The generous gift, which was made to the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM), will create the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund – a dedicated fund within the Foundation’s endowment. The first initiative supported by the fund will be a four-year Sear Family Cancer Research PhD, into which early-career researcher Gala Konteva has recently been recruited. Her research will focus on improving outcomes for lung cancer sufferers.

With Judith having studied at The University of Manchester with her late husband Tim in the 1960s, the Sear family is one of the University’s longest serving and most generous donors in the USA. Their donations have also supported the 91ֱ�� Access Programme, the Whitworth Art Gallery and a PhD in African Midwifery.

Judith Sear commented on her latest donation: “We chose to support cancer research at The University of Manchester because cancer directly upended the lives of two generations in our family. We are not alone. We are one family amongst millions around the world forced to cope with an unexpected cancer diagnosis. But while remembering our loved ones lost to cancer, we have been lucky to watch the incredible work carried on in the expanding 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre. There we have met world-leading scientists who are passionate about building brighter futures for the next generation of cancer patients. 

“By giving to the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM) Endowment, we were able to make this gift in a way that will benefit researchers for generations to come. As a NAFUM Board member for many years, I have seen the impact of US giving made possible through NAFUM. I encourage others to join my family and hundreds of alumni across North America in becoming a supporter.”

NAFUM is an independent foundation that supports the University’s work, by allowing donors based in North America to give tax efficiently and support research and student support initiatives at the University.

Gala said of her research: “The focus of my PhD project will be to develop a novel therapeutic approach for lung cancer by inhibiting a protein called p38α, a member of the MAPK signalling pathway. This protein plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in inflammation, and typically protects against cancer.

“However, in lung adenocarcinoma, it promotes tumour progression and represents a promising target for cancer therapies. There have been several clinical trials of other p38α inhibitors in lung cancer, however, none of them have been successful. My work on these novel peptide inhibitors, an alternative to traditional chemical drugs, has the potential to contribute to the development of targeted therapies, which could improve treatment options for patients suffering from lung cancer.”

91ֱ�� is a bustling centre for cancer research, with The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust working in partnership to drive cutting-edge discovery at the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre. The city is also home to the Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute which spans the entire spectrum of cancer research.

Professor Stephen Taylor, Head of Division for Cancer Sciences at The University of Manchester said: "Under the fast-paced research landscape today, our understanding of cancer's causes and how to treat it is constantly evolving. And for the researchers focused on bringing safer and more effective treatments to patients, determination is limitless.

"But our funds are not limitless, making donations from generous philanthropists - especially those living overseas - absolutely crucial to the UK's cancer research efforts. Working towards the eradication of cancer is a global effort, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors, partners and colleagues around the world for their commitment to this shared goal."

Simon Johnson - who studied Economics at 91ֱ�� in the 1980s, and is now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - won the prize alongside Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson in recognition of their work to analyse how institutions and the rule of law shape national prosperity.

Professor Johnson was born in Sheffield, and completed his undergraduate studies at Oxford University, before doing a master's degree at 91ֱ�� and a doctorate at MIT.

His career has included prominent roles at the Washington-based Peterson Institute and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he served as chief economist from 2007 to 2008 during the global financial crisis. He eventually returned to MIT as a professor, focusing on global economic inequality and policy.

Through their research, Professor Johnson and his colleagues have shaped global debates by demonstrating that democracies, which hold to the rule of law and provide individual rights, have spurred greater economic activity over the last 500 years. Their insights - derived from studying colonialism’s enduring effects on global development - have broad implications for economic strategies today.

Professor Johnson’s academic achievements have established him as a leading voice on global economic policy, which has now been further cemented by this honour. He becomes the 26^th Nobel laureate associated with The University of Manchester, either as staff or alumni.

“It is a surprise and a delight to win the Nobel Prize in Economics,” said Professor Johnson. “Getting my master’s degree at 91ֱ�� helped launch my professional career – and I will always be grateful to my teachers and fellow students in those years. Their guidance and inspiration (and many late-night conversations) helped push me down the road towards careful empirical work, bringing history to bear, and understanding the importance of building institutions that support inclusive prosperity.”

