Fentanyl, combination opioid treatments, oxycodone and morphine are associated with higher risks compared to codeine among patients treated for non-cancer pain.

The study was funded by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Advanced Fellowship and supported by the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.

Their findings, published today in BMC Medicine come amidst concerns in recent decades over the soaring use of prescribed opioids for non‑cancer pain across North America and Europe and NHS England Medicine Optimisation targets to reduce high dose opioid prescribing and harms.

The researchers analysed electronic health records from 32,909 adult inpatients at a large hospital in Northwest England.

They evaluated when patients developed respiratory depression using electronic vital signs or were given naloxone, a life‑saving medicine used to reverse breathing suppression due to an opioid overdose.

Prescribed fentanyl was associated with more than triple the risk of respiratory depression compared with codeine.

Combinations of opioids carried nearly three times the risk of respiratory depression.

Oxycodone and morphine were linked to significantly higher risks compared to codeine.

When compared directly with morphine, fentanyl still showed almost double the risk, while combination opioids also remained substantially riskier.

Patients receiving 120 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day or more had double the risk of respiratory depression compared with those on less than 50 MME.

Even moderate doses — as low as 31 to 60 MME per day — were linked to a measurable increase in risk of respiratory depression.

Additionally, the combination of opioids and gabapentinoids, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, was associated with a further increased risk in respiratory depression.

Fentanyl’s high potency and rapid brain uptake help explain why it suppresses breathing more abruptly than other opioids.

Oxycodone’s role in opioid‑related deaths in North America adds further weight to concerns about its respiratory effects.

The study also found that patients with COPD faced even greater risks, with fentanyl linked to a fourfold increase in respiratory depression in this group.

These results suggest people with chronic respiratory disease may be especially vulnerable to the effects of potent opioids.

Fatal overdoses associated with opioids, up to 80 per cent of which are unintentional, are most often caused by opioid‑induced respiratory depression, where breathing slows to life‑threatening levels.

Although all potent opioids act on the same receptor system, they differ in how they affect respiratory control.

First author, Mr Carlos Raul Ramirez, a research associate at the University of Manchester, said: “As part of our study we were also able to assess for the additional risk associated with other co-administered medications, such as gabapentinoids and benzodiazepines, which may be prescribed for pain, anxiety and sleep problems.

“The use of gabapentinoids with opioids in particular was associated with an increased risk of respiratory depression.”

Senior author , NIHR Advanced Fellow and Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester said: “Opioids remain important medicines for managing severe acute pain. Our findings show that the risks are not the same across all opioid drugs or doses.

“A key strength of our study was our ability to use detailed hospital electronic health records to accurately capture when opioids were actually administered to patients, alongside routinely collected vital signs to identify changes in breathing.

Dr Jani, who is also a researcher within the Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Theme at 91ֱ�� BRC added: “Understanding how different medicines and combinations affect respiratory safety can help clinicians and patients make more informed prescribing decisions together, as well increasing awareness of what dose thresholds require closer monitoring.”

• The paper Opioid-specific Risk of Respiratory Depression in Non-Cancer Pain: A Retrospective Cohort 91ֱ�� is available here DOI

The evaluation, led by researchers at The University of Manchester’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), analysed nine real-world pilot projects spanning music festivals and arena concerts, TV production, infrastructure and public transport.

The findings show that the Programme delivered practical changes with the potential for long term impact across Liverpool’s cultural sector, including new sustainability standards for film and TV production, improved carbon reporting at events and greener operational practices in the city’s major venues.

The programme delivered a series of high-profile successes, including:

• Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena was recognised by A Greener Future as one of the UK's greenest music venues after trialling fully plant-based catering, improved waste management and shared production infrastructure across a series of major concerts.

• Two BBC drama productions filmed in Liverpool – The Cage and Waiting for the Out – reported reductions in their carbon footprints of 46% and 61% compared to the industry average through measures including LED lighting, battery power and dedicated staff with sustainability expertise.

• BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend won the Green Award at the UK Festival Awards after introducing battery-powered infrastructure, low-carbon travel initiatives and the most comprehensive environmental dataset ever collected for the festival.

• The UK's first National Occupational Standards for sustainability roles in film and television were developed through consultation with industry professionals.

Beyond individual pilots, the research found that the programme changed how sustainability was considered within Liverpool City Council, improving understanding and confidence around sustainability, helping embed climate considerations in everyday decision-making and future cultural project planning.

Local authorities were found to have particular influence through using the levers already within their direct control, such as land-use and event permissions. In Liverpool, this led to the development of a new framework for events on council land, embedding environmental standards and data reporting into the approvals process.

Liverpool’s UN ‘Accelerator City’ status also provided momentum, helping bring together organisations across the creative industries to collaborate in ways that might have been difficult under normal circumstances.

However, the research also highlights the significant barriers and challenges cities face when trying to cut emissions.

A lack of funding, limited staff capacity and gaps in technical expertise slowed progress across several projects. In many cases, basic data on environmental impacts was missing, making it harder to target the most effective actions.

Efforts to introduce low‑carbon infrastructure during the year, such as replacing diesel generators or improving grid connections, were constrained by the cost, complexity and time needed to modernise existing systems.

Interventions that depended on external partners, such as integrating public transport, proved significantly harder to deliver at pace trials helped to identify challenges and opportunities and a plan for how this can be operationalised in the future has been developed.

The researchers say that the lessons are relevant far beyond a single city and the findings can help any city or cultural organisation reduce emissions.

Read the full report here:

After more than a decade of preparations, it’s the start of one of the most ambitious studies of the cosmos ever undertaken. For the next ten years, the LSST will capture the entire southern sky to create an ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition time-lapse record of our Universe. This movie will help solve some of the Universe’s biggest mysteries – such as the nature of dark energy, and the evolution of the solar system, Milky Way, and galaxies across cosmic time.

The University of Manchester is part of the , a partnership of 36 institutions representing the UK’s leading astronomy research groups. Supported by investment from the (STFC), 

Scientists at 91ֱ�� will use Rubin data to study the first galaxies and the evolution of the universe and its cosmological parameters.  

During its 10-year survey, Rubin will catalogue an estimated 17 billion stars, 20 billion galaxies, and millions of events that change in the sky – more objects than there are living people on earth. With the survey expected to create up to 500 petabytes of data in its lifetime, the UK is playing a significant role in the management and processing of this unprecedented dataset. The UK's LSST data facility will process 25% of the data from Rubin, turning raw images of the sky into the calibrated data products with which astronomers can do science, and will operate a science platform capable of supporting analysis of those data products by 20% of the international LSST community.

The UK's LSST computing facility also hosts the Lasair event broker, a sophisticated software system supporting the near-real-time analysis of the alerts that Rubin issues whenever it detects a moving or time-varying celestial source. This alert stream - which can comprise millions of alerts per night and which includes a wide range of astrophysical objects, from nearby asteroids to distant supernovae - started flowing in February, ahead of today's formal start of the 10-year LSST.

Professor Grahame Blair, Executive Director of Programmes at STFC, said: "Today marks the beginning of a new era in astronomy. Together with our partners, UK scientists, engineers and software experts, STFC is excited to be part of one of the most ambitious scientific projects ever undertaken. “The discoveries made over the next decade will inspire future generations, deepen our understanding of the cosmos, and reinforce the UK's position at the forefront of astronomical research."

A study published in , focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which accounts for around 20% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mutations in the KRAS gene are one of the most common causes of NSCLC. The findings reveal that a subgroup of KRAS mutations known as KRAS codon 13 mutations, including KRAS G13C, behave differently from more common KRAS mutations such as KRAS G12C, creating an opportunity for a new precision medicine approach which is particularly effective.

Historically, researchers and oncologists could not effectively target KRAS mutations to treat NSCLC. While major advances have been made for the more common KRAS G12C mutation, patients with KRAS codon 13 mutations have had few targeted treatment options. Although KRAS codon 13 mutations account for a relatively small proportion of lung cancers (around 5% to 7% of KRAS-mutant NSCLC), researchers estimate that survival outcomes of up to 11,400 patients globally per year could be improved if they had access to targeted therapies developed specifically for these tumours.

This new research led by Dr Colin Lindsay from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and at The University of Manchester shows that KRAS codon 13 mutations, while being weaker KRAS mutations, interact with other aggressive genetic alterations, including mutations in BRAF, NF1, STK11 and KEAP1, to help tumours grow and spread.

The research team, including Dr Will McDaid and Dr Helen Adderley, at the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre worked in collaboration with US biotech company Revolution Medicines to investigate a new experimental drug called RMC-8839, which is a KRAS G13C-selective inhibitor designed to specifically target tumours carrying the KRAS G13C mutation by turning off the signals that tell the cancer cells to grow. In the laboratory, RMC-8839 successfully blocked KRAS G13C activation and reduced tumour cell growth.

The most striking finding was that KRAS G13C tumours appeared unusually sensitive to chemotherapy compared with other KRAS-driven cancers. When researchers combined RMC-8839 with chemotherapy, the results were significant, dramatically shrinking and eradicating tumours in cancer models, suggesting a potentially effective treatment combination for this genetic subtype.

Dr Colin Lindsay, consultant oncologist from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said. “Once we understand these changes and develop the first drug to target them, moving from the lab into the clinic usually happens quite quickly. What has been particularly exciting about this research is that it started from an observation that we made in the clinic, leading to over five years of scrutiny from multi-disciplinary scientists across academia and industry, all dedicated to the cause of cracking KRAS.”

Professor Angeliki Malliri, Professor of Cell Biology at The University of Manchester said: “The findings of this study add to the growing trend towards precision oncology, where treatments are increasingly tailored to the exact genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer rather than the organ in which it originated.”

Clinical trials will now be needed to determine whether the combination of RMC-8839 and chemotherapy can improve survival in patients with KRAS G13C-mutant lung cancer.

This study is supported by Cancer Research UK, The Christie Charity and the 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre. It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and by Revolution Medicines. Data was provided by Genomics England.

• Targeting KRAS codon 13 mutations using direct combination approaches in non-small cell lung cancer is available

·        Understanding how AI works and where it can make mistakes

·        Making good judgements in complex situations

·        Thinking about the ethical consequences of decisions

·        Communicating and working effectively with others

·        Adapting to new technologies and ways of working

Rather than producing technical AI experts, the paper argues universities should prepare graduates who can question AI-generated information, recognise its limitations and apply human judgement to real-world problems.

Looking beyond plagiarism concerns

The study also argues that universities have focused too heavily on concerns about cheating and AI-generated coursework.

Instead of relying mainly on AI detection tools, the paper calls for assessment methods that better test students' thinking, judgement and understanding.

Suggested approaches include oral examinations, reflective accounts of how AI was used, collaborative projects and exercises based on real-world challenges.

According to the study, these approaches are better suited to assessing the skills that remain distinctly human and are increasingly valued by employers.

AI should be discussed across degree courses

The paper argues that AI should not be treated as a specialist topic limited to technology courses. Instead, universities should help students understand how AI is affecting issues such as government, public services, inequality, employment and international development.

The study warns that graduates entering careers in government, charities, international organisations, consultancy and public services are likely to encounter AI-powered systems throughout their working lives, regardless of whether they have a technical background.

What the researcher says

“The debate about AI in universities has often focused on whether students are using chatbots to complete assignments,” said Dr Kelechi Ekuma. “While those concerns are understandable, they risk missing a much bigger transformation. AI is changing how knowledge is created, how decisions are made and how many jobs are carried out - universities need to think carefully about how they prepare students for that future.”

"The skills that are likely to matter most are those that AI struggles to replicate, such as critical thinking, ethical judgement, communication and the ability to understand complex social issues."

Publication details

The paper was published in journal Frontiers in Education.

DOI:  

MyWay Diabetes, an NHS-supported online platform and app - which lets users view their diabetes health records, track results, and access simple education courses and advice - was rolled out across Greater 91ֱ�� during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The analysis followed 507 users for up to two years and showed clinically significant reductions in blood sugar alongside lower systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels, compared with more than 10,000 similar patients who did not use the platform.

The team also concluded that the digital approach was cost‑effective and may even reduce NHS spending over time.

Lead author from the University of Manchester said: “Managing type 2 diabetes requires people to make complex day-to-day decisions about their health.

“Our findings suggest that accessible digital tools such as MyWay Diabetes can support people in improving important risk factors linked to long-term diabetes complications.

“MyWay Diabetes was even able to provide benefit to real-world population during a particularly challenging period for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Luke Paterson lead health economist on the study while at The University of Manchester said: “Our analysis suggests digital diabetes self-management support can deliver health benefits at relatively low cost, and may even reduce long-term NHS spending.

“Even modest improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol across large populations can translate into meaningful reductions in future diabetes-related complications.”

