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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team hosted the “We Belong Here” event in April 2023, which aimed to inspire young people who are care experienced to think about attending university, and to consider 91ֱ�� as a university of choice. At this event, Professor Jackie Carter connected with several care experienced or estranged young people, including Willow. Jackie was very taken by Willow, stating: “What struck me about Willow was her motivation in wanting to study Sociology because all the books she was reading made no reference to people like her”.

After the event, Jackie arranged work experience for Willow at the University. Willow shadowed Jackie, met with other academics, talked to university students, and spent time exploring the campus. Jackie also offered to mentor Willow by supporting and guiding her through her A-Level exams, as well as encouraging her to apply for the course she wanted to study. In a reflection on her work experience Willow wrote: “It felt like they wanted you to succeed and find your place in this academic world. Like, it’s not just about getting a degree, it’s about discovering your passions, pushing your boundaries, and becoming the best version of yourself.”.

Congratulations to Willow Stephenson who will be joining in September to study Sociology () and German.

At an event set up by colleagues, met with several care-experienced or estranged young people, which is where she met Willow.

— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM)

On A-Level Results Day, Willow found out she will be coming to the University in September to study her dream course, which is a brilliant result. Jackie says: “A year ago she didn’t even know she could study this degree and had no intention of applying for The University of Manchester.”

Since Willow received her results, Jackie has reflected upon the impact herself and other female members of staff had on Willow. Highlighting the importance of representation, Jackie says: “I think helping her [Willow] see strong women who cared about her progress has been a huge boost for her”.

The University of Manchester continues its commitment to supporting young people who are care experienced or estranged, in succeeding in higher education. Willow’s story and the dedication demonstrated by Professor Jackie Carter and the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, illustrates that it is both possible, and imperative, to make a difference.

• For more information about The University of Manchester’s commitment to care experienced and estranged young people, visit this page.

The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025.

The redevelopment will create modern, high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. It forms part of a phased redevelopment to increase the supply of modern bedrooms and student socialising spaces to provide a supportive residential experience.

The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation was approved by 91ֱ�� City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024.

The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings.

Located near 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 bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.   

The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years, is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025.

Achal Bhuwania, Equitix CIO said: ‘Delighted that Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development, to provide a world-class student living experience. This is further testament to the proven capabilities and commitment to UK greenfield infrastructure as well as supporting British supply chain partners. This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus sustainability & value for money.’

GRAHAM CEO, Andrew Bill said: ‘GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme. Together, we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.’

The University of Manchester advisors for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Programme are: RLB, CBRE, Student First Group, QMPF and Pinsent Masons.

The Viridis advisors are: Sheppard Robson (design), Operis (financial and accounting), Osborne Clarke (legal and tax), Howdens (insurance) and WSP (technical)

To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus 

The 2024 survey questionnaire remains consistent with the 2023 version, following several last year. In the previous year, the survey explicitly included questions related to mental health, wellbeing, and freedom of expression. Additionally, 2023 marked the first time the survey adopted a 4-point Likert scale, eliminating the ‘neither agree nor disagree’ option. As a result, this year’s NSS allows for direct comparisons to the previous year using the new survey format. 

The University’s 2024 results show an overall increase in our teaching results, with 82% of students responding positively, which is a 1% increase on last year. Students also continue to find our courses intellectually stimulating, with 85% being positive about them, down 1% from last year but ahead of the average response across England (84%).  

On the newer question topics surrounding mental health and wellbeing, the university has also seen an improvement on last year, with 77% of students responding positively vs.75% last year. This however is still sitting behind the sector average of 79%. 

The Students’ Union received a score of 72% for ‘supporting students’ academic interests’, which aligned with the sector average but was a reduction of 2% from last year.  

The University has seen uplifts in aspects of assessment and feedback, and student voice, since last year, with student voice improving by 1%. Within the assessment and feedback questions, students' positive response rate about the fairness of marking has improved (75% this year vs. 72% last year). Similarly, students responded higher than last year regarding their opportunities to feedback on their course (80% this year vs. 78% last year.) However, overall in assessment and feedback in particular, the University remains well below benchmark, and there are clear areas where improvement is required. 

Students have also highlighted a decline in IT learning resources within this year's results, with a positive response of 72% vs. 76% last year and an average across England of 85%. 

Commenting on this year's results Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: "The NSS survey is an important time to reflect on progress and areas where we need to do better. This year’s results reinforce our need to prioritise improvements in assessment and feedback and student voice. We thank every one of our students who completed the survey and told us about their experiences; we are very proud of our amazing graduates, whose 91ֱ�� degrees support them into excellent jobs and future opportunities." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlotte Mellor who is a Cancer Research UK PhD student and Candy Kong who studied Criminology at The University of Manchester were the first in their family to attend university and are now featured as part of the .

Charlotte Mellor said: “Without University, I wouldn’t be working in the field I’m in. It’s opened the door to working in a field I didn’t even know existed before, as it’s so far removed from school classes. It’s allowed me to get involved in things at a really high level and have a go at different things that I’ve been interested in.

“My brother has since applied and been to university, which was easier for him than me as it wasn’t new anymore. I’d already been through it and opened the door. My immediate family is really proud of the fact I was the first to go to university and I’ve earned the opportunity to go and do something that I want to do, which I wouldn’t have had without university.”

