Unit M is dedicated to tackling the full spectrum of innovation challenges – from research and development to innovation adoption, as well as talent and skills development. By enhancing access to the University’s world-class research, innovation resources, and expertise, it seeks to address critical regional and national issues, including productivity, innovation uptake, and economic inclusivity.

Professor Miller will take up her role as Chief Scientific Officer immediately within the newly formed leadership team. “I am thrilled to take on the role of Chief Scientific Officer for Unit M. I am passionate about generating tangible impact from our teaching, research and social responsibility activities.” Said Aline. “I look forward to working with our students, staff and external partners to unlock innovation growth opportunities to maximise the University’s impact on our region’s economy and society.”

Aline is Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Associate Dean for Business Engagement and Innovation within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester. She is Director of the NW Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst – a £5m flagship programme supercharging the growth of careers, business and the regional economy, while delivering sustainable products and processes.

Aline’s academic achievements to date have earned her several notable awards, including recognition from the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women in Engineering, The Leverhulme Trust, and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Aline has also developed an impressive track record of securing funding and translating academic research into commercial and clinical applications through collaborations with a range of industry partners, from SMEs to large corporations.

She also co-founded a spin-out company, 91ֱ�� BIOGEL, which, under her leadership as CEO, secured over £4M in investment from Innovate UK, venture capital, private investors, and Catapult Venture Funds. The company grew to a team of 10, became revenue-generating, and achieved significant recognition, being listed among the Top 10 Biotech Start-Ups in Europe by Start-Up City in 2021 and winning Best New Life Science Product 2021. In 2023, 91ֱ�� BIOGEL successfully navigated an exit, with its technology being acquired by Cell Guidance Systems Ltd.

The announcement follows the recent appointment of Professor Lou Cordwell as CEO of Unit M.

Lou said: “We're thrilled to welcome Aline into the founding Unit M team. Her leadership experience both in her field and as a founder will be invaluable, alongside her passion for growing the calibre and profile of the region's start-up ecosystem."

Unit M is now live and actively engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers eager to shape the future of the region.

For more information about Unit M and partnership opportunities, visit 

Osama brings proven communications and external affairs experience from a range of sectors and organisations.

Until July 2024, Osama was Director of Communications, Policy and Campaigns at housing charity Shelter, which he joined in 2021. In this role he embedded a new brand for the organisation and campaigned for more social housing. During his time in the role the charity saw two new laws being passed, a third being entered into parliament, and social housing went from a barely mentioned topic to a high-profile political issue.

As Global Director of Marketing and Communications at Amnesty International, Osama secured human rights win for campaigns all over the world. He united the charity behind a more engaging strategy which led to significant growth in supporter numbers and media reach.

And at Al Jazeera, as well as increasing the channel’s reach and influence in major markets such as the US and liaising with international politicians, his campaigning work secured release of journalists from jail in Egypt, Iran, Libya and Nigeria.

He studied in his city of birth at the University of Glasgow and has won numerous awards including at the Cannes Lions.

Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “This is a critical time for our University as we seek to improve our global reputation, demonstrate our value to policy makers and engage with our students, staff, and partners in new ways. Osama has a strong background in building reputation and brand across multiple sectors and will be a real asset to us as we seek to achieve our strategic objectives.”

Patrick Hackett, Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome Osama to our University, in an extremely important role. He’s worked across a number of sectors and had success in all of them. Our communications, marketing and student recruitment colleagues are critical to the success of our University and Osama’s leadership will enhance our work in this area.

Osama added, “There are some who think the world has had enough of research, knowledge and expertise. These values are in fact the basis of the human ingenuity which has given us our remarkable civilisation and which will tackle humanity’s multiple crises to create a better future.

“We must make a compelling case for 91ֱ�� and higher education in the coming period to help tackle the numerous sector-wide headwinds we face. Comms and marketing are strategic functions and I love the challenge of us all playing our full part in getting us through these difficulties.

“What attracted me most to this role though was the prospect of working with the 91ֱ�� community - staff, students and alumni. We are a function of the people we spend the most time with and I can’t imagine more elevated company. There’s a real dynamism in the wider city too and I can’t wait to see what we do together.”

With an overall score of 98.3 out of 100—an improvement from last year’s 98.0—the University ranks 9th out of 1,751 institutions, placing it within the top 1% of universities globally. This achievement builds on 91ֱ��’s reputation as the only university in the world to feature in the top 10 in both the QS Sustainability Rankings and the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure progress towards the vitally important (SDGs). 

The UK has 26 universities in the top 100 globally and more top 10 universities than any other country or territory. 

The QS Sustainability Rankings were launched in 2022, these rankings evaluate ESG performance through research, teaching, public engagement, and university operations, using data from policies, case studies, staff and alumni surveys, and research outputs. 

The University’s strong position reflects the commitment to ongoing research excellence and the contributions of highly-cited researchers working towards the SDGs in areas such as the 91ֱ�� Environmental Research Institute, the Global Development Institute and the Sustainable Consumption Institute. 

The University was able to demonstrate its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion through policies like the Dignity at Work and 91ֱ�� Policy and its ambitious 2038 Decarbonisation Plan, which includes a landmark deal to build a solar farm with 104,000 panels supplying 65% of the University’s electricity. 

In teaching evaluations, our taught programmes have been recognised as highly valuable, such as the MSc in Climate Change, delivered by the School of Environment, Education and Development, to equip students to address climate and nature crises. 

The University’s public engagement programmes, such as the award-winning Poverty Matters programme which engages communities to tackle pressing social issues like child poverty, contribute highly to the institution’s positive societal impact. Last year the University was also awarded a award by the (NCCPE), which recognises universities’ engagement with the public. 91ֱ�� is only the second university to be successful in achieving the Platinum award.  

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, said: “This independent ranking by QS draws on a range of evidence of our social and environmental impact across research, teaching, public engagement, and university operations. This excellent result reflects the work of thousands of staff, students, alumni, and external partners and should be a source of pride for our whole community.” 

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, added: “We want to be a world leader in social responsibility and environmental sustainability. This latest assessment of our impact by QS helps ensure people around the world are attracted to partner with us, or come here to work and study, because of our reputation for social responsibility. Well done to everyone in our community who has contributed to this success.” 

Explore how The University of Manchester is advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals by visiting . 

Further details on the QS Sustainability Rankings’ methodology and weighting are available on the . 

Unit M is designed to address all aspects of the innovation challenge – from R&D through to innovation adoption through to talent and skills – by making the University’s world-class research, innovation assets and talent more accessible to all. It aims to address key regional and national challenges in productivity, innovation adoption, and economic inclusivity.

Earlier this year, Lou Cordwell OBE, was appointed Professor of Innovation at the ) at , and Special Advisor to the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor. Lou brings a wealth of experience in fostering innovation, economic transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. As CEO, Lou will lead Unit M’s mission to maximise the University's impact for the benefit of the region’s economy and society.

Lou began her career working for WPP before founding the 91ֱ��-based digital design studio magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN merged with Fluxx, creating the UK’s leading design and innovation consultancy, . She previously developed the strategic masterplan for Sister, one of Europe’s most ambitious innovation district projects. She has spent the past year jointly leading the University’s Regional Innovation Review, which provides an in-depth analysis and roadmap for how the University can create a world-class inclusive innovation ecosystem in the region. 

Lou is also Chair of and an angel investor, particularly focusing on female tech founders. Lou was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lou to lead Unit M,” said Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester. “Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring Unit M achieves its ambitious goals of driving inclusive growth and strengthening 91ֱ��’s position on the global innovation stage.”

Unit M’s launch comes at a pivotal time as the UK grapples with pressing economic challenges. By helping to accelerate the University’s impact, and leveraging 91ֱ��’s strengths as a leading city for innovation, the initiative will foster dynamic partnerships, create new jobs, and attract investment while addressing social and economic inequalities.

Speaking of her new role Lou said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be asked to lead the Unit M team and mission. The University is one of the region’s most important innovation assets and the Unit M ambition to help drive innovation-led growth will be a central theme of the University's future strategy. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues across the University as well as local and global partners to deliver exciting new opportunities for our region."

Unit M will align with and complement existing innovation capabilities across the University, including the Innovation Factory, the Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology and the Turing Innovation Catalyst, as well its sector leading business engagement, student entrepreneurship, and flexible learning teams. It will act as the University’s interface into the region’s investment zone and innovation districts, including the University’s recently launched joint venture, Sister and the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone, along with other place-based partnerships. It will also partner closely with external capabilities, including the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA), local councils and other institutions. 

Unit M is now live and actively engaging with entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers eager to shape the future of the region.

For more information about Unit M and partnership opportunities, visit

Barra is currently the Chief Property Officer at the University of Bristol where he leads the campus division. He is the joint institutional lead for sustainability and works on this as one of the University’s strategic priorities, alongside delivering a world-class physical and digital campus. He has also played a significant role in major projects such as the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a new city centre campus currently in development.

Barra is a Chartered Architect and Chartered Planner by profession. Before joining the HE sector, he spent a decade in local government, firstly as the Strategic Director of Place at Bradford and then Bristol. He was Head of the Urban Renaissance at the Yorkshire Regional Development Agency having worked extensively in the property development and consultancy sectors in various cities. He has previously also worked in 91ֱ�� for Urban Splash.

Barra said: “The work of the Estates and Facilities Team underpins so much of the delivery of a University’s strategic ambition and day-to-day activities, so I’m incredibly excited to be joining 91ֱ�� at this time. The new strategic direction of the University and major projects like the residences programme, Sister and the zero carbon masterplan are going to be so important for our future and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues on them.”

Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Hackett, said: “Barra’s creativity, leadership and experience is going to be a great asset for the strategic ambitions we have as a University to deliver the best possible environment for our colleagues and students. I’d like to welcome him to 91ֱ��.

“I’d also like to reiterate my thanks to Steve Jordan who has been acting CPO, and will be moving to the University of Birmingham in the new year. Steve has been instrumental in advancing our campus development projects and enhancing our facilities management and I’d like to wish him all the best for the next stage in his career.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover more about the .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The two universities, which are both global leaders in a number of research disciplines, have revealed the new approach in support of efforts led by metro mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram to unlock the full economic potential of Greater 91ֱ�� and the Liverpool city region.

