and national governments in the UK and internationally to learn from the partnership. 

Building on the success of the 2024 CBI Mayoral Roundtable, the summit focused on a singular mission: turning regional potential into tangible economic results. During a roundtable attendees agreed on a framework to unlock long-term private investment and enhance the UK’s regional competitiveness.

Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We are delighted to host this summit on our campus, bringing together leaders from business, government and civil society in 91ֱ��. Delivering an effective industrial strategy must be underpinned by robust academic evidence, and The University of Manchester has an important role to play in that work.

“Here in Greater 91ֱ��, we are part of a close partnership between business, policymakers and communities, and are pleased to be a helpful convenor, and contributor, to discussions and collaborations that support the UK’s future."

The summit identified three critical pillars for accelerated implementation of the Industrial Strategy with the potential to deliver transformative gains to regional growth that boost jobs, opportunities and living standards across England:

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Investable Pipelines: Creating clear, ready-to-fund projects that attract global capital.

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Deepened Partnerships: Strengthening the "front door" for businesses through closer Mayoral collaboration.

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Innovation Engines: Leveraging the power of higher education to fuel local talent and R&D.

The afternoon concluded with reflections from Rain Newton-Smith (CBI), Charlie Nunn (Lloyds Banking Group), and Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��), highlighting the essential role of regional leadership in the UK’s economic future.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI CEO, said: “The government has set out bold ambitions for the UK to lead the G7 in driving business investment into the UK. PWC’s recent survey of global CEOs places the UK as the second most attractive location alongside Germany and India so there is no doubt the appetite is there. Building on and championing the unique capabilities of all of our regions is essential if we’re to secure that investment and turn those bold ambitions into tangible economic growth that benefits the whole country.

“Metro mayors are our regional ambassadors in chief, and provide a single, locally-responsive, front door for that investment – helping to remove potential barriers and expedite decision-making. With the power to boost local skills delivery, accelerate critical planning and infrastructure decisions, and smooth access to market opportunities, mayors play a vital role in ensuring investment comes to the UK and is not lost to our global competitors.”

Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive, Lloyds Banking Group said: “Businesses are the engines of regional growth, innovation and job creation, and we want to help them succeed.  This year, we’re making available £35 billion in new finance for businesses across the regions, with one third targeted to SMEs.  We’re proud to be working in partnership across regional leaders, higher education and major infrastructure, in order to attract investment and catalyse growth.”

This event is a cornerstone of the CBI-Lloyds Industrial Strategy Roadshow, a 12-month delivery programme in partnership with DBT and HMT to help government and industry work together to deliver a successful industrial strategy.

Researchers at The University of Manchester's have now achieved the first atomic‑resolution imaging of monolayer transition metal diiodides, made possible by creating graphene‑sealed TEM samples that prevent these highly reactive materials from degrading on contact with air. The study, published in , demonstrates that fully encapsulating the crystals in graphene preserves atomically clean interfaces and extends their usable lifetime from seconds to months. This capability arises from refinements to an inorganic stamp transfer approach the team previously developed and reported in , which provided the basis for producing stable, hermetically sealed samples.

“Working with these materials felt impossible at first as they are completely destroyed after a few seconds air exposure, preventing traditional fabrication approaches.” explained Dr Wendong Wang who has worked on developing the transfer technique and fabricated the samples in question. “Our approach protects samples r without any unnecessary transfer stages. Being able to make samples that can survive not just hours but months, and for international transfer between facilities, solves a major bottleneck in 2D materials research.“

“Once we were able to make stable samples, we were able to make several interesting observations about these materials, including identifying extensive local structural variations for the thinnest samples, atomic defect dynamics and edge structure evolution”, states Dr Gareth Tainton who conducted the TEM imaging and analysis as part of this work. “The structures of 2D materials are closely linked to their properties, and so being able to directly observe not only the structures of the different crystals, from monolayers up to bulk thicknesses, but also defect behaviour will hopefully inform further work on these materials to unlock their potential in technology”

“What excites me most is how this opens up previously inaccessible scientific territory. We've known theoretically that many reactive 2D materials have exceptional properties for electronics, optoelectronics, and quantum applications, but we couldn't get stable samples into the lab to test those predictions", commented Prof Roman Gorbachev of the National Graphene Institute, who led the investigation. 

This research was published in the journal ACS Nano.

Full title: Atomic Imaging of 2D Transition Metal Diiodides

DOI:

Professor Roman Gorbachev is available for interview on request.

The study, led by the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Manchester, University College Cork and University of Birmingham, was funded by Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, and published in .

Led by Dr Andrea Woolner, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician & Early Pregnancy Lead at NHS Grampian, the team looked at survey responses from 116 healthcare professionals working in maternity services in the UK and Ireland.

Second trimester pregnancy loss (STPL) usually refers to pregnancy loss, or miscarriage after 12 or 13 weeks' gestation. It is estimated to occur in around 3 to 4% of pregnancies. However, this study showed the definition used to describe STPL in healthcare settings varies considerably within the UK and Ireland.

Findings revealed that there is inconsistency and uncertainty around medications used following second trimester pregnancy loss (STPL), which the authors state reflects the lack of research into this devastating type of loss.

For example, almost two thirds of healthcare professionals surveyed (63%) acknowledged they were uncertain about the optimal dosage of misoprostol - a drug that can be given following STPL to induce birth - that should be used, likely due to a lack of research in this area, according to the authors.

Researchers also found that care was given in different hospital wards and not always within maternity settings in different parts of the UK and Ireland.  The authors say this highlights the need to consider how hospitals are set up for couples experiencing STPL, and to consider what the optimal referral pathways and infrastructure needs are.  The team intends to carry out further research exploring views of those with lived experience of STPL.

Following treatment in hospital, fewer than half (45%) of respondents reported that follow-up appointments took place in a dedicated pregnancy loss clinic. Many women were offered follow up in preterm birth clinics, though the research team notes this wasn’t always universal either as not every STPL involves a preterm labour.

There is a growing body of evidence that shows structured care in a dedicated pregnancy loss clinic is the best option for couples who have experienced a stillbirth (when a baby sadly dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy), and researchers say the findings of the study underline the inconsistencies faced by families who lose a baby at different stages of pregnancy.

They also noted there was variation in the investigations and care offered in the next pregnancy after a second trimester loss.

Researchers say more work is needed to understand what the best treatments are and what universal provisions should be made for couples facing the devastation of second trimester pregnancy loss

The team is planning to gain insight from those with lived experience, with the aim of developing a clear view of what is needed to improve care for the future and understanding what research is needed urgently to address these gaps.

Dr Andrea Woolner said: “Pregnancy loss at any stage is devastating. This study showed that there is a lack of research and evidence–based clinical practice around STPL in particular.

“In this survey, we wanted to hear from the people on the ground who work with bereaved parents, to find out exactly where the disparities lie from a healthcare professional perspective and what we need to do to improve things.

“Our findings highlight the lack of standardised care – this is important because we know that pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy has a profound impact on couples and on their next pregnancies.

“Ensuring that evidence-based and universal recommendations for birth, bereavement and future antenatal care are offered to all couples after pregnancy loss is vital, and akin to the recommendations for care after stillbirth, we hope that this work highlights clinicians, policy-makers and researchers need to also focus on care for second trimester pregnancy loss.

Professor Alex Heazell, one of the co-authors from the University of Manchester and Director of Tommy’s Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre in 91ֱ��, said: “ which showed fragmented and inconsistent care provisions but also highlighted the number of women who present to hospital in the second trimester with various symptoms including those that may be a sign of pregnancy loss.

“We urgently need better quality data to help us provide the best care.”

Dr Jyotsna Vohra, Director of Research, Programmes and Impact at Tommy’s, said: “Losing a baby is devastating at any stage of pregnancy. When the loss happens after 12 weeks – the stage at which people are often encouraged to believe they are ‘safe’ – it can be particularly traumatic for women and families.

“This study shows we need more research and better standardised care across the NHS so that anyone experiencing symptoms of loss at any stage of pregnancy knows they will receive the most effective care, treatment and support.”

