Circadian rhythms are our internal 24-hour body clocks. These natural cycles of physiological and behavioural patterns, if disrupted, can have adverse effects on ageing and related health issues.

The project, called CircadiAgeing, will focus on understanding how both the well-known molecular clock and the less studied processes in cell membranes influence daily changes in cell activity.

Through an interdisciplinary approach using cutting-edge electrophysiology, imaging, genetic analysis and computational biology, the research team hopes to develop ways to better understand and strengthen these biological clocks, to promote healthier ageing and potentially reduce age-related disorders.

, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Neuroscience, is a part of CircadiAgeing’s core team. 

Dr Belle said: “I am excited to be part of the CircardiAgeing research programme and fantastic team of world-leading researchers in circadian biology and neuroscience."

The programme, funded for 60 months, is a collaboration between Dr Mino Belle (University of Manchester), Dr Marco Brancaccio (UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London), Professor Hugh Piggins (University of Bristol), Professor Krasi Tsaneva-Atananova (University of Exeter), and Dr Alessio Vagnoni (King's College London). The project is led by Professor James Hodge (University of Bristol).

Professor James Hodge said: “We will take advantage of the powerful genetics and short lifespan of the fruit fly to determine the effect of age on the clock translating our finding to a nocturnal, and for the first time, a day active species of rodent using closely aligned computational models, innovative tools and protocols developed by our labs.

“We will employ, a holistic approach taking a multiple-disciplinary approach to understanding how the circadian clock works at every level across the whole life course. Finally, we will investigate evolutionary conserved interventions to rejuvenate rhythms and behaviour extending health during ageing, revealing ways to potentially allow our ageing population to continue to live well and independently.”

The funding comes from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), who have backed four groundbreaking research projects through their (sLoLa). The scheme supports innovative teams in pursuing ambitious, multidisciplinary long-term bioscience research.

Professor Adam Greenstein, Professor of Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The team and I are delighted to have been chosen as the winners of the British Heart Foundations Research Story of the Year award. Our research marks a revolutionary step forward in understanding the vascular causes of dementia by uncovering new routes for drugs which could slow the progression of  this devastating condition.

The British Heart Foundation has been funding my work for the last 12 years, and it has been the privilege of a lifetime. None of these breakthroughs would exist if it wasn’t for their unwavering and continuous support. Dementia in the over 65’s is largely a vascular illness – together with the British Heart Foundation we are going to stop it in it’s tracks”

The Research Story of the Year category invites the public to vote for their favourite BHF-funded research project addressing some of the biggest challenges in cardiovascular disease.

The 91ֱ�� team, co led by Professor Greenstein and Dr Harry Pritchard won for their study that unmasked the hidden dangers of even slightly high blood pressure, revealing how it disrupts communication between the cells that make up the arteries in the brain.

Blood flow in the brain is regulated by two cell structures. When blood pressure increases, these structures help to transmit messages that tell arteries to dilate, allowing more blood to flow through them.

But the researchers found that, when blood pressure remains consistently high, these two structures move further apart. This stops messages reaching their target, causing arteries to remain permanently constricted and limiting blood flow to the brain.

Brain cells that don’t receive enough blood are starved of oxygen and nutrients, causing them to become damaged over time and die. This can lead to lack of concentration and poor memory, both symptoms of dementia.

These results in mice still need to be confirmed in humans, but the team are already looking at potential drugs that could restore this communication. They hope that this could improve blood supply to affected areas in the brain, slowing the progression of all dementia syndromes.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said:

 “Cardiovascular disease affects the lives of too many families, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. But, thanks to the incredible commitment and generosity of our BHF supporters and researchers, there is hope on the horizon.

“This study is just one example of the incredible research happening in labs and hospitals across the UK. Every day, our awe-inspiring BHF-funded researchers bring us one step closer to the next breakthrough that will save and improve lives of people affected by cardiovascular disease.”

At the awards hosted in Birmingham on 28 November, The University of Manchester and the University’s Students’ Union was recognised for the support provided to students during the cost of living crisis in 2022/23.

One-off payments totalling over £9million were made available to all students in November 2022, which 90% accessed. Targeted additional support was allocated to some students in February 2023 which, at the time, many other universities were not in the financial position to provide.

Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over £10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.

Kelly-Ann Mallon, Head of Access, Student Employability, Success, and Development at The University of Manchester, who attended the awards on behalf of the University, said: “This recognition is a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration across the University that allowed us to respond swiftly and effectively to the cost of living crisis.

“The collective commitment from all areas of the institution ensured that we could provide the right support to our students. This award is not only a recognition of our efforts but a reflection of how much of a difference this initiative has made in the lives of our students, and it’s truly rewarding to see that impact acknowledged."

Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over £10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.

The University’s community of donors play a significant role in supporting students experiencing cost of living challenges.  Initiatives such as the Cost of Living Support Fund ensure those facing hardship have access to immediate financial support. Gifts from donors also support programmes such as the 91ֱ�� Access Programme and Undergraduate Access Scholarship, enabling more students than ever to access life-changing opportunities here at 91ֱ��.

The effects of this response to the crisis stretched beyond the University, making waves in Westminster discourse and impacting policy.