“This year’s laureates have pioneered new approaches, both empirical and theoretical, that have significantly advanced our understanding of global inequality,” said Nobel committee member Jakob Svensson. “Reducing the huge differences in income between countries is one of our times’ greatest challenges, and their insights show that democracies are - on average - better for promoting growth in the long run.”

The gift, which is the most recent donation to the University from the Foundation, will deliver an ambitious programme of work aimed at redefining the role of global development research in the 21^st Century. This supports the GDI’s overarching mission of addressing global inequalities and promoting a socially just world for all.

The gift aims to build equitable partnerships between the GDI, one of the foremost development studies research institutions globally and Universities across the developing world. The GDI aims to reshape, and lead by example, the way that leading North-based universities work with Global South partners to ensure knowledge creation is co-created.

Activity funded by the gift includes a new policy lab – aimed at translating academic research into policy change – and the creation of new PhD studentships focused on climate change and poverty reduction.

Recent GDI research has encouraged the UK government to launch new development programmes worth £270 million, catalysed improved gender equality for one million women working the supply chains of companies such as Nike and Marks & Spencer, and has resulted in improved life expectancy for over 3,750 Indonesians at risk of cardiovascular disease.

, Head of the GDI said: “The gift from the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks foundation will enable us to transform the ways in which global development institutes like ours operate.

“We want to do this by targeting new Global South partnerships. This is where we move beyond very short-term income-led forms of partnership, to much more durable and equitable relationships. The aim is to ensure that scholars in the Global South have a larger and louder voice in setting research and teaching agendas around global development, which has previously been captured very much by northern based academics.”

This new activity will build on the GDI’s track record of learning from and amplifying academic voices from across the globe. Gig economy workers in Ghana and Bangladesh are who are helping to rank platforms like Uber and Upwork. These rankings are driving up pay and conditions for workers in a wider range of low-income countries.

 

, a PhD researcher based at the GDI, is using his research to drive policy change in order to ensure that communities in his home country of Ghana benefit from prosperity brought to the country from the mining industry.  

“The people who are really short-changed are often the local people. In order to make sure the local people benefit, it is important that their views are elevated to a level where they have a greater say in governance,” said Gerald.

“The University is number one in terms of research towards sustainable development goals. I have no doubt in mind that the nature of the GDI is contributing immensely towards this.”

The Brooks’ extraordinary contribution reflects a deep commitment to promoting sustainable development and social justice worldwide.

Rory Brooks is co-founder of the international private equity group MML Capital Partners. Rory graduated from UMIST (now The University of Manchester) in 1975 and serves on the Charity Commission.   He was the donor member of the Pearce Review into philanthropy in Higher Education in 2012 and was awarded the CBE in 2015.

Rory Brooks said: “Philanthropy, at its best, should be used to catalyse new and bold activity that is less likely to be funded through traditional channels. We are very encouraged and pleased to be able to support the ambitious plan of the GDI to recast global development research in partnership with Institutions around the world.”

The gift follows a recent £1.5 million gift to The University of Manchester from alumnus and businessman Simon Sadler, which will provide life-changing financial support for care leaver students.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor said: “The University of Manchester owes its very existence to philanthropy. As we step into our third century, philanthropic gifts play a critical part in delivering our goal of creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.”

The University of Manchester, renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and education, is the home of the Global Development Institute. This significant donation underscores the University's position as a leader in addressing complex global challenges and underscores its ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on society.

For more information about the Global Development Institute at The University of Manchester, please visit

Simon and his wife Gillian are also supporting Cancer Research UK’s More Research, Less Cancer campaign with a gift to the CRUK National Cancer Biomarker Centre in 91ֱ��. The Biomarker Centre is housed in the CRUK 91ֱ�� Institute, a partnership between The University of Manchester, CRUK and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

“I would personally like to thank Simon for this generous, life-changing programme of support for students leaving care, which will play a pivotal role in our mission to create a more inclusive and accessible academic environment,” said Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester. “We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds are able to fulfil their potential and succeed here at our University, and this new bursary is another tool in our arsenal to enable that to happen.”

Our University is committed to supporting care leavers and estranged students throughout their studies, and offers tailored support to these students. This includes various financial packages such as The 91ֱ�� Bursary, the  and the  - which are all generously supported by donors. The Access & Success Fund also provides accommodation grants for care experienced and estranged students, ensuring they are not left without somewhere to go during the summer break.

