By collaborating with community groups, organisations, and schools to expand their expertise and experience, service learning allows students to deliver essential and relevant services to local residents, benefiting both the community and the students themselves.

At times, obtaining legal advice becomes essential. Yet, finding affordable and reliable legal guidance can be a significant challenge for some individuals.

Believing that legal advice should be universally accessible, The University established the Justice Hub in a prominent location on 91ֱ��'s Oxford Road. This initiative enables students from the School of Social Sciences to join forces with a shared aim of serving the community. The Hub provides free legal advice and guidance on a wide range of issues.

Law lecturer and Justice Hub lead, Philip Drake, described its role: “The Justice Hub is a collective term for various free legal advice projects managed together. Our flagship initiative is the Legal Advice Centre, which is fully integrated into our curriculum.

“This year, 328 students are already signed up, reflecting the high demand from both students and the local community. Last year, we handled close to 1,500 enquiries seeking legal assistance.”

Supported by University staff and professional lawyers who volunteer their expertise, the Justice Hub is primarily student-driven, offering future solicitors and legal advisors hands-on experience with the inequalities in the legal system while encouraging them to make a positive impact.

Phil said: “We incorporate reflective practice into the work. It’s about more than developing legal skills; it involves thinking critically about the fairness of the law, its negative impact on the most disadvantaged and often marginalised, and understanding the reasons behind it. Experiencing a client breaking down in tears during a meeting is something that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom setting.

“It’s inspiring to witness students’ growth from where they begin to their achievements at the end. Whatever their future paths, we want them to carry a sense of social responsibility with them.”

One of the Justice Hub’s initiatives, the 91ֱ�� Innocence Project, focuses on assisting the wrongfully convicted and fostering reforms in the justice system.

Recently, the Project received the Greater 91ֱ�� Pro Bono Award for 'Best Group of Students', while the University was also a finalist for 'Best Educational Institution'.

Undergraduate social anthropology student, Honey Fisher, who works within the Justice Hub, commented: "Being a Justice Hub intern has been an amazing chance to gain practical experience and develop essential skills for a career in law.

"By attending client interviews, we saw how members of the local community face a broad range of legal challenges and recognised how crucial services like those provided by the Justice Hub are in bridging the legal aid gap."

Many people take access to quality dental care and trustworthy health information for granted. However, for some, these basic services remain out of reach.

University of Manchester dental students offer free treatments at the University's Emergency Dental Clinic, serving around 2,000 patients annually. This allows the students to refine their skills while addressing local communities' needs and tackling significant dental health disparities, a known issue in the north-west.

Striving to narrow dental inequalities, students also provide care to refugees and other minority groups. Recognising the impact of dental health inequalities on children, the University’s dental students participate in a charity-led initiative, visiting schools to educate children on oral hygiene's importance.

Increasingly, University of Manchester students engage directly with industries for mutual benefit. For example, the University’s Fashion, Business and Technology School has partnered with leading fashion industry companies.

In ‘industry-live projects’, students act as consultants, addressing real-world briefs that align with the industry’s strategic goals. Over 200 students collaborate with these partners during key points of the semester.

Dr Julian Skyrme, executive director of social responsibility and civic engagement at The University of Manchester, highlighted: "The efforts of our law students are just one example of the service learning we have implemented at the University.

"Our dental students provide oral health checks for homeless individuals, drama students collaborate with offenders in the criminal justice system, and management students offer consultancy to non-profit organisations.

"As we consider the University's direction for the next decade, we envision every student contributing positively to society as part of their education."

Learn more about The University of Manchester’s commitment to social responsibility at .

Discover more about the .

Explore within the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As part of the bicentennial celebrations, the University has announced the launch of its Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships – a transformative programme which will support the next generation of research leaders. 

As part of its investment, the University has launched a £10 million matched funding programme to catalyse philanthropic support and deliver a total of £28 million in new studentships and fellowships. It is inviting people and organisations who share its commitment to world-class research to join it in supporting the research leaders of the future.  

