That’s why Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) created ‘Key 5’—a new flexible, interactive learning experience designed to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills for any career path, whether you're interested in starting your own business or excelling within an organisation.

Key 5 delivers valuable, real-world skills in an interactive and flexible format. Even if you don’t yet know the career you want, you’ll gain skills you can use right now - from acing your next interview to leading group projects like a boss. 

What is ‘Key 5’?

Key 5 is an innovative microlearning suite - five bite-sized modules you can finish in just 10-15 minutes each:

• Effective and Powerful Communication: Learn how to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Networking: Discover how to build connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
• Market Awareness: Understand the environment you’re operating in and how to respond to it.
• Opportunity Recognition: Develop the ability to spot potential and act on it.
• Building Confidence: Strengthen your ability to lead, present, and excel in group settings.

What Makes It Fun?

What sets Key 5 apart is its scenario-based learning design. You'll engage in dynamic, interactive challenges - negotiating with aliens, slaying dragons, and inventing world-changing products in a futuristic multiverse – all while boosting your skills.

Learn in Your Own Time, No Pressure

You can do it all on your own schedule, wherever you are. Do you have 15 minutes between lectures? Perhaps you’re waiting for the bus? You can access Key 5 anywhere, anytime, on any device. And it’s risk-free – no need to worry about assessments or grades, learn without pressure.

Who Should Try It?

Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned pro, Key 5 will help you sharpen your skills, but we expect first- and second-year undergraduates will benefit most.

See what it's like! Find out more about Key 5 with our short video:

Ready to Start? 

Are you ready to start your journey? Jump into Key 5 and start building the skills that will make you stand out in any career.

Let us know what you think! Leaving feedback at the end of each module helps us know what works for you so we can design future learning experiences.

Find out more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) .

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.”

R2I is a bespoke entrepreneurship training programme for final-year PhD students, PDRAs and early-career researchers from across all faculties with ambitions to develop commercial ventures or to create impact from their academic studies.

The programme includes a series of interactive personal and professional development sessions, which introduce the concept of commercialisation, equipping researchers with strategies to take ideas forward and discover new pathways to funding.

Read more about the researchers recently supported to further their ideas.

and register now to attend one of our short  to hear more about the programme and how to apply.

Key Dates

Cohort 1:

• Introductory Sessions: In person and online across 16^th and 17^th October 
• Applications Open: 17th October
• Application Deadline: 28th October
• Programme: 14^th November - 19^th February 2025

Cohort 2:

• Information Sessions: March 2025
• Programme: April – June 2025

The MEC Researcher to Innovator (R2I) programme is supported by the University’s Innovation Academy. The Innovation Academy is a pan University initiative and joint venture between the , the  and the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team, bringing together knowledge, expertise and routes to facilitate the commercialisation of research.

Everyone who attends the launch event will have the opportunity to buy a physical copy of the anthology, which will also be made available in Blackwell’s 91ֱ�� bookshop and online as a PDF.

To learn more, visit .

A Dental Public Health master’s student and immunology graduate, Grace upgraded her silver medal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in what proved to be a bumper night for the Team GB swimming team on 1 September.

Three more golds were secured in the pool by Brock Whiston in the SM8 200m individual medley, Maisie Summers-Newton in the SB6 100m breaststroke and the S14 mixed 4x100m freestyle relay squad.

Grace now adds Paralympic gold to her impressive medal collection, with the swimmer already the current European champion in the 100m breaststroke (SB5), collecting gold at the 2024 Championships in Madeira and silver in the 100m freestyle (S6). She also won gold at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira in 2022, and silver in the 91ֱ�� event in 2023.

Following her dramatic win in the French capital, Grace : “It means more than anything. To say I’m Paralympic Champion, I’ve never dared imagine that I would ever be in this position. I was always like ‘I just want to go out and do my own race’ but to finally finish first, it feels amazing.”

Grace, who has cerebral palsy, was previously a backstroke specialist before deciding to race breaststroke in early 2021. She has come a long way in her swimming career, having started the sport for physiotherapy and joining her first swimming club at 9 years old.

James Marenghi, Head of Sport & Physical Activity at The University of Manchester, said: “A huge congratulations to Grace on her Paralympic Gold medal in the SB5 100m breaststroke, what a fantastic swim and exciting race to be a part of! She has worked so hard in and out of the pool to achieve the pinnacle in her sport and all of us at The University of Manchester couldn’t be more proud of her.

“I am extremely grateful to the all the sport scholarship support given to her from academic colleagues that have enabled her to successfully balance her sporting and academic ambitions, alongside the services delivered by our Sport practitioners. Grace is a true example of how excellence can be achieved in sport and in the classroom when balancing a dual career, and she deserves all the success that has come her way. Well done Grace!”

Paralympic cyclist Archie Atkinson, the youngest member of Team GB’s cycling squad, also won a silver medal in the C4 4,000m individual pursuit final on 31 August. A member of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), a Sport England initiative, Archie has been supported by The University of Manchester on his path to the Paralympics.

Paris marks Archie’s Paralympic debut, with the talented athlete already the proud recipient of gold in the MC4 individual pursuit at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships this year. He also secured gold in the MC4 scratch race at the UCI Cycling World Championships - Para-track, and bronze in the MC4 road race at the UCI Cycling World Championships - Para-road.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will run until 8 September.

Grace Harvey, Dental Public Health master’s student and immunology graduate at The University of Manchester, will be heading to the French capital this month to compete in the para-swimming events.

This is not Grace’s first Paralympic appearance, having clinched a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 100m breaststroke (SB5). She went on to win gold in the same event at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira in 2022, and silver in the 91ֱ�� event in 2023 held at the 91ֱ�� Aquatics Centre.

She has come a long way in her swimming career, having started the sport for physiotherapy and joining her first swimming club at 9 years old. Grace is now the current European champion in the 100m breaststroke (SB5), collecting gold at the 2024 Championships in Madeira and silver in the 100m freestyle (S6).

From Ware, Hertfordshire, Grace is a 10-time British record holder and she swam for the University at the 2018 British Universities and Colleges Sport championships. She is also a University of Manchester Sport Scholar, with her extensive training regime comprising of 8 pool sessions, 3 gym sessions and 2 indoor rowing sessions a week.

Also appearing at the Paralympics this year is Archie Atkinson. Enrolled on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and supported by the University, he will be making his Paralympic debut as part of Team GB’s para-cycling team.

Despite being in the early stages of his cycling career, Archie has already won gold in the MC4 individual pursuit at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships this year. He also secured gold in the MC4 scratch race at the UCI Cycling World Championships - Para-track, and bronze in the MC4 road race at the UCI Cycling World Championships - Para-road.

James Marenghi, Head of Sport & Physical Activity at The University of Manchester, said: “The scholarship programmes at The University of Manchester are vital in ensuring students are supported in balancing their studies and progressing their sporting aspirations. We are therefore delighted to see a number of our past and present student athletes progress to represent their country in the biggest sports event on the planet and are proud of their achievements.

“Everyone at the University wishes Grace and Archie the very best of luck for their individual competitions, and we will all be supporting them in their aims of winning Paralympic gold!”

The University of Manchester has a proud history of developing elite sportspeople, from students and alumni to athletes supported through , a Sport England funded partnership delivered across education institutions.

Since the scheme launched in 2004, The University of Manchester has been proud to be a TASS Delivery Site. Supporting over 150 athletes over this time, the University provides physiotherapy, lifestyle advice, nutrition support and sport psychology services.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will run from 28 August to 8 September.

The success sees the University climb one place from last year’s edition and places 91ֱ�� sixth in the UK.  

The QS World University Rankings: Europe, released today (10 July) by the global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, was launched for the first time last year and is the only significant regional ranking of European universities.  

Each institution is assessed using 12 performance indicators, including academic and employer reputation, citations, number of papers, employability outcomes, international research, student diversity, sustainability, and more.

This year's edition assessed 684 universities from over 40 countries and territories,

Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: "This edition enhances our comprehensive benchmarking tool for one of the world's most competitive higher education regions. It enables institutions, policymakers and prospective students to measure performance against international peers and gain valuable decision-making insights.

"QS is thrilled to celebrate ETH Zurich as Europe's top university, driven by progressive ESG strategies, student exchanges, and impactful research. The UK excels across indicators due to esteemed reputation and global research collaborations and sustainability. However, all countries have successes, highlighted by our extensive datasets, including global appeal, cross-border collaborations, and teaching capacity."

The University of Manchester has also recently been named top in both the UK and Europe, and second in the world for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the . 

This prestigious award is designed to support students, postdoctoral researchers, recent graduates, and encourage new student cohorts to engage with MEC, in launching new businesses that involve graphene or other 2D materials. It’s all about sparking innovation and making a real impact in the commercial world, turning groundbreaking research into real, game-changing solutions for the future.

With awards of £50,000 and £20,000, we’re excited to celebrate the individuals or teams who showed how their graphene-related technology can be turned into a business. The applications were judged based on how solid their plans were for creating a new business related to graphene or 2D materials.

This award gives winners the perfect launchpad they need to kickstart their business. The University of Manchester understands how crucial flexible early-stage financial support is for these kinds of ventures, to help make these dreams a reality and bring a product or technology to the market.

This year, the top prize of £50,000 went to Kun Huang of Solar Ethos. Kun has a Master’s degree in Corrosion Control Engineering and a PhD in Material Physics. The second prize of £20,000 was awarded to Hafiza Hifza Nawaz of Fabstics, who has a PhD in Materials. We also congratulate the other finalists - Mohammadhossein Saberian of EcoTarTech and Ozan Zehni of Dorlion SHM.

The winners, pictured above with Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Deputy President Luke Georghiou:

• Left: First place - Solar Ethos
• Right: Second place - Fabstics

All finalists received support throughout the competition, which included: pitching workshops, help with applications by Scott Dean (CEO of Graphene Trace), and IP advice from Innovation Factory. These resources were key in helping them navigate the challenges of starting a business and turning their groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.

Our top-tier judges included Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester; Lynn Sheppard, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre Director; Jessica McCreadie, Investment Director at Northern Gritstone; James Baker, CEO Graphene @91ֱ�� at The University of Manchester; and Gareth Jones, Project Manager - Electronics at the University of Manchester Innovation Factory. Their expertise and dedication to encouraging innovation played a key role in choosing projects that could make a big difference.

We offer a huge congratulations to all the participants! We can’t wait to see the fantastic impact of their innovative work in the commercial world. By supporting these entrepreneurs, we're not only helping them achieve their dreams but also paving the way for future advancements that can tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

Along with the awards, we heard inspiring speeches from high-profile individuals such as Lynn Sheppard, Professor James Baker, Dr. Vivek Koncherry, Liam Johnson, and Professor Luke Georghiou. They shared amazing insights about graphene and other 2D materials, emphasising the transformative potential of these technologies and the importance of ongoing innovation. We were also joined via Zoom from California by Dr. Eli Harari, founder of SanDisk, the memory storage technology company. He encouraged attendees to "Think Big!".