The study, led by The University of Manchester, suggests that while removing livestock from upland grasslands can increase fast-cycling carbon stored in plants and dead vegetation, it can also lead to losses of a more stable form of soil carbon. This long-lived carbon, known as mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), is bound to soil minerals and can persist for decades to centuries, making it critical for long-term climate mitigation.

Grasslands store around one-third of the world’s terrestrial carbon, with the vast majority being found in soils. As governments pursue net-zero targets, removing livestock from historically grazed grasslands has increasingly been proposed as a scalable climate solution.

Traditionally, scientists and land managers have relied on “total carbon stocks” to assess carbon removal projects. However, the new findings, published in the today, show that focusing solely on the total amount of carbon stored, rather than how securely it is stored, may be misleading.

“While ungrazed grasslands tend to accumulate more unprotected carbon in plants and litter, they are associated with lower levels of soil carbon protected by minerals, which is the form most resistant to warming-induced decomposition,” explained Dr Luhong Zhou, lead author of the study and visiting scholar at The University of Manchester. “Although high grazing intensity can negatively affect soil carbon, our results show that total grazer exclusion does not necessarily lead to greater long-term soil carbon storage.”

The team of researchers from The University of Manchester (UK), Lancaster University (UK), Yale University (USA), Fujian Normal University (China), and Leiden University (the Netherlands), analysed 12 upland grassland sites across an 800-kilometre south–north gradient in the United Kingdom, from Dartmoor to Glensaugh in Scotland. At each site, they compared grasslands that had been ungrazed for more than ten years with neighbouring areas that had been grazed over that time.

They found that ungrazed grasslands tended to accumulate more short-lived carbon in plant biomass and surface litter but generally contained lower levels of MAOC.

The decline in long-lived soil carbon is linked to changes in vegetation following the removal of grazing sheep. As a result, grass-dominated landscapes are increasingly replaced by dwarf shrubs such as heather. The roots of the shrubs form associations with a specialised fungi called ericoid mycorrhiza. These fungi slow the decay of plant litter, causing an increase in production of short-lived carbon but also stimulating the breakdown of older, more stable soil carbon, in order to gain nutrients to sustain plant growth. Wetter soils can also further weaken the minerals that normally help protect MAOC.

“Viewing grazer removal as a universally beneficial strategy for carbon mitigation often overlooks the continuum of carbon durability within ecosystems, and the fact that not all carbon gains contribute equally to long-term climate mitigation,” said Dr Shangshi Liu from the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture who co-led this study. “ When slow-cycling carbon declines, grassland carbon stocks may become more vulnerable to future climate change. Effective climate mitigation strategies must therefore consider  both how much carbon is stored and how durable it is”

The findings come at a critical time for environmental management policy in the UK and globally, as governments develop land-use frameworks to meet net-zero targets.  

Professor Richard Bardgett, Chair of Ecology at Lancaster University, who initiated the study while at The University of Manchester, said: “Our results suggest that maintaining low-intensity grazing in upland grasslands, which cover large areas in the United Kingdom, is important for protecting the most stable forms of soil carbon.”

The authors emphasise that their findings do not argue against reducing overgrazing. Rather, they call for more balanced grassland management approaches that account for both total carbon stocks and carbon persistence.

The study was funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the European Research Council (ERC), and Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture fellowship.

The findings are Published in PNAS

Full title: Grazer exclusion is associated with higher fast-cycling carbon pools but lower slow-cycling mineral-associated carbon across grasslands

DOI:

“At a time when many people feel overwhelmed or anxious about the future, these experiences often helped people reconnect with hope and a sense of purpose.”

“This research shows that therapy doesn’t always have to happen in a room,” said co-author Professor Terry Hanley. “For some people, being outdoors creates the space they need to reflect, heal and move forward. As mental health services face growing demand, nature-based approaches could be a valuable part of a wider, more humane response to wellbeing.”

DOI:

Developed through the Greater 91ֱ�� Civic University Agreement, the initiative enables postgraduate researchers to teach up to 20 hours per week in FE settings, providing specialist expertise in priority subjects such as engineering, STEM and digital skills. In turn, the programme offers researchers valuable, paid teaching experience while helping colleges tackle critical local and regional skills gaps.

University of Manchester President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison highlighted the civic significance of the programme: “We’re putting PhD researchers into Greater 91ֱ�� colleges to teach alongside experienced staff – starting with engineering, where skills shortages are most acute. This will help colleges with specialist expertise, give our researchers valuable paid teaching experience, and create clearer pathways between further and higher education. This is the kind of collaboration that will contribute to the region’s economic growth and is exactly what a civic university should be doing.”

Professor Callum Kidd, who led the pilot programme, said: “This initiative strengthens the link between Higher Education and Further Education, creating pathways for learners and tackling regional skills gaps. It also offers PhD researchers real-world teaching experience that enhances their career prospects.”

The pilot phase of the programme was launched in 2025 at Wigan & Leigh College, where three postgraduate researchers from the School of Engineering were recruited through the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) Doctoral Academy. The project has been chaired by Professor Callum Kidd (FSE) and jointly developed by a cross-institutional team.‑institutional team

Anna Dawe, Principal of Wigan & Leigh College, added: “We are delighted to build together this partnership with The University of Manchester. Bringing PhD researchers into our colleges enriches students' learning experience and helps address the pressing need for skilled educators in technical subjects. This collaboration is a fantastic example of how Greater 91ֱ��’s education ecosystem can work together to deliver real impact.”

The programme aligns with national and regional priorities to strengthen the civic role of universities while boosting access to specialist expertise across FE colleges.

Following the success of the first phase, the project team is now developing plans to expand the programme across the full Faculty of Science and Engineering, with long term ambitions to extend it university wide. Discussions with additional Further Education colleges in Greater 91ֱ�� are underway, with participating institutions set to be confirmed later this year. A full review of the pilot phase will be completed in February 2026.‑term ambitions to extend it university‑wide. Discussions with additional Further Education colleges in Greater 91ֱ�� are underway, with participating institutions set to be confirmed later this year. A full review of the pilot phase will be completed in February 2026.

For further information please directly contact mags.bradbury@manchester.ac.uk

A byelection has been set for February 26 in the 91ֱ�� constituency of Gorton and Denton. This will be a big test for Keir Starmer’s Labour party and a temperature check on the state of multi-party politics in the North. Although Labour won the seat comfortably in 2024, some early polls are could win.

Byelections are awkward beasts and don’t necessarily follow the usual rules. What makes things harder in this case is that Gorton and Denton is a new constituency. It was in 2024 from parts of three different constituencies (Gorton, Denton & Reddish and 91ֱ�� Withington).

When we try to understand what might happen in a byelection, we rely on the constituency’s past election results as a marker, which is obviously limited to just one election in this case. Gorton and Denton is also “a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster”, .

It has an elongated shape and combines areas with huge socio-demographic differences. Its Tameside wards are predominantly white, with a sizeable working class while its 91ֱ�� wards have a much higher student and Muslim population.

Labour has everything to lose

Ordinarily, this would be a constituency which Labour should easily win. 91ֱ�� is a Labour heartland through and through. Its other five constituencies are all held by Labour MPs, it boasts all but a handful of seats on the City Council and Andy Burnham trounced his opponents in the city’s last mayoral elections .

But byelections are difficult for governments and Keir Starmer’s track record so far is not good. Labour lost a byelection in the Cheshire constituency of in May 2025 to Reform’s Sarah Pochin. Pochin won on a narrow margin of just six votes but had managed to . That makes Labour’s majority of 13,000 in Gorton and Denton look less than secure.

The real danger here is that Labour finds itself in the squeezed middle. It risks losing voters to Reform on the right and the Greens on the left. This is what happened in the in November, which saw Labour pushed back into third place behind Reform and winners Plaid Cymru.

Reform has everything to prove

Nigel Farage’s party has the momentum at the moment. Polls suggest they are outperforming Labour nationally right now and the recent high-profile defections of and have increased the size of their parliamentary group to 8 MPs.

The Reform candidate in Gorton and Denton, former university academic and GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin, may be the most recognisable candidate to voters, but his political views may not go down well throughout the constituency.

His views on the white working class being may resonate in some of Manchester’s Tameside wards, but his and what it means to be British will not play well in others, something the Greens in particular are trying to capitalise on.