Candy Kong said: “I value my time at university immensely, from studying a challenging degree, meeting new people and taking on exciting opportunities.”

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; UUK’s ‘100 Faces campaign’ aims to champion and celebrate the positive impact of ‘first-in-the-family’ (FitF) graduates on the UK – including England footballer Beth Mead, Lord David Blunkett, Nobel Prize winner Sir Chris Pissarides and actor Amit Shah - in order to highlight the need for access to support, and ensure the next generation can reach their graduate potential.

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; As part of the campaign, new research reveals the transformative impact of going to university  on ambition (74%), with almost three quarters (73%) of FitF students agreeing their degree gave them the confidence to apply for jobs without feeling like an imposter

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; The research  also highlights FiF students’  reliance on depreciating financial support - without financial support, over 4 in 10 FitF graduates couldn’t have afforded to go to university at all. This is equivalent to around 1.1 million 24–40-year-olds in England and Wales.

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; With financial provisions dwindling and the cost of living rising, UUK is calling for government to reinstate maintenance grants and increase support for future students

These findings come from extensive new research, commissioned by Universities UK, into the experiences of 6,004 UK graduates and 4,006 non-graduates, aged 24-40, from across the UK.

The success of students like Charlotte and Candy is testament to the extraordinary role university can play – particularly for those students who are the first in their family to attend and face significant barriers before they even set foot on campus. Despite this inequality, FiF students flourish at university – with three quarters of FiF respondents saying that their experiences at university made them more confident and ambitious, gave them broader life experiences and crucial life skills which continue to be impactful long after graduation.

However, the research also pointed to the need for uplifted financial support to ensure that FiF students are able to progress. Over 4 in 10 (41%) FitF students believe that without financial assistance they wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to university, and when non-graduates from across the UK were asked what might have persuaded them to attend university, almost half (48%) responded more financial support.

Many graduates responding to this survey were eligible for non-repayable maintenance grants as students, which were replaced by repayable loans, in England in 2016, although maintenance grants continue to operate in Wales, Scotland and for some healthcare courses in England.

In light of this, UUK is campaigning to highlight the achievements of the extraordinary first in family graduates in every community, and to ensure that future generations don’t miss out on the transformative impact of a university education.  

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, commented: “There are those who say that too many people go to university. I disagree. These stories tell you why. In this country you are still twice as likely to go to university if you are from the wealthiest background, compared to the least wealthy. That’s not right.”

"There are those who say that too many people go to university. I disagree. These stories tell you why. In this country you are still twice as likely to go to university if you are from the wealthiest background, compared to the least wealthy. That’s not right.

“The experiences of students who are the first in their families to have been to university tell a powerful story. I am amazed by how many graduates talked about having imposter syndrome – and the way that earning a degree helped to banish that feeling. I believe we have a responsibility to keep working to ensure a wider range of people in this country get access to the potentially transformative experience of going to university. For that to happen, we really do need to see an improvement in maintenance support to support those from the least privileged backgrounds.”

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 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!”

The new research by Josh Freeman, Policy Manager at HEPI, (HEPI Report 163), is based on a statistical analysis of 140 university responses and interviews with nearly 60 university professionals.

It finds that higher education institutions have adopted a range of strategies to support students, through hardship funds, food and drink discounts and support with health such as sanitary products, coordinated by cost-of-living ‘working groups’, new committees not bound by the usual university processes.

The report probes the rapid responses of two universities with case studies. The University of Manchester sent £170 cost-of-living payments to more than 90% of students, setting up enquiry forms which handled more than 16,000 queries. At Buckinghamshire New University, a programme to provide free activities saves students up to £200 a month, and those which received its hardship fund had a 7% higher progression rate than those that did not.

Yet the report also finds that universities are being forced to take steps which would have been unthinkable just years ago. More than a quarter of universities (27%) have a food bank, including one third (33%) of Russell Group universities and nearly two-thirds (63%) of universities in Wales. One-in-ten (11%) also distributes food vouchers.

Josh Freeman, author of the report, said: "This report shows that universities are stepping up as students experience their second major crisis in four years. Rather than leaving innovation to the laboratory, student advisors, university leaders and students’ union officers have pushed boundaries to get students more help. But there is more to be done. 

“Universities should streamline bureaucratic hardship funds and set up processes to move more quickly. And it is past time for the Westminster Government to address the real-terms decline in maintenance support, which leaves too many students at risk of deprivation – in what are supposed to be the best years of their lives.”

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience at the University of Manchester and author of the Foreword to the report, said: "This report clearly highlights the strength and breadth of the response to the sector to the recent cost-of-living crisis, with co-created solutions between students and university leaders at its heart. The financial squeeze of the last two years has though brought into even sharper relief pressures on students that have been growing for many years. This report raises important questions about whether universities should themselves be the ones to plug the growing gaps in student finance.

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University and author of the Afterword to the report, said: "This timely report highlights one of higher education’s greatest modern-day challenges – inequality of access, participation and achievement. This challenge is exacerbated by a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and government policy (or lack of policy intervention). Higher education providers are doing what they can to support their students, and this report contains much insight as to how they could provide more and more effective support. BNU is proud to be recognised in the report for our comprehensive award-winning support package, enabled by agile leadership, flexible processes and committed staff. 