Senior author from The University of Manchester said: “Digital self-management tools are likely to become increasingly important as health systems face growing pressures from long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

“What is particularly encouraging is that we observed improvements not only in blood glucose control, but also in blood pressure and cholesterol - changes that, at a population level, could translate into reductions in diabetes-related complications.

“The findings also suggest that scalable digital approaches may provide good value for financially constrained healthcare systems.”

Unlike many digital interventions, MyWay Diabetes links directly to NHS primary care records, giving users access to personalised results and educational resources in one place.

The researchers emphasised that although the study was observational, the large real‑world dataset strengthens confidence in the results and highlights the need for further evaluation across more diverse UK populations.

The study, Clinical and cost‑effectiveness of the digital intervention, MyWay Diabetes, in people with type 2 diabetes living in Greater 91ֱ�� during the COVID‑19 pandemic, is published in the journal PLOS One .

• The research was funded by Innovate UK, NHS England and the Greater 91ֱ�� Strategic Clinical Network.

The University and the Earlham Institute have been appointed by BioFAIR to lead a new consortium to establish the Methods Commons, the first spoke of the £34 million BioFAIR programme.

The Methods Commons will provide researchers with national-scale capabilities for the discovery, execution, sharing and reuse of the computational workflows, tools and notebooks that underpin modern data-driven life sciences.

Led by Professor Carole Goble at The University of Manchester, the consortium will develop services designed to improve the reproducibility, reliability and reuse of computational methods across UK bioscience.

The Methods Commons will deliver eight core capabilities for UK life sciences researchers, including Galaxy and Nextflow workflow execution, support for containerised bespoke workflows on HPC, a national workflow registry with a community-endorsement mechanism, a “workflow observatory” providing trust and quality assurance, a shared Jupyter notebook environment, and API standards for ingesting input data and sharing workflow results.

Tony Burdett, BioFAIR Director, said: “The Methods Commons tackles one of the longest-standing problems in computational bioscience — reproducibility and reuse of methods that produce the results to be included in publications as research outputs. We had a strong field of applicants, and the appointed consortium combines real delivery track record with deep roots in the UK and international workflow communities. Establishing the Methods Commons is a major milestone for BioFAIR as it’s the first spoke in our federated BioCommons and the point at which the services needed by our users really start to take shape.”

The consortium — which includes support from Nextflow, Seqera — was selected following a competitive two-stage process that opened with an Expression of Interest call in December 2025, followed by invited full proposals reviewed by an independent expert panel. BioFAIR is investing up to £4 million over an initial two-year period, with the expectation that the partnership will extend to deliver the full programme of work through to June 2029 and beyond.

, Methods Commons Project Lead, said: “We’re proud to be establishing the Methods Commons as part of BioFAIR. Computational workflows are how modern bioscience gets done, and giving UK researchers a trusted, national-scale set of services to find, run and share them — without having to reinvent the plumbing each time — is overdue. We’re looking forward to working with the BioFAIR Hub, the Fellows and Pathfinder Projects to make sure what we build is shaped by real user needs from day one.”

The Methods Commons will adopt an incremental, user-driven delivery model, with early value delivered to exemplar communities — including the first cohort of BioFAIR Pathfinder Projects — before scaling to national reach. It will operate alongside the forthcoming Data Commons, People Commons, Knowledge Hub and BioFAIR Portal in a hub-and-spokes federated infrastructure coordinated from the BioFAIR Hub at the Earlham Institute.

The lecture, chaired by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, explored the theme of ‘Discovery in an Age of Distrust’.

The lecture covered how choices and values shape scientific discovery, in the modern context of today’s increasingly polarised public sphere influenced by pandemics, politics, and debates over gender, climate and artificial intelligence.

Julia also examined how political divisions influence science, how power and identity affect whose knowledge is heard, and why misinformation spreads so easily. She also addressed what this means for research leaders, universities and policymakers – and the issue of how to strengthen society's commitment to evidence at a time of major global challenges.

Creating a space for dialogue on these issues aligns with the core belief that The University of Manchester has a vital role to play in shaping a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.

At this defining moment, the University is working to address the issues that demand action, from climate change and inequity to health challenges. Through the Challenge Accepted campaign, the University – supported by its global community of alumni and donors – is working to tackle the world’s most pressing issues.

The event was held on campus on Wednesday, 1 July at 6.30pm, with a recorded livestream available to access .

Data centres have been designated as critical national infrastructure due to their importance for economic growth, but their electricity consumption is projected to quadruple by 2030. The inquiry will assess how this increasing demand could affect energy and water systems and how emerging technologies and policy approaches could reduce environmental impacts.

In their , and researchers at the University’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, highlight a number of challenges associated with this growth, including:

• Rising carbon emissions from both electricity use and the manufacturing of hardware

• Increasing demand for critical materials such as copper, silicon and rare elements

• Growing volumes of electronic waste driven by rapid hardware replacement cycles

• Potential strain on water resources and local environments

They argue that current policies do not yet fully account for the pace and scale of AI-driven demand and recommend:

• Integrating data centre growth into wider energy, infrastructure and environmental planning, ensuring expansion is aligned with grid capacity and the availability of low-carbon electricity.

• Improve transparency around environmental impacts through better reporting of energy, water and material use, alongside accounting for full lifecycle of digital infrastructure, such as hardware production, supply chains and electronic waste.

• Support a circular economy approach to digital technologies, promoting the reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling of servers and other hardware to reduce resource demand and waste.

• Manage the resource pressures associated with AI and data centre expansion, including demand for critical minerals

The evidence highlights emerging technologies that could reduce environmental impacts, including more efficient chips, advanced cooling systems and “green AI” approaches that limit unnecessary computation.

The researchers also point to opportunities for data centres to contribute to local energy systems, for example, by recovering waste heat to supply homes and buildings, or by providing flexibility to help balance electricity demand.

Dr Alejandro Gallego Schmid said: “Data centres are fundamental to the digital economy and will play an important role in enabling AI innovation. However, their expansion needs to be planned alongside the UK’s wider sustainability objectives.

“Our evidence shows that solutions are available but many of these will require investment in infrastructure and more coordinated action across policy, industry and research.”

Dr Alejandro Gallego Schmid delivered the evidence to the to the Environmental Audit Committee in Westminster today (1 July 2026).

The submission has been supported by , the University’s policy engagement unit.

Read the full written submission:

Read more about the inquiry:

• The pronunciation of the "happy vowel" remains one of the strongest indicators of social class in 91ֱ��
• Middle-class speakers tend to use a tenser vowel (more like “happee”) than working-class speakers (closer to “happeh”)
• The feature has remained remarkably stable across generations despite major social and economic change
• Researchers also identified differences linked to ethnicity among working-class speakers
• Speakers showed little difference between formal and informal speech, suggesting they are largely unaware of the variation

A small sound with a big social meaning

Analysing recordings from people of different ages, genders, ethnicities and social backgrounds, the researchers found that pronunciation of this vowel remains one of the clearest markers of social class in the city's accent.

Middle-class speakers were more likely to produce a pronunciation closer to "happee", while working-class speakers tended to use the traditionally broader 91ֱ�� pronunciation, closer to "happeh".

The researchers also found differences linked to ethnicity, with working-class South Asian Mancunians generally producing a tenser vowel than their White and Black working-class peers.

A feature that has resisted change

Despite the dramatic social, economic and cultural changes 91ֱ�� has experienced over recent decades, the researchers found no evidence that this aspect of the city's accent is disappearing.

Instead, the pronunciation has remained strikingly stable across generations, making it an unusual example of a speech feature that has resisted change over time.

The study also found that speakers changed this feature very little between formal and informal speech, suggesting that many people are largely unaware they are using it.

What the researchers say

"Our findings show that one of the most distinctive features of the 91ֱ�� accent has remained remarkably resilient, even in a city that has undergone enormous social transformation," said Dr Maciej Baranowski, Senior Lecturer in English Sociolinguistics at The University of Manchester.

"The way Mancunians pronounce the 'happy' vowel is influenced by factors such as social class and ethnicity, but interestingly not by age. That tells us it is a stable feature of the accent that has been passed from generation to generation, rather than one that is changing over time.

 

"Looking at how accents are distributed tells us a lot about society,” said co-author Dr Danielle Turton, Senior Lecturer in Sociolinguistics at Lancaster University. “Although people sometimes change aspects of their speech as they move into different social or professional environments, many retain strong connections to the way they grew up speaking.

"It's important because it shows that local working-class speech isn't simply being washed away by regeneration or social change. These local ways of speaking remain an important part of Manchester's identity."

What accents tell us about society

The researchers argue that accents continue to reflect wider patterns of inequality and opportunity, challenging the idea that social class has become irrelevant in modern Britain.

At the same time, they suggest growing exposure to different regional accents through podcasts and social media may be helping to reduce traditional prejudices about how people sound.

The study is based on acoustic analysis of recordings from 109 91ֱ��-born speakers, making it one of the largest detailed investigations of this aspect of the city's accent.

Publication details

The paper was published in journal Language Variation and Change.

DOI:

Held on 28 May 2026, the forum brought together our leading academic researchers and senior scouting teams from pharmaceutical giants including AstraZeneca, GSK, and Sanofi. The event was designed to connect "investment-ready" research projects with companies actively looking to develop them further, accelerating the pathway from early scientific discovery to clinical application.

The forum forms a central pillar of the University's strategy to expand the commercial footprint of its Biological Services Facility (BSF). To meet the accelerated demands of global pharmaceutical partners, the BSF is leveraging its world-class infrastructure and advanced capabilities to play a leading role in preclinical service provision. By connecting industry with our expert researchers, the programme accelerates collaboration and strengthens the region’s ability to attract private investment.

Showcasing Global Research Excellence The day featured comprehensive presentations showcasing our University’s most innovative research across high-priority therapeutic areas. Researchers highlighted pioneering projects ranging from immunology programmes studying how the environment affects health, to innovative uses of advanced materials like graphene in medical treatments.

Further highlights included groundbreaking work on cancer treatments, stroke therapies, and specialist facilities, such as the BSF’s unique European research colony used to study biological rhythms. The event was also enriched by international perspectives, with Professor Karin Loré from the Karolinska Institute sharing insights into global vaccine research collaborations.

Institutional Support for Innovation-led Growth The initiative is strongly backed by senior University leadership, who emphasised the critical need to translate research into practical solutions that benefit patients and society more quickly. Registrar, Secretary & Chief Operating Officer of The University of Manchester Patrick Hackett  outlined the importance of working seamlessly with external partners, while Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Andy Trafford, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation, championed the institutional commitment to refining commercial pipelines.

Dr Maria Kamper, Strategic Director of the BSF and lead organiser of the event, said: "Our goal with the Research Innovation Forum was simple: to tear down the traditional barriers between academic discovery and industry execution. By aligning 91ֱ��'s exceptional scientific minds with the operational agility and world-class infrastructure of the BSF, we are creating a seamless pipeline that allows pharmaceutical partners to confidently accelerate their preclinical timelines. This is about turning incredible science into patient impact, faster than ever before."

The University aims for this forum to be the first of many, cementing partnerships that will turn scientific discoveries into new treatments and position Greater 91ֱ�� as a globally competitive leader in health innovation and life sciences.

• ‘Ragebait’ is an increasingly popular strategy for generating attention online

• Content creators are engineering confrontations to provoke emotional reactions

• Audiences are drawn to feelings of moral superiority and catharsis

• Online ‘accountability’ is often reduced to spectacle rather than real change

• The trend reflects a shift in how public shaming operates in digital culture

Why this matters

From callout videos to viral confrontations in public spaces, outrage has become a powerful currency in today’s attention economy.

Dr John’s research examines the widely viewed ‘Cart Narcs’ video series, where members of the public are confronted - and often provoked - for failing to return their shopping trolleys to storage bays in supermarket car parks.

While such content appears to promote accountability, the study argues that its real appeal lies in carefully staged conflict.

“Ragebait works because it blurs the line between entertainment and morality,” says Dr John. “It invites viewers to feel they are witnessing justice being done, while actually consuming a highly controlled and repeatable form of provoked outrage.”

Entertainment disguised as accountability

The study identifies a formula behind successful ragebait content - creators construct predictable scenarios, provoke emotional reactions, and then frame themselves as morally justified.

This allows audiences to experience what researchers describe as ‘accountability entertainment’ which stages wrongdoing and its punishment, but without any meaningful consequences beyond the screen.

Rather than encouraging broader social change, the research suggests this format focuses attention on individuals instead of systems.

“Viewers are encouraged to judge and condemn, but not to engage with the wider social conditions that shape people’s behaviour,” Dr John explains. “Accountability becomes something you watch - not something you do.”

The politics of outrage

The research also highlights how ragebait repurposes elements of callout culture – something which is originally rooted in social justice activism - into monetised entertainment.
In doing so, it shifts power dynamics - instead of challenging powerful figures, creators often target ordinary individuals, amplifying their mistakes for mass audiences.

