The scroll was formally presented to the University during a visit by two of Rutherford’s great grand-daughters. The historic Rutherford gift has also inspired new named physics chair at 91ֱ��

The gift strengthens the University's connection with one of the most influential scientists in history and the continuing leadership in the fields he helped create.

To mark the gift, the University has established the Ernest Rutherford Chair in Physics, a new named professorship within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The chair will recognise leading researchers working in fields closely associated with Rutherford's scientific achievements, including nuclear, particle and accelerator physics. The new chair joins a distinguished group of named professorships in Physics at 91ֱ��, including the Langworthy Chair, one of the oldest physics chairs in the world, the Regius chair in Physics established by royal patronage, and the Lovell Chair in Astrophysics.

Rutherford is widely regarded as the “father of nuclear physics”. During his time at 91ֱ�� between 1907 and 1919, he transformed the University's Physics Laboratory into one of the world's leading centres of scientific discovery.

Among the breakthroughs achieved in 91ֱ�� were the discovery of the atomic nucleus, the identification of the proton and the first artificial nuclear reaction, which is often referred to as “splitting the atom”. These achievements laid the foundations of our modern world, gave rise to the fields of nuclear and particle physics and led to innumerable technological, industrial and societal impacts

Professor Chris Parkes, Head of The University of Manchester Physics and Astronomy Department, said: "Rutherford's years in 91ֱ�� changed our understanding of the physical world forever, shaping our understanding of atoms. The discoveries made here have shaped our world today and continue to influence scientific research more than a century later.

"We are delighted that Lord Rutherford's descendants have chosen 91ֱ�� as the home for this important historical document. It is a powerful recognition of the University's role in preserving and celebrating Rutherford's remarkable legacy and our continuing world leadership in research in the fields of nuclear and particle physics"

Jenny Joy and Caroline Roberts descendants of Rutherford, added: “We wanted this scroll to be seen and used as part of his legacy as it has hardly ever seen the light of day, and it is a valuable stunning historical document in its own right”

During their visit, members of Rutherford's family took a tour of the Physics department, including seeing his original desk and visiting modern facilities that continue the 91ֱ�� tradition of cutting-edge research in his areas of interest.

It was in the University's former Physics Laboratory – now known as the Rutherford Building – that Rutherford led a team of pioneering scientists whose work revolutionised our understanding of the atom.

His influence extended far beyond his own discoveries. Rutherford’s work established 91ֱ�� as an international centre of scientific excellence, allowing the University to attract many renowned scientists to continue his legacy. He is also well known for mentoring many of the leading physicists of the twentieth century. The historic scroll will be preserved within the University's collections, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn about the scientist whose discoveries in 91ֱ�� changed the world.

The findings, published in , come from an international study examining a significant episode of volcanic unrest on São Jorge Island in the Azores in March 2022. 

By combining detailed earthquake records from land and seabed instruments with satellite-based measurements of ground movement, scientists were able to reconstruct how magma travelled deep beneath the island with unprecedented precision. 

The team discovered that a vertical sheet of magma, known as a dike, surged upwards from depths exceeding 20 kilometres before stalling just 1.6 kilometres below the surface. 

Surprisingly, much of this upward movement occurred with minimal seismic warning. Instead, earthquake activity intensified only after the magma’s ascent had slowed, presenting a challenge for eruption forecasting. 

Satellite data also showed that the island’s surface rose by around six centimetres during the event, confirming that magma had entered the upper crust. However, because the intrusion failed to reach the surface, no eruption occurred, a phenomenon scientists describe as a “failed eruption”. Such intrusions help to grow islands and this study’s unprecedented sharp earthquake maps show how this happens. 

The magma rose through one of the island’s main fault systems, the Pico do Carvão Fault Zone. By studying geological traces left by ancient earthquakes, scientists had previously found that this fault system has produced large earthquakes in the past. Rather than producing a single large earthquake, as seen in past seismic activity, the magma intrusion generated numerous small earthquakes distributed along the fault. 

The team, led by Dr Stephen Hicks, based at UCL Earth Sciences, conclude that the fault acted as both a conduit and a release mechanism. It provided a pathway for magma to rise, but also allowed gas and fluids to escape sideways, reducing pressure within the magma and ultimately halting its progress. 

Co-lead author Pablo J. González, of the Spanish National Research Council (IPNA-CSIC), explained: 
“The fault acted like both a highway and a leak. It helped magma rise, but may also have prevented an eruption.” 

, Reader in Marine Geophysics at The University of Manchester, supported the project as co-proponent and in discussing the results. 

The study demonstrates that significant magma movements can occur rapidly and with limited early warning signs, emphasising the importance of integrating multiple monitoring techniques to better assess volcanic risk. 

By combining onshore and offshore geophysical data, the researchers were able to achieve highly accurate detection and mapping of seismic activity and ground deformation, providing valuable information for local hazard assessments. 

The research reflects a large-scale collaborative effort, involving institutions across the UK, Portugal and Spain, supported by funding from organisations including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the European Research Council, and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. 
 
 

From the 23rd to the 27th February 2026, a new exhibition will showcase the exciting work of ' and its' digital research activity.

Focusing on its five research themes - Digital Cultures, Digital Economy, Digital Health, Digital Society and Digital Worlds, and two capability themes - Digital Skills and AI@91ֱ��, the exhibition will present a series of posters and the existing multidisciplinary strengths at The University of Manchester.

The exhibition will be at based in space B2 on the Ground Floor of The Nancy Rothwell Building all week. Visit us to learn more and explore new ways to shape our digital future!