"But Universities should not and cannot bear responsibility alone for addressing the cost-of-living crisis facing our students. We concur with the report’s call for government to do much more – if they do not, higher education study will simply become unaffordable for many of our students. Ignoring their needs will cause immense damage to our higher education sector, to our society and to our students’ life chances. We urge the government to heed this call for action."

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 is an incredible opportunity open to exceptionally talented Black men from less socially mobile backgrounds who show potential to succeed in a career in commercial law and other careers in the City of London. Open to first-year students at participating UK universities, the scholarship offers a remarkable chance for eligible students to showcase their potential beyond academic achievement.  

Among a competitive pool of candidates, Ethan and Binham showcased their capabilities throughout the rigorous selection process which included a two-day assessment center at Freshfields in London. Their selection as Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholars is a testament to their remarkable commitment, the opportunities they have received at our university, and the potential within our student body. 

Student Access Success and Development Manager Alex Jackson said: ‘I’m delighted that Ethan and Binham have been selected as Freshfield Stephen Lawrence Scholars. Moreover, we are proud of all of our candidates who attended assessment centres in London. All are excellent students and have represented themselves and the institution admirably throughout the selection process.’

As recipients of this scholarship, working with professionals of all seniorities at Freshfields and beyond, the expert support Ethan and Binham will receive will include career guidance, skills development, mentoring, interview coaching and if they wish, an alternative route to a guaranteed training contract interview at Freshfields. 

We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

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 .

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.

The United Kingdom celebrates 75 years of India's independence by recognising and celebrating the work of 75 young achievers who have studied in the UK. Achievers “are some of the brightest young minds in the India-UK corridor. They are trailblazers, Innovators and thought leaders, shaping India's future and setting global discourse.”

The honours are part of , celebrating the friendship between the UK and India - marking the 75th anniversary of India. The 75 Achievers were honoured at a on 25 January.

The winners:

Parineeti Chopra, Arts, Culture & Entertainment category (Outstanding Achiever) (BA Intl Business, Finance & Economics 2009)

A National Film Award winner, Parineeti is an acclaimed artist with multiple honours and recognitions to her name. She has appeared in the Forbes Celebrity 100 list since 2013.

The renowned Bollywood actor, is a household name in India and beyond. Parineeti graduated from the Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School in 2009 having studied; business, finance and economics, before turning to acting.

On accepting her award Parineeti said: “Life has come full circle and I’m so glad to be back where it all started! Having studied at 91ֱ�� Business School, to be able to come back, receive this award and celebrate it at the UK Parliament is such an incredible, special feeling.”

Somdip Dey, Education, Science & Innovation category (Outstanding Achiever) (MSc Computer Science 2014)

Somdip Dey is a machine learning researcher, educator, entrepreneur and electronic music producer. He is credited with co-developing the Nosh app, an AI-based food management app, aiming to reduce food waste in the household. Dey also co-founded Nosh Technologies and is currently the CEO and Chief Scientist in the company.

Speaking about the award, Somdip said: “Coming from a humble family from the slums of Kolkata, India, if someone told my past self that I would reach where I am today, I might not have ever believed it, especially since being dyslexic and falling in the ADHD spectrum - education in my early life hasn't been easy. But The University of Manchester has provided me with the right support to achieve my full potential. Given the University’s vibrant learning culture, rich heritage and expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and a network of leading change-makers from around the world, the University is one of the best places in the world to pursue your dreams - as mine came true because of my education at 91ֱ��!”

Dr Srijan Jinda, Education, Science & Innovation category (PhD Chemistry 2020)

Born in Varanasi, Srijan completed his undergraduate studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee in 2016 and his Ph.D. at The University of Manchester in 2019. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool for a year after which he spun out a medical device company PhenUtest Diagnostics Ltd. and is working towards commercialising a revolutionary rapid UTI diagnostic kit as the Chief Scientific Officer for the company.

Arundhuti Gupta, Education, Science & Innovation category (MSc Finance 2009)

Arundhuti is the founding trustee and chief executive officer of Mentor Together, a non-profit organisation in India that provides mentoring relationships and networks to young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.  Arundhuti setup Mentor Together aged 23, to pay forward mentorship that had been catalytic in helping her discover a passion for youth development and social entrepreneurship.

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.

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.”

Jesy is studying with financial mathematics in 91ֱ�� and was recognised with this award win due to a raft of high-profile activities undertaken whilst studying.

Each year, the Student Social Mobility Awards are organised by the social mobility charity to showcase the incredible achievements of undergraduate students alongside the contributions of organisations and individuals striving to improve social mobility across the UK.

This year’s awards were announced during a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords, which was hosted by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, the winners were celebrated for their grit, resilience and determination to succeed.

Speaking on his award success, Jesy said: “In terms of how I feel, I feel proud and overjoyed. I am grateful for the recognition of my work and blessed to have the opportunity to attend the House of Lords and connect with fellow change-makers within the social mobility scene.

“What comes is next to take the opportunities that follow with an open mind and see what comes out of them. I will see where I can help support people that look like me and come from similar backgrounds to myself. I am involved in several projects this coming academic year and I am excited to see how they unfold.”

As well as his studies Jesy has acted as the National Finance Director of The 93% Foundation, the largest state-educated social mobility network. Jesy also the participated in the pilot for The University of Manchester's '91ֱ�� 10/10' programme where we look to narrow the attainment gap at the university between Black students and their peers.