This creates what the study describes as a form of ‘atomised politics’, where collective action is replaced by individual judgement and fleeting moments of online outrage.

What needs to change

The study calls for greater awareness of how emotionally provocative content is produced and consumed, particularly as platforms continue to reward engagement-driven formats.

Understanding the mechanics behind ragebait, says Dr John, is key to recognising its broader social impact.

Publication details

The research is published in Information, Communication & Society.

DOI:  

The new estimates, published by the WHO as part of its monitoring of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), shows that while levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) declined globally up to 2020, they have since remained largely unchanged. 

The new estimates will support global efforts to towards the WHO’s new goal to cut deaths linked to anthropogenic (man-made) air pollution by 50% by 2040, providing a critical evidence base for international policy and action. 

, a Lecturer in Data Science & Analytics at The University of Manchester and Research Scientist at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, developed the Data Integration Model for Air Quality (DIMAQ) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) during his PhD. Since 2016, DIMAQ has underpinned the WHO's global estimates of population exposure to ambient air pollution. This latest release, the first since 2021, incorporates new data and methodological advances to provide the most up-to-date assessment of global air pollution trends and inequalities.

Dr Thomas’s work contributes directly to monitoring SDG indicator 11.6.2, which tracks annual levels of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in cities, and SDG 3.9.1, which tracks the mortality rate attributable to ambient and household air pollution. 

DIMAQ brings together satellite observations, atmospheric models, and ground-based monitoring data to provide a consistent picture of air pollution levels around the world, enabling meaningful comparisons between countries.

The updated figures highlight significant disparities between countries. In 2023, exposure to PM_2.5 above the WHO Air Quality Guidelines was more than 13 times higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries, affecting around 6.5 billion people worldwide.

Exposure to both ambient and household air pollution remains a major driver of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory conditions and lung cancer, with the greatest burden falling on vulnerable populations. 

Regional trends highlight mixed progress. While Asia bears the highest levels of air pollution, it also displays the greatest progress, while other regions, including Africa and Western Asia, have seen little change over the last decade. 

Urban areas typically experience higher pollution levels than rural areas, but cities have also shown stronger improvements irrespective of their income level. In contrast, some rural areas, particularly in low-income countries, have seen pollution increase. 

Bruce Gordon, Director a.i., Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration, WHO, said: “As the custodian of environmental health-related SDG indicators, WHO is committed to providing robust, evidence-based data, which is essential for bold decision-making. We cannot address the climate and air pollution crisis or protect public health without reliable information that highlights global inequalities and disparities. Placing science at the forefront to drive monitoring and foster multi-sectoral collaboration is crucial to ensuring universal access to clean air and energy, safeguarding both the health of people and planet—now and for future generations."

The ongoing use of Manchester-developed research highlights the University’s contribution to tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental health challenges. 

The work builds on Dr Thomas's wider research in modelling for global public health, spanning air pollution, environmental exposure assessment and environmental epidemiology. Previous iterations of DIMAQ highlighted that half of global population were experiencing increasing . Other works include to provide a more realistic assessment of exposure to air pollutions as we interact with the environment. His research aims to help provide the evidence needed to support public health policy and decision-making worldwide.

Read more on WHO's website:

• The importance of publisher C. W. Daniel in helping relaunch Lawrence's literary career after the First World War

• Previously unknown information about planned editions of Lawrence's work

• Evidence of writing projects and publishing plans that have not previously been documented

• New details about the professional relationship between Lawrence and Daniel – indeed it is the only known letter we have from Lawrence to Daniel

• The extent of connections between prominent literary figures and Britain's anti-war and radical cultural networks

Crucial figure in Lawrence's comeback

D. H. Lawrence is today best known as the author of Lady Chatterley's Lover, Sons and Lovers and Women in Love. However, the newly discovered letter highlights the challenges he faced in the years before he became one of Britain's most influential twentieth-century writers.

After The Rainbow was prosecuted for obscenity in 1915 and withdrawn from circulation, Lawrence's literary career suffered a major setback. The discovery sees Lawrence acknowledging that Daniel played a far more important role in helping the writer rebuild his reputation and publishing career than has previously been recognised.

Dr Booth explained that Daniel published Lawrence's first prose book in nearly four years. It helped provide a route back into print and a £15 advance against royalties – a significant sum of money in those days.

What the researchers say

"The letter shows how important Daniel was to Lawrence's post-war relaunch after the suppression of The Rainbow in 1915, being ordered out of Cornwall under the Defence of the Realm Act in 1917 and wartime poverty," said Dr Howard Booth.

Dr Booth is currently completing a book on Lawrence and politics, and plans to explore the significance of the letter in further detail.

Revealing Britain's overlooked anti-war literary networks

Beyond its significance for Lawrence scholarship, the discovery also provides a new perspective on the networks of writers, publishers and activists involved in Britain's anti-war culture during and immediately after the First World War.

Daniel was a prominent pacifist and radical publisher whose activities brought him into conflict with authorities during the war. His archive offers a unique window into the literary and political communities that challenged mainstream attitudes towards war and conscientious objection.

Dr Hanson said: "It's exciting to have discovered it, and it shows the extent not only of C. W. Daniel's contacts and clients but also of the network of well-known writers contributing to Britain's radical anti-war culture, which is often depicted as marginal."

Why this matters

The discovery demonstrates the continuing value of archival research in uncovering new evidence about major literary figures.

More than ninety years after Lawrence's death, previously unknown documents are still emerging that can reshape our understanding of his life, work and professional relationships.

The letter also offers fresh evidence of how radical publishers and anti-war campaigners helped sustain literary culture during a turbulent period in British history, revealing connections that have remained hidden for more than a century.

The 35 graduates of the BSc Clinical Pharmacy are the first to complete the innovative five-year programme, which combines science, clinical practice and inter-professional education with hands-on placements in community healthcare settings.

Created to equip the next generation of clinical pharmacists in China with the skills needed to improve patient care and respond to growing healthcare demands identified within the Healthy China 2030 policy, the programme is delivered through a collaboration between The University of Manchester and China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) in Nanjing. Its distinctive five-year dual award structure draws on the strengths of both institutions.

The students, who joined the programme’s first intake in 2021, studied in both countries. They began with foundational training in China, continued with advanced clinical teaching in 91ֱ��, and then returned to China to apply their skills in practice.

Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in modern healthcare, working alongside doctors, nurses and other professionals to ensure patients receive the safest and most effective medicines. While the role is well established in the UK, it is still developing in China, where demand for highly skilled pharmacy professionals continues to grow.

These graduates enter the workforce at a time of increasing pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. The World Health Organization has identified a major global shortage of health workers, driven by ageing populations and rising levels of chronic disease. Medication errors also remain a serious challenge, costing an estimated $42 billion each year and often reflecting shortages in workforce capacity and medicines expertise. Strengthening the pharmacy workforce is therefore essential to improving patient safety and delivering more effective, patient-centred care.

A University of Manchester delegation, including Professor Keith Brennan, Vice-Dean for Internationalisation, joined senior leaders from CPU at the graduation event to show their support for the programme. Both institutions see it as critical to delivering long-term benefits for healthcare systems in China and the UK.

Professor Keith Brennan said: “This first cohort demonstrates how international partnerships can help co-develop the future healthcare workforce. Together with our colleagues at CPU, we are supporting the development of highly skilled clinical pharmacists who will play a vital role in improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.”

Professor Rong Hu, Dean of School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy at China Pharmaceutical University and Honorary Professor of the University of Manchester said: “It is wonderful to see our first cohort graduate. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to The University of Manchester for two years of dedicated teaching and support. We wish all graduates every success in their future careers and look forward to their contributions to global healthcare.”

Professor Li-Chia Chen said: “We are incredibly proud to see our first graduates. These students represent the future of clinical pharmacy in China, equipped with the skills, confidence and international perspective needed to improve patient care and support more patient-centred healthcare in the community.”

The partnership marks a significant step forward in developing the clinical pharmacy workforce in China, while strengthening long-term links between the UK and China in health education, research and innovation.

• Read more about our teaching partnerships in China

, based in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the (NGI), will lead the £3m five-year project Van der Waals Nanomachines (ATOMSTEP). The ERC Advanced Grant scheme is among the most competitive in Europe, supporting established researchers to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven science.

Professor Gorbachev said: "This project aims to establish a new approach to controlling motion at the nanoscale using two-dimensional materials. By developing electrically driven nanomachines, we will be able to study and assemble atomic-scale systems in ways that are not currently possible."

The project will combine atomically thin materials into engineered structures, van der Waals heterostructures, whose electronic and mechanical properties can be precisely controlled. From these, the team will build a new class of on-chip nanomachines that move in controlled, atomic-scale steps, able to move and position atomic-scale objects with high precision. The work brings together the fundamental behaviour of layered materials, the design and construction of the nanomachines themselves, and their use in emerging technologies, including quantum devices.

The research will be carried out at the NGI, which provides for nanofabrication and advanced characterisation. It builds on the group's recent work on ultra-clean fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures and atomic-scale imaging, published in journals including , and , and further strengthens 91ֱ��'s position as a centre for advanced materials science.

The image, which contains more than 60 million stars, offers scientists an unprecedented view of the galactic bulge – the dense, bright heart of our Galaxy – and could help researchers confirm the existence of any exoplanet found in this region and measure their mass.

The new data comes from the Euclid Galactic Bulge Survey, a dedicated observing programme designed to support the discovery and study of exoplanets using a technique known as microlensing.

Captured over around 26 hours on 23 March 2025, the Euclid space telescope covered nine neighbouring fields of view, .  The result reveals a region of sky packed with stars, nebulas and star clusters in extraordinary detail.

, Astrophysicist at The University of Manchester, said: “Opening Euclid’s eyes towards the centre of our Galaxy was a very exciting moment for the team. It was the culmination of years of preparation and simulations to ensure Euclid could observe such a crowded region of the sky successfully, and without impacting on Euclid’s main science goals. The view Euclid gives us of the Galactic Centre region is absolutely stunning.”

The new observations show how Euclid’s capabilities can also be used for a broad range of astrophysics.

In this case, researchers are using the mission’s exceptionally sharp visible-light observations to identify the host stars to planets that cause microlensing events. Microlensing occurs when a foreground planetary system passes in front of a distant background star, briefly magnifying its light.

Dr Kerins co-led the Euclid Exoplanet Science Working Group between 2023 and 2025 and helped lead the effort to secure approval for the Galactic Bulge Survey, shape how it would be carried out, and help coordinate its successful execution.

The work required significant innovation, as Euclid was not originally designed to observe such a densely crowded region of the sky. Dr Kerins worked closely with colleagues within the Euclid Exoplanet Science Working Group, as well as the Euclid Project Scientists, instrument teams and spacecraft operations teams across the Euclid Consortium. He also helped to press the science case to Euclid colleagues and to ESA and international partners involved in Euclid. Extensive simulations and technical studies were undertaken to ensure the spacecraft could operate effectively in these conditions without affecting its core mission to study dark matter and dark energy.

The Euclid Galactic Bulge Survey targets regions rich in past microlensing events observed from the ground, where the lens and source have since begun to separate.

“This time baseline makes it possible to track the motion of the host stars and better characterise the planetary systems, ultimately enabling more accurate mass estimates for planets as small as Mars,” says Dr Kerins.

Because the centre of the Milky Way is so densely populated with stars, it provides one of the best places in the sky to look for these events. “Towards the centre of the galaxy, there is one chance in a million for a star to be magnified, while it would be one in a billion on other lines of sight.” states Matthew Penny, Assistant professor at Louisiana State University and current lead of the Euclid Exoplanets team. Dr Penny is a 91ֱ�� Physics undergraduate and postgraduate alumnus.

The survey is expected to help scientists better characterise known planetary systems and prepare for future discoveries. In particular, the Euclid data will provide an important reference point for observations to be made by NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will repeatedly observe the same region of the sky as part of its own microlensing and transit planet-hunting programmes.

Roman has recently arrived at the Kennedy Space Centre and is due to launch on August 30^th this year. The European Space Agency is a partner in Roman and Dr Kerins is the ESA-appointed scientist to the Roman Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey. Dr Kerins leads the exoplanet demographics working group within the transit science team that is expecting Roman to discover around 100,000 exoplanets across the Galaxy. 

By comparing Euclid’s earlier images with future exoplanet detections from Roman, researchers expect to be able to confirm transiting planets more robustly and determine the masses of microlensing planets with greater precision.

Dr Kerins adds: “We are at the dawn of an exciting new age of exoplanet discovery, and Euclid has just fired the starting pistol”.

The result places 91ֱ�� at the top of a global field of 1,603 universities from 114 countries and territories. It is also the eighth consecutive year that the University has ranked in the global top ten, making it the only institution to achieve that distinction since the rankings were launched in 2019. 