Students are also provided with named contacts who help them to navigate and access university support services, assist with accommodation, finances and settling into university life, provide career guidance, put them in touch with other care experienced or estranged students, and provide a listening ear whenever they would like to speak to someone.

Care experienced and estranged students are also offered paid work at the University as a Student Ambassador, which is a great opportunity to access to flexible, paid, part-time work, meet other students and develop people skills. Ambassadors are also offered the chance to act as role models on the projects that we run with looked-after young people by talking about their experiences of education.

The prestigious award ceremony, held in London on November 9, recognised and celebrated outstanding British entrepreneurship, firmly establishing GIM as a leader in sustainability and innovation.

The Innovator of the Year Awards, hosted by The Spectator, have become a hallmark in the UK's business and investment communities, attracting a growing number of entries each year. The award was well deserving of GIM's groundbreaking work in harnessing the power of graphene to drive sustainability and economic viability.

Earlier this month, GIM, alongside Economic Innovator of the Year finalists, was featured in . The episode delved into their expertise in manufacturing and engineering, with GIM's contributions highlighted from 27:30.

Graphene Innovations 91ֱ�� Ltd

GIM design graphene-based compounds and production systems that allow partners to commercialise graphene-enhanced products at scale, unlocking competitive advantage, sustainability, and cost reduction. Notably, GIM's work in developing graphene-enhanced concrete stands out as a game-changer for the construction industry, where concrete production contributes 8% of global CO2 emissions.

GIM Concrete, a pioneering product by the company, is a fusion of graphene, polymers, and additives. What makes it truly innovative is its manufacturing process, which eliminates 88% of CO2 emissions by abstain from the use of cement. Not only does it address environmental concerns, but GIM Concrete also boasts 4 times the compression strength of traditional concrete, is 30% lighter, and cures in a mere 2 to 4 hours, compared to the 28 days required for traditional concrete.

The company has also developed a sustainable waste upcycling platform, utilising graphene as an additive to transform ground waste tires and plastics. This approach allows for the creation of high-quality, durable products through traditional manufacturing processes, optimising both performance and sustainability.

Graphene Innovations 91ֱ�� Ltd was founded by Dr Vivek Koncherry, an alumnus, with their research and development centre located in The University of Manchester’s (GEIC). 

Vivek expressed his delight saying: “We are honoured to receive the Excellence in Sustainability award and grateful for the supportive environment in 91ֱ��'s graphene ecosystem and the focus of The University of Manchester on this core area of social responsibility. This recognition exemplifies the collaborative efforts and transformative potential of graphene-based solutions. Personally, my time as a senior research fellow at The University of Manchester, combined with recognising the fundamental role of sustainability in the University’s ethos, inspired me to working with graphene and the GEIC.

"From first proposing a graphene suitcase idea to recycling car tires into graphene floor mats, the journey has been very transformative with exciting future developments now taking place. With this recognition, GIM eagerly anticipates continuing its innovative journey, contributing to a sustainable future, and inspiring others to leverage the graphene ecosystem for positive impact."

What is graphene, and its link to 91ֱ��?

If you've ever used a pencil, you've unwittingly engaged with graphene. Discovered in 2004 by 91ֱ��-based researchers, Professor Andre Geim and Professor Kostya Novoselov, graphene is a one-atom-thick, two-dimensional crystal. Their pioneering work in isolating graphene from graphite earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. Today, 91ֱ�� known as the home of graphene, remains a hub for graphene research and applications, and GIM stands as a shining example of the city's continued contribution to groundbreaking technological advancements.

This collaboration aims to bridge the widening tech skills employment gap in the UK, building on the success achieved during the pilot phase. The partnership aligns with the University’s ambition to deliver lifelong flexible learning that is inclusive, accessible and international, preparing graduates for an increasingly digital world that demands agility, creativity, and digital proficiency – and becoming a learning partner for life.

During the first phase of the partnership, HyperionDev has successfully supported learners in levelling up their careers through the Department for Education (DfE) Skills Bootcamps initiative. These bootcamps, encompassing data science, software engineering, and full-stack web development, offer learners the opportunity to acquire essential coding skills and a chance to obtain a non-degree certificate from The University of Manchester and HyperionDev.