Jesy was also awarded the prestigious Stephen Lawrence Scholarship by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer law firm, which is designed to address the disproportionate under-representation in large commercial law firms and other City institutions of black men from less socially mobile backgrounds.

All student winners and nominees have managed to find success despite facing socio-economic challenges, such as limited professional networks, juggling multiple responsibilities alongside studying, reduced access to careers support and living in areas with low job prospects. 67% of nominees were the first in their family to attend university, 21% had caring responsibilities and more than half were eligible for free school meals.

Stephanie Lieber, Acting CEO at upReach said: “upReach is proud to have hosted the fourth annual Student Social Mobility Awards and shone a spotlight on both students who have excelled, and the organisations that have paved the way for them to do so. Having overcome significant socioeconomic barriers and mitigating circumstances, these winners and nominees serve as inspiring role models for those from similar backgrounds, encouraging them to set their ambitions high and realise their full potential.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We were excited to speak to our President at such a difficult time, and to unite our voices with the struggle of the people of Ukraine,” said Mariia Horb, President of the University’s Ukrainian Society.

This means that the University performed among the top 2% of the QS. This year's rankings included 1422 institutions from 100 different locations worldwide, with 90 from the UK alone. The rankings are based on several different indicators including the breakdown of more than 16 million research publications.

This year, the University has also been awarded another prize by QS in "Recognition of Internationalisation". The new award shows that 91ֱ�� has a diverse international staff and student community, with 21% of staff members being classed as international and over 18,000 international students from more than 170 countries. 

This latest success follows on from 91ֱ�� retaining its position as one of the world's leading institutions according to the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings earlier this year.

The University ranked ninth globally out of nearly 1600 international entrants. This makes 91ֱ�� the only institution in Europe to be consistently named in the top 10 globally for action taken toward the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since the rankings began.  

The University of Manchester Humanitarian scholarships are just one of the many on offer supporting the University’s social responsibility agenda, which include Equity and Merit Scholarships for students from sub-Saharan Africa and Undergraduate Access Scholarships for UK applicants who have been in care or estranged.

The organised active event saw students gather on campus and visit various landmarks and venues from Whitworth Park to Piccadilly Garden as part of global action led by the Save Soil Movement of Conscious Planet.

Harry Moss, a third year student at The University of Manchester organised the event after volunteering for Save Soil.

“I got involved through wanting to be a part of an effort to bring 3.5 billion people together to help revive and bring a minimum 3-6% organic content back into the soil.” said Harry.

As well as hugely impacting upon increasing an increasing humanitarian food crisis, drastic soil degradation across the world can also impact; water scarcity, loss of bio-diversity, loss of livelihood and of course, the climate crisis.

Currently taking place (9 May to 20 May) is the UN’s fifteenth conference of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This year’s theme is, ‘Land. Life. Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity', which is hoped to be a call to action to ensure land, the lifeline on this planet, continues to benefit present and future generations.  ​

How can I help contribute?

• TWEET & SHARE #SaveSoil
• EARN A CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR CV @
• JOIN THE ART EXHIBITION @
• BECOME AN EARTH BUDDY @

Visit to find out more.

“I am impressed by the energy, drive, confidence and English language proficiency of the Afghani women taking our programme,” said Dr Alexander Gardner-McTaggart, Academic Lead Flexible Learning and head of the MA in Educational Leadership in Practice programme. “I count this as a significant teaching milestone in my 25 year career and look forward to growing our outreach and collaboration with the AUW, providing world-leading education where it matters most.”

The University of Manchester is now continuing to work with AUW, exploring opportunities to extend the scheme and the number of Afghani women refugees being supported. 

Alongside the evaluation work, the IGNITE Network+ team will be working to support energy researchers from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds through organisational interventions, mentorship, advice and advocacy.

Initiatives arising from consultation with the research community will be a key component of the network, with 40% of the funding allocated to flexible funding calls to address energy research challenges, and fund initiatives in support of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Principal Investigator, Professor Rebecca Lunn from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Strathclyde said: “There is a real lack of diversity in energy research which stems not from a lack of interest, talent or ambition in underrepresented individuals, but from systemic inequalities in UK systems and institutions.

“IGNITE Network+ will focus on transforming diversity by critically evaluating systemic inequalities at each stage in the career pathways of energy researchers. We will design and implement initiatives to remove barriers to success for underrepresented individuals and monitor the performance of these initiatives.”

The project work will be complemented by separate research carried out by Professor Simone Abram at Durham University, a Director in the , also funded by EPSRC. The EDI+ national fellowship scheme will address key challenges and equip a cohort of researchers and their organisations to make lasting changes towards a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible research community.

Funding has been put in place for an initial three-year period with a view to longer term sustainability via external funding streams.

Student Scholarships

The first element is a scholarship fund to support new students fleeing conflict, including those in Ukraine currently, who are so significantly affected by the war. The detail of the scheme needs to be worked through and will be confirmed as soon as possible.  In addition, the University has a range of support systems for existing students who may be affected.

The student scholarship fund builds on the University’s existing programmes to support students, whether through its augmented Living Cost Support Fund for existing students or specific schemes to assist asylum seeker students.

Once established, the new scholarship fund will provide annual support for:  

- 10 undergraduate scholarships including £11,000 stipend each year for three years, access to NHS surcharge and visa costs, with fees waived.