The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess how universities are helping to address major global challenges through their research, teaching, operations and partnerships, measured against the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

91ֱ�� is one of the few elite global universities (40^th in the QS World University Rankings 2027) to also consistently rank in the top ten in both the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings (formally known as the THE Impact Rankings) and QS World Sustainability Rankings. This demonstrates not only the high standard of teaching and research at 91ֱ��, but its positive impact on the world’s most pressing issues. 

This year, the University ranked first for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), which has been a key focus through initiatives like  and the , which propel spinouts and patented work. And our research platforms, , ,  and , bring together people, ideas and infrastructure to boost civic engagement and societal impact.  

The University also ranked first individually for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15), in recognition of the many projects across the University focused on these areas. 

As of September 2025, the University has supported the development of a major new solar farm, meaning 65% of its electricity demand will be matched from this renewable source - halving the University’s electricity carbon footprint. The University’s target is to reach zero direct carbon emissions by 2038. 

The interdisciplinary work of the  on projects such as    and the  are based on international research partnerships addressing some of the world’s greatest development challenges.  

And its commitment to social responsibility, public and civic engagement is evidenced through four world-leading cultural institutions, commitment to co-creation through  and patient panels and engagement programmes such as the  and . 

The University of Manchester has recently announced its new strategy for the next decade, From 91ֱ�� for the world, where our world-leading commitment to social responsibility sits as one of our five foundations. At home in 91ֱ��, but with a global outlook, the University is striving to connect students to skills, community to ideas, and research to solutions that drive inclusive growth locally and scale globally over the next decade. 

Fuelling the University’s bold ambitions for the next decade is a global fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, which will help the University to continue to deliver real world change on issues such as climate, inequity and health. To find out more, and about ways you can contribute, visit the website. 

To find out more about the University of Manchester’s work to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) download our .

Published today, sets out what that contribution looks like in practice, and how the Civic University Agreement is working to make universities’ civic activity more visible and consistently felt across the city region.

A Year of Progress

This year marked the first update to the agreement's shared priorities since 2021. Developed alongside the GMCA and shaped by what residents across all ten boroughs told the Greater 91ֱ�� Citizens' Panel matters most, the four refreshed priorities – Opportunity & Prosperity, Health & Wellbeing, Culture and Environment – reflect where GM's universities can make the greatest collective difference. For The University of Manchester, this work is closely aligned with 91ֱ�� 2035 and our ambition to be a great civic university for the 21st century: values-led, socially responsible and committed to co-creating solutions with partners and communities, particularly with people and places higher education has not always reached. They also connect directly to the refreshed Greater 91ֱ�� Strategy, launched last summer, which recognises universities as a central part of the city region's ambitious ten-year vision.

Speaking at the time, then Mayor of Greater 91ֱ�� Andy Burnham said:

“Greater 91ֱ��’s universities make a massive contribution to our city region, one that goes far beyond educating students. These refreshed civic priorities reflect the breadth of our universities’ impact across our society and economy, from creating jobs and supporting business innovation to enriching our culture. We recently set out our vision for Greater 91ֱ��’s next decade of growth and we know our universities have a vital role to play in our continued success.”

Behind the Figures

Between 2022 and 2027, GM's universities will train an estimated 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors and 8,500 teachers, the professionals our public services and communities depend on. But their contribution doesn't stop at graduation. Across all disciplines, 40% of graduates remain in Greater 91ֱ��, building careers and putting their skills to work in the city region they studied in. To put faces to those figures, our universities worked with the to share the stories of five of them, whose careers show what the civic mission looks like in practice.

A safeguarding nurse supporting vulnerable teenagers, a GP who came to university through a widening participation programme and pledged his digital health technology to 91ֱ�� for free, a community physiotherapist helping people stay at home rather than going into hospital . All five studied here, and all five are now putting their skills to work for the city region which helped shape their careers.

Looking Ahead

The Greater 91ֱ�� Post-16 Skills Pathways project, developed in partnership with further education colleges, the GMCA and employers, will provide new insight into how learners move through the city region's education and skills system and where barriers to progression remain. Building on this, the Board will develop a five-year implementation plan over the coming year to turn its refreshed priorities into practical action.

As the agreement enters its next phase, the focus is not just on what Greater 91ֱ��'s universities achieve together, but how they communicate it. By working more visibly and with a collective voice, the universities can better champion the region’s strengths on a national stage, while ensuring their day-to-day impact remains firmly rooted in local priorities and genuinely felt across Greater 91ֱ��. This matches The University of Manchester’s ambition to be the partner of choice for those who share commitment to excellence and to turning knowledge into impact for the public good: open, values-led and focused on making a difference in the North and beyond.

See

Nearly one in five primary school children are now experiencing a probable mental health disorder - more than double the rate in 2011 – according to analysis published today by Health Equity North on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Children and young people growing up in disadvantaged communities, particularly across parts of the North of England, are more likely to experience cumulative adversity, poorer wellbeing, and reduced access to support.

The report, ‘Building a Preventative Mental Health System for Children and Young People’, shows that demand for support is rapidly outpacing capacity, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without help.

The report shows:

• Around one-third of adolescent mental health problems could potentially be prevented through action on child poverty.

• A record 850,000 children accessed NHS mental health support in 2025

• Around 385,000 children are still waiting for mental health support.

• Children with mental health difficulties are three times more likely to miss significant amounts of school, highlighting the impact on educational outcomes and long-term life chances.

• One in four children referred for specialist mental health support are turned away.

The report authors, led by academics from The University of Manchester, stress that these patterns reflect wider inequalities in poverty, housing, and access to community support and that the NHS “cannot treat its way out” of the crisis. Report recommendations call for a shift towards prevention, tackling the root causes of poor mental health.

The research also highlights how the consequences of adverse childhood mental health can lead to poor health and opportunities as an adult.

Without early and holistic intervention, it warns that rising mental health problems among children will continue to translate into higher levels of youth disengagement and long-term economic inactivity.

Professor Pamela Qualter, Director of Research (SEED) at The University of Manchester, and lead report author, said: “Research shows that mental health inequalities begin very early in life, often before a child is even born. We see higher rates of perinatal mental health difficulties among parents in parts of the North, and these challenges can have lasting impacts on children’s emotional development and wellbeing.

“Children’s mental health is shaped by the environments and services that support them - including family circumstances, poverty, housing, and access to support. These factors accumulate over time, increasing the likelihood that some children face multiple and reinforcing disadvantages.

“If we want to reduce mental health inequalities, we need to think much earlier and much more holistically. Supporting parents, families and communities is one of the most powerful

ways we can improve outcomes for children and prevent problems from escalating later in life.”

Emma Lewell MP, Co-Chair of the Child of the North APPG, said: “Today’s mental health crisis among children and young people cannot be seen in isolation. It is closely linked to wider social and economic challenges, including rising school absence, exclusion, and increasing numbers of young people disengaging from education and employment.

“The impact of children missing school is particularly concerning as school disengagement is a key pathway into becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). There is also a pressing need to ensure that NEETs have access to sustainable employment opportunities, alongside sufficient placement opportunities to support participation in education, skills development and vocational training. Poor mental health, absence and exclusion reinforce each other over time - leading to higher risks of unemployment, poorer health outcomes and reduced life chances in early adulthood.

“If we are serious about tackling youth unemployment and reducing the number of young people who are NEET, we must start by addressing children’s mental health and the inequalities that drive it.

“Improvement is not a pipe dream - there are already many examples of positive action across the North, with charities, community groups and education services providing support for young people. These models can be replicated across the country to support health and school services in tackling these urgent issues.

“With targeted investment to support interventions to help those in need now, and a more prevention focused mindset for future generations, there is a chance to turn the tide. We are calling for stronger coordination across healthcare, education, local government and the voluntary sector to deliver a more joined-up, preventative system that supports children earlier and reduces long-term inequalities.”

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “Children’s mental health is not just a health issue – it is a social and economic issue that requires coordinated action across society.

“Improving outcomes will require sustained investment in tackling child poverty, strengthening family support, improving inclusion and belonging in schools, and rebuilding youth and community services. These are not ‘nice to have’ interventions – they are critical to preventing problems before they escalate.

“This report makes clear that without early, coordinated action, we risk experiencing a lost generation, with a cycle of disadvantage that will affect not just individuals, but our economy, education system and communities for years to come. The evidence is also clear that with the right investment in prevention, we can change the trajectory and give more children the chance to thrive.”

Read more about the report findings and its recommendations here: https://www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/childrens-mental-health-crisis-risks-fuelling-lost-generation The full report can be accessed at https://www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/app/uploads/Building-a-Preventative-Mental-Health-System-for-Children-and-Young-People-Report-June-2026.pdf

Led by researchers at The University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the study investigated the efficacy of a urine test which detects the presence or absence of blood pressure lowering medications — known as chemical adherence testing, or CAT.

They tested the hypothesis that the test would help in regular administration of blood pressure lowering medications and bring their blood pressure under control after its results were discussed with patients.

Known as the study, it was the largest randomised trial of its kind bringing together 12 recruitment centres in the UK.

The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and is published in on 16/06/26

CAT uses a special technique called liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect specific drugs or their metabolites in blood or urine samples.

It is mainly used in hospital hypertension and renal/cardiology clinics when doctors want to verify medication adherence in patients with resistant hypertension - the medical name for high blood pressure.

The researchers recruited 130 adults with hypertension who were taking at least two blood pressure medicines but were found to be non‑adherent after their urine was tested using CAT.

Participants were randomly assigned either to receive their CAT results alongside a personalised discussion about why they were missing doses, or to continue with usual care.

After a median follow‑up of nearly three months, average systolic blood pressure - – the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out - was not significantly different between the two groups.

While the adjusted systolic blood pressure in those who received the CAT intervention was approximately 5 mmHg lower than in the standard of care group, this difference did not reach the level of statistical significance.

Those who received the intervention, however, became more adherent to the prescribed blood pressure lowering medications 3 months after the intervention.

This showed a promising sign that it may improve medication adherence.

The findings highlight the challenges of tackling hidden non‑adherence, a problem that affects up to one in three people with high blood pressure and costs the NHS millions of pounds in unnecessary tests and treatments.

The authors argue that larger trials are urgently needed to understand whether CAT‑based interventions could play a role in improving long‑term outcomes for people with hypertension.

They also add that the technology may yet prove valuable as part of a personalised approach to managing chronic conditions where missing medications is common.

The Chief Investigator of OUTREACH is , Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Physician at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

He is also Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which partly supported the research.

He said: “Sharing the results of the CAT with the patients and the discussion for the reasons behind missing their blood pressure lowering medications appears to help in improving adherence.

While there was a trend for this improved adherence to favour lower blood pressure, we could not detect a statistically significant signal in blood pressure.

Hidden non‑adherence remains a major and costly problem in hypertension care, and our findings underline the need for larger, longer‑term trials to understand where CAT‑based approaches might still add value.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation and senior author on the study, said: “High blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the UK, where it is associated with 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes. This means it is crucial that people take medications to treat it as advised by their doctor.

“We hope that this personalised approach to monitoring adherence can help address the many reasons why people may not be taking their medication properly, and support them to do so in future. This study showed signs that this strategy may help improve adherence, but to properly judge its effectiveness, a larger study is needed.”

• The paper: Chemical adherence testing-guided intervention versus standard of care in patients with hypertension who are non-adherent to antihypertensive treatment in the UK (OUTREACH): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

• Ancient Egyptian funerary texts were not fully standardised during this period, and varied between tombs
• Tomb decoration involved the choices and priorities of the tomb owner or commissioner
• Religious practices and funerary fashions could change within a single generation
• Local traditions shaped how beliefs were expressed in places such as Saqqara
• Egyptian religion was flexible and evolving rather than completely fixed over time

Why this matters

Ancient Egypt is often portrayed as a civilisation governed by rigid traditions and unchanging religious beliefs lasting thousands of years.

However this research challenges that perception, revealing a society in which religious ideas and funerary practices adapted over time, even across the span of a single lifetime.

Rather than being rigid, Egyptian religious culture responded to changing tastes, priorities and local traditions.

A human story told through tombs

At the heart of the book is the idea that tombs were highly personal spaces.

The decoration, inscriptions and arrangement of funerary texts within tombs at Saqqara reflected the involvement of those commissioning them. While these tombs drew on established religious traditions, they also reveal changing fashions and evolving approaches to the afterlife.

Two tombs built only a generation apart could already show noticeable differences in style, emphasis and religious presentation.

What the research found

Drawing on archaeological evidence from Saqqara, the study shows that:

• Funerary texts and images differed between tombs during this period
• Tomb decoration reflected individual commissions rather than a single rigid template
• Religious styles and practices evolved noticeably over relatively short periods of time

The findings challenge the long-standing image of Egyptian religion as static and entirely controlled from the top down by priests and kings.