Pitching the byelection as a “referendum” on Starmer’s leadership is a sensible strategy by Goodwin, especially as a recent YouGov poll showed that think the prime minister is doing a bad job. Reform may struggle to bring together enough voters ready to sign up to all the party stands for, but may be able to borrow the votes from those who nevertheless want Labour out and would benefit from a split on the left.

Victory in Gorton and Denton would not only mean that Reform will equal the SNP in party group size in the Commons, it will be a further pull for disgruntled or panicking Conservative (or Labour) MPs, ahead of the Farage has imposed on MPs thinking about defecting to his party. But there is a sizeable chunk of voters across the UK , and who could vote tactically for Labour just to keep Reform out.

Green performance could be key

The Greens did not perform brilliantly in Gorton and Denton at the 2024 elections, but nationally the party received 7% of the vote and they hold over 800 seats on local councils. Since the election, they have , Zack Polanski, who has been instrumental in raising the Green voice in the media.

Their candidate is Hannah Spencer, a councillor in the region who stood for mayor in 2024 and finished in fifth place, behind Reform.

Polanski is confident that only the Greens can beat Reform in Gorton and Denton. And while that’s a bold claim, his supporters will be buoyed by the in a Derbyshire local byelection last year.

And even if they don’t win, a solid Green performance could be very bad news for Starmer.

, Senior Lecturer in Politics
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Her achievement have also recently been marked by the award of the 2026 Hannes Alfven Medal by the European Physical Society, a prestigious international distinction recognising her “outstanding and innovative work bridging astrophysical and laboratory plasmas using analytical insights and modelling.”

Professor Browning joined what was then the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1985 as a lecturer at the age of 25, following a mathematics degree at the University of Cambridge and a PhD at the University of St Andrews.

Her career has been marked by a series of significant firsts, starting by entering Selwyn College at the University of Cambridge aged just 16 - two or three years younger than most undergraduates – and in the first year that the college admitted women.

Following her PhD and post-doc in Scotland, she moved to UMIST for her first lecturing role, where she was the only female lecturer and one of just three female academics across the science and technology disciplines. She was promoted to professor in 2009.

Reflecting on those early days, Professor Browning said that a lack of role models made it difficult for women to imagine reaching senior academic positions.

“As a woman, you didn’t really think you were going to become a professor because there were so few role models,” she said. “I was lucky to have very supportive male colleagues, but it was still difficult. Often, particularly in fusion research, I could be the only woman in the room.”

Her interest in astrophysics began in childhood, sparked by an early fascination with the moon and by watching the Apollo moon landings. While she initially pursued mathematics, that curiosity about space ultimately drew her back into astrophysics.

Over the course of her career, Professor Browning has built an international reputation in plasma physics. Her work has focused on understanding how hot, ionised gases behave and interact with magnetic fields - processes that underpin solar flares, space weather and the development of future fusion energy.

Her early research at 91ֱ�� helped pioneer the spherical tokamak, an innovative approach to magnetic confinement fusion. Philippa’s team at 91ֱ�� was among the first to develop this compact alternative to traditional ring‑shaped fusion devices, an approach that has since become central to international fusion research and now underpins the UK’s government‑backed STEP fusion energy programme.

Alongside her research, Professor Browning has been a committed teacher, supervising around 19 PhD students and teaching generations of undergraduates.

“I’ve always really enjoyed teaching,” she said. “The interaction with students, particularly in small groups, is something I’ll really miss.”

During her time at the University, Professor Browning witnessed significant institutional change, most notably the merger of UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester. While the department grew from a small, close‑knit unit into a much larger one, she reflects that students themselves have remained much the same where their curiosity, ability and enthusiasm have always varied across a spectrum.

She has also played a significant role in University leadership and service, serving on Senate and the Board of Governors, and holding a range of departmental roles including postgraduate director and admissions tutor.

A long‑standing advocate for equality in science, Professor Browning has been heavily involved in national efforts to support women in physics. She served on the Institute of Physics’ Women in Physics and diversity committees, helping to deliver training, networking events and outreach activities in schools to improve visibility and role models for girls.

She balanced her academic career with raising her son and two step‑children at a time when childcare support was far more limited. She was involved in campaigning for and establishing the first UMIST nursery, with her son among the first children to attend.

Her achievements have been widely recognised. She is a  recipient of the Royal Astronomical  Society’s Chapman Medal for outstanding research in solar and space physics, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. As mentioned above, she is now due to receive the European Physical Society’s Hannes Alfvén Prize for plasma physics, a senior international award recognising her lifetime achievements in the field.

As she retires, Professor Browning will continue her research as Professor Emerita and remain active in public engagement, including talks and events at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

“Retirement feels emotional,” she said. “My identity has been so tied up with the University for so long. But I’m looking forward to having more time for music and walking and just seeing what comes next.”

Professor Browning’s department will mark her retirement with a special event, ‘Pipfest’, bringing together former colleagues and PhD students from across her career.

The appointments place 91ֱ�� researchers among a cohort of around 100 Fellows drawn from academia, business, industry and government. 

The Academy’s Fellowship will work collectively to address major national challenges including pandemic preparedness, economic transformation, national security, climate change and the safe development of artificial intelligence. 

The Fellows will continue to perform their roles at 91ֱ�� and at the other institutions they support, but will come together through the convening power of the Academy to help benefit the whole UK. Areas of focus will likely include:  

• Working with experts across government, industry and the third sector to model the impact of climate change and advise on mitigations
• Supporting cross-disciplinary modelling to prepare for future diseases and pandemics
• Developing and championing investment in the new mathematics required for ensuring AI and the quantum technologies of tomorrow work safely and to the benefit of all
• Bringing together industry, academia and educators to design maths curricula fit for tomorrow's economy and society
• Keeping the UK safe through advances in cryptography and the mathematical foundations of national security
• Guiding the UK's green energy transition, advising on everything from grid capacity and system resilience to safe, large-scale energy storage
• Helping businesses and entrepreneurs harness mathematics to drive innovation, new products and sustainable growth
• Strengthening national resilience by using mathematics to optimise infrastructure, improve public services and forecast risks 

The four 91ֱ�� appointees are: 

 FRSE, FIMA and Beyer Professor of Applied Mathematics, whose research focuses on applied dynamical systems, particularly piecewise smooth systems. A former President of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), Professor Glendinning has played a leading role in shaping the UK mathematical community and was closely involved in the design of Manchester’s Alan Turing Building. 

, Professor of Mathematical Epidemiology and Statistics and Director of the Christabel Pankhurst Institute for health technology research and innovation. Professor Hall previously led modelling work at Public Health England and played key advisory roles as part of Department of Health and Social Care's scientific pandemic influenza modelling subgroup (SPI-M), as the academic chair of the Social Care Working Group for SAGE and by supporting UKHSA Joint Modelling team and advising the Ministry of Justice. He was awarded an OBE in 2024 for services to public health, specifically epidemiology and adult social care during Covid-19. 

, Professor of Pure Mathematics, whose research focuses on semigroup theory and its connections to areas such as theoretical computer science, tropical geometry and geometric group theory. He is currently 91ֱ�� Associate Chair of the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research and also serves as Chair of EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Team in Mathematical Sciences. 

, Professor of Pure Mathematics, whose research focuses on complex dynamics and analysis. He is a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society and has been awarded a Whitehead Prize and a Philip Leverhulme Prize. He is a former member of EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Team in Mathematical Sciences and will serve as Pure Mathematics Research Lead at 91ֱ�� from February 2026. 

Professor Dame Alison Etheridge DBE FRS, the President of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, said: “I’m delighted to welcome our inaugural Fellows – individuals of exceptional distinction who collectively advance the mathematical sciences through discovery, leadership, education and real-world application.  

“As Fellows of the Academy, they will come together in service of the wider public good: bringing independent expertise to bear on national priorities, championing excellence in mathematics education, strengthening the UK’s research and innovation base, and helping to ensure that mathematics continues to deliver opportunity, resilience and prosperity across our four nations.” 