- 10 postgraduate taught scholarships including £15,000 stipend for one year, access to NHS surcharge and visa costs, with fees waived.

The University is also considering how it might provide support for postgraduate researchers and will update on that in due course.

We are initially investing a total of almost £5 million of direct costs and waiving of fees.

Scholarships would be available to students globally fleeing conflict zones, provisionally using the Uppsala University Conflict Data Programme database on armed conflict to set the parameters of the scheme. It is being developed with advice from the University’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) over the coming weeks and more details will be announced.

Further details on eligibility criteria and design are being finalised. Funding for scholarship support will begin in September 2022, with some flexibility on allocation in the first year to allow rapid deployment of funds.

Support for staff through CARA fellowships

The University is also committed to supporting the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) to provide five, two-year fellowships to support staff fleeing conflict zones The terms of a CARA fellowship allow staff to undertake research and contribute to university teaching.

A programme for professional services staff is also being considered separately.

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “Our University is here to create a safe and inclusive environment for students and staff from the UK and around the world to study, teach, research and above all, thrive.

“We are providing direct support to new students and staff fleeing conflict, including those in Ukraine or currently displaced as a result of the Russian government’s invasion. We look forward to providing a whole-hearted 91ֱ�� welcome in the weeks and months to come.”

All details on the University’s Ukraine response can be found here, with regular updates on our position, what we are doing, how you can help, relevant news, and connections with our experts on the invasion of Ukraine.

If you’d like to support students affected by the conflict, you can make a gift to our Living Cost Support Fund . The Living Cost Support Fund exists thanks to generous alumni and donors, and forms part of the package of support available to students who have been directly impacted by the war in Ukraine. The Fund is available to any 91ֱ�� student facing unforeseen hardship during their studies.

The MISST (Mental Imagery for Suicidality in Students Trial) is a collaboration between Greater 91ֱ�� Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Lancaster, and The University of Manchester.

It is funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), the research partner of the NHS, public health and social care.

Moving away from home, academic stress, and financial pressures can all impact on students, who sometimes struggle with their mental health at university.

A previous study found that up to 42% of students thought about suicide in the previous 12 months.

Universities offer counselling and mental health services which  are a source of support and help for struggling students, however, further effective therapies for preventing suicide are still needed.

MISST focuses on a novel talking therapy that is designed to help strengthen a person’s ability to recall and relive positive memories.

the therapy  is used as a way to counter the spiral of negative thoughts and feelings that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Psychologists argue that by having the therapy, a person may be able to strengthen their ability to break free of spiralling  negative thoughts by immersing themselves in memories of more positive times.

Co-Principal Investigator Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus from Lancaster University said: “When people are suicidal, we know it can be hard for them to focus on positive experiences in the past, or imagine positive experiences in the future. There is a sort of tunnel-vision. The therapy aims to help people break free from this state by re-connecting with positive experiences in their life.”

The trial will aim to test the therapy with students studying in the North-West of England, who have had recent difficulties with suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

Participants will be randomly put into a group to either receive the new therapy, or regular treatment through their university counselling or support services.

MISST is a feasibility trial, which means the aim is to determine if a more powerful large-scale clinical trial would be possible to run. This includes checking what students think about the therapy and whether it is possible to recruit people to take part.

Co-Principal Investigator Dr Peter Taylor from The University of Manchester said: “This is a first step, but an important one. This trial will give us the information we need to plan what we call a “definitive trial”, one that will then tell us how effective the therapy is. The aim is to work towards having effective therapies available for universities to help prevent student suicide.”

MISST was funded as part of a wider mental health research initiative run by the NIHR. You can find out more about it

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

is now open for this year’s Purple Wave, part of the Great 91ֱ�� Run, on 22 May.

James Banister, Eleanor Taylor and Jack Sharpen from the student’s Run Wild Society, joined TV star Ferne McCann who will be participating in this year’s event.

The reality TV star and model told the runners how running helps her stay grounded while juggling a busy schedule and being a mum.

Now in its seventh year, the Purple Wave organisers are hoping hundreds University of Manchester staff, students and alumni will take part in the race.

The Great 91ֱ�� Run, Europe's leading 10 km running event, is broadcast live on the BBC.

The internationally renowned event will be staged for the 19th time, with the day also including a half marathon in the heart of the city.

The University will have its own start time, with a Purple Wave of runners wearing the purple technical running t-shirts they receive on registration.

In past years, up to 2,600 University staff, students and alumni have been part of the event.

And the University is again organising a 2.5K and 5K Run, this year on at Platt Fields, giving anyone who wants to take part in the May event a taster of what’s in store –whatever their ability.

Purple wave organiser Ellen Stephenson from  The University of Manchester Sport Department said: “The struggles over the past few years have tested many people’s mental health. So the focus of this year’s Great 91ֱ�� Run is mental health and how running and everyday activity can help you keep a healthy mind-  as well as a healthy body. You can run, walk or Jog; it’s great to be active.

“Running is a fantastic thing to do. It’s good for your physical and mental health it’s also great fun. You don’t need to be experienced-  it really is for anyone. So get involved!”

“And if you’ve never run before why not take part in our taster races? Just come along over your lunch break get involved: It only costs £3 and all finishers get an iron on badge.”

The University run a number of to support runners from a beginner’s session on a Tuesday evening to sessions for more experienced runners on lunch times and evenings.