Why Saqqara matters

Saqqara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, provides an unusually rich record of religious and artistic change.

The book demonstrates how local traditions shaped tomb decoration and funerary expression, revealing how broader religious beliefs could be adapted differently within particular communities.

A different view of ancient religion

The research presents ancient Egyptian religion as:

• Evolving rather than fixed
• Influenced by local communities and changing fashions
• Shaped through personal commissions and lived experience

In short, the study suggests that ancient Egyptians were not simply preserving ancient traditions unchanged - they were continually adapting them for new generations.

Publication details

The Transmission of the Book of the Dead in New Kingdom Tombs at Saqqara will be published in paperback by on June 25^th, but is also currently available to read online via .

"The study highlights a wider challenge facing governments around the world – whether in the EU, the UK or elsewhere, efforts to tackle imported deforestation need to work with producer countries rather than simply impose new requirements on them,” said co-author Professor Khalid Nadvi, Professor of International Development at The University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute and Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development.

"Effective environmental governance depends on cooperation, capacity-building and shared responsibility across global supply chains."

Publication details

The paper was published in journal Global Policy.

DOI:

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Whitworth Hall on Thursday, 18 June, bringing together students, staff and civic leaders to celebrate achievement, leadership and the enduring partnership between the University and the wider city-region. 

Honorary degrees are the university’s highest awards, recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions that reflect the university’s values and create meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, welcomed the guest and honorees at the event and gave opening remarks, he said: “Today, we come together to celebrate and honour four exceptional individuals whose contributions have shaped our University, our city and society more broadly. 

“Our honorary graduands are united by their commitment to 91ֱ�� and by the lasting impact they have had on the communities they have served. Through leadership in public service, culture, and higher education, each has helped to strengthen the city's reputation as a place of innovation and opportunity.” 

As a global-civic university, 91ֱ�� is committed to working in partnership with its city and communities to advance social responsibility, inclusive growth and innovation. This year’s honorary graduates exemplify that mission, each playing a significant role in shaping 91ֱ��’s reputation as a place of ideas, opportunity and positive change.

Honorary graduates 2026 
 

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell 

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell served as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester from 2010 to 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the institution. Her leadership strengthened the University’s role as a leading global-civic university, deepening its engagement with the city, region and international partners. 

An internationally recognised neuroscientist, her research has advanced understanding of brain injury and contributed to improved treatment outcomes. Alongside her academic work, she has played a key role in shaping the UK’s research and innovation landscape, while championing the role of universities in addressing global challenges and delivering local impact. 

Sir Richard Leese 

Sir Richard Leese served as Leader of Manchester City Council for more than 25 years, playing a pivotal role in the city’s regeneration and global rise. His leadership spanned defining moments in 91ֱ��’s recent history, including the recovery following the 1996 terrorist bomb and the delivery of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. 

Under his tenure, 91ֱ�� saw significant economic growth and the revival and repopulation of its city centre, helping to position the city as a leading example of inclusive urban renewal. He now chairs the Greater 91ֱ�� Integrated Care Board, continuing his contribution to improving outcomes for communities across the region. 

Dr Maria Balshaw CBE 

Dr Maria Balshaw is a leading figure in the cultural life of both 91ֱ�� and the UK. As Director of Tate Galleries from 2017 to 2026, she led a programme focused on artistic boldness, inclusivity and engagement with new audiences. 

Her connection to 91ֱ�� is longstanding. She previously served as Director of The Whitworth at The University of Manchester, as well as Director of Manchester City Galleries and Director of Culture for 91ֱ�� City Council. Her leadership has helped position 91ֱ�� as a globally recognised cultural destination, where creativity and access to the arts play a central role in civic identity and social impact. 

Sir Howard Bernstein (1953–2024) 

Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern 91ֱ��, the late Sir Howard Bernstein devoted his career to public service in the city he called home. As Chief Executive of Manchester City Council for 20 years, he played a central role in shaping 91ֱ��’s recovery, growth and long-term vision. 

He led the reconstruction of the city centre following the 1996 terrorist bomb and was instrumental in delivering the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the regeneration of East 91ֱ��. His work extended across major developments in transport, culture and infrastructure, as well as securing Greater 91ֱ��’s landmark devolution deal. 

Sir Howard’s legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to civic leadership and place-making, helping transform 91ֱ�� into a confident, globally connected city rooted in strong communities. 

Together, this year’s honorary graduates highlight the vital role of collaboration, leadership and creativity in addressing the challenges of our time and delivering lasting social impact. 

Through 91ֱ�� 2035, the University is strengthening its commitment to being a global-civic institution, working in partnership to improve lives, advance knowledge and support the continued success of Manchester as a leading global city. 

The survey will explore issues including:

• Experiences of travelling as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or public transport user

• Feelings of safety and confidence while travelling

• Worries about road safety and personal security

• Barriers that influence travel choices

• Ideas for improving safety and accessibility

• Evidence to support future changes

The survey is the first part of a wider research project being delivered by The University of Manchester on behalf of the Safer Roads Greater 91ֱ�� Partnership Board.

Alongside the survey, participants will have the opportunity to take part in follow-up focus groups to provide more detailed insights into their experiences.

The findings will be presented to the Greater 91ֱ�� Safer Roads Partnership Board later this year.

The researchers hope the project will help ensure women's perspectives are better reflected in future road safety policies, interventions and transport planning.

By capturing the insights of women from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and travel habits, the study aims to create a stronger evidence base to support safer, more inclusive streets across Greater 91ֱ��.

“It is vital that everyone feels safe travelling on foot, by bike or in a vehicle, and we need to understand specifically how women experience Greater 91ֱ��'s roads so we can continue to address barriers they may face,” said Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater 91ֱ��. 

"Women use roads and transport networks every day, but their experiences are not always fully reflected in the evidence that informs road safety policy and planning,” said Dr Miles. “We know that concerns about safety can influence how, when and whether people travel, yet there has been relatively little research exploring these issues from women's perspectives.

“By listening to their experiences, we can build a clearer understanding of the challenges women face and identify where improvements could make the greatest difference.

"Road safety is about more than preventing collisions - it's also about ensuring people feel confident and secure when moving around their communities,” said Professor Broad. “The insights gathered through this research will help us understand what helps women feel safe, what creates barriers or concerns, and what practical changes could improve their experiences. 

“We want the findings to support evidence-based action that makes Greater 91ֱ��'s roads and transport systems safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

Women interested in taking part can complete the survey by .

The team, , received the Stephanie L Kwolek Prize for developing a scalable solid-state lithium metal battery architecture that integrates nanocarbon-enhanced cathodes with solid electrolytes.

The award recognises a collaboration between researchers at PETRONAS, The University of Manchester, and Deakin University in Melbourne. Their work focuses on overcoming key barriers to the commercialisation of solid-state lithium metal batteries, including improving energy density, safety and manufacturability. 

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid alternative, offering potential advantages in stability and performance. However, challenges remain in ensuring reliable operation at scale. The team’s approach combines nanocarbon-enhanced cathodes with solid electrolytes to deliver a design that can be manufactured using processes compatible with industry. 

The RSC Horizon Prizes, introduced in 2020, recognise teams working on innovative projects at the frontiers of the chemical sciences. The prizes highlight collaborative research that addresses global challenges and demonstrates significant progress towards practical applications.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The purpose of the Horizon Prizes is to recognise those who are pioneering new techniques, technologies and discoveries. Our winners demonstrate how expertise from across chemistry and related disciplines can be brought together to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges.” 

The 91ֱ�� researchers contributed expertise in nanomaterials and their integration into functional devices, building on the University’s strengths in advanced materials and energy research. Their involvement in the project reflects ongoing collaborations with international partners and industry to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies. 

The prize is one of a number of Horizon Prizes awarded this year by the RSC, which form part of a wider programme recognising excellence in research, innovation and education across the chemical sciences. 

The rankings assess more than 1,500 institutions worldwide across a range of measures, including research and discovery, employability and outcomes, international engagement and sustainability.   

91ֱ�� achieved an overall score of 84.6 and performed particularly strongly in international research collaboration, ranking 7th globally. The University also ranked 10th for sustainability, 28th for employer reputation and 32nd for academic reputation.   

The results reinforce 91ֱ��'s position as one of the world's leading universities, recognised for the quality of its research, global partnerships, teaching excellence and real-world impact.  

91ֱ�� is also one of a small number of global universities that consistently performs strongly in both the global university rankings and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since these rankings were introduced in 2019, the University has been placed in the global top ten every year. 

The University was ranked 35th in the . This year's rankings saw particularly strong competition from institutions in China and across Asia, reflecting the intensely competitive global higher education landscape.  

QS is one of the world's leading university ranking systems. The University of Manchester was ranked 56th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and 46th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025.  

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

The University of Manchester, working with partners across the Greater 91ֱ�� region and beyond, has played a leading role in securing £50m investment from UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) that drives innovation-led growth across Greater 91ֱ��.  

The University is lead delivery partner on two projects and will be a delivery partner on the remaining three across the wider funding programme, .  

Together the whole portfolio is worth £50m and covers nationally significant sectors including advanced materials & manufacturing, digital, cyber & AI, health innovation & life sciences, and low carbon technologies. These projects will attract private investment, create skilled jobs, support business growth and strengthen Greater 91ֱ��’s position as a globally competitive innovation region.  

The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a flagship UK government programme - delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the country. 

Forming a central pillar of the government's modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change, the Fund brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths to create new jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK. 

Atom Valley Innovation District 

The University is lead delivery partner in the £16.4m invested in the Atom Valley Innovation District, (AVID) a nationally significant advanced materials and manufacturing cluster. 

The investment will help to activate the innovation ecosystem needed to support the growth of materials-focused companies at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale.  

Through the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) within the new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), the programme will provide technical support, business services and access to specialist expertise to help companies scale up and adopt sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing technologies. 

By connecting businesses with national research centres, universities and industry, the programme will accelerate collaboration, unlock new supply chain opportunities and strengthen the region’s ability to attract and grow innovative businesses.  

The project is delivered in partnership with the Rochdale Development Agency, and the delivery consortium provides comprehensive access to the national advanced materials innovation ecosystem through the Henry Royce Institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), : NCC and CPI. The University of Greater 91ֱ�� will support the delivery of industry-ready skills packages.   

Together, these activities will drive private sector investment in the Atom Valley Innovation District, generating skilled jobs, and build long-term economic resilience for the region. 

GROW AI 

The University will also play a key role in GROW AI (£12.8m). The project will be jointly led by the Centre for Enterprise at 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University and the Turing Innovation Catalyst at the University of Manchester.  

GROW AI will rapidly scale the responsible and secure adoption of AI across Greater 91ֱ��, unlocking faster commercialisation of research and delivering inclusive, high-value economic growth. Involving collaboration with the University of Salford, Lancaster University and numerous private sector partners, the initiative will fuse startup and research commercialisation with AI adoption by SMEs across priority sectors, bringing together the public, private and academic sectors to focus on key challenges at pace.  

Utilising the networks, delivery expertise and academic excellence of the partner organisations, it builds on the region’s existing assets and is designed for rapid deployment. GROW AI develops the regional cluster at scale, supporting both new AI firms and existing businesses, so the wider economy can benefit from the AI opportunity. The project will also support the continued growth of the tech community at Sister, a new innovation district which is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech. 

The University's innovation arm,  – a function designed to unleash the institution's full innovation potential – has supported the development of these two projects.   

Delivery partner on three projects 

The University of Manchester is also the delivery partner for indoor air quality and sustainability assessments in the Retrofit Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (£8.56m) led by the University of Salford, the GM Wearables and Remote Monitoring Innovation Cluster (£5.5m) led by 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, and the Greater Data Accelerator (£6.7m) led by Health Innovation 91ֱ��. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “This shows what Greater 91ֱ�� can achieve through collaboration between universities, industry and the public sector. We’re very proud to play a central role in this, working alongside our partners to turn research into innovation that supports business growth, builds new ventures and strengthens the economy.  

"Our research, partnerships and innovation activity will increasingly create globally competitive clusters that attract investment, generate high-value jobs and position Greater 91ֱ�� as a leader in advanced materials, manufacturing, health innovation and AI. This is about connecting talent, ideas and industry - which ultimately means long-term, inclusive growth is felt across our communities.” 

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Greater 91ֱ�� Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “Through this significant investment in five pioneering projects we will translate world-class research and innovation into new jobs and opportunities that benefit Greater 91ֱ��’s businesses and residents. 

“By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation and AI, we are building on the strengths that already set our city region apart and creating the conditions for more businesses to innovate, scale and succeed here. This is the kind of investment and collaboration that helps us deliver long-term, inclusive growth, strengthening our economy and ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt right across Greater 91ֱ��.” 