Today, the University’s efforts continue to positively influence conversations around financial support for students across the UK, while the University itself remains dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer, University of Manchester Students' Union said: "I'm so proud that this collaborative piece of work between the University and Students' Union has been recognised by Times Higher and the sector.

“To me, the key takeaway here is that colleagues at the University and the Students' Union elected Executive Teams worked in partnership on a direct and deliverable package of support for our 48,000 students during the cost of living crisis and financial pressures, putting students' needs at the forefront of our actions. Huge congratulations to all those involved in the work, and the current Students' Union team looks forward to continuing to work in partnership, to ensure that any barriers students face can be overcome."

Anna Lomas, Employer Engagement Manager at The University of Manchester and chair of the group in charge of directing student support said: “Colleagues from across The University of Manchester and the Students' Union are delighted to be recipients of this award and to be recognised formally for the hard work and commitment they gave to supporting our students with the challenges they were facing during the escalating cost of living crisis. 

“Our sector leading and truly collaborative approach demonstrates our collective dedication to student experience at the University. Thank you to everyone who contributed their energy, experience and expertise.”

The University of Manchester also received the award for Research Project of the Year: STEM for its work developing the world’s first bedside genetic test to prevent babies from going deaf.

One in 500 babies carry a gene that causes permanent deafness when given gentamicin, an antibiotic which is commonly used in intensive care. Researchers from 91ֱ�� developed the rapid bedside test and trialled it on 751 babies in neonatal units in 91ֱ�� and Liverpool, and the NHS is exploring how the test can become part of routine clinical care. The technology could potentially save the hearing of 180 babies in the UK every year.

Dr John McDermott, NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Manchester said: "This award is a testament to the hard work of so many people from across the University and at the hospital. With the genedrive technology set to be rolled out across the country as part of PALOH-UK, we're excited to see how the impact of this intervention will continue to grow."

Formed to challenge and disrupt the global conveyor belt market, Ecobelt Ltd is an environmentally ambitious company that champions environmental sustainability and fosters a circular life-cycle approach for belting use.

In the UK alone, 4,000 tonnes of conveyor belts are incinerated or sent to landfill every week.

The ‘Sustainable Materials Innovation for Net-zero’ award recognises Ecobelt’s patented innovative belt splice technology to address the main cause of belt failure. The technology extends belt lifespan from months to years, therefore improving the upstream sustainability by reducing the demand for new belts.

Through partnership and collaboration with The University of Manchester—supported by its UKRI Impact Acceleration Account and the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub at the Henry Royce Institute—Ecobelt tested the performance of their technology to develop an approach to repair damaged conveyor belts, employing a whole life-cycle environmental impact approach.

The judges from the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining commended Ecobelt’s technology, citing the robust research base and collaboration with partners as key indicators to Ecobelt’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Conveyor belts service virtually all consumer products, production and manufacturing facilities globally, driving a market valued at $6 billion (USD) annually, fuelled by e-commerce and industry 4.0.

Despite this, the industry has been remarkably stagnant in relation to innovation, sustainability and the manufacturing process of materials used in conveyor belts. As conveyor belts are fossil fuel based, manufacturing consumes huge natural resources whilst producing significant Greenhouse Gases – an issue that Ecobelt seeks to change.

Whilst Ecobelt’s next steps for commercial scale up are still unfolding, the technology’s potential for lasting impact in the industrial settings are clear.

Professor Michael Shaver, Director of the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub said: “Our world is driven – both literally and figuratively – by conveyor belts. Yet we don’t think of them as essential in championing 91ֱ�� as a sustainable city.

“Our eyes have been opened by this hidden gem of a local business: Ecobelt have tackled an invisible material flow that is essential to keeping our manufacturing and delivery systems moving by improving material repair, reuse and circularity. It has been a privilege to work on assessing the AnnStuMax technology and quantifying its impressive environmental credentials.”

During the 2022/23 academic year, the University and Students’ Union worked together to develop an exemplary package of support for students. One-off payments totalling over £9million were made available to all students in November 2022, which 90% accessed.

Targeted additional support was allocated to some students in February 2023 which, at the time, many other universities were not in the financial position to provide.

Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over £10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.

The effects of this response to the crisis stretched beyond the University, making waves in Westminster discourse and impacting policy. Today, the University’s efforts continue to positively influence conversations around financial support for students across the UK.

At the University, helping students navigate the cost-of-living remains a key focus, featuring prominently in the welcome activities for semester one this year. The group in charge of directing support is chaired by Anna Lomas, Employer Engagement Manager at The University of Manchester.

Anna said of the award nomination: “Being shortlisted is well deserved recognition of the dedication to supporting our students during this difficult period from teams in the Students' Union, Student Finance, AGLC/Library, Estates, Student Support and more. It was this truly collaborative approach that enabled such a rapid response and comprehensive package of assistance, and highlights the commitment of both the institution and our Students' Union to the student experience at The University of Manchester.”

The University of Manchester has been nominated for three THE Awards in total this year. The University is a contender for the Research Project of the Year: STEM Award for the world-first bedside genetic test to prevent babies going deaf.

The University has also been shortlisted for the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year Award for its work powering social mobility, in collaboration with the University of Salford and IntoUniversity.