Mathematics has a long and distinguished history at The University of Manchester, from foundational contributions to modern computing to world-leading research across pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and mathematical modelling. Applied and foundational mathematical research at 91ֱ�� go hand in hand: one addresses the real-life challenges of today, in collaboration with researchers in engineering, health, social sciences and the humanities, while the other equips us to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The appointment of four 91ֱ�� researchers as inaugural Fellows reflects the University’s continued leadership in the mathematical sciences and its commitment to research with global impact.  

Alongside the four FSE-based appointees, the Academy’s inaugural Fellowship also includes several Fellows with strong connections to The University of Manchester. These include Professor David Abrahams, former Beyer Professor of Applied Mathematics at 91ֱ�� and an Honorary Professor at the University, Professor Philip Bond, whose roles have included Professor of Creativity and Innovation at the University of Manchester – in addition to Dame Celia Hoyles, who graduated from The University of Manchester 

The result marks the third consecutive year the University has secured a spot in the European Top 10 since the ranking’s launch in 2023.

The QS Europe ranking evaluates institutions using performance indicators, including academic and employer reputation, citations, research output, employability outcomes, international research collaboration, student diversity and sustainability.

The 2026 edition features 958 institutions across 42 locations, including 129 from the UK. UK universities continue to perform strongly across reputation and research metrics, with seven institutions ranked in the top 10 for Academic Reputation and six in the top 10 for Employer Reputation.

QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter said: “While Oxford reclaims the regional top spot, the latest QS Europe University Rankings confirm a stabilising hierarchy, with no new entrants among the top 10. Europe’s established academic powerhouses continue to lead the table, reflecting the region’s long-standing investment in higher education and research excellence, with leading institutions in countries such as the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland maintaining their positions at the top."

Sowter added: “Europe’s higher education sector remains a strong, underpinned by world-class research universities, strong international collaboration, and growing momentum behind transnational alliances and joint degrees. Cross-border mobility remains a defining strength. However, funding and research capacity vary widely between national systems, contributing to uneven performance and talent retention. At the same time, universities face mounting pressure to sustain research excellence, deepen industry engagement, and modernise governance and delivery models amid funding deficits and tightening policy around international mobility.”

In global rankings, The University of Manchester ranks 8 in the UK and 56 in the world in the THE World University Rankings for 2026. The prestigious rankings evaluate more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries and territories. In the , The University of Manchester ranks 7 in the UK and 35 in the world, while the University also ranks first in the UK and second in the world in the .

In addition to its success in the QS Europe ranking, The University of Manchester has been ranked at 46 in the world and 6 in the UK in the

Find out further information about where the University is ranked via our World Rankings page. 

This new discovery captures the cosmic moment when a galaxy cluster – among the largest structures in the universe – started to assemble only about a billion years after the big bang, one or two billion years earlier than previously thought possible. This result, made using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope,  is described in a paper published today (28 January) in the journal 

The findings will require astronomers to rethink when and how the largest structures in the universe formed. 

 “This may be the most distant confirmed protocluster ever seen,” said Akos Bogdan of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) who led the new Nature study. “JADES-ID1 is giving us new evidence that the universe was in a huge hurry to grow up.”

The object is known as JADES-ID1 for its location in the “JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey”, or JADES. It has a mass about 20 trillion times that of the Sun. Astronomers classify JADES-ID1 as a “protocluster” because it is currently undergoing an early, violent phase of formation and will one day turn into a galaxy cluster.  

This object was first discovered and reported in an  led by The University of Manchester’s Qiong Li using deep JWST data, which was published last year  in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 

JADES-ID1 is found at a much larger distance – corresponding to a much earlier time in the universe – than astronomers expected for such systems, providing a new mystery of how something so massive could form so quickly.

Galaxy clusters contain hundreds or even thousands of individual galaxies immersed in enormous pools of superheated gas, along with large amounts of unseen dark matter. Astronomers use galaxy clusters to measure the expansion of the universe and the roles of dark energy and dark matter, among other important cosmic studies.

“It’s very important to actually see when and how galaxy clusters grow,” said co-author Gerrit Schellenberger, also of CfA. “It’s like watching an assembly line make a car, rather than just trying to figure out how a car works by looking at the finished product.”

The Chandra and Webb data reveal that JADES-ID1 contains the two properties that confirm the presence of a protocluster: a large number of galaxies held together by gravity. Webb sees at least 66 potential members that are also sitting in a huge cloud of hot gas detected by Chandra. As a galaxy cluster forms, gas falls inward and is heated by shock waves, reaching temperatures of millions of degrees and glowing in X-rays.

What makes JADES-ID1 exceptional is the remarkably early time when it appears in cosmic history. Most models of the universe predict that there likely would not be enough time and a large enough density of galaxies for a protocluster of this size to form only a billion years after the big bang. The previous record holder for a protocluster with X-ray emission is seen much later, about three billion years after the big bang.

This is yet another sign that structure in the universe is forming much quicker than astronomers had anticipated. 

After billions of years JADES-ID1 should evolve from a protocluster into a massive galaxy cluster like those we see much closer to Earth.

To find JADES-ID1, astronomers combined deep observations from both Chandra and Webb. By design, the JADES field overlaps with the Chandra Deep Field South, the site of the deepest X-ray observation ever conducted. This field is thus one of the few in the entire sky where a discovery such as this could be made. 

In an earlier study, a team of researchers led by Li and Professor Conselice at The University of Manchester found five other proto-cluster candidates in the JADES field, but only in JADES-ID1 are the galaxies embedded in hot gas. Thus, only JADES-ID1 possesses enough mass for an X-ray signal from hot gas to be expected. 

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.  The JWST work was sponsored by the European Research Council in an Advanced Grant (EPOCHS) to The University of Manchester. 

This research was published in the journal Nature

Full title: An X-ray-emitting protocluster at z ≈ 5.7 reveals rapid structure growth

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09973-1

URL: . 

Dr Wasim Ahmed, of the University of Hull, explained: “Women and girls in sport deserve environments, both online and offline, where their achievements are celebrated. Our findings highlight an urgent need for stronger protections and platform-level responsibility. Without meaningful intervention, we risk normalising behaviour that has real and harmful consequences for those targeted.”

Dr Emma Kavanagh, of Loughborough University, said: “We must act now to protect the health and wellbeing of athletes as they navigate their careers in the era of online media. Online abuse can have profound and lasting effects, and it can no longer be normalised or accepted as part of modern sport. Ensuring athletes are equipped to manage online environments and enhancing their safety is a vital step forward in advancing player care.”

Dr Maz Hardey, Professor of Business and Computing, Durham University, outlined: “We are witnessing a pivotal shift where online impunity is finally meeting real-world retribution, financially and legally, for perpetrators. However, the cost for the victims remains unacceptably high. This abuse has actively dismantled careers and forced women to withdraw from UK football culture entirely to ensure their own safety. Legal wins are crucial, but we must act faster to ensure women are not forced into professional exile just to survive the abuse.”

Dr Rosy Boardman, of the University of Manchester, added: “Our research shows how influential figures can radically shape the tone and trajectory of online conversations. When individuals with large followings use their platforms to normalise misogyny or direct hostility toward women in sport, they don’t just express an opinion - they legitimise harmful narratives that would otherwise remain on the fringes. Their words act as accelerants, fuelling polarisation and creating digital environments where abuse becomes routine.

The paper, Misogyny, Misogynoir and Violent Online Rhetoric Against Women and Girls in Sport: The Case of Joey Barton has been published in .

Barton was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court in November 2025 of six counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety, and sentenced in December 2025 to six months in custody, suspended for 18 months.

Open to students across all faculties , the Semester 2 units are designed to introduce entrepreneurial thinking while allowing students to apply their ideas to real-world challenges. The units combine academic learning with practical activities, supporting students to develop creativity, problem-solving and innovation alongside their main degree studies.

This semester’s offering includes units such as , this unit  students understand the processes entrepreneurs go through when researching and developing a business opportunity, and , where students as entrepreneurs (or intrapraneurs) assess potential business opportunities using a range of business tools and models. focuses on how enterprise can be used to address environmental and social challenges through collaboration across disciplines.

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre’s taught units are designed to be accessible to students with no prior business experience, encouraging participation from a wide range of subject areas.