Eli & Britt Harari Award 2021 winner Dr. Vivek Koncherry, the CEO of Graphene Innovations 91ֱ��, is making significant strides in connecting graphene technology with global business opportunities. Last year, he signed a $1 billion partnership with Quazar Investment Company to create a new company in the UAE aimed at tackling global sustainability challenges. Recognised as 91ֱ��'s answer to Elon Musk, Vivek recently impressed judges to win the North West heat of KPMG’s Tech Innovator in the UK 2024. With a strong background as an alumnus and researcher from The University of Manchester, Vivek exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Some notable quotes about the competition include Lynn Sheppard's encouragement, "For all the winners and nominees, your journey does not stop here, it goes on," and Prof. James Baker's insight, "Graphene can make a big difference in addressing the climate change challenges." Dr. Vivek Koncherry highlighted 91ֱ��'s entrepreneurial spirit by stating, "91ֱ�� is very good for entrepreneurship," while Dr. Eli Harari inspired with, "We need people like you to aspire in making the world better." Liam Johnson appreciated the award's impact, saying, "The award allowed me to turn this idea to something tangible," and Prof. Luke Georghiou emphasised the importance of support with, "It's our duty to build an ecosystem to support the development of graphene."

Their words emphasised the event's theme of driving change and shaping a brighter future through cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship, wrapping up the event on an exhilarating high.

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.” 

The annual competition, which boasts a substantial £100,000 prize fund, saw a record-breaking 143 applications this year, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. The competition attracted innovative business proposals across five categories: Healthcare, Services, Technology, Environment, and Social.

From sustainable solutions in the Environment category to revolutionary healthcare innovations and transformative technologies, the breadth and depth of ideas showcased by our finalists have been astounding. On top of that, impressive entries in the Services and Social categories highlighted our students and recent graduates' commitment to addressing a wide range of social issues and needs.

The night started with Lynn Sheppard, Director of MEC, addressing the quality of the entries and the competition’s significant growth from its previous years. She introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Mustafa Khanwala Founder and CEO of MishiPay, Venture Further winner in 2016, who described his successful entrepreneurial journey. Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Luke Georghiou spoke about the entrepreneurial roots of the University of Manchester in our Bicentenary year and today’s innovation ecosystem which will support the winners. He introduced competition judges Lee Pugalis (MEC Deputy Director), Matilda Page (MEC Enterprise Business Development Executive), Sam Patchitt (Investment and Portfolio Manager at GC Angels), Meredith Greey (Head of Programmes at Hatch) and Natalie Jameson (Chief executive and inventor of YZen.ai) who presented the prize-winners in each category.

The Venture Further Awards dinner, held on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, was an evening of celebration and recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within our community. Winners of the first (£15,000) and second (£5,000) prizes in each category were announced and awarded for their remarkable efforts and potential to make a significant impact in their respective fields.

Venture Further 2024 Winners

Environment Category

• 1st place winner: Timothy Capper, OptiSpark                
• 2nd place winner: Nayab Raza, ALGAVERSE

(Winners pictured with Lee Pugalis, Deputy Director of the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre)

Healthcare Category

• 1st place winner: Tunde Oremulé, Airyn 
• 2nd place winners: Liam Johnson, MouseAble and Steven Mayers, Zeus Biologics Ltd

(Winners pictured with Matilda Page, Enterprise Business Development Executive at the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre)

Services Category

• 1st place winner: Moradeke Orekoya, Skinpli
• 2nd place winner: Mark Kashumba, UGAFARM

(Winners pictured with Sam Patchitt, Investment and Portfolio Manager at GC Angels)

Social Category

• 1st place winner: Danielle Fatunla, The Onyx Group 
• 2nd place winner: Chanel Ehi-Palmer, EHI

(Winners pictured with Meredith Greey, Head of Programmes at Hatch)

Technology Category

• 1st place winner: Harvey Lowe, Arcube (pictured above with co-founder Prithveesh Reddy)
• 2nd place winner: Ed Engleback, Altaia

(Winners pictured with Natalie Jameson, Chief Executive and Inventor of YZen.ai)

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre extends its congratulations to all winners and participants. We are incredibly proud to be a part of these bright minds' entrepreneurial journeys. With the conclusion of this year's Venture Further Awards, we look forward to the innovative and impactful ideas that next year's competition will undoubtedly bring.

The night concluded with the announcement that Lynn Sheppard, Director of MEC, will be stepping down from her role after 24 years. On behalf of The University of Manchester and the Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School, we express our gratitude for her dedication. She has been the trailblazer for MEC and a pioneer of entrepreneurship for staff, students, and graduates at this university.

As a hub for all entrepreneurial activities at The University of Manchester, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre will continue to champion our students, recent graduates, and staff's entrepreneurial aspirations. We remain committed to offering a wide array of co-curricular activities, such as competitions, speaker events, workshops, and start-up support programmes, to help our community gain invaluable experience and kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys.

For more information about the Venture Further Awards or the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, please visit .

In a major move towards achieving its 2038 zero carbon ambitions, the University has partnered with leading UK clean energy company Enviromena to buy electricity generated from its brand-new solar farm based in Medebridge, Essex.

Once complete, Medebridge Solar Farm will comprise 104,000 solar panels across 175 acres of low-grade agricultural land, the equivalent of around 70 football pitches.

The site will also create a significant biodiversity net gain. With enhancements to the existing hedgerows and planting of native grassland and wildflower meadow beneath and around the solar arrays, the site will encourage nesting opportunities for wildlife and improved habitat connectivity.

The contract that secures this investment, known as a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA), commits the University to purchase 80% of Medebridge’s total annual generation capacity (58 GWh) for the next decade, reducing University carbon emissions by 12,000 t/co2 every year - enough to power 21,000 homes.

Lee Barlow, Finance & Administration Manager, and Project Lead at The University of Manchester, said: “After nearly three years of rigorous procurement and negotiations, we are proud to announce this landmark agreement, which reinforces our commitment to sustainability whilst delivering best value to our students and stakeholders, in the form of price certainty and supply stability.

“The journey has been marked by unprecedented challenges in the energy and renewables sector, first with the 2022 energy crisis, and later complicated by geopolitical events in Eastern Europe. Securing this 10-year cPPA despite such adversity is a huge accomplishment and holds special significance as we celebrate the University’s bicentennial year.”

and Academic Lead for Carbon at The University of Manchester, added: “The really important thing for us in developing this relationship was that our commitment would add new renewable energy capacity to the UK electricity system. Through our long-term purchasing commitment, we have played a key role in bringing this development forward – maximising the positive impact of our purchasing power.”

Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, added: “As consumers many of us may have ‘green’ or renewable energy tariff. These are important, but they don’t put ‘additional’ renewable power into the grid in the same way as a power purchase agreement. By signing a PPA we’re supporting not only a greener University of Manchester, but also a greener energy grid across the UK. This PPA is part of a much wider transition away from burning fossil fuels and towards generating significantly more cleaner, electrified forms of power.”

This milestone achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary implementation team from the University, complemented by the expertise of its energy consultant, Inspired PLC, and Eversheds Sutherland acting as external legal counsel.

Enviromena develops, builds, owns and operates renewable energy assets and currently manages over 300MW of renewables projects. In addition, Enviromena is currently working on a 3GW+ pipeline of renewable energy projects in the UK and Italy that will significantly decarbonise electricity networks, reduce emissions and support the global drive towards net zero.

Lee Adams, Enviromena’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Enviromena is leading the charge towards a world powered by clean energy and our teams are delivering high volume projects that make a massive contribution to lowering carbon emissions. This significant partnership with The University of Manchester demonstrates the shared commitment between ourselves and an influential, large-scale organisation, which, at the time it celebrates its 200-year anniversary, is taking steps towards reducing its carbon footprint through the technologies of tomorrow for a cleaner future energy supply."

Chris Marsh, Enviromena’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “We’re delighted to partner with the University to support their zero carbon ambitions. In addition to reducing the University’s carbon emissions over the next 10 years, the site itself will benefit the local habitat over its useful life until mid-2060.” 

Construction of Medebridge commenced in April 2024, with energisation expected in autumn 2025.

The University has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact, in line with its core goal of social responsibility. In 2022 it ended investments in coal, oil and gas and reduced the carbon intensity of its investments by 37%.

All degree programmes are kite-marked against the (SDGs) and the University is rated top in the UK and Europe and second in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings global performance table (2023). 91ֱ�� also top in the UK and Europe and third in the world in the independent QS World University Sustainability Rankings (2024)

The research platform brings together the unique depth and breadth of internationally leading research at The University of Manchester and builds on the University’s track record of successful interdisciplinary working, to produce integrated and truly sustainable solutions to urgent environmental challenges. This includes the , which helped create the University’s Zero Carbon Goal.

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.

The University of Manchester has announced the first speakers, performers and events for Universally 91ֱ�� Festival; a 200th birthday celebration like no other, with 150 free events across four captivating days at its iconic Oxford Road Campus from Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 June 2024.

The once in a lifetime interdisciplinary festival, will welcome up to 60,000 people to more than 150 imaginative and immersive events, featuring contributions from Professor Brian Cox, Professor David Olusoga, Ed O’Brien (Radiohead), international supergroup directed by Laima Leyton (Mixhell / Soulwax), Professor Michael Wood, Dr Sarah Crowther (member of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team), immunologist Professor Sheena Cruikshank, exonerated postmaster Tom Hedges and many, many more.

The launch

The festival opens with Universally 91ֱ�� x the Whitworth, a very special Thursday late, with a showcase of music marking 200 years of The University of Manchester in collaboration with festival partner 91ֱ�� Histories Festival 2024. This free event is open to all and includes everything from a world premiere of new music inspired by 91ֱ��’s history of broadside ballads performed by members of the BBC Philharmonic, to an audio visual experience, celebrating the legacies of Manchester computing genius Alan Turning and music pioneer Delia Derbyshire.   

Ideas and discussions

Professor Brian Cox will lead a guided journey to far-away galaxies, alien worlds, supermassive black holes and the latest theories on the origins of the universe, while Professor David Olusoga, Professor Michael Wood, Ana Carden-Coyne and Sadiah Qureshi will explore how TV and film shape cultural narratives and reflect societal diversity.

TedX speaker and immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank will debunk the myths behind 'immune boosting' products and regimes, revealing the science behind our immune system, whilst Earth and Environmental Sciences Research Fellow Dr Sarah Crowther will share the secrets of the asteroid Bennu and NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.

A Universally 91ֱ�� edition of the Talk 200: Lecture and podcast series will tackle inequalities in access to justice, with contributions from the University’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal, exonerated postmaster Tom Hedges; barrister and advocate Thalia Maragh (UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Grenfell Inquiry); and Suzanne Gower, PhD researcher, and former managing director of the legal charity APPEAL.

A Guardian Live event, led by Professor David Olusoga, Cotton Capital: Slavery and The University of Manchester will explore how transatlantic slavery shaped The University of Manchester. 

Creativity and performance

The diverse programme includes a panel talking us through two decades of creative activism with independent international charity and its ambassador, Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien.

This will be brought to life with a performance from GRRRL, an international supergroup brought together by In Place of War and directed by Brazil’s Laima Leyton (Mixhell / Soulwax). Featuring women of colour from international conflict zones, GRRRL express themselves on their terms, in their languages, with their stories.

The Whitworth will present The Carnival, a celebration of art, culture and 91ֱ��’s dynamic community through live performances, interactive workshops, delicious street food and live music, whilst Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, a mischievous, revolutionary New Orleans Second Line will pay homage to the diehard days of the Hacienda, 90s club culture and Mr Tony Wilson.