In the next phase of the partnership, HyperionDev will continue to work with The University of Manchester to further improve access to these bootcamps, and to support the University in its mission to upskill learners at large and close the widening tech skills-gap. All interested students regardless of their professional background, prior tech knowledge or employment status can now enrol for any of the .

For learners, these bootcamps have made a real impact in allowing them to transition or progress in their careers. One participant said: “This comprehensive skill set is essential for any data scientist, and I am proud to have acquired these skills through the bootcamp”, while another commented that: “This has been an enriching experience that has enabled me to enhance my existing skills and acquire new ones.”

Professor Danielle George, Associate Vice President, Blended and Flexible Learning at The University of Manchester, expressed her delight about the extended partnership. She said: "It is amazing to see how many learners have benefitted from participating in the bootcamps to boost their careers over the past six months. Our ambition at The University of Manchester is to nurture partnerships such as the one with HyperionDev, allowing us to be responsive to emerging learner and employer needs.

"This collaboration is already making a significant contribution in addressing the national digital skills gap and aligns with our commitment to prepare learners for an increasingly digital and interconnected world."

The three newly launched online coding bootcamps represent The University of Manchester and HyperionDev’s commitment to providing exceptional coding education to individuals worldwide. 

Riaz Moola, founder and CEO of HyperionDev, added: “Through our partnership with The University of Manchester, we take a significant step towards bridging the tech skills gap in the UK, as it is becoming increasingly evident that proficiency in data skills holds significance not only for businesses but also for individuals. Individuals who possess a level of understanding in data are more inclined to reap advantages from and actively participate in the ever-expanding realms of data-intensive settings that envelop their personal and professional lives.

"We look forward to generating positive outcomes for all involved as I strongly believe that accessible tech education is the future of upward social mobility for tens of thousands of people across the globe."

HyperionDev's programming bootcamps, typically completed within three to six months, cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to become proficient developers by learning programming key languages and building useful tech projects. Each student receives access to personalised code review and human mentorship to guide their level of expertise and career support to advise them on future professional development and positioning themselves for this online.

For more information about The University of Manchester and HyperionDev partnership and the online programmes offered, please visit

The lecture can be streamed live on from 6pm on Tuesday 16 May, where it will also be available afterwards for those unable to watch it live.

The United Kingdom celebrates 75 years of India's independence by recognising and celebrating the work of 75 young achievers who have studied in the UK. Achievers “are some of the brightest young minds in the India-UK corridor. They are trailblazers, Innovators and thought leaders, shaping India's future and setting global discourse.”

The honours are part of , celebrating the friendship between the UK and India - marking the 75th anniversary of India. The 75 Achievers were honoured at a on 25 January.

The winners:

Parineeti Chopra, Arts, Culture & Entertainment category (Outstanding Achiever) (BA Intl Business, Finance & Economics 2009)

A National Film Award winner, Parineeti is an acclaimed artist with multiple honours and recognitions to her name. She has appeared in the Forbes Celebrity 100 list since 2013.

The renowned Bollywood actor, is a household name in India and beyond. Parineeti graduated from the Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School in 2009 having studied; business, finance and economics, before turning to acting.

On accepting her award Parineeti said: “Life has come full circle and I’m so glad to be back where it all started! Having studied at 91ֱ�� Business School, to be able to come back, receive this award and celebrate it at the UK Parliament is such an incredible, special feeling.”

Somdip Dey, Education, Science & Innovation category (Outstanding Achiever) (MSc Computer Science 2014)

Somdip Dey is a machine learning researcher, educator, entrepreneur and electronic music producer. He is credited with co-developing the Nosh app, an AI-based food management app, aiming to reduce food waste in the household. Dey also co-founded Nosh Technologies and is currently the CEO and Chief Scientist in the company.

Speaking about the award, Somdip said: “Coming from a humble family from the slums of Kolkata, India, if someone told my past self that I would reach where I am today, I might not have ever believed it, especially since being dyslexic and falling in the ADHD spectrum - education in my early life hasn't been easy. But The University of Manchester has provided me with the right support to achieve my full potential. Given the University’s vibrant learning culture, rich heritage and expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and a network of leading change-makers from around the world, the University is one of the best places in the world to pursue your dreams - as mine came true because of my education at 91ֱ��!”