Alongside specialist units, students can also choose where students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and commercial awareness acting as consultants and, , which focusses on how entrepreneurs generate the ideas that allow them to create and grow their firm,

Subject-specific options are also available, including units tailored for students in healthcare and computer science. For many students, the units provide a first opportunity to explore entrepreneurship in a supportive academic environment.

The taught units typically carry 10 credits and run over one semester. Assessment is based on coursework, presentations and group projects, reflecting real-world professional and entrepreneurial practices.

Students interested in enrolling in a Semester 2 MEC unit are encouraged to check availability through My 91ֱ�� and seek approval from their academic school where required. With strong student interest each year, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre continues to support students from all backgrounds in developing skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers — whether in entrepreneurship, employment or further study.

To find out more about Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC), head to our website .

The study, led by The University of Manchester, offers a rare glimpse into a period of evolution that is usually extremely difficult to study because early vertebrates had soft bodies, so any remains are usually squashed, incomplete, or difficult to interpret.

Using a synchrotron particle accelerator, the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC  National Accelerator Laboratory in California, USA, the researchers were able to map the chemistry within two tiny jawless fish called Jamoytius and Lasanius, found near Lesmahagow, south of Glasgow.

The findings, published today in , represent a huge advance in our understanding of the early stages in the development of the vertebrate lineage.

 “We decided that transitional fossils, from one of the earliest stages of vertebrate evolution, would be perfect to look at with our new methods,” explained researcher , Professor of Geochemistry at The University of Manchester. “What we were able to discover was far beyond our expectations. Not only did we identify early bone structures deep in the geological record, but we also captured the first-ever images of some of the oldest camera-type eyes. These eyes preserve even the small notch where the optic nerve connected - features that form the basis of modern vertebrate eyes today.”

University of Manchester researcher , added: “It’s been amazing to see just how much new information we can recover from fossils which are usually too poorly preserved to be useful using these new technologies. Our findings help resolve scientific debates that have been running since the Victorian era. They point to a very early origin of bones and eyes in vertebrate history, probably even predating the group appearing altogether.

“I’m also excited because these fossils are most likely the ancestors of modern lamprey and hagfish, which now lack many of these features, so we’re adding to a growing body of work that shows those organisms have a far more complex evolutionary history than previously thought.”

Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence imaging works by scanning a sample in front of the intense X-ray beam generated by the synchrotron particle accelerator. The X-rays cause atoms in the sample to emit their own X-rays (X-ray fluorescence), which the scanning system detects. The properties of the fluoresced X-rays are specific to the chemical element they originated from. As such, this technique can be used to identify and map tiny differences in chemical elements locked inside fossils and in some cases, the chemical remnants of tissues no longer visible with visible light.

Dr Nick Edwards, a Staff Engineer for the X-ray Fluorescence Imaging beam lines at SSRL, performed the X-ray imaging experiments as part of a long-standing collaboration with The University of Manchester research team, with whom he worked with for his PhD studies.

He said: “Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence imaging is a versatile technique with advantages over other types of scientific analysis that make it amenable to studying fossils. The experiments do not need special environmental conditions, and we can place relatively large objects in the instrument without the need to remove material from them. We can detect the extremely low levels of elements present in biological systems and correlate them to specific fossil tissues in a matter of hours. The results from these fossils are fascinating and further corroborate that the chemistry of extinct organisms can be preserved over huge geological time scales and be useful in interpreting the evolution of life.”

In this study, the team found traces of zinc and copper that revealed the structure of the retina and pigment layer in the ancient eyes. They also found calcium and phosphorus showing where early bone-like tissue was present.

The research has been praised internationally. Dr Pierre Gueriau of the University of Lausanne, who was not involved in the research, said: “This study not only rewrites some chapters of the evolutionary history of our early vertebrate ancestors, but also illustrates how advanced fossil imaging is not limited to CT scanning and encompasses a suite of analytical chemistry methods capable of revealing a new range of information, in some cases even considered lost to fossilisation. This is truly an exciting time to be a palaeontologist”.

Corresponding author , a palaeobiologist at The University of Manchester, added: “I love these fossil fish. They may have been dead for over 400 million years but they keep on surprising us with new hidden data about our deep origins.”

The team will now continue using this high-energy physics technology to tease out the chemical remnants of early life in other vertebrates, providing key insights into the evolution of animals such as birds, dinosaurs, mammals, and even microbial life.

This paper was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Full title: Early vertebrate biomineralisation and eye structure determined by synchrotron X-ray analyses of Silurian jawless fish.

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2025.2248

URL: 

As an independent intergovernmental body, IPBES aims to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services and is a leading voice in this area.

To mark this year’s meeting being held in 91ֱ��, The University of Manchester, the University of Salford and 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University will present a special evening event at the People’s History Museum on Thursday, 5 February supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The event will bring together academics, businesses and community organisations, as well as policymakers and regional leaders, to explore opportunities for collaboration to boost nature recovery across Greater 91ֱ�� and beyond. Focusing on Business and Biodiversity, the event will also highlight the crucial role industry, research and policy must play together in this endeavour. 

The joint project aligns with the refreshed civic mission announced last year, which saw all Greater 91ֱ�� universities reaffirm their collective commitment to improving lives across the city-region as part of the Greater 91ֱ�� Civic University Agreement (CUA).

Featuring talks from all three universities and a panel Q&A session, senior representatives are expected to take part from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA) and DEFRA – with more to be announced.

Professor Simon Green, PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Salford said: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do at Salford. Our goal is to innovate towards a more equitable, just, healthy, creative and prosperous society. This event will be a great chance to put those ambitions into practice and share knowledge and expertise across the region and country.”

PVC for Research at 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University, Professor Nick Brook, said: "With sector-leading Carbon Literacy training, consistently top People & Planet rankings, and Professor Liz Price’s UN SDG 12 Vice-Chair leadership, 91ֱ�� Met is shaping global sustainability practice while driving research-led solutions that support nature recovery and stronger communities across Greater 91ֱ��.”

Tickets for the evening event, ‘From evidence to action: Mobilising Greater 91ֱ��’s science, business and policy partnerships for nature’ are available via .

The visit formed a key component of the WRC 2026 programme, an initiative established by SWA to strengthen partnerships with leading international universities and to accelerate innovation in water technologies. During the visit, His Excellency and the SWA delegation toured the NGI and GEIC facilities, engaging directly with researchers, engineers, and University of Manchester (UoM) spinouts and startups including Watercycle Technologies, Molymem, and Hollowgraf, all of which are developing advanced materials and water-related technologies.

His Excellency was formally welcomed to the University by Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President, who hosted a formal meeting to discuss strategic collaboration priorities and opportunities for deeper engagement between SWA and The University of Manchester.

In his opening address at WRC 2026, His Excellency Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim stated: “We rely on science, innovation and technology as the catalyst for our future. Science alone will not be enough to serve the globe. We share a responsibility to connect scientific progress with applied knowledge, applied technology and strong systems that improve lives. Water is life, and water is economy.”

At NGI, discussions focused on fundamental and translational research in advanced materials for water applications. The SWA delegation expressed strong interest in developing structured training and capacity-building programmes, particularly joint PhD training and researcher development initiatives, to help nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers working at the intersection of advanced materials and water technologies.

At GEIC, discussions focused on applied research and the translation of validated ideas towards scalable solutions addressing real-world water and water-infrastructure challenges. The SWA team highlighted opportunities to collaborate on near-to-market technologies, pilot-scale demonstrations, and industry-facing innovation programmes capable of delivering tangible impact.

Prof Rahul R. Nair, Chair of WRC 2026 and Professor of Materials Physics at The University of Manchester, said:

“We were pleased to welcome His Excellency and the Saudi Water Authority delegation to 91ֱ��. The visit reflects a strong alignment between our research capabilities and SWA’s strategic priorities, and we look forward to establishing impactful collaborations in advanced materials and water technologies.”

The delegation also expressed interest in partnering with the Rabigh Water Oasis facilities as a platform for testing, validation, and demonstration of innovative technologies emerging from NGI, GEIC, and UoM spinouts. Such a partnership would support the translation of UK-developed innovations into operational environments and help accelerate pathways to deployment at scale.