It will see the universities work increasingly closely to create groundbreaking innovations and develop the future workforce in areas that align to the two city regions’ shared priorities for growth - drawing on academic expertise in areas as diverse as healthcare innovation, net zero and the creative industries.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor at the , said: “Liverpool and 91ֱ�� have an incredible history of shared innovation, from being linked by the world’s first inter-city railway nearly 200 years ago to having, today, some of the world’s best research and innovation capability in disciplines including health and chemistry.

“The metro mayors have highlighted the advantages of these two great city regions working closely together for the benefit of their communities and the wider North West, and the closer collaboration between the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester will work in the same spirit.

“Both universities have outstanding strengths in research and teaching, and through this partnership we will redouble our efforts to direct those capabilities to supporting regional business, innovation and skills development.”

The plans were announced at an event hosted by the University of Liverpool’s Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, held at the city’s St George’s Hall, where Mr Burnham and Mr Rotheram spoke about their plans to transform the North’s political and economic role in the UK.

It comes as both universities work alongside the metro mayors and other partners through the Liverpool-91ֱ�� Railway Board to develop a brand new high speed rail link between the two cities.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “There is a tremendous synergy between our two universities – and our cities - where thousands of our staff and students are dedicated to developing the knowledge and innovation that holds the key to generating genuinely inclusive growth and culturally dynamic cities.

“Our commitment to greater collaboration announced today will start by focusing on the high-value industrial clusters that span both city regions, driving the innovation and providing the skills and workforce that those industries need to deliver economic growth.

“This builds on both universities’ world class research and teaching, including a number of existing areas of collaboration, to enhance the whole region’s appeal to potential employers and investors, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.”

The collaboration will also see the two universities seek opportunities to jointly engage other universities and colleges across the North West where strengths in research and skills align to the city regions’ priorities for growth.

Plans will initially include strengthening joint work between the universities on:

• Speciality chemicals and biomanufacturing, helping to build more sustainable supply chains for consumer products, and providing new routes to make medicines and vaccines.  
• Training the next generation of scientists and engineers for the civil nuclear industry in support of the transition to net zero
• Supporting and developing industries of the future including quantum technology.  
• Supporting the two city regions’ renowned creative industries, including a focus on music and literature, emphasising the role of creativity in enriching lives

The annual prize is one of the most prestigious museum awards in the world and , which is part of The University of Manchester, will compete against 41 museums from across the continent.

The nomination is a reflection on the Museum’s recent, values-led transformation, which led the New York Times to hail its ‘pivot to empathy-machine’. Described as the most ambitious museum transformation in a generation, it has been underpinned by a £15 million redevelopment, which was completed in February 2023.

Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises new or redeveloped museums that showcase the best in excellence and innovation in their field. It aims to recognise museums that promote inter-cultural dialogue and community participation, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, and show creative and imaginative approaches to the production of knowledge.

The winner will be announced in Białistok, Poland on 25 May 2025. Aside from the main prize, there are also categories that recognise Institutional Courage and Professional Integrity, Community Participation and Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, and Welcoming, Inclusion and Belonging.

91ֱ�� Museum Director Esme Ward said: "This nomination means an awful lot to the whole team at 91ֱ�� Museum because it recognises our efforts to make this a place where everyone belongs. The Museum’s redevelopment was about much more than just bricks and mortar, it was about transforming our spaces and our approach to ensure we’re the museum our city and communities need us to be."

91ֱ�� Museum is one of the largest university museums in the UK and a centre for research and learning. Built on values of inclusion, imagination and care, the Museum has undergone a transformation designed to bring communities together and build understanding between cultures. Its £15 million bricks and mortar redevelopment introduced new galleries, partnerships, visitor facilities, and sector-leading work around repatriation, restitution and indigenisation.

This includes the award-winning South Asia Gallery, the first permanent gallery in the UK to celebrate the experiences and contribution of the South Asian diaspora, co-curated with 30 inspiring community members. 91ֱ�� Museum has also transformed its Top Floor into an environmental and social justice hub, creating a space for collaboration with environmental and educational charities to address issues affecting communities within 91ֱ��. Pinc College, a specialist creative college for neurodiverse young people, has even set up its headquarters within the Top Floor.

Visitor numbers for the first year following reopening were up 157 per cent on 2019/20, with 57 per cent of those visitors new to 91ֱ�� Museum and more than one in seven (15 per cent) visiting a museum for the first time.

These new members join the Board at an exciting time, as it begins to engage with the development and evolution of the 91ֱ�� 2035 strategy, which after extensive, institution-wide engagement, the Board is scheduled to sign off in October 2025. Approval of the strategy will be followed, later in 2025-26, by an externally led review of University governance, to assure effectiveness, following the earlier review carried out by the Halpin Partnership in 2021.

The three new members are: 

Kerris Bright, Chief Customer Officer at the BBC
On her appointment to the Board, Kerris said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed to the Board of The University of Manchester. I hope that my experience of driving growth in complex, large organisations with multiple stakeholders can be of value as the University embarks on this exciting new phase of its Strategy. From a humble background, I’ve been the beneficiary of higher education, and it’s shaped my life, and I look forward to giving something back.” 

Paul Thwaite, Chief Executive Officer of Nat West Group
On his appointment to the Board, Paul said: “I am pleased to be joining the Board of Governors at such an exciting time for the University. As an alumnus, I know the University has a long and proud record of research and enterprise, and I look forward to supporting the central role it plays in the development and growth of the City, the region, and across the UK.”

Emma Wade-Smith, Senior Vice-President, Government Affairs, De Beers Group
On her appointment to the Board, Emma said: “As an alumna of the university, it is a special privilege to join the Board at such a pivotal time, both for higher education and Greater 91ֱ��. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to bring my international and government experience to the team that will help chart a third century of success for the university.” 

Other new members who joined the Board earlier this academic year are Professor Soumhya Venkatesan (elected member from Senate) and Lexie Baynes and Katie Jackson as members from the Students Union.

Philippa Hird, Chair of the Board of Governors said: “I am sure they will all make important contributions to the work of the Board as we build our bold new strategy, 91ֱ�� 2035 and I look forward to working with them.”

Each individual on this prestigious list has achieved remarkable and far-reaching influence in their field of research across each of the University’s three faculties. The key data in the ranking is the number of ‘Highly Cited’ papers they have each authored. These papers proudly rank in the top one percent by citations for their field and publication year in the Web of Science over the past decade. The rankings, built on rigorous citation analysis and refined by expert judgment from the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), are a testament to their outstanding contributions.

The University of Manchester continues to lead on the global stage, during its 2024 Bicentenary year the University has celebrated its excellence in research, education, and engagement—transforming lives, communities, and innovation worldwide.

The University’s Highly Cited Researchers are at the forefront of tackling global challenges in environmental research, physics, engineering, social sciences, immunology and clinical medicine. From the 91ֱ�� researchers featured in the top one percent ranking, 6 are categorised as ‘cross-field’ demonstrating the importance of their work on multiple fields.

University of Manchester Highly Cited Researchers 2024:

David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate said: “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at The University of Manchester whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community. Their pioneering innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and secure world. These researchers’ achievements strengthen the foundation of excellence and innovation that drives societal progress.”

This small fraction of the researcher population contributes disproportionately to extending the frontiers of knowledge and contributing to innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and drive societal impact. 

In 2024, an impressive 6,636 researchers from institutions in 59 countries and regions earned the title of Highly Cited Researchers, a distinction that highlights their extraordinary impact and innovation.

Highly Cited Researchers 2024 by country/region:

To find out more about this league table go to the .

Ashley joins us from The University of Sheffield where he is Vice-President and Head of the Faculty of Health. In this role, Ashley has delivered fantastic student experiences, with the university ranking highest in the NSS rankings for 2023 and 2024, and the Faculty of Health above the mean for the university. Ashley is deeply dedicated to fostering a supportive and high performing work environment, and in previous roles has championed initiatives in employee relations, promoted career progression and making meaningful progress in equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world, and first outside of the USA for his research in arthroplasty (joint replacement), Ashley’s research has informed the national guidance on joint replacement and many of his papers as well as his impact case study were assessed as world-leading for REF2021. 

Ashley holds the contract to analyse the National Joint Registry for the UK, and has advised the Spanish and Italian governments, along with the Dutch Orthopaedic Association on establishing their own arthroplasty registries. 

Together with his academic and research activities, Ashley also holds the position as Honorary Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Non-Executive Director, both at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  

Elected as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2018, Ashley is a member of the Medical Schools Council and a member of several boards and committees, including the External Scientific Advisory Board to the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, the Committee of the Evaluation of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Research Council of Norway, and until recently the Steering Committee for the National Joint Registry for 11 years. 

Professor Blom said: “It is a privilege to join The University of Manchester and I am excited to join a university and a faculty dedicated to creating a dynamic research and teaching environment that reflects a fast-changing world. I bring a strong commitment to delivering outstanding experiences and outcomes for students, creating the conditions for staff to do their best work, and working with partners to make impactful contributions to society.” 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “Ashley is a tremendous appointment for our university. His strong track record of leadership and innovation across student experience, research, and social responsibility will bring energy and focus to the Faculty and University as we develop our new strategy and collectively lift our ambitions and performance.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The University is ranked in the top 25 globally for a broad including; Business Administration (5th), Geography (9th), Physics (10th), Sociology (11th), Dentistry & Oral Sciences (15th), Textile Science and Engineering (19th), and Metallurgical Engineering (23rd). Two other subject areas leapt into the top 50: Biotechnology (36th) and Political Sciences (48th).

The University is top among UK institutions for Business Administration, Metallurgical Engineering, Biotechnology and textile Science and Engineering.

The University’s subject ranking has improved on its position in 2023. The University is now ranked in 46 of the 55 subject areas covered by the AWRU, which encompass fields within Natural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences. The University moved up the rankings in 21 subject areas, held its 2023 position in 9 and entered the rankings in two other subject areas for the first time (Library and Information Management in the 51-75 band, Communication in the 151-200 band).

Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research, said: “I am delighted that we are among the top 25 in seven subjects and have improved or maintained our standing in the majority of the subject areas which are evaluated in the AWRU. These results have been achieved thanks to the calibre of our researchers and the excellence of their research, research impact and international collaborations.”