Dr Srijan Jinda, Education, Science & Innovation category (PhD Chemistry 2020)

Born in Varanasi, Srijan completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in 2016 and his Ph.D. at The University of Manchester in 2019. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool for a year after which he spun out a medical device company PhenUtest Diagnostics Ltd. and is working towards commercialising a revolutionary rapid UTI diagnostic kit as the Chief Scientific Officer for the company.

Arundhuti Gupta, Education, Science & Innovation category (MSc Finance 2009)

Arundhuti is the founding trustee and chief executive officer of Mentor Together, a non-profit organisation in India that provides mentoring relationships and networks to young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.  Arundhuti setup Mentor Together aged 23, to pay forward mentorship that had been catalytic in helping her discover a passion for youth development and social entrepreneurship.

A new Knight and a Dame are among the University of Manchester people recognised in the New Year Honours, the first to be granted by King Charles III.

Professor Robina Shah is the Director of . She has been made a Dame for services to Patient Care. Robina is a Chartered Consultant Psychologist and Professor of Psycho-social Medicine and Medical Education in the Division of Medical Education at The University of Manchester Medical School. 

She is the lead academic on person-centred education, patient safety, patient, and public involvement in the Division of Medical Education.

Robina is passionate about giving patients, carers and families a voice through active partnership. She is also a powerful advocate of psychosocial medicine and committed to patient and public involvement.

Over two decades, Robina has shared her teaching expertise in this area to challenge the focus of medical education from a biomedical model of disease to one that accommodates the psychological, social, and behavioural dimensions of illness.

Truly humbled,honoured, thankful to everyone who have enriched my life’s journey. Deeply indebted to my parents,husband Tariq,children,Zainab,Raabiyah, Sulaymaan. Heartfelt thanks to patients,carers,friends,colleagues. This recognition is for all of us.

— Professor Robina Shah MBE DL JP CPychol FRCGP(Hon) (@robinashah_GM)

has been knighted for his services to medicine and mental health. Louis is Professor of Psychiatry at the University and Chair of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group.

Louis leads , investigating suicide and self-harm, the largest research unit in this field internationally.  Its findings have been the basis of Government policy on suicide prevention and are widely quoted by governments, professionals and charities.  From 2000-2010 Louis was seconded as the Government's National Director for Mental Health to lead a national programme of reform in mental health care in England and from 2010-2014 he was National Clinical Director for Health and Criminal Justice.  From 2013-2019 he was a non-executive director of the Care Quality Commission, the NHS regulator. 

Louis was the author of England's first national suicide prevention strategy and continues to co-chair (with a health minister) the Government's advisory group on suicide prevention. He has written reports on suicide prevention after the Grenfell fire for the NHS and on doctors facing investigation for the GMC.  

Thanks for the kind messages re the .

It’s a tribute to the brilliant researchers, charities, professionals & civil servants I’ve worked with.

To the inspirational families who have brought out of the shadows.

Thanks to them & .

— louis appleby (@ProfLAppleby)

, Professor of Ecology, has been made a CBE for services to Soil Ecology and Climate Change Science.

Over the last thirty years, Richard's research has led to advances in the area of plant-soil interactions, with a particular focus on understanding impacts of plants on soil microbial communities and feedback consequences for plant growth and ecosystem processes, especially carbon and nitrogen cycling. Richard has published over 350 scientific papers, including many highly cited works in leading journals such as Nature and Science. He has also authored and co-authored several books,

Richard has a long-standing commitment to promoting awareness of soil biodiversity research. To this end, he was a founder member of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI), established in 2011 to create a global platform for the translation of expert knowledge on soil biodiversity into policy, and he contributed to the UN's Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils report The Status of the World's Soil Resources (2015).

Professor Chas Mangham, has an honorary chair at the University. He has been made MBE for services to Forensic Science. He is Professor of Musculoskeletal Pathology, University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

Sir Michael Marmot has been made a Companion of Honour for services to public health. Sir Michael holds an honorary chair with the University. He is a Professor of Epidemiology and a world-leading expert in health inequalities.

Alumni have also been recognised in the honours:

Lyn Chitty (BSc (Hons) Pharmacology 1973), Professor of Genetics and Foetal Medicine at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to medicine.