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the Innovation Greater 91ֱ�� Board, said: “I am delighted that Greater 91ֱ�� has secured such a significant investment and is the first region to have all its projects approved.  

“This is testament to the maturity in Greater 91ֱ�� and the strong partnership that exists across the region. I would like to thank the partners for their support in the process. At IGM we look forward to continuing to collaborate with UKRI, supporting deployment of world-class innovations that impact lives throughout the region and beyond.” 

The King's Birthday Honours recognise extraordinary contributions and service across the UK. 

This year's list highlights outstanding contributions across public service, healthcare, education, business, science and the voluntary sector, reflecting the breadth and impact of the University's wider community. 

Sarah Munby CB 
Sarah Munby, a member of the University's Board, has been appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for public service. 

Her career spans both the private and public sectors. Recently, she served as Permanent Secretary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), where she oversaw the establishment of the new department and held overall responsibility for government policy and delivery on science and technology. Her portfolio covered the national approach to artificial intelligence, the UK's science and research system, digital transformation across government, and the government's relationship with technology-driven sectors of the economy, including life sciences, AI and digital, quantum, telecoms and space. 

Previously, she was Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with wide-ranging responsibilities across the economy. This included leading support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the UK's energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, establishing the UK's first national net zero strategy, and supporting business growth and innovation nationwide. During this time, she also established BEIS's second headquarters in Greater 91ֱ��, later mirrored at DSIT. 

Before joining the civil service, she was a Partner at McKinsey and Company, where she led the firm's Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice in the UK and Ireland, working on strategic change and transformation with major businesses in the UK and globally. 

She has also previously served as a Board Member at UK Government Investments, the government's centre of expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance. 

Sir Jon Cunliffe GBE CB 
Sir Jon Cunliffe, who studied English Language and Literature at the University, is recognised with a GBE for public service. 

He has had a distinguished career in public service, including a decade as Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for Financial Stability from 2013 to 2023. In that role, he sat on the Bank's Court of Directors, the Financial Policy Committee and the Monetary Policy Committee, and also had responsibilities across the Bank's prudential regulation work. 

Earlier in his career, he served as the UK's Permanent Representative to the European Union. He is currently Chair of the Independent Water Commission. 

Abigail Shapiro MBE 
Abigail Shapiro, a member of the University's General Assembly, has been awarded an MBE for services to education. She is Co-Founder of The Tutor Trust.

Alongside Sarah Munby, Sir Jon Cunliffe and Abigail Shapiro, a further 19 members of the University of Manchester community have been recognised: 

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 
Tom Attwood (BSc Management Sciences 1973), Chair of Trustees, Attwood Academy Trust, for services to education. 

Paul McCreesh (MusB 1981), Conductor, for services to music and music education. 

Merope Mills (BA Psychology 1999), Patient Safety Campaigner, for services to patient safety. 

Dr Richard Vautrey (MBChB 1988), former President, Royal College of General Practitioners and GP Partner, Meanwood Group Practice, for services to general practice. 

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 
Robin Gisby (MBA 1984), former Chief Executive Officer, DFT Operator Limited, for services to the rail network. 

Rachel Hollis (BA History 1981), former Chair, Professional Nursing Committee, Royal College of Nursing and Honorary Nurse Advisor for Children's Cancer Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, for services to nursing. 

Professor Janet Lord (BA Psychology 1986; MSc Cognitive Science 1991; EdD Education 2016), Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University and Independent Chair, Priority Area, for services to education. 

Rohan Malik (MBA 1998), UK and Ireland Government and Public Sector Managing Partner, EY, for services to business and professional services. 

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 
Nafiza Anwar (BSc Anatomical Sciences 1993), Co-Founder and Director, Association of South Asian Midwives, for services to charity and healthcare. 

Esther Barratt (BSc Mechanical Engineering 1992), Group Director, Amentum, for services to nuclear power engineering. 

Sara Barr-Frost (MA Healthcare Ethics and Law 2019), Deputy Chief Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Officer, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and former Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, for services to the NHS. 

Professor Stephen Leveson (MBChB 1970; MD 1978), Founder and Trustee, York Against Cancer, for services to cancer patients in North Yorkshire. 

Dr Colin Prosser (BSc Geology 1984), Principal Specialist Geoheritage and Geoconservation, Natural England, for services to geoconservation. 

Bill Reeves (BSc Electrical Engineering and Electronics 1977), Chief Executive, Portland Port, for services to the community in Portland. 

Paul Seddon (BA Town and Country Planning 1991; BPl 1992), Strategic Director of Planning and Transport, Nottingham City Council, for services to town planning. 

Rabbi Dr Norman Solomon (PhD 1966), for services to the Jewish community and to interfaith relations in Oxfordshire. 

Paul Trevatt (MSc Healthcare Management 2008), Nursing Leader, for services to nursing. 

Karen Whittaker (MSc Nursing 1997), Senior Education Lead, Institute of Health Visiting, for services to health visiting. 

British Empire Medal (BEM) 
Dr Katie Misselbrook (MBChB 2011), Consultant Anaesthetist, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, for services to children and young people. 

Joint workshops with academic and policy experts, and subsequent consultation within the GMCA and MCC, has led to the development of 13 ARIs which will support with the delivery of long-term strategic goals.

The ARIs have been modelled on elements of the  and the  and focus on two priorities: good growth and prevention.

The pilot aims to:

• Inform policymaking and test the ARI model at local government level;

• Build stronger partnerships between policymakers and academic experts;

• Support effective processes for identifying and prioritising research questions;

• Broaden the range of voices shaping GM policy, supporting the region’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

Launched in early June via the , the pilot will run for six months and academics are strongly encouraged to respond. It will help policymakers to access expertise and evidence, with ARIs operating successfully in various branches of government for almost a decade.

More information is available via the Policy@91ֱ�� and the .

The charity’s annual investment into the will increase from £11m to more than £17m this year - putting the city at the heart of its mission to beat cancer.

The boost in funding will be used to recruit up to eight senior researchers who will build on the Institute’s expertise and advance cancer research in areas including immunology, data science and AI.

Once fully established, their labs will attract up to 100 world leading researchers and research staff to join 91ֱ��'s fast-growing research community.

The investment will also help to develop the next generation of clinician scientists - funding two new positions in partnership with The Christie. This will further help to combine world-class research with placing patient care at each stage of the research journey.

Bringing new knowledge into the 91ֱ�� research ecosystem will be matched with investment in cutting-edge research and computational technologies.

These will allow the Institute’s world leading facilities to study cancer under closer detail than ever before and build a platform to ensure the long-term emergence of new discoveries.

The Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute sits in the Paterson building in Withington and is part of The University of Manchester.  The building is directly connected to The Christie which allows cells and samples from patients to be taken to the research lab in a matter of minutes.

Recently appointed Director of the Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute, hugely welcomes the boost in funding.

She said: “Having recently left London to move to 91ֱ��, I am delighted that Cancer Research UK recognises the level of expertise at the Institute and the power of our cancer research partnerships in 91ֱ��.

“The extra investment will make a huge difference moving forwards and will help us continue to attract the brightest minds to the city.

“While we are living in an exciting time for research, nearly 1 in 2 people.* are set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so there’s still much more to do. Patients will be at the very heart of everything we do and the Institute will be a real engine room for discovery."

Sharon Quennell, from Chadderton in Oldham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 36 after noticing a lump on her left breast. She underwent surgery followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

Now 62, she celebrated a quarter of a century free of cancer last year. Sharon works at North 91ֱ�� General Hospital and is a single mum to Ryan, aged 31, who has autism and learning disabilities.

She has visited the laboratories in the Institute many times.

Sharon said: “The extra investment is amazing news for 91ֱ��.

“As a former cancer patient, I am always humbled to hear about the exciting research work happening on my doorstep.”

Professor Ashley Blom, Vice President and Dean of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester said: “The CRUK 91ֱ�� Institute sits at the heart of the city’s cancer research strength, uniting world‑class scientists under one mission. Its teams push the boundaries of discovery, from understanding the biology of cancer to developing treatments that change clinical practice. So this increase in funding is great news for the University and the city, which holds a pre‑eminent place in global cancer research, driving discoveries that shape the future of treatment. This welcome news will create more opportunities for scientists to turn bold ideas into breakthroughs that can change what’s possible for patients.”

Professor Fiona Blackhall, Director of Research and Innovation and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, comments:  “What makes 91ֱ�� such an important hub for cancer research is that our research facilities are located on the site of one of Europe’s leading cancer hospitals, The Christie. This means we can carry out research at every stage – from basic science to trials involving patients – all on one site.

“This increase in investment reflects the level of expertise we have here in 91ֱ�� and the difference that we’re making for our patients.

“Cancer research is a collaborative effort and we at The Christie are proud to work with our partners in the Cancer Research UK 91ֱ�� Institute and The University of Manchester to find new and better ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer.”

Every year, around 45,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. **

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years and is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research.

* See CRUK website
** Based on the average annual number of new cases of cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD10 C00-C96 excluding C44) diagnosed in the North West in 2021-2023. 

Using different types of health data - from body measurements to genetics - the authors have built on evidence that there is a potential future where simple, high street eye scans could be used as a measure of how the rest of the body is functioning. 

Using “UK Biobank” data, a  UK volunteer-based study, the researchers developed an AI tool called “Ret-AAE” to explore the links between the eye and disease risk, blood test results, and the appearance and function of different organs, across over 68,000 people.

The study showed that the associations between the eye and body are incredibly broad, identifying that the appearance of the eye is linked to risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, Parkinsons disease, dementia and more.

Two types of scan were used in the study - 3D scans of the inner lining of the eye called “optical coherence tomography” (OCT), and simple photographs of the back of the eye called “colour fundus photographs”.

Both scan types are widely available at optometrists across the UK, with several million scans already captured every year by high street providers – making them a highly accessible health marker.

The team showed the two scan types might reveal complementary signals about our future health, with OCT more strongly linked to neurological traits and CFP having broader associations with cardiovascular traits.

Further analysis showed that the eye contains several signals that are captured by AI systems and reveal information about health – including the appearance of blood vessels and the nerves which connect the eye to the brain.

Some of the patterns the system picked up were caused by cataracts or natural differences in eye colour, showing that researchers might need to account for age and ethnicity when analysing the images.

One of the key contributions of the study is the work around the biological pathways that might link the eye to disease in the brain, blood vessels and heart.

Genetic analyses showed that eye features are linked to genes involved in neurodegenerative disease pathways, including those related to Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and broader neurodegeneration.

Physiological analyses linked eye features to blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, and the function of the heart.

‘Radiomic analyses’ -  which turn medical images into measurable data - showed associations between eye features and the size of the brain, as well as tiny changes in the brain’s tissue structure detected using MRI scans.

By studying the tiny molecules in the blood, the researchers also found several connections between features in the eye and fat‑related molecules in the body, which may link the eye to general health.

Lead author Medical Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellow, is an eye doctor and researcher at the University of Manchester and 91ֱ�� Royal Eye Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “Our findings show that the eye can reveal a remarkably broad picture of whole‑body health, offering a way to identify those at risk of heart and brain disease before they occur.

“Our study advances the use of deep‑learning‑derived eye traits in large‑scale biomedical research.”

Dr , Wellcome Clinician Scientist, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant,  from The University of Manchester, who oversaw this interdisciplinary work alongside FREng, also from the University, said: “While more work is needed before these tests could arrive on the high street - we hope and believe that routine eye tests will one day be used as part of health screening for disease prevention.”

Professor Frangi is also a RAEng Chair and Digital Infrastructure Programme Co-Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre’.

He said: “Using scans available on every high street, an eye test may become much more than a way to check your glasses prescription.”

“This work shows the interdisciplinary work ongoing in 91ֱ�� thanks to generous support by various translational structures, including the NIHR 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre, and the BHF 91ֱ�� Centre of Research Excellence, among other funders”.

• Multi-omic analysis of deep learning-derived phenotypes links ophthalmic imaging to cardiovascular and neurological traits is published in on  Tuesday 16  June at 4pm UK time. DOI
• Funders included: the Medical Research Council; the Wellcome Trust; the British Heart Foundation; the Royal Academy of Engineering; and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre.

The milestone marks the largest level of participation in the campaign's history, having launched in 2016. This demonstrates the growing global appetite for teachers to upskill in how to engage 5–14-year-olds in practical science learning in schools.

Teachers and their pupils have been involved in thinking about scientific questions that interest them. Time has been dedicated to encouraging them to plan and undertake investigations, gathering evidence and drawing conclusions on topics ranging from nature, weather, motion and materials.

Under the annual theme 'Globally Curious', the pupils’ questions have demonstrated creativity, curiosity and wonder.

• Which is the smallest animal that makes the biggest difference in our environment?
• What do ants like to eat the most?
• How does friction affect the distance a car travels?
• How do different exercises affect your heart rate?
• How do my clothes shed microfibres and does it matter?