Kelly-Ann Mallon, Head of Access, Student Employability, Success, and Development at The University of Manchester, said: "From the outset, our vision was clear: to work in true collaboration with the Students’ Union to deliver a sector-leading package of support for our students in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. The response was a truly collaborative effort across the University, bringing together colleagues from all areas to ensure that we could respond swiftly and effectively.

“Our collective commitment to supporting our students, both academically and personally, was at the heart of this initiative. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this package of support has made a tangible difference in students’ lives, and being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Award reflects the strength of the teamwork involved."

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer at The University of Manchester Students' Union said: “This recognition highlights the incredible dedication and collaboration of our elected Students' Union Executive Teams of 2022/23 and 2023/24. Their tireless work in partnership with the University was instrumental in delivering a support package that not only provided immediate relief to students but also set a benchmark for institutions across the sector. I’m very proud to see the impact of their efforts acknowledged on such a prestigious platform.”

Considered the ‘Oscars’ of higher education, the THE Awards attract hundreds of entries every year from across the UK and Ireland.

Winners will be announced on 28 November at a celebratory gala dinner at the ICC in Birmingham.

The projects are supported through £22 million of funding – of which each will receive £5 million - by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.

The first project, CyberFocus, led by Lancaster University, will strengthen and deliver strategic investments in the region’s cyber ecosystem, fuelling the potential of the North West cyber sector and keeping the UK at the forefront of advance cyber security.

Danny Dresner, Professor of Cyber Security in the Department of Computer Science and the University’s academic lead for CyberFocus, said: “The volatile, risk-filled landscape of cyber security so often gives our adversaries free rein to innovate faster than those who create for the online safety of all of us."

CyberFocus brings together the universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Salford, 91ֱ�� Metropolitan, Central Lancashire, Cumbria and Liverpool.

It will also be supported by other partners including Team Barrow (Westmorland & Furness Council, and BAE Systems), Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria LEP, Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority and Lancashire County Council.

The project aims to act as a catalyst for cyber knowledge exchange across the North West, fostering a collaborative approach to research and innovation, and helping the region drive economic growth and improve cyber resilience.

CyberFocus aims to:

• Create 85 new collaborative partnerships
• Develop 400 new products, processes, or services
• Secure £40m additional funding for the region
• Train 300 individuals in cyber innovation skills

The second project, led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, focuses on nuclear robotics and artificial intelligence. It will connect academia with the supply chain, with the aim of decommissioning the country’s nuclear legacy, as well as developing technology that can be exploited by the nuclear fusion sector.

Barry Lennox, Professor of Applied Control, in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is the University’s lead for this project.

The project will link Cumbria and Oxfordshire – its' university partners being The University of Cumbria, The University of Manchester and The University of Oxford – and hopes to mobilise significant knowledge and technology transfer between these areas.

Being the only research focused university with a research base in West Cumbria, The University of Manchester will also attempt to bring other universities into the region and support them, as they develop technology for the nuclear industry.

The project aims to:

• Create 200 business opportunities
• Establish 10 spin-out companies
• Generate 200 new jobs
• Engage 5,000 people in cluster-driven events

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “We are backing universities across the UK to home in on local strengths in research – from cybersecurity in Lancaster to maritime in Liverpool, offshore wind in Edinburgh to digital healthcare in Belfast – to support thousands of local jobs, boost skills and bring new technologies to market.

“This investment will allow innovators up and down the country to continue or expand their pioneering work to improve lives and kickstart growth in our economy with new opportunities.”

Other ongoing projects at The University of Manchester, funded by EPSRC PBIAA, include the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), which is a collaborative project led by the University, aimed at creating a cohesive ecosystem for Industrial Biotechnology innovation. 

UKRI also funds the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), which provides flexible support to progress the commercialisation and translational development of University research.

The NorthWest Doctoral Programme in Biosciences (NWD) unites the strengths of the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, to train a diverse community of motivated, inquisitive bioscientists for tomorrow’s workforce.

Alongside the partnership between 91ֱ�� and Liverpool university, NWD is also in collaboration with industrial partners Boots No7, Unilever, Waters, and Bionow, who will all provide training and research opportunities.

NWD will centre on four scientific and cross-cutting themes that bring together the complementary strengths of UoM and UoL in areas critical to the UK scientific, societal and economic landscape: Discovery Bioscience, Agrifood & Sustainable Systems, Engineering Biology & Industrial Biotechnology, and Advanced Tools and Technology.

NWD will offer PhD students a strong sense of community and team-led research, face-to-face training - including mandatory training in digital/AI skills - networking events and individualised training plans.

The programme also recognises that many biosciences doctoral graduates pursue careers beyond research. To aid students looking at careers elsewhere, the NWD will be underpinned by innovative PhD-to-workforce programmes - PhD-PROSPER and BIOBRIDGE – which will empower PhD students to plan, develop, and pursue future careers across diverse sectors.

Rasmus Petersen, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and academic lead for NWD said: "I am delighted that the BBSRC has made this award to our new Doctoral Training Programme: an innovative new partnership between the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool, in collaboration with industry and charity partners.

Professor Peter McCormick from the University of Liverpool said: "We are delighted to win this award in conjunction with our partners at the University of Manchester. Together we build on our tradition in the North West of England in training world class researchers in the biosciences arena. The proximity of our partnership allows the students to take advantage of both our facilities and will enhance the cohort community."