This landmark initiative highlights 91ֱ��’s commitment to fostering world-class research and to positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and academic excellence. By providing substantial support for both postgraduate research students and early-career researchers, the University aims to cultivate the brightest minds and catalyse pioneering research which addresses the complex challenges of today’s world.  

The Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships programme will offer funding across the University’s three core faculties: Science and Engineering, Humanities, and Biology, Medicine & Health. By supporting a wide range of disciplines, the University is promoting a broad and inclusive approach and ensuring that a diverse array of voices and perspectives are represented in its research community.   

From exploring sustainable technologies to advancing medical sciences and cultural studies, the initiative is designed to empower academics across many fields, helping to foster a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. It reinforces the University’s status as a hub of intellectual and research excellence, as well as strengthening 91ֱ��’s legacy as a world-leading institution committed to empowering change-makers and visionaries. 

Recognising the importance of diversity and accessibility, the University invites prospective students and early-career academics from all backgrounds to apply for the prestigious awards. Recipients will gain access to a robust support system that includes dedicated mentorship, comprehensive training and a suite of career development resources. This unique combination of funding and career support underscores 91ֱ��’s commitment to nurturing a research community that reflects and addresses the needs of the global society it serves.  

“The Bicentenary Scholarships and Fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of research at The University of Manchester,” said Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research. “We’ve been committed to supporting students from all backgrounds since 1824 and will continue to do so for the next 200 years. This is about celebrating our rich history as well as ensuring that our legacy of innovation and excellence continues.”  

“91ֱ�� is a city like no other - a place where history and innovation meet, where diversity fuels creativity, and where our university stands as a beacon of discovery and opportunity,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison. “As we mark our 200th year, this landmark programme demonstrates our commitment to shaping a future that reflects the dynamic spirit of this incredible city, and the importance of philanthropy in delivering this ambition.”  

For more information about how to apply, prospective students and researchers are encouraged to visit the Bicentenary PhD Studentships and Fellowships page of the University’s website. 

Individuals or organisations interested in exploring philanthropic opportunities through the £10 million matched funding scheme are encouraged to contact Olympia Kennard (Olympia.Kennard@91ֱ��.ac.uk) to begin a conversation. 

, which aims to improve the way prosthetics for people who have suffered traumatic limb loss work, wowed the judges at the (iGEM) 2024 Grand Jamboree.

The non-profit iGEM Foundation hosts an international student competition each year to promote education and collaboration among new generations of synthetic biologists.

Human-machine interfaces are becoming more advanced, with new technologies harnessing the body’s electric signals to control devices.

Artificial limbs, known as myoelectric prosthetics, are directed by electrical signals generated by muscle contractions in the residual limb, which can be translated to motion.

However, heavy batteries and motors in myoelectric prosthetics can cause excessive sweating and make the electrodes slip from their contact points, resulting in discomfort and imprecise limb movement.

To solve the problem, the team proposed using synthetic biology to create tiny specially designed wires that work with skin cells.

They engineered a type of bacteria – Escherichia coli – to express tiny, hair-like structures known as pili (e-pili) found on electricity conducting bacteria called Geobacter sulfurreducens.

By combining the Escherichia coli with a protein-binding peptide, the team created nanowires that specifically target and bind to proteins at the skin’s surface, potentially enhancing the precision of an artificial limb.

The 91ֱ�� iGEM team were Damian Ungureanu, Devika Shenoy, Francisco Correia, Janet Xu, Jia Run Dong, Usrat Nubah, Yuliia Anisimova, and Zainab Atique-Ur-Rehman.

, said: “I’m delighted our team won gold at the iGEM 2024 Grand Jamboree for an innovation which could make a difference for people who need artificial limbs.

She added: “I have supervised the 91ֱ�� iGEM teams together with Professor Rainer Breitling since 2013.

“Our teams, based in the (MIB), have been very successful and have achieved a gold medal all but one of the years that we participated - which is quite an achievement.

“In 2016, the team also scooped the special award for ‘Best Computational Model’ and were shortlisted for the ‘Best Education and Public Engagement’ award.”