The rankings are determined by metrics for five categories: World-Class Faculty (newly introduced this year), World-Class Output, High Quality Research, Research Impact, and International Collaboration. To be included universities must meet minimum publication thresholds for each subject between 2019 and 2023. For more information, please visit the Shanghai Rankings .

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison said: “The results in the latest ARWU Subject Rankings demonstrate our dedication to research excellence and global impact across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Leading the UK in Business Administration, Metallurgical Engineering, and Biotechnology is an outstanding result, and is testament to our commitment to innovation and the talent we have in our academic community. We’re proud to see our research recognised not only nationally but globally, which speaks volumes about the collaborative, world-class environment here at 91ֱ��. Now our challenge is to build on this momentum, and continue to show the world that we are an institution on the move.”

These results underscore The University of Manchester’s research quality and impact, highlighting subject areas of strength in this global ranking. It follows the earlier announcement that The University of Manchester was ranked 52nd overall in the world out of more than 2500 of the leading higher education institutions in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Manchester Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, was among a group of government officials, business leaders and climate organisations at the exclusive conference hosted by King Charles III.

The reception, on 6 November, aimed to accelerate climate action before the UN climate change conference Cop29.

Professor McLachlan represented the University’s collaboration with Act 1.5, an artist-led research and action initiative incepted by the band Massive Attack to address carbon reduction within live music. Act 1.5 works closely with climate scientists at the , with its name referencing the goal of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.

At the event Professor McLachlan and the team had the opportunity to discuss their project to the UK’s climate leaders, highlighting how the live music industry can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and inspiring sustainable practices across the entertainment sector and beyond.

Following several years of developmental work by Act 1.5 in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre at The University of Manchester, the city of Liverpool was recently named the . The city will become a testing ground for innovative ideas and climate strategies in music, film, and television.

The initiative will officially launch later this month in Liverpool with three nights of live performances and a two-day conference, one for industry and one for the public, dedicated to exploring sustainable practices in the live entertainment sector.

It builds on a commissioned by the band Massive Attack to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

After a year, the Accelerator status will be passed to another global city. The University’s researchers will work with various ‘experiments’ across the Liverpool City Region to capture and synthesise the insights gained from Liverpool’s experiences to inform the next Accelerator City.

The Act 1.5 and Accelerator City initiative were represented by Robin Kemp, Head of Creative at Culture Liverpool; and musician Nile Rodgers, alongside Professor McLachlan at the Buckingham Palace Reception. Four-time Grammy Award winner Nile Rodgers will play one of the three nights of shows in Liverpool later this month.

Launching in February 2025, the JUST Centre will work closely with communities in five regions of the North of England (West Yorkshire, West Cumbria, Merseyside, Greater 91ֱ��, and Tyneside) while also generating comparative research in other regions of the UK.  It will collaborate with partners across local, regional, and national government, business, and civil society to co-produce joined-up solutions to meet climate goals while improving citizens’ quality of life.  

It will use an innovative mix of data science and participatory methods to research and map existing low-carbon living initiatives and generate evidence about what works where, why, and for whom. This will enable researchers to support better government decision-making and demonstrate to all people and communities the real improvements in quality of life that are possible if we link decarbonisation with regeneration.

The Centre brings together a team of interdisciplinary social scientists at the Universities of Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster and Newcastle. The Institute for Community Studies at the not-for-profit organisation is the core partner.

Additional partners are Citizens UK, the Local Government Associations for England and Wales, the Scottish Sustainability Network, the British Chambers of Commerce, the NHS Confederation, the Runnymede Trust and the Institute for Government.

Commenting on the announcement, JUST Centre Director and Principal Investigator, Professor Sherilyn MacGregor said: “To meet the challenge of the climate crisis and the UK’s net zero targets, we need to decarbonise our economy and do so quickly, but without leaving whole regions or communities behind.  ‘Joined-up’ means bridging the gaps between myriad but presently disconnected, evidence-based interventions and policies focused on sustainability and net zero transitions.  

ESRC Executive Chair Stian Westlake said: “Our centres carry out interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in the social sciences that seeks to change the world for the better. They allow ESRC to make sustained investments in strategically important areas, giving researchers the freedom to research topics in depth.

“The climate crisis is one of the most serious challenges the world faces. To successfully transition to a zero-carbon economy, we need to make sure no one is left behind. The JUST Centre will show us how to include everyone as we transform our country and economy, finding new opportunities and putting power in the hands of local communities.”

Stephen Aldridge, Director, Analysis and Data at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), adds: “Net zero poses both huge economic, social, and other challenges and offers no less huge opportunities for the UK - nationally and sub-nationally. To tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities, policymakers and others need evidence – especially evidence on what works and what works most cost-effectively.  

“The Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) is precisely the institutional innovation we need and one I, my team and my department will work closely with across all policy areas. I look forward immensely to engaging with the Centre.”

Professor Paul Monks FRMetS, FRSC, FInstP, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: “Achieving net zero by 2050 requires a wide-reaching transformation of the UK economy and offers an incredible opportunity for jobs, secure energy and growth all across the country. It will improve our health, our quality of life and our overall prosperity. We must support and empower people to participate in the transition. I welcome the establishment of this research centre and its work to ensure a fair, inclusive pathway to net zero.” 

However, the decision to raise tuition fees will not have been taken lightly; it is driven by the need to bring some long term financial stability to the sector and to maintain and enhance the quality of education and research of our higher education system.

We welcome the accompanying rise in maintenance loans, which reflects the current economic realities and the rising cost of living for our students. Since my arrival in August, I have been clear that that any increase in tuition fees must be paired with enhanced financial support to prevent affordability from becoming a barrier to higher education.  In this spirit, we have recently reviewed our bursary eligibility criteria and significantly increased the income thresholds, allowing us to provide nearly 20% more scholarships and bursaries – an additional investment of £2.5million per year. Our ambition is to make 91ֱ�� accessible to everyone, so that talent and ambition, not finances, determine access to our university.

It will now be incumbent upon us to ensure that the student experiences we deliver at 91ֱ�� meet the expectations that students rightly have of us. This means increasing our efforts to deliver exceptional teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and technologies, and careers support. We recognise this responsibility and are committed to working closely with students over the coming months to ensure we capture their needs and expectations as we update our University strategy through the 91ֱ�� 2035 process.

Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor

While on campus, DPM Heng and his delegation explored opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in the space of R&D and innovation. The visit to 91ֱ�� was the only non-London element of the DPM’s UK visit, alongside Cambridge; they visited the city due to its effective innovation ecosystem evident in the relationship between the university, businesses and local government.

DPM Heng observed a briefing by the and the before having dinner with President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison. He also visited the 91ֱ�� Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and met with the UK Biobank.

As part of his visit to the city, DPM Heng met with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��, to discuss views on how government, academia, finance, industry and talent can come together to grow vibrant and integrated innovation ecosystems.

The University of Manchester has a longstanding relationship with Singapore, welcoming many Singaporean students each year. Undergraduate exchange agreements are in place with the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University.

The International Development Division at The University of Manchester maintains good relationships with the various institutions across Singapore and arranges several visits to Singapore each year for colleagues from Faculties and Schools.

The International Development Division also has close links with the Singapore Students’ Society of Manchester who act as ambassadors at events, and there are also close ties with the active University of Manchester Alumni Group.

The Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School (AMBS) has had a presence in Singapore since 1992 and opened the , in Singapore, in 1999; with 400 active students and 1,500 alumni, the Centre offers MBA course and Masters Degrees.

The South East Asia Centre participated in the University’s bicentenary event, Light Up, in January 2024, by gathering current students and esteemed alumni for a jubilant reception.

Simon Johnson - who studied Economics at 91ֱ�� in the 1980s, and is now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - won the prize alongside Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson in recognition of their work to analyse how institutions and the rule of law shape national prosperity.

Professor Johnson was born in Sheffield, and completed his undergraduate studies at Oxford University, before doing a master's degree at 91ֱ�� and a doctorate at MIT.

His career has included prominent roles at the Washington-based Peterson Institute and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he served as chief economist from 2007 to 2008 during the global financial crisis. He eventually returned to MIT as a professor, focusing on global economic inequality and policy.

Through their research, Professor Johnson and his colleagues have shaped global debates by demonstrating that democracies, which hold to the rule of law and provide individual rights, have spurred greater economic activity over the last 500 years. Their insights - derived from studying colonialism’s enduring effects on global development - have broad implications for economic strategies today.

Professor Johnson’s academic achievements have established him as a leading voice on global economic policy, which has now been further cemented by this honour. He becomes the 26^th Nobel laureate associated with The University of Manchester, either as staff or alumni.

“It is a surprise and a delight to win the Nobel Prize in Economics,” said Professor Johnson. “Getting my master’s degree at 91ֱ�� helped launch my professional career – and I will always be grateful to my teachers and fellow students in those years. Their guidance and inspiration (and many late-night conversations) helped push me down the road towards careful empirical work, bringing history to bear, and understanding the importance of building institutions that support inclusive prosperity.”

“This year’s laureates have pioneered new approaches, both empirical and theoretical, that have significantly advanced our understanding of global inequality,” said Nobel committee member Jakob Svensson. “Reducing the huge differences in income between countries is one of our times’ greatest challenges, and their insights show that democracies are - on average - better for promoting growth in the long run.”

The report, a collaboration between Bupa Global, India & UK (BGIUK), The University of Manchester and The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, aims to tackle the issues faced by the healthcare sector, currently responsible for almost

The report explores the financial, operational and logistical challenges of reducing organisations’ environmental footprints, plus opportunities to reduce emissions, update clinical practices to reduce environmental impact, engage employees and work with supply-chains.

Included is a showcase of best practice from hospital and technology providers, NHS trusts, insurers and industry and sustainability associations. It adds to a growing body of work and pulls together best practice examples with practical actions for healthcare providers.

The report also features a practical scorecard that allows organisations to measure progress against carbon reduction best practice and take forward practical actions in five key action areas:

• Supply chain – the largest proportion of a healthcare organisation’s carbon impact
• Healthcare estates – which make up 18% of all healthcare provision emissions
• Travel and transport – which makes up 4% of an organisation’s emissions footprint
• Clinical practice – including reassessing clinical pathways to provide care that’s best for patients and the planet
• Governance and staff – the importance of high quality governance and engagement when making change

The launch took place in central London at an event attended by over 100 healthcare leaders, providers and industry partners who had a chance to hear in depth about the recommendations of the report and see the scorecard in action.