Further musical performances come from Kantos Choir, a trailblazing vocal ensemble, who perform music by everyone from 11th Century visionary saints to genre-bending, experimental rock stars, Grammy-winning multi-percussionist, educator, arranger, and composer Carlos "Carly" Maldonado, and Senegalese afrobeat musician Sens Sagna.

Community and Families

There will be a whole host of family-friendly events including a Community Fair taking place across Engineering Building A, University Place and AMBS, full of interactive activities. Budding scientists can drive a Lego Mars Rover, peek inside our brains, or enter a world of virtual reality. Creative and crafty activities include screen printing tote bags, clay making and face painting, and sporting challenges including circus skills from The Circus House, a climbing wall and helter-skelter. The Shoopery will deliver a series of positive, upbeat, ambitious, ‘out of your comfort zone’ experiences that are all about letting go.

A visually stunning Flash Bang Show, for kids and adults, will demonstrate the explosive power of chemistry, from basic knowledge about atoms and molecules to the innovative research produced at The University of Manchester.

Closing

 The festival will close with a Celebration Day in partnership with 91ֱ�� Histories Festival 2024 which will see over 50 stalls take over the historic Whitworth Hall, giving those of all ages the chance to find out more about the unique history of Greater 91ֱ�� and the North West from organisations that celebrate, preserve, and explore our histories and heritage. During the day there will be everything from craft activities and walks through to performances and talks – even a chance to hop on a heritage bus.

With support from partners including BBC Philharmonic, Factory International, the Guardian, In Place of War, 91ֱ�� Histories Festival and many others, Universally 91ֱ�� Festival will be taking over 91ֱ�� Museum, The Whitworth, University of Manchester Students’ Union, and creating pop-up stages on Gilbert Square.

The Festival Village on Bridgeford Street, in collaboration with Pop Up Market Co., will showcase 91ֱ��'s finest independent artisans, makers, performers and businesses.

Universally 91ֱ�� Festival will run from Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 June 2024. Free ticketed events will be available to book from Thursday 9 May, with early access available for those that sign up for information .  

Sid was frustrated with the slow and costly process of acquiring new glasses from high street opticians in the UK. This frustration led to the birth of Specscart, a game-changing solution in the eyewear market. Sid kickstarted Specscart in 91ֱ�� in 2018. Since then, the business has grown into a global retail and online force to be reckoned with and is on track for a 2024 turnover of £5m. Specscart already ships to more than 120 countries worldwide – from the Maldives and Saudi Arabia to the Falkland Islands and Cape Verde.

Sid's entrepreneurial journey began with a modest £2,500 investment. His determination was evident as he painted and wallpapered his first shop himself and slept in his car while travelling across the UK to sell glasses. The 2018 Venture Further Awards winner’s dedication and hard work have transformed Specscart into a brand synonymous with high-quality, fashionable, and affordable eyewear.

Specscart’s core mission is to revolutionise the eyewear shopping experience. They not only ensure the delivery of high-quality eyewear within 24 hours but also aim to transform glasses from a mere instrument of sight correction into a fast-fashion accessory. This innovative approach has undoubtedly positioned Specscart as a trailblazer in the eyewear industry.

Specscart brings together a high street retail offering of three bricks and mortar shops across Greater 91ֱ�� with innovative e-commerce which sees the affordable glasses they make in-house at their Bury headquarters, delivered in 24 hours.

Sid also said, “Specscart will be using this hugely prestigious win as rocket fuel in our business. This accolade is a triumph for me, and everyone at Specscart, but it’s also a win for 91ֱ��, the North West and UK plc.”

Sid succeeded against competition from thousands of award nominations to make it on to the list having wowed Forbes editors and expert industry judges with his game-changing retail and global e-commerce offer.

The would like to congratulate Sid and his team for the incredible work they’ve been doing with Specsart and wish them all the best going forward.

To find out more visit .

The driving force behind the podcast, named Big Sisters in STEM, is a recognition of the need for a supportive and inclusive environment where women and non-binary individuals in STEM feel seen and heard.

It explores the challenges, triumphs and experiences of women and non-binary individuals navigating through a traditionally male-dominated field and delves into the complex realities behind living in a society where just being present in the room is often hailed as a milestone achievement.

From grappling with imposter syndrome to the societal pressure to overburden ourselves, the challenges of being the only woman in the classroom and navigating a career while balancing family responsibilities, the podcast unpacks the multifaceted issues that hinder the full participation of underrepresented groups in STEM.

Host and producer Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her), a Marketing and Recruitment Co-ordinator at The University of Manchester, said: “The idea behind Big Sisters in STEM was really about creating a safe space for women and people who know what it feels like to be othered.

“The prospective and current students I talk to are so often surprised to hear that successful career people or award-winning researchers still struggle with relatable things like self-confidence or learning how to say ‘no’. While it might be scary to hear that things like imposter syndrome linger on longer than we’d like, I hope it’s also heartening for people to know they are not alone, and that together we might be able to better support each other.

“It’s somewhere to come together and share experiences and guidance in an open and genuine way – like sitting down for a ‘cuppa with your big sister.

“As in all areas of education and industry, it’s so important that STEM becomes more intersectional – and we talk about that a lot on the podcast. The more perspectives which inform a situation the more well-rounded our solutions will be – be that in climate change, use of new technology, or medical equality.”

Each episode of the podcast hears from a combination of inspirational academics, industry professionals and students.

Episode one, which will air on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, features (she/her), a Lecturer in Aerospace Systems at the University, who specialises in Astrodynamics and Space Mission Design and in 2021 won the Institute of Engineering and Technology Woman of the Year award.During the episode Ciara shares her own personal experiences, talking about the turning point in her career when someone told her, her work on space was “frivolous”. She gives her take on the topic, space as a that can help “change the world” and shares fascinating insight into how satellite technology has a tangible impact on everyday lives on earth.

She said: “People think that space is so far away, but it’s not. Most of the satellites that we have in space are actually closer to us here in 91ֱ�� than we are away from Paris.”

Ciara goes on to talk about the lack of understanding around the breadth of engineering and frustration of losing potentially great people from the field through lack of understanding.

She added: “There are so many skills that are equally as important in engineering, and we probably lose those along the way… One of the things I talk about with industry partners we work with is how important human factors are. You can engineer the perfect aircraft or spacecraft but accounting for how people are going to behave is really hard – that’s where accidents happen, and mistakes are made. We need good communicators, and psychologists, and I worry that we’re losing those people along the way because people don’t feel like those are the skills we need in engineering.”

Ciara is joined by Earth and Environmental Sciences student Vannessa Thai (they/them), a first-year Earth and Environmental Sciences Student with a sought-after scholarship at the University.

They said: “It’s a lot of challenge to go through and fight for what you believe in and be heard, especially in spaces where people don’t look like you or from your background, especially climate engineering where it can feel like an exclusive space.

Other guests throughout the six-week series include Dr Zahra Montazeri (she/her) a Computer Science Lecturer, who is a Computer Graphics specialist and has previously worked with Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks - on everything from Star Wars to Frozen.

The season also brings conversations with Dr Charlene Gallery (she/her), who talks about her work in the fashion industry, working with new technologies to pioneer more sustainable practices,(she/her), a Professor of Climate Science and Energy Policy at Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, Ella Podmore MBE (she/her) IET Woman of the Year 2020 and Senior Materials Engineer, and (she/her) an inspiring Clinical Academic who focuses on the screening, prevention and early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers.

They are joined with students from a broad range of STEM areas, including civil engineering, computer science, materials science, chemical engineering, biotechnology and medicine.

The first episode of Big Sisters in STEM will launch on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 and will be available on all podcast platforms.

For more information and regular updates, follow the Instagram, or visit the website:

The Venture Further Awards are dedicated to identifying and nurturing innovative business proposals that showcase the greatest potential for success – contributing to economic growth, social progress and sustainability. The competition spans across five categories: Healthcare, Services, Technology, Environment, and Social.

The annual competition, offering a substantial £100,000 prize fund, has seen a record-breaking number of 143 applications this year, marking a 34% increase from the previous year, showcasing a diverse range of innovative, research-informed and disruptive business ideas.

In the Environment category, we have finalists presenting various sustainable solutions. Nayab Raza's ALGAVERSE proposes low-cost, microalgae-based biomass biofertilizers for agricultural lands. OptiSpark, pitched by Timothy Capper, aims to use buildings as energy storage units. Kieron O'Sullivan's ReMake Materials is a marketplace platform connecting material suppliers with users needing leftover stock materials. Josiah Edebiri's UrbanWatt offers state-of-the-art charging stations in urban areas for low-power electric vehicles.

The Healthcare category sees innovations in medical technology and treatments. Liam Johnson's MouseAble presents a method of recording ECGs from free-moving mice without surgical implants. Steven Mayers' Zeus Biologics Ltd plans to manufacture recombinant proteins for the research market. Joel Yupanqui Mieles's biomedical engineering business offers innovative solutions for repairing and enhancing damaged skin tissues post-tattooing. Airyn by Tunde Oremulé aims to revolutionise rhinitis treatment.

The Services category features ideas targeting a wide range of sectors. Moradeke Orekoya's Skinpli plans to revolutionise the African skincare landscape with telemedicine, personalised skincare, expert guidance, and community engagement. Xiang Zheng's PurFetch is a one-stop mobile app that brings pets and pet owners together. Subodh Agarwal's TFM Overseas Education Consultants guides Indian students in pursuing master's degrees abroad. Mark Kashumba's UGAFARM aims to help African communities grow fresh, healthy food using environmentally-friendly farming techniques.

In the Social category, finalists focus on addressing critical global and local social issues. Muhammad Asad Butt's BasicX presents a revolutionary approach to address period poverty and empower women in Pakistan. Cesare Giulio Ardito's I3Italy CIC is a resource hub for Italians in England. Danielle Fatunla's The Onyx Group is a tech-based organisation for black students providing mentorship, consultancy and opportunities. Chanel Ehi-Palmer's hair care brand aims to narrow the 'texture gap' within the hair industry.

The Technology category sees Harvey Lowe's Arcube proposing customised traveller loyalty programs. Grigorii Rodionov's Flashaid is a mobile application designed to revolutionise emergency medical response. Ed Engleback's Altaia is a drone manufacturer focused on creating fully customised high-performance drones at low cost. Jakub Zemek's Aerospace Group 7 offers environmentally friendly drone solutions.

The Venture Further Awards celebrates these entrepreneurial talents and their potential to make a significant impact in their respective fields. The winners will be announced at the Venture Further Awards Dinner on Wednesday, 8 May 2024.

Our winners consistently strive to make a significant impact in their respective fields. Many have leveraged their initial success to grow into larger-scale businesses. For example, Scott Martin's venture, Re:course (AI), from our 2018 cohort, notably secured $4.3 million in seed funding last year. Also from the 2018 winners, Sid Sedhi, founder of 'Specsart', continues to innovate in the eyewear industry. His Bury-based company now ships their products worldwide. Winning the competition, he recalls, was a "turning point for Specsart,[…] one of the most important milestones in our journey".