This year’s 91ֱ�� iGEM team worked in the MIB labs throughout the summer, with financial and logistical support from the MIB, School of Biological Sciences, School of Social Sciences/Department of Social Anthropology, School of Arts Languages and Cultures, and the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub.

The team also worked with the (AMBS) to comprehensively explore the social and economic implications of their ideas using a (RRI) approach.

The competition provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity for students outside biology, by encouraging participants to think beyond their lab work.

Damian Ungureanu, second year Biochemistry student, said: “Working with people from different cultural and academic backgrounds has allowed me to substantially develop my communication skills. Even though this was a synthetic biology project, the human practices aspect was just as important as the science. Winning the gold medal felt like the culmination of one year of hard work.”

Devika Shenoy, second year Biomedical Sciences student, said: “I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to work with so many like-minded individuals and under the guidance of skilled advisors and PIs. iGEM has truly broadened my horizons and understanding of how science and synthetic biology can be used to solve world issues.”

We have notified the police, who are investigating.  

This was an act of vandalism and makes no contribution whatsoever to a better understanding of the current conflict in the Middle East.   

Over more than a year, we have seen peaceful protests on campus and the exchange of strongly held views. We welcome this as part of our fundamental role as a university – a place dedicated to the discussion of often difficult ideas and beliefs. 

Alongside our deep commitment to academic freedom is our commitment to the values of community, tolerance and respect.  Freedom and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.  

We regularly host many events which discuss all sides of the current conflict in the Middle East, including a debate last week in Whitworth Hall. Although attempts were made to stop the event, it proceeded in full, and as difficult as the discussion was, different perspectives on the conflict were aired and debated, as they should be.  

We know these issues are of great concern to our University community, particularly those with friends, family or close ties to the region, and we express our sympathy for all those caught up in the escalating conflict, as well as our hope for peace. 

We are speaking regularly to our staff, students, and the local community, to ensure we are listening to their concerns and creating the conditions for mutual understanding, as well as a safe and respectful environment on our campus. The safety and well-being of all our students is paramount. 

None of these discussions are easy. They can cause discomfort and pain to many in our community. However, it is crucial in a free society that they occur, within the law, and always with the aim of seeking mutual understanding, and not vilification or hate.  

Duncan Ivison 

President and Vice-Chancellor 

Further information 

If you are one of our staff and student community who has been affected by these events or the wider conflict, we have extensive support services in place for you. 

Support services 

• The University offers a free and confidential  
• We also offer  
• The  can offer support to any of our colleague or student communities 
•  

Staying safe and reporting incidents  

• Safezone: Download our free  which allows you to quickly and discreetly call for help and share your GPS location if you feel unsafe 
• Report and Support: All forms of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, discrimination, and abuse have no place within our community. If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed any form of hate, you can report this to the University’s  where trained advisors are ready to provide support 

For more information, please visit The University of Manchester’s Humanitarian and conflict support page. 

Anyone with any information about the incident on 1 November can contact police via 101 or , quoting log 4035 of 01/11/24. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

An alarming level of microplastic fragments were found to be present throughout the intertidal mudflat sediments within the Medina Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  

Microplastics are particles which measure less than five millimetres, and exist in an array of shapes and forms. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems from a variety of sources, including run-off from land-based sources and wastewater discharge from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).  

Liberty Turrell, who works as a volunteer for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, collected mudflat sediment from 16 sample sites during low tides for her BA (Hons) Geography dissertation. Analysis of the mud under laboratory conditions discovered three different microplastic shapes: fibres, fragments and beads. Microfibre was the most frequent occurring microplastic shape (99% of all microplastics were microfibres) occurring at all 16 sites.  

Microplastics pollution occurs in estuarine sediments around the world - however, the results from the Isle of Wight are particularly alarming. For comparison, the median value of microplastic concentrations found in the Medina Estuary exceeds the values of estuaries studied in China and India by more than two-fold. 