The visit further enabled SWA leadership to engage with Watercycle Technologies, Molymem, and Hollowgraf, showcasing innovation across membranes, sensing, advanced materials, and circular water technologies. This interaction reinforced a shared ambition to translate research excellence into deployable solutions for global water challenges. As part of the visit, SWA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hollowgraf to advance future collaboration in water technologies.

The Water Research Community Meeting 2026 brought together over 200 participants, including senior leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from Saudi Arabia, the UK, and other countries, to align strategic priorities and explore new partnership pathways across sustainability, the circular economy, clean and renewable energy, and process innovation.

This high-level visit marks an important step towards strengthening long-term collaboration between SWA and The University of Manchester, combining the UK’s leadership in advanced materials and innovation infrastructure with Saudi Arabia’s capabilities, investment, and testbed facilities in water technologies.

The University ranked in the top 50 globally for four subjects, including Arts & Humanities (41), Business & Economics (41) and Social Sciences (32). The University received its highest ranking for Engineering, taking 5^th place in the UK ranking and 48^th globally.

The University saw its ranking improve in 3 subjects compared to the previous rankings, including Social Sciences (by 5 to 32), Arts & Humanities (by 2 to 41) and Physical Sciences (by 4 to 51).

The THE subject rankings cover 148 individual disciplines under broad subject areas. The methodology judges universities based on five core pillars of evaluation: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.

Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research at The University of Manchester, said of the latest rankings: “This global subject ranking is testament to the high level of teaching and research excellence this University prides itself on. We use global rankings to inform our evaluation of our current offering and strategic plans to ensure we are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their chosen fields, both at the University and beyond.”

Professor Jenn Hallam, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students at The University of Manchester added: “Following the recent launch of our 2035 strategy, we are collectively working to meet our big ambitions of making learning flexible, personalised and digitally-enabled, and allowing students to co-create their study on their own terms. These rankings are useful in demonstrating where we are, and where we would like to be, to ensure we keep building on the high-quality teaching we deliver to our talented students.”

Right now The University of Manchester ranks 8^th in the UK and 56^th in the world in the THE World University Rankings for 2026. The prestigious rankings evaluate more than 2,000 institutions from 115 countries and territories. 

In the QS World University Rankings 2026, The University of Manchester ranks 7^th in the UK and 35^th in the world, while the University also ranks first in the UK and second in the world in the .

A leading academic and thought leader in environment, climate, energy policy and politics, Rebecca will also bring a team of highly regarded researchers and academics to join her at the University. Rebecca leads the Climate Citizens research group, which investigates public engagement and citizenship. She is a co-investigator for the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transitions (JUST), the Energy Demand Research Centre, and a new initiative, PACT (Production and Consumption Transformations) which provides decision support to government departments.  

Rebecca Willis has previously been a professor at Lancaster University and is an expert advisor to the Climate Change Committee and Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Initiative.  

Speaking on her appointment, Rebecca said: “The wealth of expertise based here at 91ֱ�� is highly valued around the world. I am excited to be part of a community working on global challenges with practical outcomes for people, planet and society. 

Professor Claire Alexander, Head of the School of Social Sciences added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Rebecca and her team to the University of Manchester. Rebecca brings significant insight and expertise in terms of applying policy to innovation in the challenging fields of energy and climate governance. She will be working closely with colleagues in the Sustainable Consumption Institute, a collaboration between the School of Social Sciences and Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School, who are leading the way in terms of the economic and social and policy dimensions of climate justice and environmental sustainability.” 

Professor Sarah Cartmell, Head of the School of Engineering said: “Through the Tyndall Centre, Rebecca will strengthen our capacity to link cutting-edge engineering, climate science, social science and governance insights with policy that works in practice. Her expertise will help accelerate the impact of our work, deepen our partnerships and enhance 91ֱ��’s role as a leading contributor to the UK and global climate policy landscape.” 

Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op explained: “Our Co-op believes everyone, whatever their background, should be able to access opportunities in the arts and creative sector throughout Greater 91ֱ��. Apprenticeships can provide a ‘stepping stone’ for future careers, that’s why Co-op is encouraging Greater 91ֱ�� employers to share unspent apprenticeship levy funds to raise £3 million over 3 years to support 200 new apprenticeships in the arts and creative sector throughout Greater 91ֱ��.” 

The inquiry’s findings are being launched on January 26^th at an event at the Whitworth Art Gallery at The University of 91ֱ�� in collaboration with research platform Creative 91ֱ��, where the Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��, Andy Burnham, is due to speak.  

The report can be downloaded .

Read the full research report . 

The research – funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater 91ֱ�� (ARC-GM) - explores how being unable to attend healthcare appointments during normal working hours affects the health and wellbeing of employees.

It found that jobs lacking flexibility for workers to attend healthcare appointments are linked with significantly lower health-related quality of life. This was driven mainly by effects on physical health rather than mental health, with workers who have long-term conditions being the most affected.

In the UK, there is no statutory requirement to allow employees to attend healthcare appointments during working hours, however some employers choose to allow this type of flexibility.

The research team, led by academics from The University of Manchester, suggest that to move towards a more prevention focused health system, people need to be able to access routine GP appointments and cancer screening before the point of serious illness.

, Research Fellow in Health Economics at The University of Manchester, said: “Working full time presents challenges for many workers whose jobs don’t offer the flexibility needed to take time away to attend healthcare appointments. This has significant implications for early diagnosis and management of long-term conditions.

“The findings of our research make it clear that population health could be significantly improved by removing barriers during typical working hours to allow workers to access primary care services, such as GP and screening appointments.

“While positive steps have been taken to address this access issue through the offer of out-of-hours appointments, there’s a wider discussion to be had about the role employers can play in supporting their employees’ health by permitting flexibility around healthcare appointments – without having to take paid leave or forego income.”

Dr , Deputy Theme Lead for Economic Sustainability at ARC-GM, and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at The University of Manchester, said: “Work shouldn’t be a barrier to remaining healthy. But this research shows that for some people working in inflexible jobs where they aren’t able to attend healthcare appointments during the typical working day, it can have an impact on their physical health. These challenges are particularly pressing in the context of our ageing population and the more frequent need for routine healthcare among older age groups.

“We’d welcome further investigation into the impact of this barrier to accessing healthcare, and the cost-effectiveness of different policy approaches.”

Researchers used data from the National General Practice Patient Survey in England, which is a large national survey targeting random samples of individuals registered with each general practice. Data from six waves of the survey (2013-2017) was used in which a measure of health-related quality of life was collected. The measurement of health-related quality of life covers five domains: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression.

The sample used was restricted to individuals aged between 18 and 64 years and only included those in full-time employment.

• The full study - ‘Impact of Constrained Access to Primary Care on Health-Related Quality of Life’ - has been published by the Value in Health journal. You can read the report and its results DOI

Strength2Farm will develop a robust analytical framework to better understand how farmers interact with other operators in food value chains, and how their bargaining power can be strengthened. University of Manchester Researchers will examine factors such as pricing, market transparency, risk distribution, vertical and horizontal coordination, and the role of digital tools (including AI techniques such as machine‑learning technologies, digital twin, agent-based simulation model and large language models) in improving fairness and efficiency across the sector.

The project received an excellent evaluation, with reviewers praising the clarity and ambition of the research, the strength of the consortium, and its potential impact on future agricultural policy and governance across the EU. The evaluation highlighted the project’s strong methodological foundations and its commitment to open science, inclusivity, and engagement with farmers, consumers, and wider stakeholders.

This is a significant achievement for all researchers involved, including colleagues at The University of Manchester, whose expertise will contribute to shaping more resilient, transparent and equitable food systems.

Congratulations to Arijit De, Qudamah Quboa, Eghbal Rahimikia and Raquel Ortega-Argiles on securing this prestigious Horizon Europe award.

Today, the red kangaroo is the largest living hopping animal and weighs around 90kg. But during the Ice Age, some kangaroos grew more than twice the size of that - some reaching up to 250kg.

For years, researchers believed these giants must have abandoned hopping, as earlier studies suggested that hopping would become mechanically impossible above about 150kg. Those conclusions were largely based on simply scaling up modern kangaroos, which scientists from The University of Manchester, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the University of Melbourne suspected might be misleading.