Anyone who doesn’t want to take part in the races can volunteer. Email  sportsvolunteer@manchester.ac.uk if you want to get involved on either the 9^th March or the 22^nd May. 

All participants in the Purple Wave are being encouraged to raise money for their chosen cause,  which can include    ,  the Purple wave's chosen cause. The campaign aims  to create a world-leading cancer research centre in the heart of Manchester.

Those raising money for Re-write cancer will have their entry fee waived if they reach the minimum fundraising target.

Pictures: 

Eleanor, James and Jack being interviewed at the launch

Eleanor, James and Jack  with Mike Addelman and Ellen Stephenson

Ellen, Jack, James, Ferne McCann, Eleanor and Mike

Purple Wavers in action

The event will take place from midday on 17 November to the same time the next day with students and staff completing 5km loops into the city from the Student Union building on Oxford Road.

Virtual runners will also be able upload their times to the event if they can’t make it to 91ֱ��.

Organised by the student Run Wild Society, they will be running to raise funds for “A Bed Every Night", a supported by the Greater 91ֱ�� Mayor's Charity.

To donate, visit the page. There will also be a Facebook event and you can join in the fun by clicking

In its third year, the organisers hope to better the £3000 raised in 2020’s virtual event during the Lockdown.

More details are available on the Run Society and anyone who wants to donate can visit the Society’s page.

Anyone of any ability is invited to join the event in which the organisers are targeting a distance of 1,407 km - the distance to Land’s End to John O’ Groats

But they’ll have to pull out all the stops if they are to beat last year’s virtual event- in which runners logged a massive 2,700Km.

James Bannister is a fourth year physics student and President of the Run Wild Society.

He said: “We were delighted with the response to last year’s virtual event in the depths of Lockdown, but it’s always great to be part of the event in person.

“And we want to make it as inclusive as possible, because running is for pretty much anyone so it’s not a race.

“Of course participants can run for as long as they like, but some people new to running may out in an enormous effort to run 5k which could be seen as a greater achievement.

“There’ll also be a couple of walking waves, so whatever your ability, please do come and join us!”

A provides a bed, warm welcome, and personal support for anyone who is sleeping rough or at imminent risk of sleeping rough in Greater 91ֱ��.

Greater 91ֱ�� Mayor’s Charity raises vital funds to support the front line as well as invest in homeless prevention projects and counts Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater 91ֱ�� as its patron.

George Obolo, 20, in his third year at The University of Manchester studying Medicine (MbChB), was fifth in the list of  future Leaders of 2021/22 , reported in the   this week.

He co-founded a non-profit organisation, , to help tackle the racial disparities between black students and other ethnicities within UK higher education.

George pioneered a service that connects professionals and executives with members of the network. George is also Head of Partnerships which involves communicating with top firms, including some within the Magic Circle law firms and Big Four accountancy/consultancy firms, as well as Russell Group universities.

The top 100 most Outstanding Black University Students in the UK., supported by Latham & Watkins, Standard Chartered and the University of Oxford, aims to provide ole models for younger students.

He said: “I am so thankful to have placed within the TOP 5 in the 2021/22 edition of Powerlist Magazine’s Future Leaders. It was really inspiring to see the initiative and work put in to celebrate the UK’s Top 100 Future Leaders of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

“I would also like to thank everyone behind the scenes who has supported me with the various projects I’ve been working on. As a result of their support I will have some exciting things to announce very soon!”

The collaboration between the three Greater 91ֱ�� universities using SafeZone technology from CriticalArc, enables security teams to provide faster response and assistance to their students and staff. The partnership builds on 91ֱ��’s and Salford’s reputations as safe and welcoming cities for students from across the UK and a favourite destination for international students.

The three individual universities have already deployed SafeZone within their own institutions. Now, with the formation of the 91ֱ�� SafeZone Alliance, security staff from each campus will provide reciprocal support to each other’s staff and students.

In the event of an emergency - including an accident, crime, or medical incident - help is available to SafeZone users at the press of a button. Using the SafeZone app on their phone, students and staff are directly connected to the appropriate safety and security team or first responder.

For example, if a University of Manchester student is walking home alone late at night through the 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University campus, that individual will have the peace of mind that dedicated university first responder teams are instantly accessible at the tap of a button via SafeZone, confirming who needs assistance, their precise location, and the type of incident. The nearest first responders will be notified and dispatched to the scene to provide an efficient response. Only when an individual calls for help, is the identity and location of that person shared with the university’s security team.

Director of Student Experience at The University of Manchester, Simon Merrywest, said: “Student and staff wellbeing is always the top priority for all three universities and we are pleased to put in place a technology solution that furthers this shared aim. 91ֱ�� and Salford have a long-standing reputation for being inclusive and welcoming destinations for students from around the world. This pioneering cross-city initiative serves to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our university community.”   

Darren Chalmers-Stevens, Managing Director of CriticalArc, said the introduction of the first furthered CriticalArc’s strategic objective to help customers extend safety and security across their wider communities to enhance the protection of millions of SafeZone users.

“We are delighted to be working with the University of Manchester, 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University and University of Salford on this ground-breaking project to give added reassurance for thousands of students and staff. The SafeZone Alliance sets these Greater 91ֱ�� universities apart and demonstrates their commitment to the wellbeing of students and staff, beyond traditional, individual campus boundaries. We believe this alliance will prove to be a catalyst for game-changing cooperation between universities around the world.”