Dominic Herrington (BA (Hons) Economics 1991) becomes a Commander of the Order of the Bath (CB) for services to education. Dominic was National Schools Commissioner from 2019 to 2022. He is now Executive Director for Transforming Delivery in Prisons, part of HM Prison and Probation Service. Dominic is also a trustee of the Brilliant Club, a national charity that supports disadvantaged children to gain access to the most competitive universities.

Gwynneth Bellman (BA (Hons) History of Art and Architecture 2003), a magistrate, is made an MBE for services to the administration of justice and to the community in 91ֱ��.

Colin Riordan (BA (Hons) German Language and Literature 1981; PhD 1986), President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, has been made a CBE for services to higher education. 

Wakkas Khan (Dentistry 2004; MSc Advanced Restorative Dentistry 2022) is made an MBE for his services to charity, young people and interfaith relations. In 2017, in the aftermath of the 91ֱ�� Arena bombing, Wakkas founded Young Interfaith, a national grassroots initiative that seeks to bring together young people of all faiths and none to inspire them to collective social action. Prior to this, he was Chair of The Prince's Trust Mosaic North West, a charitable mentoring initiative founded and supported by King Charles III. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater 91ֱ�� in 2019.

Shelly Quinton-Hulme (BSc (Hons) Environmental and Resource Geology 1995) is made an MBE for services to the community in Stretford, Greater 91ֱ��. Shelly, who is a project manager for Network Rail, is chair of the Friends of Victoria Park, Stretford, an organisation which she has been involved with for over 20 years. She is also a governor of Victoria Park Infant School and a trustee of Stretford Children’s Theatre.

Veronica Hilliard (BA Education 1995), who is Executive Headteacher of Golborne and Maxilla Children's Centres in London, has been made an MBE for services to early years education.

Jenifer White (BSc (Hons) Plant Biology 1982), Historic Landscape Advisor at Historic England, is made an MBE for services to heritage and historic parks and gardens.

Richard Lower (BSc (Hons) Chemical Engineering 1987), a procurement manager for Tarmac, is awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Peter Nicol (BSc (Hons) Chemistry 1977), who has served as Chair of Governors at Bury College since 2008, receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to education.

Salman Desai (MBA 2021), Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Transformation at the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, receives the King’s Ambulance Medal (KAM) for 25 years’ service. The Medal is awarded to ambulance staff who have shown distinguished service, exemplary dedication to their role, and demonstrated outstanding ability, merit and conduct to their vocation.

Following the first peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts have turned their attention to the long-term health consequences of the novel coronavirus.

Viruses can damage hearing, and so it is possible that the virus responsible for Covid-19 may also have this effect. Kevin Munro, Professor of Audiology, and his team have already published two relevant studies displaying a possible link between Covid-19 and hearing deterioration; both of which have attracted widespread media attention.

In one study, following up with adults diagnosed with Covid-19 eight weeks after hospital discharge, more than 1 in 10 self-reported a deterioration in their hearing or the presence of tinnitus (noises in their ears).

“We already know that viruses such as measles, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss and coronaviruses can damage the nerves that carry information to and from the brain”, said Professor Munro. “It is possible, in theory, that Covid-19 could cause problems with parts of the auditory system including the middle ear or cochlea.”

Earlier this year, many supporters came together to donate towards The University of Manchester’s medical research response. As a result of donor generosity, the University has been able to establish a special research fund, which, along with generous contributions from charitable sources, will support Professor Kevin Munro’s crucial research investigating the impact of Covid-19 on hearing.

The is a powerhouse of hearing research spanning basic discovery science through to applied research and patient benefit. The University is currently leading the world on hearing-related Covid-19 research and is arguably the only UK centre with the facilities (including the UK’s only hearing research van), expertise and agility to take the next bold step to understanding the links between Covid-19 and hearing loss.

“Timely evidence for decision makers is urgently needed, so I am very grateful that philanthropic support has enabled us to begin this study and understand the longer term impact of Covid-19 on the auditory system”, said Professor Munro.

“There is still very little information about the long-term effects of Covid-19 and it is important that we understand the ongoing medical, psychological and rehabilitation needs of people impacted by the virus. Our results will help ensure that, in the future, Covid-19 patients receive appropriate hearing assessments and management for any hearing loss. Mitigating the impact of hearing loss will have consequent benefits to the quality of life for the individuals concerned.”