As NWD is committed to accelerating equality of access and opportunity, the University will work in partnership with social mobility charity to engage and create opportunities for those currently underrepresented in UK doctoral training. This will include a significant institutional investment into Widening Participation Masters bursaries.

Doctoral Landscape Awards are funded by UK Research and Innovation, who are investing more than £500 million across universities to support doctoral training.

Prospective postgraduate researchers can register their interest and receive updates about the programme .

The (UMHC) was created by Student Minds in partnership with leading higher education bodies and thousands of staff and students. 91ֱ�� was amongst the first group of universities to sign up as members of the , which brings together universities committed to making mental health a university-wide priority, to share practice and create cultural change. 

The is a voluntary accreditation scheme that supports universities to understand their areas of strength and development to inform ongoing improvement in mental health and wellbeing, recognising good practice along the way. 

As part of the assessment process, we conducted a robust, evidenced-based assessment of our whole-university approach against the principles of good practice within the , including any challenges, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. A self-assessment report, a student-led report and a two-day onsite visit from Student Minds which involved over 100 staff and students, were all part of the assessment process.

Overall, Student Minds stated: “in many areas we can be confident that the University is sector-leading” and that they were “encouraged that the University is going in the right direction.” Student Minds felt that “the University is largely doing well to meet the Principles of Good Practice and is doing an incredible job to work towards having a whole university approach to mental health.”   

In awarding the University with the UMHC Award, Student Minds highlighted several examples of excellent practice, including: 

• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds “were particularly impressed with the University ’s commitment to the partnership work across the Greater 91ֱ�� Universities Student Mental Health Service. This is widely being acknowledged as novel, innovative and sector leading.” 
• Within the Progression theme, Student Minds “recognised as excellent practice that the University now offers 3.5 years (versus the standard 3 years) of funding to funded PhD students in recognition of the positive impact of this on completion and PGR student wellbeing.” 
• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds noted that “the University is part of a sexual violence network across 91ֱ�� that includes the HEI’s, police, council, and NHS. This approach is potentially sector-leading and an example of excellent practice in developing external partnerships.”

Speaking about the UMHC Award, Sarah Littlejohn, Director of Campus Life and UMHC Lead said: “The UMHC Programme has given an additional focus and impetus to our existing institutional priority of student and staff mental health and wellbeing. It has helped to shine a light on our whole-University approach, encouraging us to reflect on our current practice across all the different framework themes. We are proud to have achieved the UMHC Award which marks the latest part of our journey in our commitment to continuous improvement around mental health and wellbeing, and our dedication to its ongoing development.” 

The University will continue as members of the UMHC Programme and will now start to use the Award Outcomes Report to inform and feed into our work in this area. Our priorities for the next 6-12 months will focus on the UMHC Framework themes of Student Voice and Participation, Learning, Teaching and Assessment and Inclusivity and Intersectionality. 

Aisha Akram, Wellbeing and Liberation Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union commented: 'I'm really pleased that we have received this award and I particularly appreciate the commitment to including myself and my fellow officers at the Students Union within countless panel discussions, in order to ensure that the University's commitment to the student experience with our support service is driven by student feedback. 

“We will continue to work with the University to ensure that we all stay committed to working in this area and building on the recommendations offered to us. I'm excited to enhance collaboration between the Students’ Union and the University to push for the best possible student experience.”

Head of Colleague Wellbeing, Helen Brewis, said:  “I’m delighted we have achieved the UMHC Award, reflecting the commitment we place on the wellbeing of our students and colleagues and how we have worked as a whole university community on our approach to mental health.

"Over the last two years, we have significantly developed our approach to supporting our colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. The process of working towards the award has helped us to reflect on what is working well and where we can do more. We look forward to using the recommendations from the Award Outcomes Report to continue developing our approach to promoting and supporting good mental health and wellbeing at work.” 

• For further information about UMHC Award holders, please visit the  
• For further information about the UMHC Programme, please email UniversityMHCharter@manchester.ac.uk.

For the second year in a row, the University of Manchester has been awarded the CATE by Advance HE - with this year’s accolade going to The University of Manchester Library Student Team (UMLST). Developed and led by , Head of Teaching and Learning Development for the University of Manchester Library and the University’s Academic Lead for Student Success, UMLST is a driving force behind student-led teaching and learning activity in the Library.

This year’s CATE award makes Jennie, also a National Teaching Fellow, the University’s first ever recipient of both accolades. Student members of the team have also been recognised for their own individual achievements with Fellow and Senior Fellow accreditation from Advance HE.

Under the UMLST model, current students work collaboratively with University staff over extended periods of time to enhance Library services, create inclusive learning resources such as the award-winning My Learning Essentials academic skills programme, and foster a welcoming, supportive environment for students. Student members take the lead on initiatives that give their peers a powerful voice and represent the diversity of the communities found at 91ֱ��, taking part in local outreach sessions and workshops at national conferences. UMLST members also participate in consultations and contribute to shaping University-wide policies and practices, and their influence is felt across the whole institution, driving positive change and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

UMLST student member Durian (Divya) Malhotra said: “Every day is always so exciting, and with a wonderful team to support you every step of the way, you’re never alone. Being an ST has made me feel like my voice as a student has made a truly important impact at the University.”