The increase from the previously announced two-week rent reduction, announced in an accommodation pledge last week (16 Nov), follows detailed discussions between the University, Students’ Union officers and elected student representatives from halls of residence. It acknowledges that the limited availability of some facilities due to national COVID-19 restrictions has had an impact on the student experience and the ongoing uncertainty about the return to campus arrangements in January.

The meetings also agreed to accelerate, wherever possible, action in other key areas, including:

• opening up more social and study spaces in halls, where this can be done in line with COVID-19 guidance;
• working together to develop a behaviour pledge, setting out expectations of student conduct in halls of residence during the pandemic;
• improvements in the reporting, tracking and resolution of maintenance issues;
• working together to enhance safety and security in halls of residence.

These actions, which will now become part of the accommodation pledge, will deliver improvements in student experience in our halls of residence, many of which will be put in place rapidly, though some will take a bit more time.

Further regular meetings will be taking place between the University and elected student representatives from halls of residence.

The University will be unable to provide further reductions, but students can decide to break their accommodation contract without financial penalty.

The rent reduction will be applied to direct debit payments in January 2021. Students who have paid for accommodation for the whole year will get a refund.

The offer of a 30% rent reduction was negotiated by the Students’ Union and endorsed by elected student representatives from across all halls of residence, many of whom had consulted other residents, in discussions with our Students’ Union officers. A majority (more than 90%) supported the proposal.

Although the in-person event cannot go ahead as planned due to coronavirus restrictions, runners  can now take part from anywhere in the world.

Particpants can  go for a run or walk at any time from 12 noon to 12 noon and submit their  GPS activity on our website to have their  distance counted towards the total. The students  aim to cover a total of 1407km, the distance from Lands End to John O'Groats.

James Bannister, President of the Run Wild Society, said: "It's a shame we aren't able to keep the same group running format as last year, however I'm very proud that we have found a way to run the event virtually and raise money for A Bed Every Night, at a time when they need more support than ever."

A provides a bed, warm welcome, and personal support for anyone who is sleeping rough or at imminent risk of sleeping rough in Greater 91ֱ��.

The Greater 91ֱ�� Mayor’s Charity is an independent charity supported and endorsed by the Mayor, Andy Burnham, with the aim of making a positive difference to major social issues we face, including rough sleeping.

The Greater 91ֱ�� Mayor’s Charity is the working name of The Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��’s Charity, a registered charity in England and Wales (1180418).

To donate, visit their  page and  for more information on how to get involved, visit their  . There will also be a Facebook event and you can  join in the fun by clicking 

The University is continuing to make the campus as safe as possible for staff, students and the local community. We all have a part to play by following the latest guidance, but nonetheless, we are still likely to see cases of COVID-19.  

We have been working with Public Health England and have robust plans in place to take action and support staff and students if we do see infections.  

A key part of our preparations has been to make sure students are clear on the COVID-19 guidance in place for Greater 91ֱ��. They have been sent regular messages and we have dedicated webpages in place to provide advice and guidance.

We are working in partnership with 91ֱ�� City Council, Greater 91ֱ�� Police, 91ֱ�� Student Homes and all Greater 91ֱ�� Universities to get messages to students through social media and door knocking campaigns. This group is also keeping the local community up to date on activity taking place.  

We know the vast majority of students are behaving responsibly and are sticking to the COVID-19 restrictions and we have been very clear that students must respect social distancing rules and other restrictions to keep themselves and the local community safe. If students do not comply, they will face disciplinary action from the University, which could lead to fines or expulsion, and we will not hesitate to involve the police if necessary.  

The measures we are taking are robust and in a number of cases exceed what is expected by government. On campus we are maintaining two-metre social distancing and have mandated the use of face coverings indoors, unless recognised exemptions apply. All lectures are being held online but staff and students will be on campus for small group teaching, practical classes, sports and using our library and study spaces. In many of our buildings we also put in place one way systems, cleaning stations and hand sanitiser throughout our buildings, and in our residences students have been assigned to specific households.  

We very much hope that this reassures you that should outbreak plans be needed they are in place and we are working with Public Health England on a daily basis to monitoring outbreaks and put in place the appropriate measure on campus and  in our residences. 

Prof Nalin Thakkar, Chair of the Campus Reopening Group, and Vice-President for Social Responsibility 

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, people across the country – and around the world – are doing what they can to help. Here at The University of Manchester, one student putting her skills to fantastic use is Olivia-Faye Dickinson.

With the University campus in shutdown, Olivia – a third-year Materials Science and Engineering with Textile Technology MEng student – has returned to her summer job in Lichfield, working as a seamstress at alteration shop Tudor Sew.

Alongside shop owner Tina, Olivia is voluntarily sewing scrubs for NHS staff in the local area – and is hoping to raise enough funds to buy the materials needed.

Olivia said: “Tina was contacted by a local hospital in a general email asking small businesses for help to supply simple things during this time. She then suggested we voluntarily sew scrubs at home and fundraise the money to buy the materials (one scrubs costs about £13 to make; materials-wise we need thread, fabric, washing labels and drawstring for the trousers), and the hospitals need hundreds during this time.

“Now I’m based away from campus I was onboard straightaway; I’m so glad to be able to use my skills to help. We have agreed with four local hospitals to donate our products to them: Burton Queens Hospital, Derby University Hospital, Samuel Johnson Lichfield and Robert Peel Tamworth.