Most recently, from our 2022 social category winners, we highlight Alternative Football. Co-founded by Beth Barnes, a PhD student from the University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the Alternative Football League (AF League) is now the North West’s only fully inclusive football league for women, non-binary and transgender individuals.  UK-registered MEC supported startups have received £29.5m in equity fundraising in the last 6 months.

At the , we are the hub for all entrepreneurial activities for students, recent graduates, and staff at The University of Manchester. Recognising the vital role of entrepreneurial skills in the modern world, our mission is to provide students with abundant opportunities that aid in gaining invaluable experience. This positions them to either secure their desired job or kick-start their own venture.

Beyond our academic programs, we offer a wide array of co-curricular activities. These include bootcamps, competitions, speaker events, workshops, and start-up support programmes. All these are aimed at students who are eager to learn, develop or launch their entrepreneurial journey. Becoming a part of our thriving entrepreneurial community.

This week-long event was specifically designed for students eager to explore ways they could boost their career opportunities, especially in the realm of self-employment and entrepreneurship. This series of events was not just about imparting knowledge, but about providing a comprehensive understanding of the potential career paths that lay before students. The sessions were structured in a way that encouraged thought and discussions about the future, making one ponder the endless possibilities that stem from using an entrepreneurial mindset.

The event also catered to those who had a concept or an idea but were unsure of the next steps. The guidance and resources provided in 'Introduction to Starting a Business' were instrumental in helping students shape their ideas into actionable steps. The sessions conducted by experts in various fields gave the students the necessary tools and techniques to take their ideas forward.

One of the unique features of the week was the opportunity to learn directly from successful freelancers and individuals who are currently navigating the world of self-employment. These included a group opportunity to ask questions and learn from the fields of marketing, TV, translation, photography, journalism, and more. These interactive sessions were a treasure trove of first-hand advice and insights. Listening to their experiences and learning from their journeys was truly inspirational and provided a real-world perspective that academic resources can't always provide.

For example, certain key takeaways revolved around:

• Finding niches in your desired field and re-skilling yourself to fill that gap.
• The importance of building yourself up to companies.
• Getting inspiration from the career path of people you follow.

Wednesday’s event provided an in-depth understanding of social enterprises. The session took us through the intricacies of what a social enterprise is and how it operates. The idea of a business that balances making profits with making a positive impact on society was thoroughly discussed, leaving students with a lot to think about. It was pleasing to see several students staying around to network with each other and asking our speaker Leigh Wharton some follow-up questions.

Another key focus of the event was on improving networking skills. The importance of a strong network in the entrepreneurial world was emphasised throughout the week. The sessions in the week aimed to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to proactively build meaningful professional connections through LinkedIn and in real-life scenarios. The 'Networking for Beginners' session delivered by Adam Taylor from the careers team was particularly helpful, offering practical tips and advice on active listening, being remembered, and understanding your personal goals to help with your networking strategy without feeling overwhelmed.

Each day of the week was filled with engaging interactions from the audience. Monday’s 'Intro to Starting a Business' delivered by Jessica Lewis-Tatton was a great way to kickstart the week, providing foundational knowledge and skills for their entrepreneurial journey. 'Meet the Freelancers' was another standout session that allowed attendees to network with current freelancers in various fields. The 'How to be a Socially Impactful Entrepreneur?' session was an eye-opener, teaching students about the importance of creating a positive social impact in their paths.

One of the standout quotes came from freelancer Tremaine Senior, “Think of the traditional jobs that you would apply for and see if there are areas or pockets that you could niche yourself into”. This statement summarises perfectly the main takeaway from the event: the importance of self-awareness in understanding your strengths and weaknesses and having a vision of where you want to get to.

In conclusion, Self-Employment Week was not just an event, but a journey that provided an incredible amount of insight and resources. It was an inspirational and educational experience that every student interested in entrepreneurship could benefit from.

91ֱ�� is one of 64 cities, from 35 countries, to join the (GNLC).

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international network comprising of 356 cities that successfully promote lifelong learning across their communities.

A key feature of UNESCO learning cities is the connections between education and skills, communities, employers and the public sector. 91ֱ��’s lifelong learning application was co-designed with 150+ organisations.

The University of Manchester is leading on digital skills as part of Manchester’s lifelong learning approach, a movement of people, services and place, to connect, validate and nurture learning, to support the city economy and to promote high quality and inclusive learning, for all aspects of our life.

Professor Danielle George, Associate Vice President Blended and Flexible Learning at The University of Manchester, said: “91ֱ�� is a city that creates and reinforces social cohesion, economic and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development. The University of Manchester is so proud to be part of this exciting network and to support our wonderful city facilitate lifelong learning for all and help realise the universal right to education.”

The University’s Flexible Learning Programme contributed to the successful bid and continues to focus on delivering flexibility in terms of place, pace and pathway. We aim to develop inclusive and accessible education to be a learning partner for life. To address the challenges around accessing talent and sector-specific digital skills, our Flexible Learning Programme, supported by Turing Innovation Catalyst 91ֱ��, will lead on the development of Manchester’s Digital Skill Framework (MDSF). This ecosystem will bring together industry, training providers and relevant stakeholders together to co-design a user-focused digital skills framework.

Professor Ang Davies, Academic Lead for Flexible Pathways and Lifelong Learning at The University of Manchester, said: “91ֱ��’s ambitions to become a global city of digital innovation are evident in the city’s digital strategy. Building a strong talent pipeline and addressing digital skills gaps in areas such as data science and AI will be critical. We are delighted to be working with the city on its lifelong learning programme to develop 91ֱ��’s digital skills framework, allowing us to address the gaps and match provider expertise with employer demand.”

Find out more: manchester.ac.uk/discover/teaching-and-learning-excellence/flexible-learning 

Over the course of two action-packed days, participants delved into the core pillars of startup success. From refining ideas to building robust proof of concepts, navigating business structures to conducting meticulous market research, every facet of entrepreneurship was meticulously covered. The highlight of the bootcamps was the deep dive into the Business Model Canvas, providing attendees with a comprehensive framework to map out their ventures with precision.

These intensive sessions weren't just about developing their understanding of starting a business, but also instilling the principles of social entrepreneurship. In a nod to the growing importance of social impact in business, Peter shared his knowledge and insights on social entrepreneurship, shedding light on what truly defines a social enterprise and the strategies needed to create meaningful societal impact while building a successful business.

All the hard work and dedication to the day-long bootcamps concluded with pitching and pizza from I Knead Pizza, where attendees showcased their newfound skills in an exhilarating pitching session, pitching their idea in two minutes or less! From fashion brands and Indian handicrafts to physiotherapy and networking apps; we saw a broad range of ideas across the two days, all gearing up to enter the this year.

Attendees were then invited to stick around for networking and drinks, which resulted in new friendships and collaborations amongst budding entrepreneurs, including two entrepreneurs who became co-founders!

These Startup Bootcamps weren't just about equipping students with entrepreneurial skills; they were about igniting a passion for innovation, fostering social responsibility, and empowering the next generation of changemakers. With the knowledge gained and connections forged, these 45 individuals are poised to chart a course towards success, armed with the tools to not only build thriving businesses but also make a lasting impact on society.

Did you miss out on the bootcamps? Not to fear! We’re pleased to announce the Semester 2 dates for our MECitHappen Workshop Series including, Personal Branding, Introduction to Starting a Business, Ideas Generation and Time and Project Management.

Got a business idea but want to know your first steps? Come and meet a member of the team in one of our 30-minute and let us help you kickstart your idea today!

The week-long event is specifically curated with a focus on students who are:

• Eager to explore their career opportunities in the realm of self-employment and entrepreneurship. We aim to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of their potential career paths.
• Possessing an idea or concept but are unsure of the next steps. We aim to provide guidance and resources to help shape their ideas into an actionable next step.
• Interested in learning directly from successful freelancers and individuals who are currently navigating the world of self-employment. We aim to offer interactive sessions where students can gain first-hand advice and insights.
• Keen on delving into the intricacies of what a social enterprise is and how to be a socially impactful entrepreneur.
• Looking to improve their networking skills. We understand the importance of a strong network in the entrepreneurial world, and we aim to equip our students with the skills and confidence to build meaningful professional relationships.

During the week, there are several events to get involved in:

Monday 19 February 

- 13:00-14:00 (The Atrium, University Place)

This workshop is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to embark on your entrepreneurial journey, whether you're interested in starting a side hustle, managing an existing one, or simply gaining insights into the inner workings of businesses to enhance your career skills.

Tuesday 20 February

- 13:00-14:00 (The Atrium, University Place) 

This session will allow you to learn from and network with current freelancers in the world of marketing, TV, translation, photography, journalism and more. You will have the opportunity to explore how freelancers access work opportunities, how they organise and prioritise their workloads, as well as gaining an insight into the benefits and constraints of working in this way.

Wednesday 21 February 

- 13:00-14:00 (The Atrium, University Place) 

This hour-long workshop, delivered by Leigh Wharton, Director of Bubble Enterprises, teaches you all you need to know about what it means to be a socially impactful entrepreneur, not just when working for yourself but also throughout your career.

Thursday 22 February 

- 13:00-14:00 (The Atrium, University Place) 

In this hour-long session, we will look at how you can quickly and easily start networking without too much pressure. We will consider the best tools to use to start networking, places it can be useful to approach from a networking standpoint and how to make it work for you.

You can register for events using the hyperlinks embedded in the event titles above. Alternatively, to read more about the week and register for events, head over to the Careers page .

In 2020, the University of Manchester Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) and Students’ Union came together to discuss how to promote entrepreneurship and help students build an entrepreneurial mindset.

Alongside mentorship and support for students looking to launch businesses, projects, and events, an important outcome was PitchIt! - a student societies’ entrepreneurship competition.

PitchIt! is ideal for students who are driven to develop their entrepreneurial skills, strategic thinking, and network with like-minded individuals.

Societies are encouraged to form an innovative project team to develop a proposal to win up to £1,250 from a £6,000 prize pot to help support projects and initiatives that will generate income for their society and expand impact.

All societies that submit an entry must be registered with the University of Manchester Students’ Union. These societies will benefit from a valuable Pitching workshop session, following which 10 societies will be shortlisted who will have to attend a closed ‘Practice Your Pitch’ session. The PitchIt! Finals will be an open event where our 10 finalists will face off and winners will be announced!

Do you think your society has what it takes? PitchIt!

You can find detailed information on the application criteria, competition process, key dates, FAQs and T&Cs .

Please fill out the following to submit your entry.

The University of Manchester has announced it will be hosting Universally 91ֱ��, a celebratory four-day festival to mark its 200th year, welcoming up to 60,000 people to its Oxford Road campus from Thursday, 6 June to Sunday, 9 June 2024. Festival goers will be able to curate their own varied programme, from behind-the-scenes tours, to salon discussions, music, theatre, comedy, art, poetry, wellbeing and more, with something on offer for all ages and interests.

From poetry to physics, music to medicine and computing to creative writing, the festival will have a different focus each day. More than 150 imaginative and immersive events will take place in unexpected places across campus, with events popping up everywhere: labs, concert theatres, outdoor spaces and the University’s award-winning culture hotspots and .

Universally 91ֱ�� will acknowledge the University’s global impact; the world firsts, the life-changing discoveries, the music, art, science and creativity, all sparked in 91ֱ��. Many well-known figures from the University’s past, present and future will feature, with renowned physicist and award-winning podcaster Professor Brian Cox, and BAFTA-winning broadcaster, writer and historian Professor David Olusoga, the first to be announced.