Also in attendance were suppliers and collaborators Bupa is working with as part of its aims to become a net zero business by 2040, including Upcycled Medical (medical uniforms made from recycled plastic and wood pulp), Sagetech Medical (anaesthetics gases capture and recycling system) and Naked Energy (solar energy providers).

The report is available to download .

Anna Russell, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Director for BGIUK said: “At Bupa, we believe that the health of people and the health of our planet are inextricably linked, and this means we have a big responsibility to make a better world for the generations to come.

“Across the healthcare sector we share a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare while upholding high standards of patient care. We hope that this report will serve as a useful roadmap for organisations and that we can work together on common challenges to reach our environmental goals.”

Lou Cordwell, Professor of Innovation and Special Advisor to the President & Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester said: “We're delighted to launch this first project as part of the University's strategic innovation collaboration with Bupa. This report leverages the incredible sustainability expertise of the Tyndall team to create a valuable tool that we're confident will be hugely impactful across the Bupa business and partner network as well as the wider industry.”

The ‘Zero Carbon Without a Net’ initiative is part of the University’s Environmental Sustainability strategy which was launched last July, and subsequently won the 2023 . Now, the University is being honoured for its dedication to sustainability on an international scale.

The awards featured 95 finalists from 28 countries, with the University coming first in the ‘’ category, which focuses on assessing the steps that institutions are taking - or are planning to take - to reach their sustainability targets.

Recognising the innovative and pioneering initiatives in sustainability, the celebrate the projects undertaken by further and higher education institutions who are striving for a sustainable future.

The University’s initiative focuses on decarbonising its operations to secure a zero-carbon future by 2038. Progress already made includes:

• The landmark deal signed in May 2024 that will see up to 65% of the University’s electricity demand supplied through a brand-new renewables project.
• Completion of the first phase of building decarbonisation projects including the newly refurbished building which now has the infrastructure to support zero emissions.
• A further £25m pledged to decarbonise the University, taking the zero-carbon budget to £175m.

The Green Gown Award judges commented: “The University of Manchester’s “Zero Carbon Without a Net” initiative is candid and ambitious. The approach of clearly assessing reality in relation to ambitions is very important and ensures that the approach taken is sincere, going beyond intentions to focus on transformation. Its scientific approach, detailed planning. And substantial internal funding demonstrates a deep institutional commitment to sustainability.”

The University of Manchester’s Environmental Sustainability strategy builds on the University’s core goals of Teaching and Learning, Research and Discovery and Social Responsibility and stresses the need to embed sustainable practises into all University plans, policies and processes.

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

“We are incredibly delighted to be recognised internationally for our decarbonisation plans, which are firmly grounded in science, with our zero-carbon target set in collaboration with experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research” said Julia Durkan, The University of Manchester’s Head of Environmental Sustainability. “This award not only acknowledges our ambitious plans but also celebrates the collective efforts of our colleagues who have made this initiative a reality.  We’re proud to be part of the international effort to tackle climate change, and we know achieving these goals requires continuous, urgent action and global collaboration.”

City of Trees is an independent charity that plant, look after and promote a culture of trees across Greater 91ֱ��. They work with volunteers across the region, as part of their ‘Citizen Forester’ programme to enhance green skills, boost health and wellbeing, and to help tackle the climate and biodiversity emergency.

Aligned closely with the University’s values and social responsibility agenda, both City of Trees and The University of Manchester are passionate about making the region even better, one tree at a time.

In the University's special bicentenary year, it is partnering with City of Trees on several initiatives:

• The University's International Relations team signed the first agreement City of Trees earlier this year, kicking off the partnership which has been growing throughout the bicentenary year. The new agreement and initiative is a positive step in looking at the small changes with big impact that we can make as an institution
• The new agreement and initiative was officially launched at the International Friends of Manchester Day on 10 October, whereby the University made a donation on behalf of each international delegate to City of Trees. City of Trees will then plant a tree in Greater 91ֱ�� to represent each international delegate who attended the event - signifying that international colleagues continue to be a crucial part of the growth and development of both the University and the city.
• For our 200th year specifically, the University is working with City of Trees to plant 200 trees across new woodland sites in Greater 91ֱ��.
• From 7-9 October the University hosted the THE World Academic Summit and chose to make a charitable donation to City of Trees on behalf of each delegate attending, to the total of £1,500.

The University of Manchester is truly excited to be supporting City of Trees and partnering with them on these activities, which will foster into the future.

Published this week by , the volume investigates the lives and public work of Henry and Emily Simon, and Ernest and Shena Simon, a family shaped by their German ancestry and 91ֱ��’s mercantile class.

The book is written by , Senior Lecture in Geography, , Doctoral Researcher in History, Dr Diana Leitch MBE, former Deputy University Librarian of the John Rylands Library, , Professor of Intellectual History, and , Professor Emerita in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

Although many in 91ֱ�� are familiar with the Simon name – through the University’s Simon Building, Simonsway in Wythenshawe and the 91ֱ�� College’s Shena Simon Campus – the family themselves are often overlooked in favour of other prolific local individuals. This volume aims to boost their profile by illuminating their deep contributions to public life, both locally and nationally. 

The book aims to study the family collectively, by highlighting the marriages of Henry and Emily and of Ernest and Shena as strong partnerships in which the women played important roles not just as mothers and housewives but also as philanthropists, activists and public figures.

Dr Diana Leitch said: “Emily Simon was one of the first women to be awarded an OBE in 1920, shortly before she died aged 60, for her tireless work at the Red Cross Hospital she ran in her home in very tragic personal circumstances. It was a tribute to her courage and resilience through the First World War.”

The first section of the volume, ‘Cosmopolitan 91ֱ�� and the Simons’, focuses on the four Simons as individuals; the four biographical chapters are framed by a study of Manchester’s German community. The second part, ‘The Simons’ contribution to society’, emphasises the family as a unit and spotlights their economic, social and political endeavours in 91ֱ��. 

In a later chapter, ‘Burghers and citizens: The Simons and the University of Manchester’ Professor Stuart Jones and Dr Professor Chris Godden examine the relationship between the University and the Simon family. Ernest and Shena were at the heart of the University for many decades, and the family have a long connection with the institution and its precursors. 

In 1898, as a leading benefactor, Henry Simon was asked to lay the foundation stone for the new Physics Laboratories for Owens College, later integrated in 1903 into The University of Manchester. It was in these same laboratories that Ernest Rutherford, Hans Geiger and their colleagues first split the atom. 

Ernest Simon’s substantial personal investment in social science research - notably through the Simon fellowship scheme - was conceived as a contribution to the cause of citizenship education, to which he devoted much of his public work from the 1930s onwards.

Professor Stuart Jones comments: “As a senior lay officer at the University for a quarter of a century, as a leading benefactor, and as a practically-minded thinker, Ernest Simon did more than anyone in his time to sustain a vision of what it meant to be a civic university: a university for the city.”

The family greatly enriched 91ֱ��’s cultural and civic institutions, worked to improve the lives of its citizens and helped to spearhead profound national reforms in healthcare, women’s rights, housing, civic planning and education. 

• Read the full text of The Simons of Manchester .

The rankings are developed based on responses to questionnaires sent to the world’s leading academics and take into account these senior figures’ opinions. They assess research-intensive universities across 18 performance indicators, which are divided into five pillars covering their core missions of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and internationalisation.    

The University - one of only twelve UK Universities in the top 100 - fell slightly from 51^st place in 2023. 91ֱ�� is also ranked the 6^th best university in the UK and 52^nd in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, with the University’s social and environmental impact ranked in the top ten globally (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings).  

The last 12 months have seen a raft of major developments and initiatives at 91ֱ��. The University has marked its bicentenary with a huge number of events across campus celebrating 200 years of learning, innovation and research. Unit M, a new capability to drive the University’s approach to innovation, was launched at the World Academic Summit. Staff, students, alumni and partners are currently participating in 91ֱ�� 2035, the University’s bold new strategy for the next decade.  

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison said: "Whilst rankings don’t measure everything we value, 91ֱ��’s place among the world’s top universities is testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire community. We excel in pioneering research, outstanding teaching, and social responsibility and it has been exciting to share our campus and city with delegates at this week’s Summit.” 

“However, we recognise there is always room for improvement. Collectively, over the next decade, we need to be more impactful, more engaged, more innovative, and more committed to excellence than we have ever been in our history. This is the vision that is inspiring us as we begin to develop our new 91ֱ�� 2035 strategy over the coming months.”  

Phil Baty, Times Higher Education’s chief global affairs officer, said: “While, overall, the picture of UK higher education in our rankings is positive, the sector is being battered by numerous prevailing winds. Chief amongst them is the extremely stretched finances it is facing and the restrictions on recruiting international students making it harder for them still, making it almost impossible to see how the sector can sustain its position in the coming years without significant help.  

“We have heard positive words from education secretary Bridget Phillipson, which is very encouraging for the sector. We hope this more positive environment will translate for better news for UK HE which has somehow stayed world-leading despite the extremely tough funding environment it finds itself in.”  

contains full list of the 100 universities with the best reputation in the world. 

The (UMHC) was created by Student Minds in partnership with leading higher education bodies and thousands of staff and students. 91ֱ�� was amongst the first group of universities to sign up as members of the , which brings together universities committed to making mental health a university-wide priority, to share practice and create cultural change. 

The is a voluntary accreditation scheme that supports universities to understand their areas of strength and development to inform ongoing improvement in mental health and wellbeing, recognising good practice along the way. 

As part of the assessment process, we conducted a robust, evidenced-based assessment of our whole-university approach against the principles of good practice within the , including any challenges, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. A self-assessment report, a student-led report and a two-day onsite visit from Student Minds which involved over 100 staff and students, were all part of the assessment process.

Overall, Student Minds stated: “in many areas we can be confident that the University is sector-leading” and that they were “encouraged that the University is going in the right direction.” Student Minds felt that “the University is largely doing well to meet the Principles of Good Practice and is doing an incredible job to work towards having a whole university approach to mental health.”   