Now, by combining measurements from living kangaroos with direct evidence from fossil bones, the new study, published today in the journal finds that giant kangaroos may have been capable of hopping.

Lead researcher Megan Jones, Postgraduate Researcher at The University of Manchester, said: “Previous estimates were based on simply scaling up modern kangaroos, which may mean we miss crucial anatomical differences. Our findings show that these animals weren’t just larger versions of today’s kangaroos, they were built differently, in ways that helped them manage their enormous size.”

The team examined two potential limiting factors for hopping - the strength of the foot bones and the ability of the ankle to anchor the powerful tendons that drive a hop.

Their analysis show that the giant kangaroos had shorter, thicker foot bones capable of withstanding landing forces and their heel bones were broad enough to support much thicker ankle tendons than those of modern kangaroos.

However, these giants probably did not bounce across the landscape like today’s red kangaroos.

“Thicker tendons are safer, but they store less elastic energy,” explained s, Royal Society Research Fellow at The University of Bristol. “This likely made giant kangaroos slower and less efficient hoppers, better suited to short bursts of movement rather than long-distance travel. But hopping does not have to be extremely energy efficient to be useful, these animals probably used their hopping ability to cross rough ground quickly or to escape danger.”

The fossil analysis also revealed a range of locomotion strategies among the extinct species. Some giant kangaroos may have mixed hopping with other forms of movement, including walking upright on two legs, or moving on all fours, suggesting that hopping was just one part of a broader “movement repertoire”.

But the diversity of prehistoric Australia extends beyond just movement.

, Senior Lecturer in Evolution, Infection and Genomics at The University of Manchester, said “Our findings contribute to the notion that kangaroos had a broader ecological diversity in prehistoric Australia than we find today, with some large species grazers like modern kangaroos while others were browsers – an ecological niche not seen in today’s large kangaroos.” 

The findings provide the most comprehensive assessment to date of the mechanical feasibility of hopping in giant extinct kangaroos.

This paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports

Full title: Biomechanical limits of hopping in the hindlimbs of giant extinct kangaroos

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-29939-7

URL:

People who have had a stroke are more likely to develop infections such as pneumonia. These infections can slow recovery and make brain injury worse. Understanding why the immune system becomes weaker after stroke could help doctors prevent these infections and improve patient outcomes.

Earlier studies by Dr Laura McCulloch and Dr Barry McColl at the University of Edinburgh found that in animal models, stroke activates the system behind the fight-or-flight response, which includes the release of the chemical noradrenaline.

This activation quickly impairs a group of immune cells called B cells, reducing their ability to produce protective antibodies, and was associated with vulnerability to infection. Until now, it was unclear whether the same thing happens in stroke patients.

In this study, carried out at the University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh team, researchers analysed blood samples from patients 24 - 48 hours after an ischaemic stroke and compared them with samples from individuals who had not had a stroke (‘controls’).

They found that stroke patients had fewer B cells than control patients and that these remaining cells were also less effective at producing antibodies and special signalling proteins called cytokines, both of which are essential for fighting infections.

“Findings from this collaborative study confirm that after someone has had a stroke important immune cells that help to fight infection are reduced, limiting the patient’s ability to make protective antibodies. Revealing these changes opens opportunities to develop new treatments that could help reduce the incidence of infection after stroke,” said Clinical 91ֱ�� Lead Prof Craig Smith from The University of Manchester. 

The teams also tested B cells from healthy volunteers. When these cells were exposed to noradrenaline, they showed the same responses as seen in stroke patients: increased cell death and reduced antibody production.

These findings suggest that activation of the fight-or-flight response itself, not just stroke, can impair immune function. Stress, illness, or extreme physical exertion may all influence how well B cells work.

Reduced numbers of immune cells (B cells) were found in the blood of patients 24–48 hours after an ischaemic stroke. When B cells were stimulated with bacterial proteins (mimicking an infection), they were less able to produce protective antibodies and signalling proteins called cytokines.

The researchers are now studying how these immune changes after stroke may affect long-term recovery, including thinking and memory, as well as further damage to the brain’s blood vessels.

They are also exploring new treatments aimed at protecting or restoring B cell function after stroke, with the goal of reducing infections and improving recovery.

This research was a collaboration between the University of Manchester (Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre and the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation), the 91ֱ�� Centre for Clinical Neurosciences (part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust) and the University of Edinburgh (including the UK Dementia Research Institute).

This work was funded by the Medical Research Council, NIHR, Wellcome Trust, The Royal Society, The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research, Leducq Foundation Transatlantic Network of Excellence StrokeIMPaCT and UK Dementia Research Institute.

• Read the full paper in

Scientists have long known that inherited neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or motor neurone disease, can be traced back to genetic mutations. However, how they cause the diseases remains unanswered.

In today’s issue of the journal Current Biology Professor Andreas Prokop revealed that so-called ‘motor proteins’ can provide key answers in this quest.

The research by the Prokop group focusses on nerve fibres, also called axons. Axons are the delicate biological cables that send messages between the brain and body to control our movements and behaviour. Intriguingly, axons need to survive and stay functional for our entire lifetime!

To survive long-term, axons harbour complex cellular machinery. This machinery crucially depends on the transport of materials from the distant nerve cell bodies which is performed by motor proteins running along thin fibres called microtubules.

If mutations in motor protein genes abolish their ability to transport cargo, this causes axonal decay, and many inherited neurodegenerative diseases can be traced back to such mutations. However, another class of mutations also linking to neurodegeneration, causes motor protein hyperactivation, meaning that motor proteins are constantly active, unable to pause.

“So far, it has been difficult to explain why both disabling and hyperactivating mutations can cause very similar forms of neurodegeneration.” said Professor Prokop.

“To find answers, we use fruit flies, where research is fast and cost-effective and where many of the relevant human genes have close equivalents and perform similar functions in nerve cells. Capitalising on these advantages, we could show that disabling as well as hyperactivating mutations cause a very similar pathology in axons: straight microtubule bundles decay into areas of disorganised microtubule curling, similar to dry versus boiled spaghetti.”

Further investigations revealed that hyperactivating and disabling mutations work through two different mechanisms that eventually converge to induce this curling:

Even under normal conditions, cargo transport along microtubules generates damage, like cars cause potholes – and this requires maintenance mechanisms to repair and replace microtubules. The balance between damage and repair is disturbed if motor proteins are hyperactivated or if maintenance machinery fails - both leading to microtubule curling as a sign of axon decay.

Prokop said: “In this scenario, disabling mutations could be assumed to cause less curling because there is less damaging traffic. However, less traffic depletes supply to the axonal machinery, and this triggers a condition referred to as oxidative stress. We could show that oxidative stress affects microtubule maintenance and leads therefore to the same kind of microtubule curling as observed upon motor hyperactivation.”

“These findings suggest a circular relationship which we called the “dependency cycle of axon homeostasis”, proposing that axon maintenance requires a microtubule- and motor protein-based machinery of transport which, itself, is dependent on this transport.”

Any gene mutations affecting axonal machinery in ways that cause oxidative stress, or that disturb the balance between microtubule damage or repair, can break this cycle. This can explain a long-standing conundrum in the field: why almost any class of neurodegenerative disease can be caused by mutations in a wide range of genes linking to very different cellular functions.

He added: “Parallel work by my group strongly supports the dependency cycle model. Importantly, since the fundamental genetic makeup of fruit flies and humans is surprisingly similar, it is very likely that our findings are replicated in humans – and there are good indications already.”

New Windows on Fundamental Physics: from tabletop devices to large-scale detectors (19–23 January 2026) unites experts from particle theory, particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics and selected areas of astrophysics. The five-day meeting is designed to accelerate collaboration, stimulate new research ideas and create new partnerships within the global quantum science and engineering research community. 

, Research Associate in Particle Theory, the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) lead, and the workshop chair explains: “By bringing together world experts across theory and experiment, we are creating space for the next generation of joint projects. In keeping the workshop intentionally small and focused, we aim to foster the kind of deep discussions that aren't always possible at larger, more formal conferences.” 

The programme comprises: 

• a one-day UK Astroparticle Phenomenology (UK-APP) workshop featuring contributed talks, and
• a four-day specialist workshop with invited and contributed talks.   