It will also celebrate the here and now, creating a platform for current students and graduates to showcase their creativity and ideas.

Saturday will provide family-friendly fun with the return of the ever-popular Community Festival – insightful performances, have-a-go activities and an engaging experience for all.

On Sunday, Whitworth Art Gallery presents ‘The Carnival’, celebrating art, culture and our vibrant community. The Carnival is a one-day programme of live art performances – inside the gallery and in its gardens – with free activities for all ages, music and street food vendors. The Whitworth’s sculpture terrace will be transformed into a carnivalesque experience for one day only.

Sunday also includes a range of exciting events led by festival partners 91ֱ�� Histories Festival, offering a unique opportunity to revel in and explore the richness and diversity of Manchester's heritage. 

Professor David Olusoga comments: “Universally 91ֱ�� will open the doors to our institution, shining a light on two centuries of history, and providing a platform to consider our future. I’m delighted to be part of this moment in our history.

“I’ll be taking part in a panel discussion exploring the history of history on television; also on that panel will be the great Michael Wood, himself a professor at the University. Another panel will address the complex, contested history of many of Manchester’s institutions, including the University, and their links to slavery and the Atlantic world. Come along, explore and be inspired.”

Three themes will run throughout, as the festival demonstrates the University’s commitment to creating a greener, fairer and healthier world, in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

This festival is at the heart of The University of Manchester’s bicentenary celebrations. On 17 January a hugely popular Light Up event launched the year-long programme of activity, with landmarks around the globe illuminated in the University’s signature colour purple, from Jodrell Bank to Shanghai, Dubai and Hong Kong. Thousands also visited 91ֱ�� Museum for a special late night opening, including light-inspired musical performances, poetry and curated tours.

February will see the launch of a bicentenary lecture podcast series, with special guests discussing subjects to which the University is committed – such as health, the environment, community and, of course, education. Then from 7 to 9 October the University will host the prestigious THE World Academic Summit, welcoming 500 global leaders in higher education to 91ֱ��.

A great range of other exciting activities for staff, students, alumni, residents and the wider, global community are lined up across 2024, to mark this special moment in the University’s history.

To find out more please visit: manchester.ac.uk/200

The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation has been approved by 91ֱ�� City Council Planning and Highways Committee.

The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings. Located near to the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience.

On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing, older accommodation on site and delivering 3,300 updated bedspaces to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.  

Earlier this year, the University delivered a month-long public consultation for residents, local groups, students and staff to share their feedback on the proposals. Their responses have been reviewed and considered by the University and will be incorporated into the ongoing plans for the future of the campus.

The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. As outline planning consent has now been granted, the University will work with a delivery partner to bring the plans forward in the new year.

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “We are delighted that we have been granted planning permission for our Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment. These plans were born out of a commitment to provide our new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation. This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses is integral to ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected, serviced, modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“The public consultation held last summer, ahead of submitting our application to 91ֱ�� City Council was an important part of the process and, as part of our ongoing plans for the campus, we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.”

To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus (manchester.ac.uk)

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!”

Our start-up competition has a £100,000 prize pot, where business ideas could win up to £15,000 in one of our five categories: Environment, Healthcare, Services, Social & Technology.

If you are interested in finding out more, then come along to our information session on Thursday 14th December in the Enterprise Zone (AMBS) from 5-6pm. The event will also be streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.

The Session will include a short presentation about the competition and application process, and then plenty of time for you to ask the MEC team questions.

Aren’t sure whether your idea is developed enough? Can’t decide which category your business fits into? Need help with elements of your application? Then this is the perfect event for you.

The link to book is .

If you have any questions about VFA or would like support with your application, you can book a 30 min 1-to-1 appointment with the MEC team or email venturefurther@manchester.ac.uk

Applications for VFA24 close on Thursday 22^nd February 2024 - 

The Green Gown Awards celebrate the innovative and change making initiatives and projects in sustainability across the further and higher education sectors, and the University of Manchester claimed the top prize for work supporting its new Environmental Sustainability strategy, which launched in July 2023.

The judges said that they were “impressed with the honest, forward looking, innovative, transferrable, scalable and holistic approaches involving carbon budgeting to help deliver the University’s Zero Carbon Masterplan with effective ongoing evaluation and realistic assessment of outputs yet to be realised.”

The team collected their award at a ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Thursday, 30 November.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Winning the prize is a powerful signal to our community about the seriousness with which we are working to our zero carbon target. Our entry is a great example of academic and professional services staff working together and success would be valuable recognition for them.”

Richard Smith, Head of Environmental Sustainability at The University of Manchester, added: “We are thrilled that the University has been recognised at this year’s Green Gown Awards.

“We pride ourselves on basing everything we do on what science demands of us. Our target was devised by our colleagues at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and achieving it requires consistent, urgent action.  

“The work on this initiative has been shared with other HE institutions and city neighbours as we rise to the challenge of climate change together. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our colleagues involved in putting this initiative together and making it come to life.”

So far, the University has secured £157.3m of funding from internal and external sources to deliver its sustainability goals.

It has already begun implementing the strategy with its first air-source heat pumps now in operation, and its first heat pump-only building in construction ready to go live early next year, with much more to come. 

The Environmental Sustainability strategy builds on the University’s core goals of Teaching and Learning, Research and Discovery and Social Responsibility and stresses the need for all decisions to be taken in the light of our existing carbon commitments.

It also highlights six priority operational areas, all linking back to the United Nations Sustainability Goals: Construction and Refurbishment; Risk and Climate Resilience; Responsible Procurement; Resource Management; Valuing Nature; Travel and Transport.

Charlotte Bonner, CEO, EAUC, who deliver the Green Gown Awards, said: “The Green Gown Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful work being done by those working in the post-16 education sector. The projects, initiatives and people showcased through the awards this year are, as ever, inspirational – it’s been a privilege to be part of the judging. I look forward to seeing them flourish in future and to using their examples to springboard further action for sustainability.”

The 2023 UK & Ireland Awards are held in association with UK Research and Innovation. Now in its 19th year, the 2023 results showcase 20 Winner and 17 Highly Commended institutions.

Read more about and the other .  

Find out more about environmental sustainability at The University of Manchester.

This year we awarded 27 Bright Ideas with funding up to £200! The Bright Ideas Judging panel were very impressed with the quality and high standard of applications this year, that saw applicants submitting one-minute videos, describing their idea.  

From walking suitcases to fashion brands, compostable solutions to bottles and exhibitions about migration in 91ֱ��, Bright Ideas this year was full of unique and diverse ideas.  

Take a look at some of the winning entries below!

Seb Norman, BSc (Hons) Management, won £200 with his Fashion brand, Desguisement. 

“My participation in the Bright Ideas competition challenged me to present my brand in a more formal way, forcing me to fully articulate my brand's message in as little as a few sentences, which I've had trouble with before. With this in my mind I feel more equipped to ensure future releases/media can be consistent to the brand to create a definitive image, something vital for fashion. 

I see this competition as the first of many times I work with the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, as I feel they can greatly boost my skills, development and portfolio when it comes to entrepreneurship.” 

Kaito Fukushima, BSc (Hons) International Business, Finance and Economics and the team won £100 with their idea U-Pillow. 

"The experience I have gained during both my Bright Ideas competition in 2022 and 2023 was fascinating. Me and my teams have managed to secure a win on both competitions and we are happy to say that it helped us to develop our critical thinking skill, communication skill, leadership skill, as well as planning and presentation skill further. 

Bright Ideas is a great opportunity for you to extend your business skills into further level and also a great place to show what you are capable of doing. Although this competition requires a lot of work and planning, it is definitely worth applying and it will for sure help your path to the future career."  

Lesley Cheung, MA Student in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, won £200 with her idea for her exhibition “Rituals of Passage - Migratory Orbits” celebrating diverse populations in 91ֱ��. 

“I am thrilled to be awarded in the Bright Ideas Competition. The submission format of a one-minute video helped me find focus and clarity for my project idea, and I am grateful the judging panel found it promising. The recognition is an important proof-of-concept for me to turn the idea into reality and aim higher. 

Thank you also to Jess who provided constructive feedback on how I could take the project further, as well as to Masood Entrepreneurship Centre for supporting and incubating our side hustles.” 

Mehuli Basu, MSc Adv Computer Science, with her idea for online medical and healthcare services. 

“I was overjoyed upon learning that I have been named the winner by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre. This news absolutely made my day. The moment I saw "Congratulations, you are the winner," I couldn't contain my excitement and jumped out to call my mother in India to share the wonderful news.  

Thank you immensely for this opportunity. I am eagerly looking forward to growing this venture with my friends and colleagues in 91ֱ��.” 

If you missed Bright Ideas this year, but have an idea you’d like to pursue, book an appointment with one of the MEC Team. 

If your idea is more established, consider submitting your idea to our Venture Further Awards Competition for your chance to win up to £15,000 for your start-up.  

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration highlighting the significant role entrepreneurs play in our society. It's a chance to acknowledge the hard work, creativity, and determination these individuals put into their businesses. It's a time to recognise the resilience they show in facing business challenges and to appreciate the difference they make with their commitment and creativity. Their innovations and advancements not only drive economic growth, but also shape our future in profound ways.

The week was brimming with enlightening talks, engaging workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. The exchange of innovative ideas and the genesis of new collaborations promise to drive entrepreneurship to unprecedented heights, marking a significant milestone in MEC's journey.

We would like to extend special gratitude to the speakers who generously shared their valuable time, extensive knowledge, and personal experiences. The insights and advice shared have been invaluable, significantly benefiting all participants. Additionally, the tireless efforts of MEC's diligent staff ensured the smooth execution of over 10 events, which had more than 100 in-person attendees. Their dedication and unwavering commitment played a crucial role in the Week's overall success.

Events included the following talks and workshops:

• Matthew Scullion, CEO of Matillion
• In Conversation with David Levine, CEO of Glenluna Ventures
• Intro to Starting a Business Workshop
• Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation
• Your Next Move...Sport Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise with Beth Barnes
• Personal Branding 101 Workshop
• ElevateX: Student Startup Sprint Workshop by Accelerate ME
• Building a Startup Step by Step - with Ash Rust

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our student group partners such as TEDx University of Manchester and Accelerate Me. Their unwavering support underscores their commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our collaboration with TEDx University of Manchester for their successful event ‘Catalytic Continuum’ showcased six inspiring speakers who sought to motivate the student audience with their own personal journeys. Among them was Prithveesh Reddy, co-founder and CEO of Arcube, who remains in close contact with MEC regarding his rapidly growing tech startup in 91ֱ��.

The standout feature of this week was undoubtedly the high level of participation we witnessed during our in-person sessions. Seeing the enthusiasm and active involvement from the participants was a genuinely inspiring experience. This level of engagement not only exceeded our expectations but also gave us valuable insights and feedback. It has also contributed significantly to shaping our approach for future events. The successful interaction and exchange of ideas have given us a clear vision of what to aspire to in our forthcoming sessions and events.

MEC is immensely grateful for the widespread participation and support received and eagerly looks forward to welcoming everyone back at future events. We remain committed to promoting the entrepreneurial spirit and fostering innovation within our community.