For more information on Professor Munro’s research and the findings so far, please visit this link.

, professor of development studies at the University, has been awarded an OBE whilst has received an MBE.

Prof Hulme recieved his award for services to research and international development while Prof Azapagic, who is Professor of Sustainable Chemical Engineering at 91ֱ��, was awarded hers for services to sustainability and carbon footprinting.

Prof Hulme is Executive Director of the at The University of Manchester and CEO of the Effective States and Inclusive Development Research Centre.

He has worked in the area of global poverty and development for more than 30 years covering everything from poverty reduction and microfinance to the role of NGOs in conflict and peace. 

During that time, his main focus has been on Bangladesh but he has also worked extensively across South Asia, East Africa and the Pacific

As well has her research work at the University, Prof Azapagic heads up the Sustainable Industrial Systems, an internationally-leading research group applying principles of sustainable development and life cycle thinking in industrial practice.

Her research interests include sustainable production and consumption, life cycle sustainability assessment and corporate sustainability.

Adisa has held a number of fellowships and honorary appointments, including fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering and UNESCO. She was awarded the IChemE Award for Outstanding Achievements in Chemical and Process Engineering in 2010 and the GSK/CIA Innovation Award in 2011.

Professor Gordon Carlson, who is a consultant surgeon at  as well as one of our alumni, was honoured with a CBE for his services to general and intestinal failure surgery.

As well as being one of our alumni, Prof Carlson also maintains academic links with the University via his professorship in the 

Prof Carlson said he was "amazed" and "delighted" at the award adding: "This award reflects not only my work but also the efforts of my colleagues I have had the privilege to work with, who always put the patient" 

Other notable awards for members of our alumni inlcude:

Dame Sally Davies, who is also master of Trinity College Cambridge and a former chief medical officer for England. She became a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

Sir Clive Lloyd CBE, one of the finest cricketers of his generation who captained the West Indies and Lancashire to great success in the 1970s and 80s, was given a Knighthood. He is currently Vice-President of Lancashire and Chairman of the ICC. Sir Clive holds three honorary degrees from the University: an honorary MA (1983) and LittD (2002) from the Victoria University, and an honorary fellowship of UMIST (1987).

Professor Jane Elliott (PhD Sociology 2001), received an MBE for services to social sciences. Professor Elliott is Professor of Sociology at the University of Exeter, and was Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) from 2014 to 2017. She was also a Research Fellow here at The University of Manchester from 1994 to 1999.

Michelle Proudman (Conversion Programme - Nursing 1999) was given an MBE for services to community nursing. Miss Proudman is the Lead Nurse for Community Nursing at the 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

A conflict surgeon who has risked his life in some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts is to deliver this year’s Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture at The University of Manchester on 31 May.

David Nott OBE, will speak to alumni of the University at the sell-out event which will also be streamed live on the University’s Facebook page.

The surgeon, who won the 2015 University of Manchester outstanding alumnus award, has operated under torchlight as battles raged around him.

For the past 23 years David has taken unpaid leave each year to work for the aid agencies Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Syria Relief.

He has worked in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Chad, Darfur, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Central African Republic, Gaza and Nepal.

When Islamic State fanatics burst into his theatre in Syria he bravely refused to stop operating and leave the hospital, vowing to carry on operating on a little girl even if it ended in his own death.

Previous Cockcroft Rutherford lecturers include Professor Brian Cox OBE, Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Advisor to the UK government, and Professor Danielle George MBE

As well as treating victims of conflict and catastrophe and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charitable causes, David teaches advanced surgical skills to local medics and surgeons when he is abroad.

In 2015 he established the David Nott Foundation with his wife Elly. The Foundation supports surgeons to develop operating skills in warzones and austere environments.

The Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture with David Nott OBE is on Thursday, 31 May 2018. It is in Theatre B, University Place and starts at 6pm prompt. The event is sold out, but will be streamed live on Facebook

The annual Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture is the flagship event for alumni and friends of The University of Manchester. At 91ֱ��, we have the largest global alumni community of any-campus based university in the UK, and we are in contact with over 380,000 graduates.

Over 7,000 of these graduates across the globe give up their time to benefit students and their local communities as part of our alumni volunteering programme – one of the largest in the UK. Alumni can find out more about volunteering at