Jamie Marsh, director of nature recovery (Wilder Wight, Solent & Seas) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “The estuary’s mudflats are of significant ecological importance. They support a diverse variety of wildlife providing habitats and breeding areas for a huge array of species including wading birds, crustacea, invertebrates and fish, all of which thrive within the Medina’s intertidal mudflats.  

“The discovery of the high level of microplastics, and of microfibres in particular, in this precious environment is truly staggering. Microfibres cause a significant risk to wildlife as they can easily bundle together. The entangled fibres form a clump and pose a great threat to marine species as the bundles act in the same way as larger plastic items by blocking feeding passageways in the gastrointestinal tract. This can obstruct the movement of food, disrupt the digestive process and cause eventual death.” 

The study also reveals that wastewater discharge from two CSOs with high annual spill rates is a major source of microplastic release into the aquatic environment, and are likely responsible for the immense quantities of fibres reported throughout the Medina Estuary. Dodnor Lane and Fairlee CSO’s together discharged wastewater into the upper estuary for 2,932 hours in 2023 (over 225 total spill events) according to Event Duration Monitoring datasets published by the Environment Agency.  

Professor of Physical Geography said: “Research at the University of Manchester has shown that the microplastic contamination of riverbeds is a clear signal that wastewater treatment is not taking place as it should. Effective treatment can remove up to 95% of the microplastic load in wastewater.  

“Microplastic contamination of the Medina Estuary is a concern because it is an area of ecological importance. The Medina Estuary receives high volumes of untreated wastewater from Southern Water assets and the presence of primary microplastic particles provides a clear link to the wastewater system."

"This research helps to resolve a global critical gap in the current studies of microplastics in estuaries," said report author Liberty Turrell. “Unfortunately, the results are shocking. The severe contamination of estuarine environments affected by wastewater discharge takes place across the world and sadly this includes the Isle of Wight. The results clearly show that the prevalence and abundance of microplastics found in the intertidal mudflat sediments highlights a severe contamination issue of the Medina Estuary.”

According to data published by the Environment Agency (2024), there were 464,056 monitored ‘spill’ events into waterways by water companies in England during 2023, a 54% increase from 2022. The 29,494 spills into waterways in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by Southern Water lasted a total duration of 317,285 hours (Environment Agency, 2024). Spill events are responsible for the release of huge quantities of microplastics into our waterways. 

The Scholarship is aimed at first-year undergraduate students nominated by participating universities for the Scheme, and seeks to address the disproportionate under-representation of Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds in large commercial law firms and other careers in the City of London.

It is provided by global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and was launched in 2013 with support from Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE.

Benefits include a 15-month development programme, mentorship, commercial familiarisation though work-shadowing and £5,000 towards study-related costs. For those who wish it, there is an alternative pathway to an interview for a trainee associate programme at the firm.

Annette Byron, Freshfields’ Partner for Social Mobility, commented: “I am delighted to welcome the new cohort to the twelfth year of the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship Scheme. This year, we had the honour of considering 78 outstanding candidates, all showing exceptional potential. We look forward to support our 12 new scholars as they begin their professional paths and continue to contribute to the enduring impact of the Scheme."

Arthur, who is looking forward to starting the development programme, said: “Being selected for the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship is an honour. I’m excited to learn and grow alongside such a talented group of scholars, and I hope this experience will not only advance my own ambitions but also inspire others to pursue their goals.”

"I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of all our candidates who participated in the assessment centres in London," Emma added. “Each of them demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism, representing both themselves and the University with great distinction throughout the process.”

As well as making a big difference in their local communities and beyond, international students bring a £41 billion annual contribution to the UK, meaning on average, each of the 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK is £58 million better off – equivalent to approximately £560 per citizen. In the North West alone, international students contribute £3.04bn to the regional economy.

Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of UUKi said: “It’s never felt more important to acknowledge the important contributions that international students make to their university and local communities, and to the UK more broadly. It’s not just about the economic side of it – international students give back through cultural exchange, volunteering, and so much more. We’re proud to be sharing their stories through the latest phase of the #WeAreInternational campaign.” 