The University is also celebrating the announcement of a new National Teaching Fellow among its ranks this year. , Senior Language Tutor in the , is passionate about promoting research-informed approaches to language teaching and fostering the development of learning communities. Across the UK, Europe and China, she is recognised for her expertise in multimodal interactive learning pedagogy, language for specific purposes and intercultural communication.

Minjie was previously a professor of Applied Linguistics at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China. She was also a guest professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University. After pursuing her PhD in Multimedia Language Learning in the UK under a full scholarship fund, she started teaching Chinese at Nottingham University before joining the team at 91ֱ��.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Minjie has made an outstanding impact at the University. Her focus on ‘real-life’ language learning promotes connections between native speakers and non-native speakers, helping to build intercultural understanding through friendships.

91ֱ�� is one of a few British universities with a significant and popular offering in Chinese Studies that caters for all levels– in no small part down to Minjie’s high standards and strong professional networks. She is incredibly active in outreach activities too, bringing the joy of language learning to schools, colleges and the local community.

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said: “We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.  

“It is vital for student success that we invest in higher education teaching and promote the value of excellence. Congratulations to each and every one of you for this prestigious prize.”

The 2024 Awards Ceremony will be held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Thursday 3^rd October.

“We strongly endorse Professor Courtney’s nomination on the basis of his academic standing within the community and his unwavering commitment to the development of professional colleagues, early career researchers and students within our field,” said Dr Paul Armstrong, on behalf of the Critical Educational Leadership and Policy research group. “His influence on our group - and through this, the wider field of educational leadership, management and administration - cannot be overstated.”

“I unreservedly endorse Professor Courtney for this award - his steadfast dedication, active involvement and exemplary contributions have significantly enriched the BELMAS community, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honour,” said Dr Ruth McGinity from University College London. “He has been a dedicated member of BELMAS for many years, and has made a profound and sustained commitment to the society's mission to enhance knowledge and scholarship in the field of Educational Leadership, Management and Administration and to create a space for research and practice to meet.”

“Professor Courtney is an exemplary colleague, an inspiration to many of us, and a go-to source for knowledge, support and wise advice - I recommend him without reservation for the BELMAS Distinguished Service Award,” said Professor Steven Jones from The University of Manchester. “As well as being an excellent mentor to his students, his experience and insight is often in demand from junior colleagues, and his feedback is sought for all kinds of scholarly writing. Unlike some eminent professors, he is approachable and thoughtful, providing guidance that is robust but always fair.”

“Steven deserves this award due to his commitment and passion for BELMAS and educational leadership – he is a true leader in every sense,” said Dr Victoria Showunmi from University College London. “His contribution to social justice and leadership is something that also must be celebrated - being a high-profile male leader who is from the LGBTQ+ community makes him a great role model for others entering the field.”

The Consultant in Genomic Medicine, 91ֱ�� Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary’s is one of 58 exceptional biomedical and health scientists elected to the Academy’s Fellowship for 2024 – an endorsement of an individual's significant impact in their field.

Professor Newman, who is also Rare Conditions Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), said: “I am honoured and delighted to receive this acknowledgment from the Academy of Medical Science.

“This award reflects the work and commitment of all the patients, researchers and clinicians that I have worked with, who have supported the many initiatives in which I have been privileged to lead.

“I look forward to joining the Fellowship of researchers, at the heart of the Academy's work, including nurturing the next generation of researchers and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.”

Through his work in pharmacogenetics which involves understanding why patients respond differently to their medication, he has also led innovative point of care genetic studies to prevent critically ill newborn babies, usually treated with a common antibiotic, from going deaf. This has resulted in a ground-breaking bedside test that is now being used in routine clinical practice in maternity settings at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and will be rolled out at NHS trusts across Greater 91ֱ�� in the summer. This work has been supported by the NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC, hosted by MFT.

In addition to this, Bill’s national leadership roles include Chair of the British Society for Genetic Medicine and President Elect of the European Society of Human Genetics, having led the education committee for the past five years.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert body representing the diversity of medical science in the UK. Its mission is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society. The Academy's elected Fellows are the most influential scientists in the UK and worldwide, drawn from the NHS, academia, industry and the public service.

 Jim Macleod CB CVO, Chair of the Forces in Mind Trust Board, presented the award at this year's conference last week. The award was accepted on Dr Rodway’s behalf by co-author, Dr Jodie Westhead.

The Research Excellence award recognises an individual who has produced a piece of high quality and innovative research involving UK ex-Service personnel over the last year.

Dr Cathryn Rodway said “I am absolutely delighted that our work examining suicide risk in former personnel of the UK Armed Forces has been recognised in this way. This is an important study adding to our understanding of the causes and rates of suicide in veterans”.

Ruth Harris, Co-Director of the FiMT Research Centre said “Dr Rodway’s high-quality work has made a valuable contribution to understanding suicidality in the UK Veteran population, and how practice and policy can be adapted to support UK Veterans mental health. We are pleased to have presented her with this award in recognition of her work”.