In awarding the University with the UMHC Award, Student Minds highlighted several examples of excellent practice, including: 

• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds “were particularly impressed with the University ’s commitment to the partnership work across the Greater 91ֱ�� Universities Student Mental Health Service. This is widely being acknowledged as novel, innovative and sector leading.” 
• Within the Progression theme, Student Minds “recognised as excellent practice that the University now offers 3.5 years (versus the standard 3 years) of funding to funded PhD students in recognition of the positive impact of this on completion and PGR student wellbeing.” 
• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds noted that “the University is part of a sexual violence network across 91ֱ�� that includes the HEI’s, police, council, and NHS. This approach is potentially sector-leading and an example of excellent practice in developing external partnerships.”

Speaking about the UMHC Award, Sarah Littlejohn, Director of Campus Life and UMHC Lead said: “The UMHC Programme has given an additional focus and impetus to our existing institutional priority of student and staff mental health and wellbeing. It has helped to shine a light on our whole-University approach, encouraging us to reflect on our current practice across all the different framework themes. We are proud to have achieved the UMHC Award which marks the latest part of our journey in our commitment to continuous improvement around mental health and wellbeing, and our dedication to its ongoing development.” 

The University will continue as members of the UMHC Programme and will now start to use the Award Outcomes Report to inform and feed into our work in this area. Our priorities for the next 6-12 months will focus on the UMHC Framework themes of Student Voice and Participation, Learning, Teaching and Assessment and Inclusivity and Intersectionality. 

Aisha Akram, Wellbeing and Liberation Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union commented: 'I'm really pleased that we have received this award and I particularly appreciate the commitment to including myself and my fellow officers at the Students Union within countless panel discussions, in order to ensure that the University's commitment to the student experience with our support service is driven by student feedback. 

“We will continue to work with the University to ensure that we all stay committed to working in this area and building on the recommendations offered to us. I'm excited to enhance collaboration between the Students’ Union and the University to push for the best possible student experience.”

Head of Colleague Wellbeing, Helen Brewis, said:  “I’m delighted we have achieved the UMHC Award, reflecting the commitment we place on the wellbeing of our students and colleagues and how we have worked as a whole university community on our approach to mental health.

"Over the last two years, we have significantly developed our approach to supporting our colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. The process of working towards the award has helped us to reflect on what is working well and where we can do more. We look forward to using the recommendations from the Award Outcomes Report to continue developing our approach to promoting and supporting good mental health and wellbeing at work.” 

• For further information about UMHC Award holders, please visit the  
• For further information about the UMHC Programme, please email UniversityMHCharter@manchester.ac.uk.

The University of Manchester is today launching a new capability, , to rethink how it supports the region’s innovation economy. With a mandate to drive the University’s new approach to innovation, Unit M will connect and catalyse the innovation ecosystem in 91ֱ�� and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth.

The UK faces a myriad of interlinked urgent economic and social challenges which require faster and more inclusive growth across all parts of the country. Cities like 91ֱ��, as the UK’s second largest city, are critical to rebalancing growth - but lower productivity, R&D spend and startup activity currently hinder the region in achieving its full potential. 

“The transformative potential of fully embracing innovation cannot be understated, both for the region and for the UK more widely” says Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of The University of Manchester.  “Unit M lies at the heart of the University’s ambition to power an inclusive economy, positioning 91ֱ�� as a central player on the global stage to accelerate growth for all in society.”

Unit M is designed to address all aspects of the innovation challenge - from R&D through to innovation adoption through to talent and skills - by making the world leading  innovation assets and talents of the University more accessible to all. Unit M will drive a new strategy for the University to create a globally leading innovation ecosystem in the region. This will encompass powering the start up and scale up community, catalysing industry clusters, leading future skills provision, strengthening the University’s partnerships within the region, and telling 91ֱ��’s innovation story.  
 

Examples of some of the activities that Unit M will undertake include:

• Creating accelerator and incubator programmes and building investor networks for the startup and scale up community;
• Developing regional innovation clusters and innovation partnerships to attract new innovation-intensive businesses to the region; 
• A new lifelong approach to skills - from expanding scientific/technological skills provision for students, to training executive leaders on innovation adoption; 
• Rethinking the University’s approach to R&D to be more flexible and responsive to industry demand

Unit M will have the agility to operate dynamically in response to the most impactful opportunities as they emerge - whether that’s connecting students into the ecosystem or drawing on expertise from across the whole University to help solve real world challenges from industry. 

“91ֱ�� has experienced major change over the past 30 years, but not everyone has benefited from rising prosperity”, said Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��, Andy Burnham. “Now, more than ever, we need to pioneer a new model of regional collaboration that harnesses our industrial strengths and innovation capabilities. Unit M will not only foster inclusive growth throughout Greater 91ֱ��, but contribute to the broader prosperity of the UK.”

Unit M is live from today, and will be rapidly scaling over the coming months. The team is seeking to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, changemakers and business leaders who are interested in partnering with the University.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “91ֱ�� has always been a hotbed of innovation. Building on our existing strengths is vital to 91ֱ��, and Greater 91ֱ��, accelerating our growth at scale to generate more jobs and investment. With Unit M, The University of Manchester is doing exactly that - doubling down on innovation while encouraging even more collaboration with our business community. Further strengthening the city's innovation ecosystem will help create jobs, investment and growth that works for everyone.”

Unit M will align with and complement existing capabilities across the University, including the University’s tech transfer office, The Innovation Factory,  The Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology and the Turing Innovation Catalyst and its sector leading business engagement, student entrepreneurship, and flexible learning teams. It will also partner closely with external capabilities, including the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA), local councils and other institutions.  

By convening these existing innovation services across the University and its key strategic partners, Unit M will accelerate and drive the development of new opportunities to build a strong innovation economy throughout the region.  

Led by Professor Deborah Greaves at the University of Plymouth, the Supergen ORE Hub includes co-directors from a consortium of ten universities. From The University of Manchester, serves as a Co-Director and is an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Co-Lead.

The report, aimed at researchers, industry, policymakers, and the public, summarises the current impacts of climate change and the UK’s progress in reducing carbon emissions. It outlines offshore renewable energy deployment pathways needed for a just, sustainable and secure energy transition, with 2040 identified as a key milestone towards the UK 2050 Net Zero goals.

Key findings from the report include:

• Achieving 100 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 is critical, requiring a nearly seven times increase in capacity. Radical innovation is essential to optimise and scale up growth.
• Tidal stream energy has the potential to grow alongside offshore wind and could reach over 11 GW of capacity in UK waters. Rapid progress is required, to deliver the EU SET Plan target of 6 GW deployment of tidal stream by 2050.
• Wave energy has significant potential, with an estimated exploitable resource of 25 GW in the UK. Deployment of 12 GW of wave and tidal stream by 2050 could add £40 billion GVA to the UK economy and reduce energy balancing costs by £1 billion annually. Investment in innovation over the next decade is crucial to achieving this potential.

Professor Tim Stallard said: “The ORE Outlook 2040 report highlights the high potential for Offshore Renewable Energy sources to contribute to the UK meeting its Net Zero goals. The growth required cannot be realised by upscaling current approaches alone and urgent action is needed to accelerate innovation and deployment.”

The report also explores ORE development through lenses of planning and consenting, people, supply chain, and infrastructure and grid. Investment in research and innovation is highlighted as crucial to de-risking new technologies, reducing costs, improving performance and ensuring the UK retains its technological leadership on the global stage.

The Supergen ORE Hub, established by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to deliver strategic and coordinated research on sustainable power generation and supply.

Celebrated every October, Foundation Day marks the coming together of the Victoria University of Manchester and The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2004.

This year marks the University’s 200^th anniversary. The bicentenary represents an important milestone for the University, and the chance to both reflect and look ahead. As well as anniversary celebrations, this year’s event is particularly significant as it is President and Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison’s first-time celebrating Foundation Day since joining the University in August 2024.

Giving the annual Foundation Day address, President and Vice-Chancellor explored critical questions about our future, the path to achieving our ambitions, and the ways in which we can further our commitment to social responsibility, teaching and research excellence, and civic engagement. These themes are behind 91ֱ�� 2035, the University's new strategic roadmap building on the purpose, vision, and values of Our future, to identify and accelerate The University of Manchester's ambitions for the next decade.  

Each year Foundation Day sees honorary degrees given to a number of notable names for their achievements.

2024’s Honorary Graduates:

Professor Emeritus John Casken is an established and successful composer; his works range across different genres and are inspired by literature, landscape and visual arts. He was a Professor of Music at the University from 1992 to 2008. His music will be performed at the 20^th anniversary celebrations for the Martin Harris Centre on 25 October.

Sir Clive Lloyd is a former cricketer and was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He was captain of the West Indies cricket team, and played for the Lancashire cricket team from 1968, before being made captain in 1981.

Professor Emeritus Tony Redmond OBE studied medicine at The University of Manchester and is a world-leading specialist in emergency medicine. He is the founder of UK-Med, an organisation which coordinates the provision of health workers to international crises, and he was appointed as the medical director of the NHS Nightingale Hospital North West during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dame Sharon White is Chair of the John Lewis Partnership (her term ends at the end of September this year). She previously held a variety of roles in the Civil Service and was the Chief Executive of the British media regulator Ofcom from March 2015 to November 2019. White was Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury from 2013 to 2015; she was the first black person and the second woman to occupy this role.

The Athena Swan Charter is designed to help institutions achieve gender equality and meet equality legislation requirements. It also identifies areas for positive action, recognises and shares good practices, and supports the promotion of inclusive work environments.

All three Schools (School of Biological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences) were holders of individual Silver Athena Swan awards since the formation of FBMH.

In 2022, the Faculty  consolidated efforts into one Athena Swan Award application, rather than submitting three concurrent School applications. This approach was designed to enable the scaling up of initiatives, whilst showcasing achievements in a more detailed way. It also allowed the Faculty to include a larger number of professional services staff, demonstrating  commitment to equality and career progression for all staff in FBMH.

There are three levels of the Athena Swan award: bronze (for planning), silver (for doing), and gold (for sustaining). The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health has been awarded the silver award, which is valid until September 2029.

Established in 2005, the Athena Swan Charter was created to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

It has since been expanded to include recognition of work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), in professional and support roles, and for transgender staff and students. This also includes efforts to combat gender equality more broadly, namely through addressing barriers to progression, irrespective of sex or gender identity.

Professor Natalie Gardiner and Dr Beth Micakovic, Athena Swan Leads of FBMH said: “Creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive environment where all staff and students thrive is our priority. We have outstanding colleagues driving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across FBMH and this award is testament to everyone's hard work. A huge thank you!