Teachers and educators across the globe get involved in many ways. As an inclusive campaign, sharing events take place in schools, gardens, zoos, hospital schools and community spaces.  This year saw the campaign expand its reach into Slovenia and Spain, with bespoke training for teachers and translated materials that increasingly support engagement globally.

Brompton-Westbook Primary in Kent was the school that took registrations beyond the million mark. Claire Hofer, the school’s Science Lead, said Great Science Share for Schools has enabled their pupils and teachers to do more enquiry-based science, which they share with other pupils at a showcase event at the Discovery Park in Sandwich.

Similarly, The University of Manchester welcomed 31 schools from across Greater 91ֱ�� to its Nancy Rothwell Building for a large in-person event, where pupils showcased their investigations and discoveries with the Lord Mayor encouraging them on.

The Great Science Share for Schools campaign was founded by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom through learner-led enquiry, inclusive participation and collaboration.

Professor Bianchi said: “2026 is a truly great year for GSSfS by reaching this huge milestone. This makes a huge difference to teachers and young people, as well as showing that there is keen interest to raise the profile of science education for all. As the University’s From 91ֱ�� for the world 2035 strategy really takes pace, GSSfS models our values towards social responsibility and widening participation.”

Grace Marson, Campaign Manager for Great Science Share for Schools, added: “We are really proud that the campaign continues to grow as this means it is continuing to support teachers to upskill their own knowledge and develop pupils’ confidence in science enquiry.”

As participation surpasses one million pupils for the first time, the achievement comes amid a new Royal Society report, calling for stronger support for public engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, highlighting the growing importance of initiatives such as Great Science Share for Schools.

• Temporary accommodation has existed in different forms for nearly two centuries

• Many of the problems seen today have deep historical roots

• Poor conditions, lengthy stays and placements away from communities have been repeated over time

• Fragmented responsibility has consistently made accountability difficult

• People living in temporary accommodation have often had limited opportunities to challenge poor conditions or unfair decisions

• Temporary accommodation has frequently operated outside the standards expected of other forms of housing

• A new enforceable framework is needed to ensure temporary accommodation is short, safe and healthy

A crisis with deep historical roots

The report identifies a long-running pattern in which certain groups have faced greater barriers to support than others, rooted in ideas about who is considered ‘deserving’ of assistance.

It argues that while major reforms have changed the legal framework around homelessness, longstanding patterns of exclusion, unequal treatment and poor-quality accommodation have repeatedly reappeared in different forms.

The research also highlights how fragmented responsibilities across government departments, local authorities and providers have often made it difficult to identify poor practice, enforce standards or learn from successful approaches.

Lessons from nearly 200 years of history

The report calls for three major reforms:

• Make unequal harms visible - better monitoring is needed to understand who is being placed where, in what conditions and for how long, enabling policymakers to identify and address unequal outcomes.

• End fragmentation - temporary accommodation requires clearer statutory coordination, stronger oversight and greater accountability across the system.

• Create an enforceable framework - temporary accommodation should be subject to baseline national standards, backed by meaningful enforcement.

Better temporary accommodation is possible

The report also identifies examples showing that better temporary accommodation can be delivered when there is political will and investment.

One example is the 1944 Temporary Housing Programme, which funded more than 150,000 prefabricated bungalows following the Second World War. Designed with comfort, privacy and family life in mind, the programme demonstrated that temporary accommodation could provide safe and dignified housing rather than merely emergency shelter.

What the researchers say

"Many of the problems experienced by people living in temporary accommodation today have appeared again and again for nearly two centuries,” said Dr Jessica Field. “What emerges from this research is a story of recurring patterns rather than isolated failures - poor conditions, long stays, family disruption and displacement from communities have persisted across very different political and policy contexts. Understanding how these problems developed helps us see why piecemeal reforms have often struggled to deliver lasting change.”

"Temporary accommodation may seem like a current crisis, but it has been part of our lives for nearly 200 years - yet the experience for many people living in temporary accommodation today remains painfully similar to what it was in the nineteenth century,” said Simon Gale, Chief Executive of Justlife.

"Poor conditions, long stays, people being moved away from their communities, and families left in uncertainty are not new problems. Lifelines shows they are part of a much longer pattern. That matters because we cannot keep responding to temporary accommodation as if each problem is new, isolated or unavoidable.”

"If we are serious about ending the harm caused by temporary accommodation, we need a clear national framework, proper standards, stronger accountability and a housing policy that stops temporary solutions becoming long-term realities."

Publication

was authored by Dr Jessica Field and published by Justlife.

The list celebrates individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of people across the country, such as by creating innovative solutions or driving real change in public life.

We are also celebrating the members of our wider community who have been honoured. Read more here.

Professor David Knowles

FREng, CEO of the Henry Royce Institute, has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to industry and academia.

His work has focused primarily on the application of advanced materials and engineering research to address major industrial and national challenges across transport, energy, petrochemical and infrastructure sectors.

Responding to the award, Professor Knowles said: “I feel incredibly privileged and proud to have received this honour. It is a recognition not just of my own work, but of everything that the outstanding teams and institutes I’ve been fortunate to be part of have achieved together over many years.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the many colleagues and collaborators I’ve worked alongside across academia, industry and government. Their talent, dedication and shared commitment to innovation have been central to everything we have accomplished.

“Naturally, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my family, past and present, whose encouragement and support have sustained me along the way.”

Professor Luke Georghiou

, formerly Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester, has been awarded an OBE for services to science and innovation. His current role is that of Professor of Science and Technology Policy and Management in the 91ֱ�� Institute of Innovation Research in the Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School. 

A longstanding figure in UK research and innovation policy, Professor Georghiou has played a leading role in shaping national and international approaches to science funding, collaboration and impact. Among his many contributions, he led 91ֱ��’s successful bid to host the Euroscience Forum and secure its designation as European City of Science, and played a key role in the foundation of Northern Gritstone, a £380m venture capital company supporting university spinouts across the North.

Speaking on his award, Professor Georghiou said: "It has been a privilege to support and guide so many hugely talented people and to help develop 91ֱ��’s outstanding innovation ecosystem.”

Professor Gareth Evans

, Emeritus Professor of Medical Genetics at The University of Manchester and Consultant in Medical Genetics at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded an MBE for services to cancer genetics. His work has made a significant contribution to advancing understanding, diagnosis and care in inherited cancer, benefiting patients and families in the UK and beyond.

Professor Evans said: "I'm very honoured to be mentioned in the King's birthday honours. It's the culmination of thirty six years of work on inherited cancers and I'm extremely pleased. In particular to have my work on breast and ovarian cancer and the BRCA1/2 genes recognised and my setting of a national highly specialised service for patients with NF2 related schwannomatosis."

The birthday honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister, senior government ministers, or members of the public.

The awards recognise active community champions, innovative social entrepreneurs, pioneering scientists, passionate health workers and dedicated volunteers who have made significant achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

 commissioned from , the CBI’s economic consultancy division, has revealed the enormous opportunities for UK growth, regional development and productivity that can come from aligning business needs, universities and government policy.

The report, which is based on survey and interview data from 610 businesses and university stakeholders, reveals a system that is working well in some areas with eight out of ten businesses surveyed recognise the positive contribution of working with universities. However it is also failing to make the most of talent and the ability to innovate.

Ultimately this is stunting growth, preventing new work being carried out, or forcing businesses to shift operations overseas.

The report shows that this is particularly acute in the UK’s priority ‘frontier sectors’, crucial for delivery of the government’s Industrial Strategy, including advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and life sciences. Compared with firms outside of these sectors, surveyed frontier sector firms are around seven times more likely to report relocating activity outside of the UK if universities were less able to supply skilled graduates or collaborate with business.

The findings also present a significant opportunity – the UK has world-leading universities, strong research capability and businesses operating at the technological frontier. The UK can build on these by strengthening talent pipelines, improving collaboration and aligning policy with business needs.

Talent and skills

Businesses reported that the constraint on talent and skills is largely one of availability, not quality.

Survey responses indicate that around one in five businesses (19%) are currently experiencing a graduate skills shortage or gap, with shortages more pronounced among firms operating in frontier sectors.

The findings show that international talent is filling targeted skills gaps rather than displacing domestic workers.

Addressing this talent gap this will require strengthening the scale and alignment of the domestic skills pipeline, while maintaining access to international talent, where gaps persist.

University-business collaboration

The other significant way in which universities and businesses collaborate is in research and innovation. This, the report finds, delivers benefits including commercial product development and productivity gains, access to specialist facilities and research expertise, that businesses would not be able to invest in themselves.

However, businesses also highlight that it is difficult to find the right contacts, and there are differing timescales and multiple funding streams which complicate engagement.

One SME described how establishing initial engagement with a university could take several months, from securing the right contact through to progressing discussions. This contrasted sharply with their experience in other countries, where similar partnerships could be initiated within days.

Recent University of Manchester initiatives point to the types of practical steps universities can take. This includes plans to offer all undergraduates meaningful real-world experience, such as placements, internships, live employer projects or work with public and community organisations, and the launch of the five-year, £5m, Future of Work Alliance with BNY, focused on responsible human-led AI.

The report calls for clearer incentives and simpler funding routes from government, with universities doing more to speed up and simplify access for businesses.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “Economic growth depends on our ability to turn talent and ideas into new products, services, and industries. The countries that do this best will lead the global economy.

“We need to be more ambitious, more responsive and more outward-looking in how we work with employers and entrepreneurs. The issue is not whether the UK produces highly skilled people. It is whether those skills can be connected quickly and effectively to the places, sectors, communities, and businesses that need them most.

“As this report makes clear, by strengthening skills pipelines, removing barriers to collaboration and backing innovation wherever it emerges, we can unlock far more of what universities and businesses can achieve together. This is what the country needs and what we are committed to delivering.”

Adriana Curca, CBI Economics Director, said: “Our research shows that universities are a critical part of the infrastructure that supports business growth, providing access to talent, research capability and innovation expertise. This is particularly important in the UK’s frontier sectors where firms rely on advanced skills, research capability and innovation to grow and compete.”

“While many examples of collaboration are already delivering tangible benefits, there is a significant opportunity to do more. Better connecting business needs with talent, research and innovation capability could help unlock growth in the sectors that will shape the UK's future economy.”

• Just 4% of patients in the dataset were offered social prescribing between 2019 and 2024

• Patients living in the least deprived areas were significantly more likely to be offered social prescribing than those in the most deprived communities

• Women were substantially more likely than men to be offered social prescribing

• Older patients and people with multiple long-term conditions were more likely to receive offers

• More than three quarters (77.7%) of those offered social prescribing received a referral

• Ethnic minority patients were generally as likely - or more likely - to accept referrals

What else did the study find?

The researchers analysed anonymised NHS primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), one of the largest healthcare datasets in England.

The study explored which groups of patients were offered social prescribing and which went on to receive referrals after offers were made.

Social prescribing schemes aim to support people whose health may be affected by wider social issues such as loneliness, poor housing, financial stress or isolation by linking them with non-medical community services through dedicated NHS link workers.

Clear inequalities

Patients in more affluent areas consistently had higher odds of being offered social prescribing than those in deprived areas, despite evidence that poorer communities often experience worse health outcomes and greater levels of long-term illness.

Women were also more likely to be offered referrals than men across almost every age group examined.

The study found strong links between long-term illness and social prescribing access, with patients suffering multiple health conditions far more likely to receive offers and referrals.

Why it matters

Researchers say the findings are significant because social prescribing has become a major part of NHS plans to reduce pressure on healthcare services and improve public health.

Since 2019, thousands of social prescribing link workers have been recruited across England through the NHS Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme.

The researchers warn that unequal access to these services could risk widening existing health inequalities if patients in deprived communities are less likely to benefit. However, the study also found encouraging signs once offers had been made.

Patients from ethnic minority backgrounds were often more likely than white patients to accept referrals, while deprivation itself did not appear to reduce uptake after an offer was made.

Researchers say this suggests the key inequality may lie in access to offers rather than willingness to engage.

Men and older patients less likely to engage

The study also found important differences between being offered social prescribing and accepting referrals.

While older patients were more likely to be offered support, they were less likely to go on to receive referrals once offered. Male patients were consistently less likely than women to both receive offers and proceed to referral.

Researchers say more work is needed to understand why some groups may be underrepresented or less likely to engage with social prescribing services.

What the researchers say

“It is concerning that the patients most likely to benefit from social prescribing support appear to be among the least likely to be offered it,” said Research Fellow Anna Wilding. “People living in deprived communities are more likely to experience long-term illness, financial hardship, isolation and poor mental health - the very issues social prescribing is designed to help address.”

“Our findings suggest the biggest challenge is not whether people will engage with social prescribing once offered support, but ensuring disadvantaged communities are not left behind in the first place.”