“We have now been contacted by seamstresses we both know and don’t know to help, and have expanded into a group of 14 seamstresses and cutters. We’ve started on the main process of cutting and sewing the materials into their final design.

“Tina, myself and the other ladies have received messages from NHS workers – both friends of ours and strangers – thanking us for what we are doing.

“When my friend (a medical student from The University of Manchester) messaged me, it made it seem so much more real that some of my friends – as well as their friends – will benefit from this. Knowing that some NHS staff won’t be so ‘lucky’ to get scrubs is something I really want to prevent, and I’m so glad I can use my skills to do so.”

The project relies on donations in order to secure the materials and equipment needed to keep making the urgently-required NHS scrubs.

The University of Manchester has a growing list of scientists and academics who are either working on aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak or can make a valuable contribution to the national discourse. Please checkout our . 

Our people are also  and with partners from across society to understand coronavirus (COVID-19) and its wide-ranging impacts on our lives.  to support the University’s response to coronavirus or visit the University’s  to lend a helping hand.

The University of Manchester has been named the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers for the third year in a row, according to .

The Graduate Market in 2020 is an independent annual review of graduate vacancies and starting salaries at the UK’s leading employers. It is carried out by High Flyers Research.

This is the fifteenth year that the organisation has produced the independent assessment of the graduate job market. In that time, no other institution has been number one more frequently than The University of Manchester or ranked as consistently amongst the top three.

This is just the latest graduate employment achievement for the University follows other recent successes. 91ֱ�� was named the University of the Year for Graduate Employment by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

It was also ranked in the top ten UK universities for overall graduate employability, alumni outcomes, employer reputations and partnerships with employers in the latest which lists more than 1,000 universities globally.

The  has moved up to 5th in the UK, 11th in Europe and 45th in the world in the Financial Times annual ranking of the 

The top ten universities targeted by the largest number of top graduate employers was 91ֱ��, Birmingham, Warwick, Bristol, Cambridge, Nottingham, Leeds, University College London, Sheffield and Oxford.

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: “I’m delighted that, once again, the University has retained its position as the most popular destination for the UK’s top employers to find the best and brightest graduates.

“As always, it demonstrates the immense amount of effort and hard work our students and graduates put into their studies and additional co-curricular activities that gives them the edge in the graduate employment market.”

High Fliers Research is an independent market research company which specialises in student and graduate research. The company also produces The UK Graduate Careers Survey, a comprehensive annual study of over 20,000 final year undergraduates at thirty-four leading universities, which is supported and funded by up to 75 national and international employers each year.

Tammy Goldfeld, Head of Careers and Employability at the University, said: “This is another great achievement for the University and our careers service. It also shows the huge effort a large network of academic and professional staff put into helping our students to succeed once they graduate.”

This year’s Winter Graduation saw the first five students from Ethiopia receive their awards and celebrate their academic achievements.

These were Aida Bayissa (MSc International Development), Binyam Andargie (MSc International Fashion Marketing), Brook Makonnen (MSc Environmental Governance)

Ruth Bezu (MSc International Development: Poverty, Inequality and Development) and

Yacob Tsegaye (MSc Communications and Signal Processing).

The Equity and Merit Scholarships are for academically excellent students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries.

Aida, who was attending the ceremony with her mother, said: “The graduation itself was great, oh yes. My mum was very proud. This was her first time in the UK and it was a great occasion to celebrate that.”

Now in its eleventh year, the has been awarded to nearly 300 students from Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, with Ethiopia being the latest country to benefit.

Whilst the positive aspects of the scholarship are apparent, it still leaves the recipients with a lot of sacrifices to make. For example, prior to gaining her scholarship, Aida had a successful career in policy at the Tony Blair Institute in Ethiopia, as well as already having a master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

She adds: “It was a really a big decision. I left a successful job and career in my home country. It took a lot of sacrifice, but I knew it was what I wanted to do. I had no hesitation once I knew my application had been successful. So, yes, it was a big decision but it was also an easy one in the end.”

Plus adapting to a new culture and country can also be challenge, but Aida says the friendly nature of the University and city itself helped her settle in: “91ֱ�� is a very welcoming place. Of course there were some adjustments.

“The weather for example, I came in August when it was meant to be summer and it was raining, but that’s true 91ֱ��, right? But overall it was a very positive experience from the day I arrived. I’m very happy I chose to come here and have no regrets at all.”

However, had it not have been for a tweet on social media by a high profile member of university staff, Aida may have never applied to 91ֱ�� at all: “I saw the Equity and Merit Scholarship in a tweet by the Chancellor, Lemy Sissay. I follow him on social media due to his connections with Ethiopia and a charity I have worked with. Once I saw that it peaked my interest and the rest is history as they say.”

Aida now aims to use her extensive knowledge and varied skillset to set up her own policy-based consultancy that will work with governments and international agencies.

Joanne Jacobs, from the University’s International Office, oversees the Equity and Merit Scholarships, said: “Having the full cohort of Equity and Merit scholarships from Ethiopia attend our Winter Graduation is a really special occasion.

“Graduations are always a time of celebration and our Equity and Merit scholars really do change lives but that’s only because of the calibre of the recipients and the amount of hard work and effort they put in. That’s why it was such an honour to welcome them back.”