This exciting initiative promises to provide a golden opportunity for students to engage with the entrepreneurial community, learn from seasoned business leaders, become more employable and hone their own entrepreneurial skills. 

Throughout the week, MEC has organised various workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. These activities will cover a broad range of topics designed to inspire and empower budding entrepreneurs, including strategies for fundraising and business model development. 

This initiative by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre is a testament to its commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among its students. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in improving on your current skills, these events promise to be both informative and inspiring. 

Details about the schedule of events and the registration process can be seen below: 

• Monday: 
  • MEC GEW2023 Launch with Matthew Scullion of Matillion (Online and in-person)
• Tuesday: 
  • In Conversation with David Levine, CEO of Glenluna Ventures (Online and in-person)
• Wednesday: 
  • MECitHappen Workshop - Intro to Starting a Business (In-person)
• Thursday: 
  • Entrepreneurs@MCR - Emma Jones CBE, Founder of Enterprise Nation  (Online and in-person)
  • Your Next Move…Sport: Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise panel discussion (In-person)
• Friday: 
  • MECitHappen Workshop - Personal Branding 101 (In-person)
  • Elevate X: Student Startup Sprint - Workshop by Accelerate Me (In-person)
  • Building a Startup Step by Step - with Ash Rust of Sterling Road VC (Online and in-person)

More information about the events, locations and registration can be found . 

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre encourages all interested individuals to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Stay tuned on our social media channels to catch a glimpse on this exciting week of entrepreneurial exploration and learning. 

The proposed redevelopment would help meet the demand for student bedrooms on the University’s popular Fallowfield campus. Located near to the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure the best student experience.

The outline planning application submitted to 91ֱ�� City Council this week proposes to replace existing older accommodation on site and deliver 3,300 modern bedspaces.

Earlier this year, the University delivered a month-long public consultation for residents, local groups, students and staff to share their feedback on the proposals. Responses were shared via the consultation website and through digital and in-person events held at the University.

You can read more information about the on our website.

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “A significant amount of hard work, consideration and engagement has taken place ahead of the submission of these plans to 91ֱ�� City Council. It reflects our ambitions to deliver modern, high quality living for our students on one of our most popular campuses for new and returning students.

“As the largest academic institution in the city, it is important that we deliver high-quality purpose-built rooms that can match the status and profile of the University reputation nationally and globally.”

If successful in gaining planning consent, the University will work with a delivery partner to bring the plans forward.

In the coming weeks, 91ֱ�� City Council will open a statutory public consultation on the submitted application. For more information, please visit .

Gold for Student Outcomes is a well-deserved accolade for our hard-working graduates. It also pays tribute to staff across the university who help prepare our students for fantastic careers nationally and across the globe. The University of Manchester is ranked 42 in the world for graduate employability by . In the UK, we're the most targeted university by the nation's top graduate employers (). We take immense pride in being ranked number 2 university in the world for our global impact (THE, 2023) and 28 in the world for our overall quality (QS). 

As the UK’s largest single site university, with a strong sense of place and deep commitment to Greater 91ֱ�� and social responsibility, we are proud to be very popular with undergraduate applicants, and to offer a unique and supportive student experience. Schemes such as Stellify help our students stand out in a competitive world with volunteering, and masterclasses on global issues, social responsibility and leadership. Our dedicated teaching and support staff across the University are unquestionably enthusiastic about their roles in enabling students to succeed, and fostering dynamic, hybrid and valuable learning experiences. Their passion and commitment contribute to delivering excellence in the areas that students care about the most.

We remain committed to continuous improvement and providing exceptional teaching and learning experiences to all our students, regardless of their backgrounds, We look forward to reflecting more on the TEF Panel feedback to celebrate the quality of our teaching and learning, and identify areas requiring further focus. 

April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students at The University of Manchester, welcomed the TEF outcomes: 

“The staff and students of Manchester will be delighted with these results, having overcome so many challenges and made such positive progress in the last four years. Gold for Student Outcomes is a fitting accolade for our fabulous graduates as they step out into the world. It also recognises the support we give to our 91ֱ�� students, helping them secure amazing careers. Silver for Student Experience shows the progress made in flexible learning, support for teaching, curriculum and resources, as well as everything our student body does to make 91ֱ�� the wonderful place it is.” 

, showcasing some our leading work in teaching. Our new campaign , also highlights some of our most inspiring teachers. 

Over summer, 106 rooms in Dalton-Ellis House (Victoria Park Campus )were updated, investing over £14m. This is part of the University's plan to have . 

Fallowfield Campus got its own set of upgrades in time for the new semester. The main reception moved from Owens Park to Richmond Park Amenity Hub. This new spot has a welcoming reception, places for students to meet and study, and meets all disability access requirements. A dedicated team there will make sure the 3,500 students living on campus have everything they need. 

Oak House Hall of Residence also got a makeover. It’s one of the most budget-friendly places for students in the city, housing 1,200 students. The shared spaces and bathrooms are now revamped with new floors, fresh paint, kitchen updates, and new furniture. There is also additional space for more study spots and multi-purpose areas in the Carill House block.  

The University spent £4 million on these projects. An in-house team and outside contractors ensured everything was done on schedule. And, as always, the regular cleaning and maintenance across all student halls continued throughout. 

Preparation work has also started at Owens Park for some exciting changes coming up. A search is currently underway for a partner to help redevelop the Fallowfield Campus.

Finally, work is taking place to address an issue which occured on the weekend of 16 and 17 September. Some areas were vandalised with graffiti related to a student campaign. A dedicated team is working on cleaning it up, but that does mean funds are being used for this instead of other improvements. 

We are the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC), the main hub for enterprise and entrepreneurship at The University of Manchester. Our goal is to help students like you understand the importance of entrepreneurial skills in today's world, and to provide you with numerous opportunities to gain valuable experience that will help you to spot opportunities, fast-track your career and secure your desired job, innovate and develop new projects or launch your own business.

We're passionate about creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures the next generation of outstanding innovators and supports the development of start-up businesses that benefit both the economy and society worldwide. We're here to add value to your experience of being part of The University of Manchester, and to encourage and support you in creating your future and making a difference.

In addition to our extensive range of (the majority of which are open electives available to all students), we offer a range of extracurricular activities that we think you'll gain a lot of value from, especially in terms of building your confidence and developing your networks. These include competitions (with total awards exceeding £180,000 per annum), speaker events and interactions with leading entrepreneurs, workshops, and start-up support programs for students who have ambitions to learn or launch their ideas. We can't wait to see what you'll achieve!

You can find us in the following locations during Welcome Week:

• Monday 18 September - Stopford Building (9am-12pm); Humanities Bridgeford Street Building (1-4pm)
• Tuesday 19 September - Stopford Building (9am-12pm); Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School Fair (1-4pm)
• Wednesday 20 September - SU Fair (10am-4pm)
• Thursday 21 September SU Fair (10am-4pm) 
• Friday 22 September - 91ֱ�� Engineering Campus Development (MECD) Community Fair (1-4pm)

We'd love to meet you at our stalls and share more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre!

If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, we’re also recruiting for our Entrepreneurship Champions role, 

The MEC Team 🐝&�Բ�����;

Jessica Buckle is a Medical Biochemistry graduate who bravely battled to recovery from a stroke in the middle of her final year, which temporarily affected her mobility and sight.

Luckily, her sight came back after a week, but it still took eight weeks for her full mobility to recover, enabling her to walk independently once again. Reflecting on her journey, Jessica committed to completing her degree and graduating whilst on her recovery journey.

She said: “The last semester of final year was completed from my family home in Euxton where I balanced recovery and my studies as best as I could, I contemplated deferring the year but I could see the finish line and I was so determined.

“My time at 91ֱ�� has been a wonderful experience meeting so many friends that I will keep and have for the rest of my life.

“I would like to raise awareness of strokes in the younger generation as I had no idea younger people even had strokes at my age. I am so grateful for all my tutors and professors that helped me throughout this time at The University of Manchester and I am so thankful to be graduating with a 2:1 and lots of friends for life.”

Strokes are a serious life-threatening medical emergencies resulting from interrupted blood supply to the brain. According the UK’s , strokes occur 100,000 times annually in the UK, once every five minutes – it also ranks as one of the leading causes of death and disability.

A conducted as part of World Stroke Day 2022 found a sharp increase in the incidence of stroke in young adults, in a study of more than 94,000 people in Oxfordshire.

For further resources please visit:

The University is one of three new universities chosen to partner with the Martingale Postgraduate Foundation to support passionate and talented students facing financial barriers to pursue postgraduate degrees at leading research institutions in the UK.

A Martingale Scholar will receive a fully funded scholarship to pursue a master's degree in Mathematics at one of the partner universities along with tailored support to apply for a Martingale PhD scholarship. The funding includes all tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.

The University of Manchester has been at the forefront of mathematics for more than a century and the University has been home to some of the biggest names in the subject during this time, including Alan Turing, Max Newman, Louis Mordell, Violet Cane, and Hanna Neumann.

Martingale Scholarships will enable students from low-income backgrounds to pursue and excel in a master’s and PhD at the leading School of Mathematics.  

Professor Andrew Hazel, Head of Department, Department of Mathematics, said: “The Department of Mathematics at The University of Manchester is delighted to be partnering with the Martingale Foundation to offer scholarships allowing talented students facing financial barriers to pursue higher degrees in mathematics. The Scholarships complement the Department's existing initiatives to provide access to mathematics education for all students, irrespective of their background, and support the University's commitment to Social Responsibility, one of its three core goals. We are looking forward to welcoming the Martingale Scholars to our Department in 2024.”

Incoming Martingale Scholars will have the opportunity to apply for a number of MSc courses offered by The University of Manchester. These are MSc Pure Mathematics, MSc Applied Mathematics, MSc Statistics and MSc Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Logic. Students can experience a sense community in the purpose-built Alan Turing building and develop excellent networks through annual maths-specific careers fairs and employer interview programmes.

Martingale Scholars also join a prestigious development programme that provides training and experiences beyond their university offer to build a pioneering community of STEM leaders.

The University of Manchester joins The University of Bristol and The University of Edinburgh as new Martingale Foundation partners this year. In 2022 Martingale was launched with the founding cohort of five universities: University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Kings College London, University of Oxford, and University College London, with the inaugural cohort of scholars taking up their place this autumn, leading a new generation of STEM postgraduates.

Applications for the 2024 Martingale Scholarships are open until the 25th of October 2023. Incoming Martingale Scholars now have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees in maths at the University of Manchester.

For more information on how to apply, application guidance and deadlines, please visit www.martingale.foundation.

The programme examines the various aspects of the commercialisation of research and is very much project-based; allowing you to develop commercialisation ideas based on your own area of research. You will evaluate first-hand the business opportunity, developing a commercial business case based on the idea; and then prepare a 5 minute pitch and a business proposal canvas.

The programme includes a series of lectures along with study group tutorial sessions. There are also follow on sessions and events to outline the opportunities available for you particularly if you wish to take the idea forward to the next stage.

Join the programme this autumn to; 

• develop commercial awareness;
• enhance communication skills;
• boost confidence and;
• strengthen your CV.

Delivery format: In person and online 

Semester 1 Cohort Start Date: 27 September 2023 (over 10 weeks, Wednesday 10am. – 12pm.)