The workshop will have a particular emphasis on tabletop detectors and quantum technologies for fundamental physics (QTFP), covering topics including precision metrology and quantum sensing, cold atoms and molecules, quantum analogues, atom interferometry, fifth-force tests, axion/WIMP dark matter and dark energy, neutrinos, gravitational-wave detectors, high-frequency gravitational waves and emerging tabletop detection techniques. 

, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and The University 91ֱ�� representative to the Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry collaboration, and workshop co-organiser, adds: “There is a near-term opportunity to build partnerships that will shape the future of this exciting multi-disciplinary area of research and capture support through the next wave of funding programmes.” , Head of the Photon Science Institute and Nuclear Physics Group continues: “Our aim is to enable researchers to share emerging work, explore new directions and identify opportunities for joint initiatives.” 

Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering underscores: “This workshop is a reminder of what can be achieved when we bring people together with a shared curiosity. By creating space for open exchange and collaboration, 91ֱ�� is helping to connect expertise from across the world in ways that move this field forward. It’s a collective endeavour; one that grows stronger when we work across boundaries and advance knowledge together.” 

The event reflects wider momentum in quantum science at 91ֱ��, supported by a series of strategic hires, including multiple new Chairs in Quantum Science. These appointments bring new researchers into an environment defined by growing interdisciplinary activity, strong international partnerships – from the University of Washington to Nanoco – and access to world-leading capabilities such as the P-NAME instrument and the facilities at the Henry Royce Institute. 

Event details 

Workshop: New Windows on Fundamental Physics: from tabletop devices to large-scale detectors Dates: 19-23 January 2026 Location: The University of Manchester 

Full list of speakers and more information:  

• 65,000 staff and students will receive full Microsoft 365 Copilot access and training as The University of Manchester becomes the world’s first university to offer universal provision across its entire community.     
• The University-wide rollout will equip students with future-ready skills, strengthen teaching and research, and help address the emerging digital divide through equitable access to the advanced AI tools within Microsoft 365 Copilot.
• Today’s announcement builds on 91ֱ��’s 76-year AI legacy, from Alan Turing to today’s ground-breaking research, positioning the University as a leader in ethical, responsible AI adoption.   

The University of Manchester has announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft, becoming the first university in the world to give Microsoft 365 Copilot access and training to every student and colleague. 

The landmark agreement will see 65,000 students, academics and colleagues benefit from the full Microsoft 365 Copilot suite, alongside training to support effective and responsible use.  

This initiative forms part of the University’s wider digital and AI transformation programme, which focuses not only on tools, but on building long-term AI literacy, and ensuring the responsible integration of emerging technologies.

It will support learning, research and professional work, and graduate employability. It addresses the emerging digital divide by ensuring that all students – regardless of personal means – can benefit from advanced assistive and productivity tools. 

The announcement comes 76 years after Alan Turing published his seminal ‘Turing Test’ paper while working at the University, one of the first on artificial intelligence, and reflects 91ֱ��’s continuing leadership in AI, with more than to understand and shape the technology. 

The Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout, to be completed by summer 2026, will equip 91ֱ�� students with future-ready skills and enable researchers to accelerate interdisciplinary discovery and analysis at scale.   

• Through access and training, 91ֱ�� graduates will be well prepared for the modern workplace, where employers increasingly expect graduates to be confident users of AI technologies. Students will also be able to use Microsoft 365 Copilot to support their studies in line with the University’s policies on the responsible use of AI.
• Universal access will help address the emerging digital divide by ensuring that all students can benefit from advanced assistive and productivity tools, regardless of personal means.
• Researchers across the University will be able to use Microsoft 365 Copilot to reduce time spent on routine tasks and explore ideas beyond their immediate disciplines. It enhances evidence gathering by navigating wider and more diverse literature, strengthens understanding through fast and accurate synthesis, and accelerates data analysis to unlock insights sooner. 91ֱ�� researchers are already using AI to advance breast cancer treatment and improve menopause care, transform crop productivity, and reduce waste in the fashion industry.
• For academic and professional services colleagues, Microsoft 365 Copilot will support more efficient ways of working and free up time for higher-value, strategic activity. A pilot conducted between 2024 and 2025 demonstrated strong engagement, with 90 per cent of licensed users adopting the tool within 30 days and around half using it several times a week.   

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “AI is now part of everyday life. Our responsibility is not only to make these tools available to all our students and staff on an equitable basis, but to use the depth of expertise across our university to shape how AI is developed and applied for public good.   

“By embracing the AI transformation early, we are working with students, colleagues and partners to maximise the benefits and manage risks responsibly. The great universities of the 21st century will be digitally enabled – this partnership represents a significant step on that journey for 91ֱ��.”

Darren Hardman, CEO, , said, “As someone who grew up in 91ֱ��, I’m proud to see the University extending access to Microsoft 365 Copilot across its entire community, helping 65,000 students and staff build the skills they’ll need to thrive in an AI‑enabled economy. This is a powerful example of how we can pair 91ֱ��’s deep AI heritage with responsible, ethical adoption that helps to close the digital divide and equip people to learn, research and work more effectively.”  

The strategic collaboration with Microsoft is one of the first major developments following the launch of the University’s new strategy, From 91ֱ�� for the world, demonstrating its ambition for research impact, world-class teaching and learning, and responsible leadership in digital transformation and innovation in action.  

The rollout will be delivered in partnership with the Students’ Union, trade unions and staff networks. The University is working closely with Microsoft to ensure transparency around environmental and wider impacts, and to promote best practice in responsible and sustainable AI adoption.  

Microsoft’s long-standing commitments to sustainability were an important consideration for the University in partnering with them. These include being committed to becoming carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030. 

Professor Jenn Hallam, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “Every student deserves access to the best AI tools to enable them to thrive in their studies – no matter their circumstances or background. AI is an enabler for teaching and learning, not a replacement. It’s not just supportive in the classroom, but in wider productivity and future life skills and we’re giving students the tools and training to use it in the right way, ethically and appropriately. We’re not just preparing graduates who can go out and get good jobs, we’re preparing the next generation of citizens. That’s the mission of Manchester – you'll get a great degree, but we’ll also prepare you for a fast-changing world.” 

Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Online Safety, said: "When we bring a technology like AI together with the peerless expertise of UK universities, the potential is enormous. Whether supporting students in their studies, opening new avenues of research, or slashing the time spent on routine tasks, the benefits are transformative.   

"This partnership between The University of Manchester and Microsoft will help our brightest minds do what they do best – innovate. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's Spärck Scholarships will attract high-potential AI talent to top universities like 91ֱ��." 

This eye-catching art exhibition, which launched in October, features fourteen illustrations by seven international artists. It is being displayed in high traffic areas of the Stopford Building, the home of the University’s Medical School.

Medical art refers to the illustrations which are used to illustrate anatomy, medical procedures, surgical techniques and medical devices. It is often dominated by illustrations of White, slim, young adult, non-disabled men. Reframing Stopford aims to challenge this by showing the actual diversity of human bodies, with each piece showing people with intersectional, underrepresented characteristics. The project aims to improve the sense of belonging for students and staff while normalising difference in how we visualise health(care).   

A grant from the University’s Institute of Teaching and Learning  is now enabling the next phase of development of the Reframing Stopford Project. The cross-Faculty team will be holding creative workshops for students and staff during Spring 2026, experimenting with interdisciplinary, arts-based methods for reflecting on and improving belonging.

The  exhibition is free to visit and is open for university staff and students and members of the public to view during usual University hours within the Stopford Building –  for locations of the art works.  

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The study found that wellbeing programmes worked best when led by senior school leaders but shaped collaboratively by staff and pupils. Initiatives such as ‘keep, tweak or ditch’ reviews helped teachers cut unnecessary workload, while pupil wellbeing ambassadors and parent workshops extended the benefits beyond the classroom.

“This research highlights the power of schools working as communities - not just institutions that deliver lessons, but places that nurture people,” added Dr MacQuarrie. “The schools we studied created a sense of belonging, where staff and pupils alike feel heard and supported.”

Dr Hennessey concluded: “Wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. Schools that invest in the health and happiness of their staff and students aren’t just improving education - they’re shaping stronger, kinder communities.”