Dr Cathryn Rodway is a Programme Manager at the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) and a Research Associate at the University of Manchester. She is receiving the 2024 Research Excellence award for her work on the study ‘Suicide after leaving the Armed Forces 1996 -2018: a cohort study’. This project examined the rates and causes of suicide in UK ex-Service personnel in comparison to the general population, looking at data for 458,000 Veterans over a 23-year period.

The project demonstrated robust methodology, high-quality research and was of particular importance as it provides much-needed insight into suicide within the UK Veteran community. To date, there have been few studies examining suicide in Veterans. This study found that while UK Veterans as a whole show no higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, UK Veterans under the age of 25 face 2 to 4 times increased risk. Additionally, despite there being a range of UK support services available for Veterans experiencing poor mental health, the study highlights that Veterans, particularly those who are younger, may be less likely to seek help.

In response to these findings, Dr Rodway and her colleagues also proposed policy and practice suggestions aiming to improve and maintain access to mental health care for Veterans and more general suicide prevention measures. These include encouraging Veterans to seek help and campaigns to reduce the stigma of engaging with support services. The study provides important evidence that can help towards understanding how Veterans may struggle with poor mental health and should help the UK to tailor support to meet their needs.

The ‘Team Womb’ collective, headed by Professor Emma Crosbie, Honorary Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at MFT have been given the prestigious Team Science Award for their pioneering work on Lynch-syndrome associated endometrial cancer.

The team from Saint Mary’s Hospital (pictured below), part of MFT, will receive this award at the on Sunday 7 April in San Diego, California. The 10 researchers are from MFT, The University of Manchester, 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre, and NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC.

, who is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Co-Theme Lead at NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC and Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at The University of Manchester said: “I am thrilled that our research means that everyone diagnosed with endometrial cancer in the UK is now offered testing for Lynch syndrome. The recognition of this work through the prestigious 2024 AACR Team Science Award is a tremendous honour and I would like to thank everyone who supported us along the way. This was a true multidisciplinary effort involving clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and charities without whom none of this would have been possible.”

91ֱ��’s ‘Team Womb’ led a research programme that identified a link between womb cancer and Lynch syndrome, changing clinical practice across the UK.

Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. It affects around 1 in 300 people, with most unaware that they have it. This condition runs in families and means anyone with the faulty gene carries a high risk of developing womb, bowel and other cancers.

Through unselected and comprehensive testing all womb cancer patients attending MFT between 2016-18, the team showed that 3% had Lynch syndrome and defined the best strategy for identifying them.

Following this study, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) commissioned an expert advisory group to assess the evidence, and resulted in a change in guidance which recommends universal testing of all endometrial cancer patients for Lynch syndrome. This guideline means around 1,000 new people per year in the UK alone can benefit from cancer prevention strategies.

The AACR founded the prestigious Team Science award in 2006 to recognise the growing importance of interdisciplinary teams in understanding cancer and for translating research through to clinical care.

Annually, this award recognises ‘outstanding interdisciplinary research’ teams for their ‘innovative and meritorious science’ that has ‘advanced or may advance our fundamental knowledge of cancer, or has applied existing knowledge to advancing the detection, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of cancer’.

2024-25 AACR President, Dr Patricia M. LoRusso said; “I believe that this team exemplify true team science, bring together an interdisciplinary team of academics, clinicians and healthcare staff from across medicine, oncology, pathology, health economics and behavioural science. Within this nomination I highlight their exceptional and practice changing work within detection, alongside several outstanding current and future projects they have in their portfolio.”

Picture captions:

Photo 1 – Team Womb (from left to right): Prof Ray McMahon, Ms Nadira Narine, Prof Katherine Payne, Dr Louise Gorman, Prof Emma Crosbie, Dr Neil Ryan, Dr Rhona McVey, Dr James Bolton. Also Prof Gareth Evans and Dr Durgesh Rana (not in photo)

Photo 2 – Team Womb (from left to right): Dr Rhona McVey, Dr James Bolton, Dr Louise Gorman, Ms Nadira Narine, Prof Emma Crosbie, Prof Katherine Payne, Dr Neil Ryan, Prof Ray McMahon. Also Prof Gareth Evans and Dr Durgesh Rana (not in photo)

First awarded in 2002, The Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences is presented annually to recognise contributions that have opened new fields of research or have advanced concepts in a particular biomedical discipline.

Raymond proposed the concept of a stem cell niche back in 1978.  Recognition for this seminal work comes over 45 years later as he approaches his 99^th birthday. At that grand age it is quite remarkable that he is still around to receive this accolade.

The Paterson Laboratories as they were known then assembled a pioneering group of notable haematology researchers and the Paterson Institute became part of The University of Manchester in 2006. Working alongside Ray was Mike Dexter – at the time a postgraduate student – who later became the Director of the Institute and subsequently Director of Wellcome, and Brian Lord, who published over 130 papers and made many scientific break throughs in the of field stem cell biology and haematopoiesis. 

The photo features Ray on the left with colleague and friend Brian, who sadly passed away in 2021. Brian was the father of the current Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Professor Graham Lord. 

Ray worked at the Holt Radium Institute, later renamed the Paterson Laboratories after the first Director, Professor Ralston Paterson, until 1985 when he ‘retired’ to become a farmer in West Wales, where he still lives.