Download the  now to secure your place.

Discover more about MEC Researcher Training .  

The Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp brought together students from across each Faculty at the University of Manchester, demonstrating MEC's unwavering commitment to driving positive social impact through entrepreneurship. This year's program witnessed a remarkable influx of talent and creativity, further solidifying the centre's position as a leader in promoting sustainable business practices and fostering a culture of responsible innovation.

Throughout the intensive 1.5-day programme, participants engaged in a series of hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and team-based activities, which challenged them to think beyond traditional business models. The bootcamp encouraged a broader perspective, encouraging participants to explore the intersection of profit and purpose, aiming to create businesses that can make a genuine difference in the world.

Key highlights of the Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp included:

·       Inspirational Speakers: attendees heard from , social business coach, and MEC Social Enterprise Ambassador , Social Entrepreneur and visiting lecturer at Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School. Further insights were provided by , who recently co-founded the ground-breaking new charitable funding platform .

·       Collaborative Learning: Participants collaborated in interdisciplinary teams, fostering a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives merged to generate new ideas and solutions.

·       Sustainable Business Models: The bootcamp emphasised the importance of incorporating sustainable practices, inspiring participants to create businesses that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

·       Mentorship and Guidance: all attendees have benefitted from ongoing personalised guidance to nurture their entrepreneurial aspirations.

As participants immersed themselves in the challenges faced by real-life social enterprises, they were tasked with devising viable business plans to address pressing social and environmental issues. Anika Dubey, programme attendee and MSc International Development student, shared her feedback: “From business planning and the Social Business Model Canvas to perfecting pitches and writing compelling proposals, we honed our skills and received valuable feedback from peers. I'm grateful for the supportive environment fostered by the bootcamp.”

Meanwhile, fellow attendee Kexin Zhang, MA English Literature & American Studies student, reflects: “The bootcamp has ignited my passion for social entrepreneurship and equipped me with valuable tools and knowledge to create positive change.”

MEC’s Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp has proven to be a steppingstone for visionary entrepreneurs who aspire to redefine the landscape of business for a brighter and more sustainable future. The centre's dedication to fostering innovation and empowering individuals to create meaningful social impact remains unwavering.

"We are immensely proud of the remarkable talent and dedication demonstrated by all the participants in this year's Social Enterprise Discovery Bootcamp," said Lucy Hutchinson, Community Development Manager at MEC. "The ideas and solutions they've generated showcase the potential of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in our society. As a centre, we remain committed to supporting these aspiring changemakers as they continue on their journey to create businesses that make a lasting difference."

About the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC): MEC is a leading hub for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the intersection of profit and purpose. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs, the centre welcomes all students, staff, and graduates from the University of Manchester.

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.

Dr Sophie Nixon, a BBSRC David Phillips and Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellow in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, won the award for Sustainable Development, while Dr Kara Lynch, who was recently awarded an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship and Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellowship in the Department of Physics, won the award for Physical Sciences.

The national award works to support post-doctoral women scientists and overcome gender-driven inequalities. It offers a number of opportunities designed to help further establish women’s research careers. 

Dr Nixon and Dr Lynch are two of only five post-doctoral women scientists to win the 2023 award, which includes a grant of £15,000 each to spend on whatever they need to continue their research.

Dr Nixon's  research broadly looks how microbial communities in the environment cycle carbon, and how we can harness community-scale metabolism to help remedy global environmental issues, such as climate change and plastic pollution.

The project she will pursue with her award looks to microbial communities in hot springs for novel approaches to converting waste CO₂ emissions into value-added products in order to achieve a Net Zero future as soon as possible - an ambitious but potentially powerful nature-based solution to the CO₂ emissions crisis.

She said: “It was a big milestone to even be shortlisted for this notoriously competitive award, but to win was just wonderful.

“Awards and programmes like this one are really important for putting a spotlight on women in STEM – we need more talent in STEM but also need to showcase and celebrate the talent we already have. One problem we have is lack a of role models, but another is peer support. This programme champions this talent and creates a really strong alumni network that will be invaluable going forward.

“For me, the most powerful part of this award is the flexibility the grant allows. A significant part of my grant will go towards the cost of childcare - I’ve been working condensed hours since the cost of childcare for our daughter has risen. The extra time and money this will buy me allows me to pursue some extra personal development training, some career and leadership coaching, and also attend events or conferences.

“I wouldn’t be able to achieve any of this if I couldn’t find a way to subsidise the cost of childcare. It has opened many doors and I’m extremely grateful.”

Dr Lynch's research revolves around nuclear physics and using laser spectroscopy and decay spectroscopy to understand the properties of exotic nuclei. Her upcoming research project will measure the shape of proton-emitting nuclei, which is a new and exciting opportunity to test and improve understanding of the nucleus.

She said: “The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Rising Talent Programme is a really innovative and refreshing way of supporting women in science, as it allows you to use the grant in whichever way is most beneficial to your research and your career.

“Programmes highlighting and supporting women in science are very important, so we can encourage more women to pursue scientific careers as well as support those already in science. The postdoc years can be particularly challenging as we try to forge our own independent research career, so having a network of support is invaluable.

“I feel very lucky and proud to be alongside the wonderful and inspiring women who were shortlisted for this award, and to win was just a wonderful surprise.”

Dr Lynch will use the grant to buy research equipment that will allow her to perform the first laser spectroscopy studies of proton-emitting nuclei, which she hopes will kick-start her research programme in an unexplored area of nuclear physics. 

She will also use the grant for childcare to allow her to travel to CERN-ISOLDE – a radioactive ion beam facility - to perform her experiments outside of her normal working pattern.

Dr Lynch added: “Having just returned to physics research after a career break to start a family, the grant will uniquely support my desire to blend primary caregiving with my re-started academic career.

“I'm very grateful to L’Oréal and UNESCO for the opportunity to be part of this amazing network.”

All shortlisted candidates were invited to 10 Downing Street to discuss support for women in STEM. They met with George Freeman MP, Minister of State in the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, along with Angela McClean, Chief Scientific Advisor. They also received media training and had professional photographs taken at the Royal Society before attending the award at a ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday, 24 April 2023.

A partnership between the , The University of Manchester and has today been announced which will support 14 students with scholarships that will enable them to study at the universities, in a bid to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, increase social mobility, and support equal access to higher education.

Applications will be open to young people in the regions of Greater 91ֱ�� and Greater London and there will be a number of opportunities over the next three years for students to apply.

The first four scholarships (two at King’s and two at 91ֱ��) will be available for students commencing degree programmes in 2023/24.

Research shows in 2021/22, less than 5% of all UK students starting undergraduate degrees were Black. The partnerships with The University of Manchester and King’s College London will support young people from underrepresented backgrounds to gain access to greater education and enable them to achieve their greatest potential.

Commenting on the partnership, Raheem said, “This opportunity will help young people access further education and present them with experiences and opportunities that will enhance their future career prospects. I hope this initiative will be a real game changer over the next few years and I am delighted to be working with two of the finest universities in the world. I wish the recipients of our funding all the very best and look forward to meeting everyone on campus in 91ֱ�� and London later this year”

The Raheem Sterling Foundation is committed to greater social mobility, providing better education, and furthering employment opportunities for young people.

Clive Ellington, Chair of Trustees added: ‘�ęAt the Raheem Sterling Foundation, we believe that access to better education and employment opportunities should be made fair to all young people regardless of financial circumstances and background. The work we do is in pursuit of improving their opportunities, future careers and quality of life and we won’t rest until we succeed in Raheem’s vision of achieving this.’’

‘�ęPartnering with two of the UK’s most outstanding universities, whose strive for change mirrors that of ours, is a real highlight in our journey to date, and we couldn’t be happier to announce our commitment to them and the students over the next three years.’’

For more information on the *courses available, eligibility criteria, and application process, please visit The and websites. 

The University of Manchester is the world’s first civic university and first in the UK to have social responsibility as a core goal. 25% of its undergraduate students come from disadvantaged backgrounds – a significant number in comparison to other universities.

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell commented: ‘�ęThe Raheem Sterling Foundation partnership will give us additional support to enable talented Black students to access higher education, mitigating financial challenges so they are better able to focus on their studies and realise their full potential. I believe that scholarships are a vital tool in helping students to access and progress through higher education, which is why we are so proud to partner with Raheem to invest in talented Black students in Greater 91ֱ��.’’ 

King's College London is one of the leading English Russell Group universities for social mobility, welcoming the highest number of Black undergraduate students and ranking 6th in the most recent social mobility index.

President & Principal of King's College London, Professor Shitij Kapur said: "Widening participation in higher education makes both King's and the wider world a better place. We are delighted to partner with the Raheem Sterling Foundation to further our work in this area and enable more support for underrepresented students to access higher education, achieve their aspirations and become the change-makers of the future."

“TSSP has been designed to equip young adults with the knowledge required to reduce the harms associated with recreational drug use. We will use a range of methods to establish the appropriateness of the programme, its in-built assessment of learning, and its effects on the students who complete it.”

“This is a really positive step towards expanding the evidence base on this important issue,” said Professor Lucy Chappell, Scientific Advisor for the Department of Health and Social Care and NIHR Chief Executive Officer. “I hope that this project and the others being funded will identify effective interventions that can have a real impact across the country in the future. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects.”

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 University has worked in a close relationship with the Students' Union since summer 2022 to . Today, we are announcing the next stage in this support: an additional payment to 10,000 students, which comes from the £9million package announced in November 2022.

We understand that the rising cost of living is a major concern for our students, and we're committed to providing support to help.

Sam Bronheim, Union Affairs Officer at the Students’ Union, commenting on behalf of the elected SU Officer Team, said: “We are delighted to announce this second targeted payment to 10,000 students and we’ll continue to collaborate with the University to support the wider student body with the rising cost of living. We’re also lobbying local and national government, on students’ behalf, to introduce greater financial support for the student community”.

Eligible full time students will receive £230 and eligible part time students will receive £115.

The payment will be made to:

• Students who received a contextual offer from our University, for example because they lived in an area of disadvantage when they applied.
• Students who declared during University registration that they were care experienced, estranged, have caring responsibilities or dependents.
• Students who are seeking asylum in the UK.
• Recipients of the following scholarships and bursaries:
   
• The 91ֱ�� Bursary
• Foundation Year Bursary
• Undergraduate Access Scholarship
• Humanitarian Scholarship
• Equity and Merit Scholarship
• 91ֱ�� Master’s Bursary

Eligible students will receive an email by Wednesday, 8 March confirming that they will receive the payment and asking them to update their bank details on the student system.

We’re proud of the cost of living support package we’ve developed with the Students’ Union, but we recognise that there are still significant challenges facing the student community. We’re committed to advocating on behalf of our students to government to improve the situation. For example:

We agree that that the 2.8% increase in the student maintenance loans provided by the UK Government is insufficient. We're actively working with other universities to encourage a review of this and our President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Nancy Rothwell, has been lobbying government ministers on this issue.

The Students’ Union is making sure that students’ concerns are heard by Mayor Andy Burnham through the Greater 91ֱ�� Student Assembly and is collaborating with other students’ unions to lobby central government.

We’re advocating for affordable rents and when 91ֱ�� City Council ask us to comment on planning applications, we won’t support any new student accommodation unless it offers good value for money.