“Through the Athena Swan process our EDI leads and self-assessment team were able to take stock of our progress, reflect on successes and where we need to do more. Through critical self-assessment, consultation with key stakeholders, we have co-created an ambitious action plan to tackle inequalities, to promote a positive learning and working environment for staff and students of all genders.

“We hope you will see a number of commitments already coming to fruition, but we look forward to working with the whole FBMH community in delivering on the commitments set out in the Action Plan.”

Advance HE will host a ceremony for all 2024 Athena Swan award recipients in early 2025.

The University of Manchester’s continued commitment to the principles of the Athena Swan Charter, and to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, will ensure a diverse and vibrant working environment for both staff and students.

91ֱ��’s new £1.7bn innovation district and neighbourhood opens the doors to its first building, while unveiling its new name as . The district has also announced its first customer, Sustainable Ventures, Europe's leading climate tech hub, which will officially move into the Renold Building in November. 

Previously known as ID 91ֱ��, Sister is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and . The project will see the transformation of the University’s former North campus into a 4 million sq ft globally competitive innovation district and will help elevate 91ֱ��’s position as a national centre for science and technology.

Sister will specialise in advancing innovation across sectors including digital tech, health innovation, biotechnology, advanced materials and manufacturing. It will provide access to state of the art facilities, connecting early-stage high growth potential businesses with investors, while creating a collaborative ecosystem that enables UK and global businesses to benefit from cutting edge innovation. 

Driving economic growth and creating opportunities for local communities

Sister is primed to be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity across the North of England, and is projected to contribute around £1.5bn GVA per annum to 91ֱ��. More than just a development project, the district aims to create a positive social impact through the generation of a large portion of high-quality employment opportunities, including over 10,000 on-site full-time equivalent jobs and accessible routes to education, training and apprenticeships for local people. 

Over 1,500 new homes will be delivered, alongside over 2 million sq ft of commercial, innovation, retail and leisure space. Within 9 acres of public realm space, Sister will also create a new civic square for 91ֱ�� and feature a variety of new and enhanced green spaces for local communities to access and enjoy.  

Reinventing a historic educational building for tomorrow's leading businesses

The opening  of the Renold Building marks the first phase of the ambitious 15 year project and is supported by funding through the Greater 91ֱ�� Investment Zone, of which the district is a key initiative supporting the growth of the advanced materials and manufacturing sector.

The 110,000 sq ft newly renovated building has been transformed into an innovation hub, celebrating its history as a purpose-built teaching facility and centre for science and technology excellence. To support the growth and scale-up of early-stage start-ups and spin-outs, the Renold Building will provide a range of low and no-cost coworking facilities, private office suites, as well as a community cafe and flexible event spaces accessible to local businesses and community groups. 

The first customer to move on site this November is Sustainable Ventures, which helps climate start-ups and entrepreneurs scale through investment, workspaces and venture support. Sustainable Ventures will expand its presence outside of its London headquarters, currently Europe’s largest climate tech hub, by occupying three floors of the Renold Building. 

It will be joined by a number of University innovation initiatives at the Renold Building, including the Turing Innovation Catalyst 91ֱ��, accelerating the growth of AI-start-ups;  the Christabel Pankhurst Institute for health technology research and innovation; and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst, a cross-sector collaboration to empower the growth of biotechnology businesses.

Following the opening of the Renold Building, Sister will soon announce plans for the district’s first major development zone, set to include new commercial workspace, a mix of retail and leisure facilities and new public realm spaces.  

A model for successful public-private collaboration

Sister is leveraging successful cross-industry partnerships to become a major economic enabler for the future of the city. The district is one of the key strengths in the GM Investment Zone, which will invest £160 million in projects that increase growth and innovation in the region over the next 10 years and sees central and local government work closely with businesses, higher education institutions and other local partners. Key to delivering Sister’s long-term economic impact is the city region’s strong local leadership and support from industry investment, including through the Bruntwood SciTech joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater 91ֱ�� Pension Fund, now the UK’s largest dedicated property platform dedicated to the growth of the knowledge economy.

Why Sister?

The name, Sister, represents the close bond between industry and academia and expresses an ethos of collaboration, openness and the use of knowledge to solve problems. It builds on the heritage of the former academic campus, once home to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), and represents a vision to create an ecosystem of like-minded companies, institutions, districts and cities to drive innovation forward and help tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Bradley Topps, Project Director, Sister and Chief Commercial Officer, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Sister is founded on the belief that it takes a community to raise an idea and that although ideas may appear in a single mind, they flourish when people come together. This new district marks a new chapter in 91ֱ��’s history of science and innovation. Over the next 15 years, we’re dedicated to developing an inclusive space that connects talent, investment, education and enterprise, providing the perfect conditions for ideas to spark, collaboration to flourish, and world-changing innovations to scale.”

John Holden, Associate Vice-President, The University of Manchester and Executive Committee Member, Sister said: “The opening of the Renold Building is a major milestone in the development of Sister, capitalising on The University of Manchester’s research, innovation and education capabilities to catalyse the growth of successful science and technology start-ups. Sister will be home to some of the most exciting businesses in the UK developing solutions to help tackle society's biggest challenges. We're excited to open the doors to a vibrant new innovation district that will drive growth for ambitious start-ups and scale-ups, attract new science and technology companies to 91ֱ��, and create new opportunities for our staff, students and local communities.” 

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a significant moment for 91ֱ��. The fact that Sister will ultimately create 10,000 jobs and add £1.5 billion a year to the city’s economy underlines its scale and the sheer ambition behind this major new district. This development will add to 91ֱ��’s thriving innovation ecosystem and, true to the heritage of a site from which great ideas and innovations have previously sprung, will help keep the city in the forefront of future innovation.” 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater 91ֱ��, said: “Sister will be a thriving innovation district at the heart of Greater 91ֱ��. With the Renold Building opening and welcoming its first occupier, we’re seeing the first signs of what this area will become – a home for start-ups, innovation-led businesses, universities, researchers and investors, where the clustering effect helps create jobs and opportunities. Sister is also a key site for our Investment Zone, which is supporting the growth of the advanced materials and manufacturing sector. Our city-region has been a centre of scientific and technological innovation for two centuries and places like Sister are where the next chapter of that story is written.”

CEO of Sustainable Ventures, Andrew Wordsworth, said: “We're thrilled to grow Sustainable Ventures' footprint in the UK by establishing a presence in Sister, at the heart of the UK’s second-largest tech ecosystem. This partnership empowers us to supercharge climate tech innovation across The North, bringing workspace, investment and a wealth of expertise to the region’s pioneering startups and entrepreneurs. The climate tech companies we’ve supported to date have already created over 6,000 jobs and we hope to replicate that economic growth within the region over the next few years.”

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, Saturday 21 September, Professor Douglas Field is announcing the release of a new book, Walking in the dark: James Baldwin, my father and me, a moving literary exploration of the disease.

Douglas Field was introduced to Baldwin's essays and novels by his father, who witnessed the writer's debate with William F. Buckley Jr. at Cambridge University in 1965. Professor Field rediscovered Baldwin’s works when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and turning to Baldwin for answers about his father’s condition inspired Field to write his book.  

Set for publication by in November 2024, Walking in the dark blends biography with memoir. By interweaving his personal experiences with Baldwin’s iconic works, Field demonstrates the power of literature to inspire and illuminate new understandings of both our personal experiences, and the universal mysteries of everyday life.

Douglas Field is a writer, academic and Professor of American Literature. He has published two books on James Baldwin, the most recent of which is All Those Strangers: The Art and Lives of James Baldwin (2015). His work has been published in Beat Scene, The Big Issue, the Guardian and the Times Literary Supplement, where he has been a regular contributor for twenty years. He is a founding editor of James Baldwin Review.

Led by , World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September, during World Alzheimer’s Month. The 2024 campaign and World Alzheimer Report, which will be launched on 20 September, will centre on challenging why people still wrongly believe that dementia is a part of normal ageing.

Leading up to 21 September, Alzheimer’s organisations and individuals affected by the condition share stories to raise awareness and address the stigma that exists around Alzheimer’s and dementia. Public awareness campaigns, like World Alzheimer's Day, are of great importance for changing perceptions and increasing existing public knowledge around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

This year’s campaign will centre around the tagline: ‘Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s’, focusing on changing attitudes towards the condition, while highlighting the positive steps being undertaken by organisations and governments globally to develop a more dementia friendly society.

Professor Douglas Field is holding a free public book launch for Walking in the dark, taking place at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation and hosted by Professor David Olusoga OBE. 

• Details of the book launch are available .
• For more information about Walking in the dark, visit 91ֱ�� University Press .
• Find out more about World Alzheimer’s day .

The KEF provides information about the broad ranging knowledge exchange activities of English HE Providers, such as the way universities work with external partners, from businesses to community groups, for the benefit of the economy and society. 

The University of Manchester supports the full range of knowledge exchange activities through public engagement, supporting businesses and commercialising research towards next generation technologies. Students, staff, partners and local communities all play a key role in ensuring that the University makes a positive societal and economic impact. 

The KEF allows universities to better understand their own performance and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. HE Providers are placed into a cluster of peers, grouping together universities of similar types, with The University of Manchester placed in a group of 18 large, research-intensive universities including Oxford and Imperial. 

91ֱ��’s performance in continuous professional development and Graduate Startups, which is supported by the work of the and , received an enhanced rating of high engagement in KEF4, and 91ֱ�� now sits above the cluster group average.  

91ֱ�� also continues to receive the highest rating for Research Partnerships, where the University is placed above the cluster group average. This recognises the work of the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team.  

The excellent performance of the in licensing, IP income, investment and turnover of spinouts continues to be recognised with the highest rating in IP and Commercialisation. 

The University also received the highest rating for Public Engagement, and includes our achievements in volunteering, festivals, citizen science, and engagement with communities through our cultural institutions, , , , and the . 

Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “Knowledge exchange is a core priority for The University of Manchester. We shall continue to ensure that our research, teaching and social responsibility activities benefit the economy and society at local, national and global levels.”  

• You can view each university’s performances on the . 

Nobel prize winning physicist Professor Sir Andre Geim will also be delivering a keynote speech at the flagship event in England on Tuesday 8 October in an interview talk titled ‘How graphene has been changing science and technology frontiers.’