The new Paterson Building is on the same site as the original Paterson Laboratories, next to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

“I am thrilled that Drs. Schofield, Kimble, and Spradling have been selected to receive the Wiley Prize for their discovery of the stem cell niche. This niche is a cellular microenvironment that maintains stem cells in their naive state and prevents them from differentiating. Their pioneering discovery, made by studying bone marrow stem cells and stem cells in the reproductive organs of C. elegans and Drosophila, has revealed how stem cells are regulated during human development and tissue maintenance,” said Professor Titia de Lange of Rockefeller University and Chair of the Wiley Prize awards jury.

Among the many distinguished recipients of the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, thirteen have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and two have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

“The Wiley Foundation honors research that not only offers breakthrough solutions to existing problems in biomedical sciences, but also fuels future discoveries,” said Deborah Wiley, Chair of the Wiley Foundation. “The work of the 2024 Wiley Prize recipients truly upholds this mission, laying the foundation for today’s life-changing discoveries in the field of stem cell biology.”

This year’s award will be presented at the Wiley Prize lecture on 5 April 2024, although Ray will not be able to attend given his age.

Article credited to Gill Campbell, CRUK MI

A highlight of the life sciences calendar, the awards dinner was held at the Concorde Conference Centre on 7th March, with 339 attendees gathering for an evening of celebration and achievement.

According to the judges,  The University received the Partnership & Collaboration Award for being able to demonstrate a collaboration with their more than 15-year skin health and ageing research partnership with Boots.

The collaboration enabled new discoveries in skin biology to be incorporated into novel commercial products via a robust, clinical screening programme.

It has also brought several million pounds of investment into North-West bioscience, producing 100+ scientific publications, 10 patents and new employment opportunities.

Welcoming the award    said: “We are very honoured to receive this prestigious award from BioNow.

“Our partnership with Boots is built on a shared aim to uncover new insights into skin biology and to apply this knowledge to repairing accumulated damage.”

People in the image from The University of Manchester: , , Michael Sherratt,  . And from Boots: Vickie Wright, Jo Watson, Roboh Borke, Steph Franklin

Dr Abigail Langton said: “The acknowledgment from Bionow of our partnership with Boots is a significant achievement, and we're excited about the recent five-year contract renewal, extending our collaboration into its 20th year”.

UNEP accreditation grants our University the privilege to submit written contributions, participate in the work of UNEP’s Governing Bodies, such as  and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and be granted observer status to the Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.

The University is delighted to have been awarded such status and looks forward to using its outstanding research contributions in environmental sustainability to influence and drive further change through such a prestigious organisation as UNEP.

On a great night for The University of Manchester, as well as Meera’s award and Professor David Olusoga’s BAFTA Special Award win in recognition of his outstanding contribution to television, alumnus Joe Lycett took home the features award for his programme Joe Lycett Vs Beckham: Got Your Back At Xmas which covered the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to host the World Cup in Qatar last year. 

The , which recognises outstanding contributions to public engagement within immunology, was another feather in the immunologist cap.

She was one of 11 winners of the inaugural BSI Immunology Awards 2023, revealed at a special ceremony on Thursday 20 April

According to the BSI, Professor Cruickshank dedicated substantial time and effort to tackling misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Her  public engagement activities include media appearances, social media activity, podcasts, citizen science, festivals, curating exhibitions and delivering public lectures.

Hear what she has has to say on this special video she recorded for the ceremony:

Some of her online articles accumulated over one million readers.

The awards was  open to nominations, and a shortlist was selected after careful review and deliberation by an expert , whose recommendation was then ratified by the BSI Nominations Committee.

The BSI Immunology Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and teams shaping the future of immunology. We would like to congratulate all of the winners for this fantastic achievement.

Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said: “We are thrilled to recognise the achievements of these extraordinary individuals. Each of them dedicates their time and expertise to shaping the future of immunology, in many cases away from the limelight. Their efforts will ensure a brighter future for our field.

“Our heartfelt congratulations go to everyone who was shortlisted or nominated, and a huge thank you is due to our judges, those who nominated someone, the BSI Nominations Committee and everyone who was involved in making these awards a success. The response shows just how vibrant, supportive and talented the field of immunology is. Long may that continue.”

91ֱ�� researchers, based at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), worked with The University of Manchester and 91ֱ��-based firm genedrive Plc on the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) study. Together, they developed the pioneering, rapid bedside genetic test which was .

Using a cheek swab, the test can identify in 26 minutes whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene change that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common emergency antibiotic, Gentamicin.

While Gentamicin is used to safely treat approximately 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry the gene change that can lead to permanent hearing loss when given the antibiotic.

The new test means that babies found to have the genetic variant can be given an alternative antibiotic within the ‘golden hour’ and could save the hearing of 200 babies in England every year.

PALOH study lead, Professor Bill Newman, Consultant in Genomic Medicine at MFT and Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at The University of Manchester, said: “I am delighted for the team to receive this recognition of their fantastic efforts and their innovative approach in bringing this test to fruition.”

The new swab test technique, which was piloted at MFT, replaces a test that traditionally took several days and is the first use of a rapid point of care genetic test in acute neonatal care.

Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist, Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator and Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital, attended the awards ceremony in London and accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Dr Mahaveer said: "I am incredibly proud to be part of the team who made this study a reality and to be recognised at this year’s New Statesman Positive Impact Awards. It’s an honour to accept the award on behalf of the team, knowing the work we have put into delivering this research will truly make a difference to hundreds of babies’ lives each year.

“As a doctor dealing daily with infection, my main concern was how easy and quickly the test was to conduct, as it’s important that we do not delay antibiotic treatment. Our experience of using this test has been very positive. It’s straight-forward, non-invasive and will have a huge impact on our patients’ lives.”

Professor Newman, Theme Co-Lead Lead for Rare Conditions, National Institute for Health and Care Research, 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre, continued: “I am absolutely thrilled with the success of the study and that this test is now being used in routine clinical practice. This test will make a real difference, helping to ensure babies are not going to lose their hearing for a preventable reason.”

It is expected the test could save the NHS £5 million every year by reducing the need for other interventions, such as cochlear implants.

Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS said: “This ground-breaking bedside test for detecting whether an antibiotic could cause deafness in babies in intensive care is another example of how the NHS is harnessing the power of genomic medicine to transform patient care. This award is a tribute to the hard work of Professor Bill Newman and his team in 91ֱ��.”

Dr Gino Miele, R&D Director, genedrive plc, said: “The collaboration of our company with the research and clinical team at MFT is a shining example of the NHS working with a commercial company to deliver real improvements in patient outcomes in a cost-effective way.”

Caption: Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator; Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager, Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of MFT receiving the award on behalf of the PALOH team. (Photo credit: New Statesman Positive Impact Awards)

The former chair of the Spine Section for  the American Orthopaedic Research Society started her research career in in 91ֱ�� in 1985, received the award for her research in on molecular mechanisms underlying disc generation.

She has published over 190 papers  in the area of musculoskeletal tissue cell and molecular biology and pathology.

She has internationally renowned expertise in the cell biology of musculoskeletal tissues, particularly intervertebral disc  and its degeneration and more recently tissue engineering and cell-based regeneration of the  intervertebral disc .

The PSRS Lifetime Research Achievement Award was created in 2013 to honour an investigator who has established him or herself with sustained and long-lasting contributions in the area of spine research.

The award is given biennially when at the Orthopaedic research society PSRS International Research Symposium.

Past recipients include  Professor Irving Shapiro, the Anthony and Gertrude DePalma Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Orthopaedic Research at Thomas Jefferson University, Professor Peter Roughley, Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, Jill Urban, PhD, Senior Research fellow Emeritus in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics Oxford University and Professor Michele Battie, University of Alberta.

The Lifetime Achievement Award carries an honorarium of $1,000 and a commemorative plaque. The formal presentation of the award will take place during the PSRS 6th International Spine Research Symposium, November 6-10, in, Pennsylvania.

Professor Hoyland said: “I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award from the ORS PSRS and thank those who nominated me. I am very grateful for the recognition I have received for my research work  into the biology of the intervertebral disc and the pathogenesis of disc degeneration - a major cause of low back pain.

“Of course, it isn’t just me that has achieved this but the team of researchers I have worked with and the infrastructure provided at The University of Manchester that has enabled me to progress research in this area over the last 20 or so years  to  make a  substantial impact in the field and thus I would like to say a  huge thank you to all those I have worked with.”

The project, entitled ‘Does Disruption of the Circadian Clock System Advance Liver Fibrosis was carried out at the at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester whilst intercalating for his BSc in Anatomical Sciences.

Mr Adegboye was presented with his award and £1,500 prize at the annual meeting of the British Gastroenterology Society (BSG) on Tuesday June 21^st. The ceremony took place during a special dinner at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Birmingham, with the awards presented by the Chair of the BSG and attended by other illustrious names in gastroenterology medicine along with the CEO of Guts UK.

The Dr Falk Pharma/Guts UK Awards are dedicated to encouraging research and promoting patient care in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Since 2007 they have rewarded over 120 dedicated young health care professionals, including medical students, junior doctors, nurses and dietitians.

Mr Adegboye explains, ‘I have developed a keen interest in liver disease because it affects so many people across so many aetiologies. Further, liver disease is going to be one of the major health challenges of the future. Organ fibrosis occurs across all liver disease and so if we can find a method of treating fibrosis it would be of enormous benefit.

This project aims to investigate whether the Circadian Clock System (CCS) contributes to the advancement of progressive fibrosis in the liver. If our hypothesis is correct, it would suggest that CCS disruption advances liver fibrosis - a condition which is associated with most of the morbidity and mortality related to CLD. This may pave the way for the development of therapies to target the liver’s circadian rhythms may be a way to halt or reduce fibrotic progress.’

‘I am so pleased to have been awarded this prize. Itis a reward for all the hard work that has gone into this project, not just for me but for all the team. I am really interested in pursuing a career in clinical research and this is a very competitive are of medicine so this award will be really useful for my CV and to open some doors as I build my career.’

Mr Adegboye’s Project Supervisor Professor Karen Piper Hanley comments :  ‘Oluwatobi has been a great student to have in the lab. His enthusiasm has been fantastic, and our collective lab have been delighted with both his intellectual and technical in-put into the project. His contributions will most certainly be recognised as we look to publish these findings.’