Our Cost of Living support doesn’t stop with these payments to students. We also have a support fund that can provide, depending on a financial assessment, non-repayable grants up to £2,000; trained advisors on hand to help with a range of money matters; an emergency loan scheme; and mental health and wellbeing support.

The payment will be made through our own finance system, any students with queries should be directed to our .

Following a selection process, lead and global real estate advisor, will be supported by multinational law firm who will advise on legal matters; and independent corporate finance advisors will work on finance.  This team supplements the technical team who were appointed last year: global construction and property consultancy RLB are leading a multi disciplinary team providing design and delivery support to the University.

The University has begun this process to accelerate the planned modernisation of its student accommodation, but at this stage no firm plans have been made. Full consultation will take place with stakeholders in due course.

In the meantime the University continues to make ongoing investments in residences to update and modernise them. Around £25m has been invested in refurbishments at Hulme Hall in the past five years. The University is also beginning a £20m programme of refurbishment work in Dalton Ellis and Oak House this summer and has spent £90m on building Unsworth Park, which opened in 2019.

has partnered with 26 UK universities to support Black British students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford their place at university.

The charity has secured more than £2.8million from universities to fully fund tuition fees for more than 100 students over the next decade.

The Foundation is now seeking support from businesses and donors to match the funding commitment to support the students’ maintenance and living costs.

The CSF, which launched in 2021, has secured generous partnerships with 26 UK universities including The University of Manchester who have generously agreed to cover tuition fees and provide additional support for 11 Cowrie scholars in 2022 and 2023. Imperial College London have agreed to support six Cowrie Scholars from 2023 with not only tuition fees but also a package of support to aid living costs in partnership with CSF.

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation’s (CSF) vision is to transform 100 disadvantaged Black British student lives through education with attendance at UK universities.

Each of the 26 partner universities, have agreed to cover the tuition fees for at least three students over a decade, with the Foundation covering maintenance and living costs through links with business and individual donors. The first wave of students are already benefitting from the funding grants. The next aim is to unlock the £2.8M from 26 universities with matched funding from businesses to enable socio-economically disadvantaged Black British students attend UK universities on full scholarships. CSF will then continue to raise funds, eventually forming an ecosystem, and then to finance scholarships through endowments. Business can make a significant difference with internships, workshops and in providing role models and mentorship underlining the important role of business support.

Professor Richard Oreffo, Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton and CSF Founder, a registered charity, said: “Access to university should not be limited by race or social class, but unfortunately, this is not the case for all in our society. This is a positive agenda to level the field for disadvantaged Black British students. We all have a collective responsibility to make a positive difference for the society we want. With the cost of living crisis having a significant impact we need support now more than ever.  

“I believe, higher education has the power to transform lives and with the support of universities and businesses we can make a difference not only financially but with internships, role models and workshops. The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation seeks to address a significant barrier: the financial cost of university education and these new scholarships will make a major impact on students’ lives.”

Kesiah- Cowrie Scholar 2021 cohort said: “CSF has opened doors for me that I never thought would be possible. I don’t feel as financially limited, and opportunities are in abundance.”

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President Teaching, Learning and Students said: "We are extremely proud to have entered into a long-term partnership with The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation to provide scholarships for talented Black British students for whom there may be financial and social barriers to accessing higher education. We believe this is an important opportunity to harness education for positive change. It reinforces our ongoing commitment to provide an environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds to thrive.”

The issues around the participation of disadvantaged Black British students in higher education are complex. Progress in widening access and supporting student success must continue from early school years and, as indicated by a Russell Group Report , the rate of change concerning participation of Black students needs to improve. Issues around progression, application, attainment gap, well-being of disadvantaged students and expectations are also all factors.

Stanislas ‘Stan’ Dembinski, an undergraduate here at 91ֱ�� and his twin brother Cyril (who studies at l’ESME in Bordeaux, France) have formed a team, ‘The Twin Turbos’ to take part in the .  

The ‘4L’ is a student rally of c.1,500 cars and 3,000 students from across Europe undertaking a near 3000km dash from Biarritz to Marrakech, with participants competing to arrive by the shortest possible route, equipped with only a map and compass in a Renault 4.  

Budding mechanical engineers, Stan and Cyril are both excited by the challenge of making sure their Renault 4 – the youngest model of which is about 60 years old – can survive the long and complicated journey across Europe, through Africa’s desert lands and, finally into Marrakech. They’re also using their participation in the rally to raise money and awareness for  (‘Children of the Desert’) that equips some of the poorest children in Morocco with school supplies like books, pens and blackboards and, building repairing and maintaining classrooms, helping about 20,000 children every year.  

Stan would welcome any sponsorship to support their race, with supporters having the chance to have their face emblazoned on their ‘Twin Turbos’ rally car!  

Stan said:  

“We’re so excited to be taking part in this rally and we’re looking for sponsors to meet the costs of entering the 4L Trophy so my brother and, the ‘Twin Turbos’ can raise money for kids who really need our help, so they can have a shot at a decent education – which we all value so much.  

“It costs about £3000 to enter the rally and another £3000 to prepare the car so we’re looking for generous supporters and sponsors to help us help the kids of Marrakech. In return, you can get your face and social media on the car for its journey, or you may know a company or organisation that can have their logo on the car in return for sponsorship.”

If you want to sponsor the Twin Turbos, you can . You can also .  

The latest package of support represents a commitment of over £7million. Further targeted support in 2023 for those most in need will be announced in due course and bring the total of committed student support to £9million.

Registered students will each receive a one-off cost of living payment. Full-time students will receive £170 and part-time students will receive £85, paid into their UK bank account.

This sector-leading initiative is a result of ongoing discussions between the University and the Students’ Union, arising directly from student feedback and suggestions from the Executive Officers.

The roll-out for the payments is expected before the Christmas break, to help support students over the winter months. A very small number of professional level postgraduate courses are excluded.

It builds on existing financial support previously announced, including increases to the University’s Cost of Living Support Fund, and providing grants of up to £2,000 to students who are struggling, plus raising the minimum stipend for 2022/23 by more than £2000 for all PGRs who are on a studentship funded directly by the University.

The University has also put into place assistance in the form of cheaper food options, free microwave and hot water facilities, free showers, and free period products. Library fines have been ended and free eBooks provided to help students meet costs of studying. The Students’ Union is also helping to provide free and discounted access to sports and recreation and has put on study nights with free food in a warm environment.

Working with the Students’ Union, the University is providing more jobs for students on campus, easier and increased access to short-term emergency financial assistance, and funding a new Money Advisor post to be created in the Students’ Union. These and other measures and are being communicated to students.

Sam Bronheim, Union Affairs Officer at the Students’ Union, said: “We have valued collaborating with the University on this project and are glad they have listened to our ideas. With action like this, we hope students feel that, through the Students’ Union, their needs have not only been heard but met by the University.” 

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “The cost of living crisis is a major concern for our students, especially at this time of year. I’m so delighted that, working closely with the Students’ Union, we’ve been able to offer this payment. We also have wider support in place including wellbeing and further financial support through our Cost of Living Support fund, so would encourage any student that needs our help to please reach out.” 

Cost of Living Support to Staff

The University has previously announced a cost-of-living payment of £1,000 to all colleagues paid within grades 1-8 (or to a total salary limit of £71,644 for employees on equivalent pay structures) who have been in post as of 1 October 2022. The payment will be split in two parts, £500 paid with the November payroll, and a second payment of £500 in the January 2023 payroll (for staff in post on 1 January). For those who wish to there is the option to donate this to student support funds or to other charities. The University is already an accredited Real Living Wage Employer.

Graduate teaching assistants, who work variable hours, will receive a 3% pay rise.

The University believes that providing for this cost of living support for staff and students is the right thing to do at this very difficult time, recognising that it is an urgent priority for so many of our people. Inevitably, this means difficult choices are being made about other areas of planned investment for this year which will have to be reprioritised.

“My lifelong career objectives are to enhance self-sufficiency and to ensure dignified access to basic services among vulnerable communities - despite how aspirant these goals might seem, I truly believe that passion, hard work, and the opportunity to study at 91ֱ�� will assist me to go steps further towards this goal,” Sally added.

Another recipient is Alona Deriabina, a Clinical and Health Psychology student who fled to Poland after the Russian invasion forced her to leave her hometown near Kyiv. “Despite becoming a refugee, I remain desperate to continue my education no matter the circumstances,” said Alona. “My dream is to gain deep knowledge and skills in the field of clinical and health psychology, so I can promote mental health in Ukraine and abroad, particularly for Ukrainian refugees who are spread now all over the world.”

Electrical Engineering student Yefym Lunev is from Kharkiv in Ukraine, and he had to flee with his family as the city was being destroyed by Russian bombs. “Russia has been bombarding my city, especially residential areas, day and night since the war began,” he said. “More than 1100 high rise residential buildings, 60 schools, dozens of nurseries, hospitals, libraries and even our famous opera house and fine arts museum are in ruins. Several of my university buildings were destroyed by bombs, and some students and faculty members are reported to have been killed.”

“I want to graduate with high marks and gain a deep knowledge of engineering. I am really interested in renewable energy and global warming problems, and want to focus on mastering my knowledge in this sphere – I am sure the university will help me to achieve this,” Yefym added.

Syrian Medical Microbiology student Mahmoud Komy is another recipient - he is now able to study for a Master's Degree after his family were twice displaced during the ongoing civil war, and he and his father were both imprisoned for belonging to a minority group associated with the opposition. He has previously worked for Syrian Arab Red Crescent as a humanitarian field doctor, helping to treat his fellow countrymen wounded in the conflict.

“Epidemiology and microbiology affects everyone around the world, which was evident during the COVID­-19 pandemic when microbiologists were on the front line fighting the virus and making crucial decisions – however, the Syrian health system allocates little interest to epidemiology and microbiological studies,” said Mahmoud. “After more than ten years of a brutal war, securing a future inside Syria became a dream that could never come true - now, the only solution is to look for opportunities abroad. Therefore, I need to take this path to fulfil the needs of my country.”

“It means a lot for me to be here, and I will do my best to give back to this city - I will always be grateful.”

The University would like to thank Gian Fulgoni for his financial contribution to the scheme. It is one of many programs supporting the University’s social responsibility agenda - these include our Equity and Merit Scholarships for students from sub-Saharan Africa, and our Undergraduate Access Scholarships for UK applicants who have been in care or estranged from their parents. 

For more information, visit .

The event is generously funded by the University of Manchester's Humanities Strategic Civic Engagement Fund (HSCEF), and is also supported by the MOBILISE project and Ukrainian Embassy in the UK.

This conference brings together dozens of Ukrainian students and UK University alumni from across the whole country for a day of talks, working groups, monitoring, and lectures. Among many special guests will be Ms. Olga Tokariuk, a renowned Ukrainian Journalist and Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford, and Professor Andrew Wilson of UCL will be joining the students for key note lectures. 

Dr Onuch said “It is our duty as scholars and university leaders to support the next generation - one way we can do this is to  provide a space where they can come together, meet each other, and feel a collective sense of support and meaning," said Dr Onuch. “These students have been through unthinkable trauma and stress in the last year - they have family and friends in harm's way, and yet they still have to write essays, sit exams, and think of finding a job. Thus, we must do all we can to support them and their ambitions.”