Brian Cox is professor of particle physics at The University of Manchester and is speaking at the opening, in conversation style, keynote. He actively promotes science and is well-known for the science programmes he hosts on the BBC. He received an OBE for services to science in 2010, the President’s Medal from the Institute of Physics in 2012 and the Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize in 2012.

Sir Andre Geim is regius professor and Royal Society research professor at The University of Manchester. He has received many international awards and distinctions, including the John Carty Prize from the US National Academy of Sciences and the Copley Medal from the Royal Society. Most notably, he was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for his ground-breaking work on graphene.

THE’s flagship annual higher education summit will feature more than 140 speakers and 450 guests, bringing together thought leaders from across academia, policy, industry and civil society. The agenda will consist of a mixture of keynote talks, panel discussions, seminars, case study conversations, practical workshops, best practice sharing and networking events.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of graphene being isolated for the first time by professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov at The University of Manchester, for which they won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. Graphene is the thinnest material in the world, as well as one of the strongest and hardest. This session will discuss a range of topics including Professor Geim's experiences of isolating graphene and its almost limitless potential.

The event, which takes place at The University of Manchester, will focus on the theme: ‘Making a difference: The role of universities in a rapidly changing world.’ It is the key place to discuss how institutions can make a difference, both internally across departments and externally with industry, government and civil society, to advance transformative research and its practical implementation.

Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, said: "We are extremely excited to be welcoming, as keynote speakers, Professor Brian Cox and Professor Sir Andre Geim. They are two individuals who have had a massive impact on our world which fits in perfectly with the theme of Times Higher Education’s flagship World Academic Summit – making a difference.

“We are also absolutely thrilled to be hosting our World Academic Summit in partnership with one the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions – The University of Manchester, on the momentous occasion of their 200th anniversary.

“The summit is about making a difference and we are delighted to have the leaders of the world’s higher education community, as well as some of the leading political, business and civil society figures working in higher education come join and collaborate with us in one of the world’s greatest cities – 91ֱ��.”

The summit will feature the exclusive reveal of the world’s most widely recognised, authoritative and prestigious ranking, THE’s World University Rankings 2025, at a gala dinner. This will be followed by an in-depth masterclass from THE’s data team, providing analysis and insight into the key findings, trends and stories from the rankings data.

Tickets are available for representatives of a university, association, public sector or NGO for £1,695 and are £2,299 for those in a corporate organisation.

The University of Manchester is proud to share that Dr Bovinille Anye Cho has been announced as a recipient of the prestigious (CDF), a programme aimed at developing underrepresentation in UK STEM academia.

Dr Anye Cho is one of eight outstanding researchers selected in the first cohort of CDFs, who are undertaking groundbreaking research that can benefit society and further human understanding.

His research centres on revolutionising bioenergy processes to become more environmentally sustainable, in particular, anaerobic digestion (AD), which is a process that transforms agricultural and food waste into a clean energy source known as biomethane.

Although an effective way to manage waste, this process also creates a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and impurities, which contributes to global warming.

Dr Anye Cho is exploring the use of microalgae, which can be used to convert CO₂ into valuable food supplements and healthcare products through photosynthesis. In the UK, where tons of agricultural and food waste are generated, incorporating algae technology into the exiting AD facilities could increase the production of clean energy, while yielding high-value bio renewables that are currently heavily dependent on imports.

Dr Anye Cho’s project aims to employ advanced mathematical modelling and Artificial Intelligence methods to ensure that facilities of various sizes can operate effectively for long durations, enabling stability and boosting the production of clean energy and valuable products. His fellowship will be based in the Department of Chemical Engineering, where he has served as a Research Associate since March 2023. He earned his PhD from the same department in January 2023, completing it in an impressive three years while publishing over 11 original scientific papers.

The Career Development Fellowships are currently running as a pilot programme with researchers from Black and Mixed Black heritage. The CDFs offer four years of funding (up to £690,000), mentoring and support to kickstart the careers of researchers from underrepresented groups.

The scheme was launched in response to 11 years of higher education data which showed Black heritage researchers leave academia at higher rates than those from other groups. The impact of this higher attrition rate is pronounced at senior levels of academic careers.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said: “We need an academic system where talented researchers can build a career, whatever their background. But we know that is not the case in the UK today – particularly for researchers of Black heritage.

“The variety and quality of research being undertaken by this first cohort of Royal Society Career Development Fellows suggests a bright future ahead if we can ensure more outstanding researchers develop their talents and follow their research passions.

“I hope this pilot and the support it offers can be a launchpad to achieve that.”

In addition to their fellowship funding and support from the Royal Society, the award holders will have access to networking and mentoring opportunities supported by the (BBSTEM) network.

If the pilot is shown to be effective, the CDF programme could be expanded to include researchers from other groups, where the data shows there is persistent underrepresentation.

Dr Mark Richards, Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London and a member of the Royal Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee who participated in the shortlisting and assessment panels for the CDFs, said:

“There are many reasons scientists from marginalised groups may leave academia, often it’s because they’re looking ahead and not seeing themselves reflected in those spaces.

“This scheme, which offers funding, mentoring and recognition from a body like the Royal Society can be the endorsement to propel these eight excellent academics to go on and grow their own research groups.

Overtime I hope it can become self-sustaining, creating a network of scientists in universities, and beyond, who can help raise aspirations and open doors.”

• Applications for the second year of Career Development Fellowships are due to open on 24 September 2024.
• Find out more about the Royal Society Career Development Fellowships .
• Read the Royal Society’s CDFs press release .

The ‘Bee Cup’ scheme is a joint project between the University, 91ֱ�� City Council and which will see the implementation of a reusable cup scheme across campus.

Several café locations will be involved in this scheme – including the Student’s Union, Benugo and numerous locations on Oxford Road, such as the Royal Northern College of Music, Eighth Day and Bold Street.

To take part in this initiative, staff and students need to download the app; at UniCafés only, customers will receive their first Bee Cup drink for free. After finishing their drink, customers must return their Bee Cup to one of the participating locations where it will be scanned into the app, washed, stored and reused.

Customers will incur a £5 charge if their cup is not returned within 14 days. The price of disposable cups will increase from 20p to 50p to encourage customers to take part in the Bee Cup initiative.

Thousands of single-use cups are bought, used and discarded across multiple campus café locations every year. Though many of these cups are considered compostable, they cannot be recycled easily and are instead disposed of as general waste.

Sophie Jones, Community Engagement Lead, said: “In Our Nature is a partnership programme dedicated to supporting communities and individuals across 91ֱ�� to connect the climate crisis with practical actions we can all take to reduce carbon, save money and learn new skills.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Bee Cup returnable cup scheme as part of our Community Support offer; helping to reduce waste and enable individuals to make more sustainable choices every day.”

The Bee Cup scheme was developed as part of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy launched in 2023. The strategy outlined a plan to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, promote sustainability in teaching, learning, research and innovation, and reduce its negative environmental operational impact.

Alison Shedlock, Director of Campus Services, said: “We are so excited to be launching the Bee Cup and working with partners in the city. I hope that the university community embraces the scheme so that we can significantly reduce the number of single use cups purchased on campus and reduce our carbon footprint, with the objective to expand the scheme across 91ֱ��.” 

• The Bee Cup initiative launches today in UniCafé locations. 

A University of Manchester scientist has been awarded the prestigious by the Royal Society for his work documenting the history of biology as both an author and a broadcaster.

The medal, given for excellence in a subject relating to the history, philosophy or social function of science, was awarded to Professor Matthew Cobb last week.

Professor Cobb joined The University of Manchester in 2002 as a lecturer in animal behaviour; he is currently a Professor of Zoology in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, but will shortly retire, becoming Professor Emeritus.

While most of Professor Cobb’s research has been on behaviour and communication in animals, his Royal Society medal is in recognition of his contribution to the history of science.

Professor Cobb said: “This is a tremendous honour for me – the Medal is the fusion of three awards, one of which goes back 80 years, and has been won by some extraordinary people.

“It is really quite humbling to be in such company. And a vindication of The University of Manchester’s embrace of multidisciplinarity, and of the School of Biological Sciences’ enthusiasm for its students’ taking courses from the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.”

In 2021, Professor Cobb presented a BBC radio series on the history of genetic engineering, He has also presented programmes about the history of academic publishing, the development of CRISPR gene editing, as well as programmes about the origins of animals and the life of the revolutionary scientist Sydney Brenner.

Alongside his BBC series, Professor Cobb is known to a wider audience through his books which have received commercial success. In 2022, he published The Genetic Age: Our Perilous Quest to Edit Life. In 2020, The Idea of the Brain was chosen as one of The Sunday Times' ‘Books of the Year’.

The Wilkins, Bernal and Medawar lectures were originally delivered as three separate lectures, before they were combined under one title in 2007. Previous winners include Melvyn Bragg in 2010, Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE FRS in 2020, and most recently Professor Sarah Franklin, who in 2023 delivered the lecture, ‘Talking Embryos: Changing Public Perceptions of Embryo Research’.

Professor Cobb’s passions extend beyond science. He has written two books on the French Resistance during World War II, one of which won the Anglo-French Society Award.

For this work he was made a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques, an award conferred by the French government for significant contributions to the advancement of intellectual, scientific and artistic pursuits.

Professor Cobb is currently finishing a biography about Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix; Crick’s extraordinary career will potentially inform the subject of Cobb’s Royal Society lecture. The date of his prize lecture is yet to be confirmed.

• To read more on the Royal Society’s 2024 award recipients visit .

Research Project of the Year: STEM 

Groundbreaking research that led to the world's first bedside genetic test to prevent babies going deaf has also earned a nomination. 

The research, led by Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), The University of Manchester and 91ֱ��-based firm genedrive Plc, helped to develop the pioneering, rapid bedside genetic test which was piloted at MFT in 2022. 

The technology could save the hearing of 180 babies in the UK every year and bring a saving of £5m to the NHS annually. The test is now being rolled-out in all Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Greater 91ֱ��, with a hope that this will become part of routine clinical care across the UK. 

Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year 

In collaboration with the University of Salford and IntoUniversity, the University of Manchester played a pivotal role in launching a new learning centre aimed at supporting thousands of young people to achieve their academic and career ambitions.  