Publication details

The study was published in journal PLOS One.

DOI:

The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) has committed £50 million over five years to drive forward the vital research led by clinicians, researchers, and communities across the consortium marking the most significant step forward in maternal health research in a generation.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for maternity care in the UK, with national attention increasingly focused on improving safety, equity and women's experiences of care.

The 91ֱ��-led part of the research will involve improving and reducing inequalities in maternity care pathways. The focus will be on major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly cardiometabolic complications (obesity, hypertension, gestational diabetes (GDM), perinatal mental health, and complications in early maternal recovery after birth.

Dr Debbie Smith, Co-Lead of the Perinatal mental health and wellbeing work, said: “I am really excited that 91ֱ�� are co-leading the perinatal mental health and wellbeing work as part of this consortium and look forward to co-producing equitable behavioural interventions with key stakeholders over the next few years”.

The Government's renewed Women's Health Strategy highlights the need to improve care before and between pregnancies for marginalised communities, against this backdrop, the consortium will generate the evidence, interventions and research capacity needed to help translate national ambition into practical, equitable improvements for women, babies and families.

“This funding represents a critical opportunity to make the step change we need to improve outcomes for women and their babies. Alongside the research, the Consortium will be investing in tomorrow's research leaders today to ensure we have the capacity to deliver on improving pregnancy outcomes, access to, and experience of, care”, says Professor Judith Rankin OBE, Consortium Co-lead for Research and Capacity Development, Newcastle University.

“National attention on maternity safety and equity has never been greater, but ambition must now be matched by evidence and implementation. Through this consortium, we will work across the UK to understand what works, for whom and in what contexts, and to ensure that research leads to practical changes in care for the women, babies and families who need them most,” says Professor Joht Singh Chandan, Consortium Co-lead for Research, University of Birmingham.

• Elite football increasingly relies on investment from fossil fuel-rich states and companies, including sponsorships and ownership models linked to Gulf nations and energy firms.
• FIFA’s partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco is singled out by the authors, who claim football has become central to a wider strategy of sportswashing by fossil fuel interests.
• The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 Men’s World Cup will significantly increase emissions due to the greater number of matches and the vast travel distances across North America.
• The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities spanning the entire continent. The last Men’s World Cup in 2022, Qatar, saw 64 matches played across the 32-team tournament.
• FIFA’s environmental policies are scrutinised, with the research team accusing the organisation of promoting sustainability rhetoric while simultaneously expanding competitions and strengthening ties with fossil fuel sponsors.

The study highlights concerns over future tournaments, noting that Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup while the United States withdrew from the Paris climate agreement under President Donald Trump.

Why this matters

The researchers say the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 Men’s World Cup will significantly increase emissions due to the greater number of matches and the vast travel distances across North America.

The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities spanning the entire continent. The last Men’s World Cup in 2022, Qatar, saw 64 matches played across the 32-team tournament.

FIFA’s environmental policies are also scrutinised, with the research team accusing the organisation of promoting sustainability rhetoric while simultaneously expanding competitions and strengthening ties with fossil fuel sponsors.

The study also highlights concerns over future tournaments, noting that Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup while the United States withdrew from the Paris climate agreement under President Donald Trump.

What the researchers say

Lead researcher, Dr Mark Doidge, Reader in Sociology of Sport at Loughborough University, said: “Football is the world’s most popular sport, and probably the most popular activity. It is for this reason that football authorities, like FIFA, continue to exploit it for commercial profit."

“Football is also a cultural powerhouse with millions of fans, volunteers, and players trying to make the sport better. Football can, and should, use its influence to mitigate against climate change.”

Dr James Jackson, Lecturer at The University of Manchester, said: “Despite the last World Cup offering a preview of what football would be like in a significantly warmer world, FIFA has remained indifferent to better regulation. Rather than being proactive and ensuring football helps mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change, they are - at best - pursuing meagre adaptation measures for things which affect fans and players."

Dr Oscar Berglund, Senior Lecturer in International Public and Social Policy at the University of Bristol, said: “FIFA has made elite men’s football the primary target of Petrostate sportswashing. This World Cup, with the ridiculous Trump Peace Prize and having Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest polluter, as its main sponsor, reaches new levels.

“It has been a key strategy of Petrostates to use football’s unrivalled cultural influence globally. They don’t need to convince us that fossil fuels are good, just that they are inevitable. So, as we watch and love our beautiful game, we come to accept the necessary evil of fossil capital.”

Club sustainability and commercial pressure

As part of the study, researchers interviewed sustainability managers working in football clubs across Europe, many of whom described tensions between environmental targets and the commercial demands of the modern game.

According to the report, sustainability initiatives are often only approved if they do not disrupt football’s core product, including the scheduling and broadcasting of matches.

Some interviewees said clubs remained more focused on increasing revenues than reducing environmental costs, despite the growing financial risks posed by flooding, heatwaves and fixture disruption.

Recommendations

The investigation proposes a series of recommendations aimed at reducing football’s environmental impact.

• FIFA should stop awarding tournaments to Petrostates.
• Restrictions should be placed on fossil fuel ownership of clubs.
• Fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship should be banned in football.
• Football authorities should halt the expansion of competitions.
• Sustainability managers should be embedded into all levels of club decision-making rather than operating in isolated compliance roles.

FIFA response

FIFA has previously defended its sustainability strategies and said major tournaments can drive investment, infrastructure and development in host nations. The organisation has also said that expanding competitions increases global participation and opportunities for smaller footballing nations.

Publication details

To read the full report, . The findings will form part of Football and Climate Change: The Unsustainability of the Beautiful Game, due to be published in 2027.

, a new model for low‑light image enhancement (LLIE), was created by Computer Science undergraduate Alexandru Brateanu during his third-year project, working with academic supervisors.

The model outperforms comparable compact systems, recovering detail and clarity from images that would previously have been considered unusable.

The advancement has significant implications for photography, security, and a wide range of computational imaging tasks.

Low‑light image enhancement seeks to restore natural visibility, colour fidelity, and structural detail in scenes captured under poor illumination. While recent LLIE models have achieved impressive results, many rely on heavy architectures with large parameter counts, resulting in high computational cost and limited real‑time applicability. Efficiency has therefore become a central research challenge: how to enhance images more effectively while dramatically reducing model size.

In the work presented at the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition 2026, the team proposes a structured solution grounded in classical colour vision theory and implemented using modern neural components within the Retinex framework. Retinex, a foundational approach in image enhancement, decomposes an image into illumination (light) and reflectance (colour) components to better handle low‑light scenes.

The design motivation behind Multinex is to extract as much useful information as possible from low‑light images using a highly compact architecture. By prioritising enhancement over reconstruction and leveraging lightweight neural operations, Multinex achieves strong illumination correction, detail recovery, and colour fidelity while using only a fraction of the parameters required by existing approaches.

The model is released in both a lightweight version (45K parameters) and an extremely compact nano version (0.7K parameters), each offering substantial reductions in computational load. Comparison to corresponding lightweight models such as PairLIE (330K parameters) and ZeroDCE (80K parameters) Multinex shows a significant performance improvement.

Like other LLIE techniques, Multinex still faces challenges in scenes with severe spectral distortions, lens flares, or mixed artificial and natural lighting. The team aims to extend the framework to these complex cases, exploring alternative formulations such as tone‑mapping or multiplicative residuals, and applying Multinex principles to related domains including intrinsic image decomposition, colour constancy, underwater enhancement, and haze removal.

The researchers demonstrate that Multinex delivers state‑of‑the‑art performance at real‑time cost, highlighting the power of combining analytic priors with modern lightweight design.

The study led by the Indian Childhood Collaborative Leukaemia (ICiCle) group, which includes University of Manchester researchers, treated over 3000 children with acute B‑cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at six major centres across India.

ALL is a fast‑growing blood cancer that starts from very early B‑cells in the bone marrow. It is the most common form of ALL, especially in children.

Publishing in the Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, the researchers compared the standard four‑week continuous steroid course with a pulsed schedule given in weeks one, two and four.

Children on the pulsed schedule had far fewer early deaths, with rates falling from 3.5% to 1.3%.

Most leukaemia related early  deaths are currently caused by severe infections linked to continuous steroid use - a major challenge in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

Crucially, the shorter steroid exposure did not affect how well treatment worked, with remission rates of around 98% in both groups.

Survival outcomes were also similar, showing that the safer approach does not compromise cure.

The trial also found that using a powerful and highly effective class of chemotherapy drugs called anthracyclines early in treatment increased the risk of treatment‑related deaths.

The findings come from the ICiCle‑ALL‑14 trial, the first multicentre randomised paediatric oncology trial conducted in India.

Childhood leukaemia now has survival rates above 90% in many wealthy countries.

But children in low‑ and middle‑income countries still face far higher risks of dying during treatment, often because infections strike early on.

Since 2013, the ICiCle group team has been working to bring a consistent, modern treatment approach to children with leukaemia across India, rolled out to centres across India.

Professor Vaskar Saha from The University of Manchester and Tata Medical Center, is lead author and founder of the ICiCle group.

He said: “We show for the first time that a simple change in how we give steroids can save lives. By reducing continuous exposure, we appear to lessen the risk of severe infections without compromising the effectiveness of treatment. This is a practical, low‑cost intervention that could be adopted widely, particularly in settings where treatment‑related mortality remains high.”

Professor Venkatraman Radhakrishnan of the Cancer Institute (WIA) said: “The study provides robust randomised evidence that steroid scheduling itself is a modifiable determinant of induction mortality. The lack of any detriment in MRD response or survival makes this a particularly compelling practice change.”

The study was funded by the National Cancer Grid, Indian Council of Medical Research, DBT-Wellcome India Alliance and Tata Consultancy Services.

The participating centres were:

• BR Ambedkar Rotary Cancer Hospital — All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
• Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER Chandigarh — Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
• Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS New Delhi — All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai — National cancer centre
• Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Tata Medical Center Kolkata — Tertiary paediatric cancer service
• Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) Chennai — One of India’s oldest cancer institutes

Professor Michael Garrett, the Sir Bernard Lovell Chair of Astrophysics, chaired a global effort to update the long-standing “post-detection protocols” used by researchers involved in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The updated guidelines have now been formally ratified by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

The revised Declaration of Principles marks the first major update to the protocols in more than 15 years and reflects a media landscape transformed by social media, artificial intelligence and the 24-hour news cycle.

Acknowledging that any credible detection of extraterrestrial technology would be a transformative event for humanity, the new Declaration establishes a rigorous framework for verification, transparency and global risk communication.

"The information environment we operate in today is vastly more complex than it was in 2010," said Professor Michael Garrett, Chair of the IAA SETI Committee. . "In an era of deepfakes, automated misinformation, and instant global connectivity, a single unverified claim could trigger confusion or panic. These new protocols ensure that scientists maintain the highest standards of evidence before making announcements to the world."

Adapting to a new era of SETI research

SETI and Technosignature research have expanded significantly since the previous protocols were adopted in 2010. Scientists now investigate the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including excess infrared heat signatures from megastructures, optical laser emission, and even multi-messenger signals. The updated Declaration explicitly recognises this broader approach.

It also addresses other modern challenges, including protections for researchers, acknowledging that scientists involved in potential detection could face harassment, doxxing, or intense media scrutiny.

It also acknowledges the risk of viral rumours, ensuring verified data is distinguished from hoaxes or terrestrial interference.

Verification before announcement

At the heart of the new rules is a reaffirmation of a core scientific principle: “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”.

Under the revised protocols, no public announcement should be made until a signal or artifact has been rigorously authenticated by independent organisations using different instrumentation.

"We do not shout “alien” the moment we see a strange blip," Professor Garrett added. "The scientific method demands we check, check again, and then ask others to check. Only when we have reached a consensus that a signal is credible do we bring it to the world."

The 'No Reply' Consensus

While the protocols outline how to share news of a discovery, they remain firm on one critical restriction: No reply should be sent.

The Declaration reaffirms the enduring principle that transmitting a response to an extraterrestrial intelligence is a decision that belongs to all of humanity and should only take place following international consultations, specifically through the United Nations.

What happens next

With the updated Declaration ratified by the IAA Board, the aim is to see the document lodged with other stakeholders, including the United Nations. A formal technical presentation of the protocols to the wider community, including the scientific press, will take place at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) later this year in Türkiye.

The IAA SETI Committee will also establish a permanent Post-Detection Sub-Committee, bringing together experts in social science, law, and ethics, to advise on the longer-term societal implications of a confirmed discovery.

The full document is available here: 

Professor Woodward is a geomorphologist and geoarchaeologist whose research spans river systems, microplastics in river catchments, Mediterranean geomorphology, Ice Age environments and long-term environmental change. His work explores how landscapes and river systems respond to environmental pressures over timescales ranging from the deep past to the present day.