Beth Sims, a third-year Chemistry student at The University of Manchester, will join a group of 18 students, all on work placement at , a science company in Derbyshire, to take part in the challenge to raise money for , an important charity supporting students with their mental health.

The Lubrizol students will be completing the distance between Lubrizol in Hazelwood, Derbyshire, and the company’s base in Barcelona. They are aiming to cover the 1715km (1066 miles) distance collectively, with each student taking on roughly 100km during April, whether that be walking, running, cycling, or even climbing. 

Beth enjoys going for jogs in Lubrizol’s extensive grounds, which are set in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside in a former stately home near Duffield and will be running the distance throughout the challenge.

With around one in four students reporting having a diagnosed mental health issue while at university, Student Minds empowers students to build their own mental health toolkit to support themselves and their peers through university life and beyond. The students are aiming to raise £500 with their distance challenge, which will be matched by Lubrizol. To donate, visit:

Other universities represented by the Lubrizol distance challenge are: Derby, Loughborough, York, Warwick, Nottingham, Lincoln, Durham, St Andrews and Sheffield.

Michael Magwira from Malawi was another scholar who graduated, after gaining a distinction for his MSc in Medical and Molecular Virology. Alongside resuming his career as a Molecular Laboratory Scientist, he will use his newly-acquired knowledge of virus biology to understand the HIV pandemic in his home country, which he hopes will have a positive effect on its future transmission and control.

“Prior to applying to The University of Manchester, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the standards of teaching and facilities available at a number of UK universities,” he said. “When I received notification via the Equity and Merit Facebook page about the scholarship, 91ֱ�� rose to the top of my list as it had everything I was looking for, from my education to the environment I wished to study in. I then spoke to few E&M alumni from Uganda and Tanzania who had nothing but positive things to say - two highlights of their feedback that encouraged me to apply were the high standards of teaching and the support available at the University.”

“The support that the University gives to its students is fantastic, and is centred around the wellbeing of the students. The lifestyle in 91ֱ�� is very diverse and inclusive - regardless of your nationality, you will always find someone to talk to. Apart from good entertainment and football exposure, the road and transport networks make it easier to access the University from all around the city.”

Another of our graduates was Rufaro Matsika from Zimbabwe, who attained an MSc in International Development majoring in Environment, Climate Change and Development. She wants to assist businesses to account for their emissions and monitor the progress of their decarbonisation strategies. She aims to establish a consultancy firm that facilitates the integration of sustainable practices in business operations while providing opportunities for young individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain hands-on work experience in the field of sustainability.

“I enjoyed everything about the University, from the vast number of resources available to help my academic journey to the exceptional support and guidance I received from the university staff and my academic advisor,” she said. “Everything you need as a student is at your disposal, including career guidance, creating a CV and preparing for interviews. I also liked how the model of learning allows students to apply critical thinking skills.”

“Living and studying in 91ֱ�� was a highlight due to its remarkable diversity, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. There is so much entertainment and many activities that one can do with friends, and transport is easily accessible. I also liked the fact the city houses two prominent Premier League football teams, 91ֱ�� City and 91ֱ�� United - these are teams that I used to just see on TV, but having them in your neighbourhood was a dream come true!”

The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of its plans to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus.

A major redevelopment on part of the Fallowfield site covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall is being proposed to meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms in safe and sociable surroundings.

The University is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new bedspaces. This would result in up to 5,400 beds across the Fallowfield campus, helping to uplift the current number of beds by up to 950. By widening the supply, it will provide students with greater choice helping to meet the demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.

The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. The work does not affect students currently living in halls at the Fallowfield campus and prospective students can continue to apply for existing halls as normal.

Launching today (Tuesday 6^th June 2023), the University has launched a public consultation on the plans, giving residents, local groups, students and staff the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans prior to the submission of the outline planning application to 91ֱ�� City Council. During the consultation period, the University is hosting a public drop in event on Wednesday 14^th June at Uttley House on the Fallowfield campus, and a live public webinar on Thursday 15^th June. More information is available on the consultation website

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “The proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the Fallowfield campus will strengthen the University’s ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the University.