Salford is the 18th most deprived local authority in England, out of 317, with latest figures suggesting 22% of children are living in poverty and pupils in the area now 22.9 months of learning behind their peers by the end of their GCSEs.  

The centre has exceeded targets since opening, driven by a dedicated team that has supported over 1,500 young people, recruited students to Academic Support, established partnerships with local schools and run programmes through the holidays. 

The Charter aims to raise employment standards across Greater 91ֱ��. It strives for excellence in the core areas of Secure Work, Flexible Work, Pay, Engagement & Voice, Recruitment, People Management and Health & Wellbeing.

The University seeks to be an employer of choice nationally and internationally, and is one of the biggest employers in Greater 91ֱ��, providing jobs to more than 12,500 people across a range of professional services and academic roles.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at The University of Manchester, commented: “Being accredited by the Good Employment Charter is important to our mission as a civic university with social responsibility at its core. This voluntary Charter is an independent way to measure our practices around good employment, learn from other employers in Greater 91ֱ�� and be part of a wider movement of organisations committed to improving the lives of our employees.

“People are at the heart of the University’s vision, and we are proud of our diverse, inclusive community of individuals who work together to create positive change for the world around them. We also know we have more work to do to ensure we remain an employer of choice in the region and are keen to work with the Charter team to share our plans to develop and enhance the experience for our community of colleagues.”

Membership of the is voluntary, and it is allocated when institutions and businesses in the region demonstrate that they have met the criteria in all seven characteristics of the Charter.

Ian MacArthur, Director of the Greater 91ֱ�� Good Employment Charter, said: “I am delighted that The University of Manchester are now Members of the Greater 91ֱ�� Good Employment Charter. As a key anchor institution in the city region it is wonderful to have them as part of our expanding movement, that is continually striving to adopt better employment standards for all.”

The Charter was co-designed by the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater 91ֱ�� districts, trade unions, employers and employees from all sectors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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 annual rankings see The University of Manchester retain its top ten status as the 6th best institution in the UK and 15th in Europe, according to the ARWU. However, the University has slipped from 41 to 52 globally.

This year, more than 2500 institutions were scrutinised, and the best 1000 universities in the world are published. Overall, The United Kingdom has 63 Top 1000 universities, and 38 of them are listed in the Top 500, 8 are listed in the Top 100. 

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, said: “While they don’t measure everything we value, what these rankings demonstrate is our consistent position as one of Europe’s leading universities. But, for a University of our scale and ambition, they also serve as a reminder that we need pay attention to our global performance and work collectively to improve across everything we do to retain our position as a world-leading institution."

Starting from 2003, ARWU has been presenting the world's top universities annually based on a set of objective indicators and third-party data.  

Universities are ranked by several academic or research performance indicators, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, Highly Cited Researchers, papers published in Nature and Science, papers indexed in major citation indices, and the per capita academic performance of an institution. 

This latest ARWU ranking follows on from The University of Manchester named as the world's 34th best University according to the newest , published in June this year. 

91ֱ�� was also named top in both the UK and Europe, and second in the world for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.  

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) an impressive 93% of our research activity was rated 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*), confirming 91ֱ�� as one of the UK's top research institutions.  

The complete list and detailed methodologies can be found at ShanghaiRanking’s website    

The University of Manchester has appointed Eleanor Morrissey as its new Executive Director for People and Organisational Development.

Eleanor is a leading human resources professional with experience of successful leadership over 28 years. This has included being Global HR Director at Genus Plc - a FTSE 250 biotech company, the Cooperative and the Aspire Group - a commercial business that provides housing, training, and neighbourhood and business services.

Throughout her career she has had a strong focus on data and technology, leading numerous initiatives, leading to more efficient working patterns for staff and smoother processes for people across the organisations.

As well as these roles, Eleanor has also been the Chair of The Gingerbread Centre - a homelessness charity supporting families across Staffordshire – where she worked to improve governance and developed a new strategy.

She is also currently a member of the Board of Governors at Staffordshire University.

Eleanor holds an MA in Strategic Human Resources Management and has been a fellow of the CIPD for over 15 years.

Eleanor enjoys keeping fit, walking her two Cockerpoo dogs and spending time with friends and family.

Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Hackett, said: “Eleanor is a highly experienced leader who has an outstanding track record in complex and diverse organisations.

“She is committed to our University’s values and has a strong emphasis on improving systems and services for everyone. I am very much looking forward to her joining.

“I would like to also thank Andrew Mullen for leading the Directorate over the last few months on an interim basis.”

Professor Duncan Ivison, who will take up the position of President and Vice-Chancellor from 1 August, said: “Our people are integral to the University’s future, and I am looking forward to welcoming Eleanor to the University’s Senior Leadership Team.”

Eleanor will officially join the University on 1 September and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Professional Services Leadership Team.

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 

To mark Nancy’s highly successful tenure, the University’s 91ֱ�� Engineering Campus Development (MECD), one of the largest educational spaces in Europe, was named the Nancy Rothwell Building in her honour on 24 July at a special ceremony.

With the help of the robots from the University’s Centre for Robotics and AI, Nancy was presented with a time capsule, an object created for the groundbreaking ceremony of MECD which was attended by the now Prince and Princess of Wales. The time capsule, which will be sealed in a specially designed vault, contains symbols of The University of Manchester’s world-class research, letters from staff and students, a miniature replica of the first car to use graphene in its construction and gold foil representing Ernest Rutherford and colleagues’ pivotal work leading to an artificial nuclear reaction.

The ceremony also featured a performance of a specially commissioned poem from former Chancellor of the University, and renowned poet, Lemn Sissay.

Nancy’s tenure has been marked by significant growth, recognition, and development.

Along with being instrumental in the genesis of the remarkable engineering research and teaching facility now named after her, Nancy has presided over the development of the wider campus, including the Graphene Innovation Engineering Centre, the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, the Paterson cancer research centre, and the redeveloped Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School.

There has been a transformation of the campus for students, staff and visitors including more open green spaces, and redeveloped cultural institutions which have attracted millions of visitors.

91ֱ�� remains the most applied to British university for undergraduate study and was rated Silver overall, Gold for Student Outcomes, and Silver for Student Experience in the TEF 2023.

In research, 91ֱ�� was fifth in the UK for research power in the 2021 REF and by 2022/23, 91ֱ��’s research income had grown to £257 million, alongside the establishment of the research beacons to drive investment and impact across five key research areas.

Nancy will be remembered for her strong passion for civic engagement and global impact, and she placed social responsibility as one of the main pillars of the institution.

The QS Sustainability Rankings and THE University Impact Rankings both place The University of Manchester in the top three in the world for social and environmental impact and top in the UK and Europe. This reflects the enormous progress the University has made in addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Part of this impact is a commitment to be zero carbon by 2038. Nancy has committed significant investment into this important ambition, including a new solar farm, which will produce 65% of the University’s electricity needs when it opens in Autumn 2025.

As a leader in innovation, 91ֱ�� is a partner in Northern Gritstone, an investment business focused on university spinouts and IP-rich businesses in the North of England, which announced a final close of £312m in 2023.

Nancy has been a strong advocate for extending opportunities to all, including establishing the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award to give outstanding students from around the world a foundation to support research training, and Humanitarian and Conflict Scholarships for people at immediate risk who have been forced to flee their homes as a direct result of armed conflict.

The University also holds Disability Confident Leader, Silver Race Equality Charter, Silver Athena Swan and a Platinum Award for Public Engagement status, among many others.

The University’s leadership in civic engagement has been evidenced with the ongoing development of ID 91ֱ�� - a £1.7bn innovation district planned in partnership with Bruntwood SciTech – and championing 91ֱ�� as first place in the country to establish a dedicated cross-city region centre to help support higher education students with mental health needs.

In collaboration with other universities in the city-region, Nancy spearheaded a joint Civic University Agreement with the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA) and its ten local authorities to drive social and economic change in the city region.

Further afield, global partnerships were forged with the Universities of Toronto, Melbourne and Chinese University of Hong Kong among others, and significant networks established with alumni and supporters overseas.  Following the naming ceremony, a dinner was held at which a series of individuals spoke warmly about the different ways in which Nancy has contributed to the life of the University, city and higher education sector more widely.

These included, Chair of the Board of Governors, Philippa Hird; Nancy’s long-time research colleague, Professor Stuart Allan; Nobel Prize winner, Professor Sir Andre Geim; recent medical graduate and award-winning social entrepreneur, Dr George Obolo; and Professor Lord Patrick Vallance, in a personal capacity as he has known Nancy for many years and co-chaired the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology with her.

This marked the end of a series of formal events to honour her achievements, including on 10 July and the unveiling of her portrait at the Whitworth on 19 June.

Her term of office ends on 31 July 2024, handing over to Professor Duncan Ivison, former Deputy President for Research at The University of Sydney. Nancy will continue her association with the University as an emeritus professor, building on her achievements as an eminent physiologist, which have led to her furthering the understanding of brain injury and stroke. Professor Ivison has also asked her to continue to play an ambassadorial role in relation to fundraising and external relations.

Philippa Hird, Chair of the University’s Board of Governors said: “Nancy’s leadership and her overriding belief that The University of Manchester is a global force for good and for opportunity have underpinned the many achievements of her 14 years. It has been a great honour to work with her.”

Nancy’s thoughts on her tenure are featured in an interview for the most recent University of Manchester Magazine.

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." 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous collaborations for The Sculpts have included 91ֱ�� Museum - for whom the designers created a bespoke range of their iconic ‘alphabet’ illustrations, the Whitworth gallery and Stock Exchange Hotel. Visit for more information.

Following his retirement as the inspirational Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, the University was fortunate to have Sir Howard join it in 2017, as an Honorary Professor of Politics. He became a part-time advisor to the University and was also Chair of the 91ֱ�� Academic Health Science Centre.  

President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said:   "Having known Howard for many years, I recognised what a remarkable individual he was. I often sought his advice and wise counsel, and I am proud to have had him as a friend."  

Sir Howard worked for 91ֱ�� City Council for over 45 years, serving as Chief Executive since 1998 where he performed a central role in the regeneration and economic growth of the city. Prior to this role, he led 91ֱ�� Millennium Ltd where he oversaw the transformation of the city centre following the IRA bombing in 1996. 

Sir Howard's legacy shaped 91ֱ�� as the city we know, and he will forever be a part of Manchester's history. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the city he passionately served.