“Through creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces, it helps create a positive sense of place for our students as they live, learn and thrive within the surrounding community.”

Ahead of submitting an outline planning application, an initial phase of enabling works to refurbish existing accommodation in Oak House will start in the summer and the relocation of the student reception will be completed in time for the start of 2023/24 academic year.

The public consultation will close on Friday 30^th June 2023. To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project consultation website.

The latest report also highlights that graduate recruitment at the UK's top employers increased substantially in 2022, with a 14.5% increase in the number of graduates recruited compared to 2021. 

The number of graduate jobs available is expected to increase by a further 6.3% in 2023, with accounting & professional services firms being the largest recruiters of new graduates.

For more information, please read the or visit the .

To donate to Road to Relief, visit . You can also donate via bank transfer to Memon Association UK (sort code 30-98-97, account number 67538462). 

To donate to Round Table Malawi, visit .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A team of students from have won an award for genetically modifying bacteria to produce kinder hair-dyes.

The eight students, with academic guidance from the , the , and the , genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to secrete proteins which could colour, repair, straighten, and fragrance hair.

For their work, they were awarded a gold medal in the (iGEM) competition. The focus of iGEM is to provide a synthetic biology-based solution to a real-world problem.

The project aimed to explore an alternative to current hair-dyes which use often harmful chemicals, leading to allergic reactions in users, as well as environmental damage if not disposed of properly. They can also cause bleaching and brittle hair, and have been tentatively suggested as a potential carcinogen.

“The initial idea,” said Elisa Barrow Molina, a third year biotechnology student, “came from an article we saw about how hair dyes could cause alarming reactions in some users.”

The students genetically modified a strain of E. coli which naturally adheres to hair to secrete a dye, replacing the use of potential pollutant and carcinogens.

After this initial idea, they also realised they could modify the bacteria to secrete other products, such as proteins to repair hair, and compounds to fragrance it. Through experiments, the students showed that their engineered bacteria were resilient when exposed to stresses such as chlorine or shampoo.

They encountered several challenges during the process, though the biggest one “depends on who you ask!”, as the division of labour meant they were all meeting and overcoming different headaches during their work.

Camilo Albornoz Carranza, a third year neuroscientist, says; “The synthetic biology was out of my comfort zone, but winning a gold medal vindicates all the work we put in.”

On this note, the students are all in agreement. “This shows we did something worthwhile,” they say, considering it justification for the three months of lab work they put in over the summer. The award from iGEM “closes the chapter”, says Elisa.

“That’s the thing about iGEM,” adds Sophie Guillemot, a third year chemist, “it’s about bringing ideas to the table and leaving them for the next team to develop further.”

While they are not currently planning to commercialise the bacteria, the students also carefully considered potential safety concerns should their product ever make it to market. To address these, the students designed and computationally modelled two genetic ‘kill-switches’, which would prevent the engineered bacteria either surviving away from hair, or developing pathogenicity.

“In ten or twenty years,” notes second year molecular biologist Thomas Harrison, “I think genetically modified bacteria will be part of our lives on a very intimate, primary level.”

The project was initially financed by the University, but the students also sought out sponsors and private donors. They also consulted with the public and hair care experts, which resulted in the introduction of a straightening protein to their final design, as well as the exploration of a large range of colours.

Going forward, the team plan to focus on their individual degrees. For some of them, the iGEM project has helped them to decide where they would like to work in the future. Mujtaba Ansari, a third year biotechnology student, says; “By participating, I’ve discovered that I really like research and lab work, and it’s definitely something I’d like to do in the future.”

Prof Eriko Takano, supervisor of the iGEM team says “We are now looking for enthusiastic students to join the next year’s team. This is a great opportunity, not just for biology students but for students from all faculties who want to explore the revolutionary impact of new technologies and push their skills to new limits”.