The projects are supported through £22 million of funding – of which each will receive £5 million - by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA) scheme.

The first project, CyberFocus, led by Lancaster University, will strengthen and deliver strategic investments in the region’s cyber ecosystem, fuelling the potential of the North West cyber sector and keeping the UK at the forefront of advance cyber security.

Danny Dresner, Professor of Cyber Security in the Department of Computer Science and the University’s academic lead for CyberFocus, said: “The volatile, risk-filled landscape of cyber security so often gives our adversaries free rein to innovate faster than those who create for the online safety of all of us."

CyberFocus brings together the universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Salford, Manchester Metropolitan, Central Lancashire, Cumbria and Liverpool.

It will also be supported by other partners including Team Barrow (Westmorland & Furness Council, and BAE Systems), Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria LEP, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Lancashire County Council.

The project aims to act as a catalyst for cyber knowledge exchange across the North West, fostering a collaborative approach to research and innovation, and helping the region drive economic growth and improve cyber resilience.

CyberFocus aims to:

• Create 85 new collaborative partnerships
• Develop 400 new products, processes, or services
• Secure £40m additional funding for the region
• Train 300 individuals in cyber innovation skills

The second project, led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, focuses on nuclear robotics and artificial intelligence. It will connect academia with the supply chain, with the aim of decommissioning the country’s nuclear legacy, as well as developing technology that can be exploited by the nuclear fusion sector.

Barry Lennox, Professor of Applied Control, in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is the University’s lead for this project.

The project will link Cumbria and Oxfordshire – its' university partners being The University of Cumbria, The University of Manchester and The University of Oxford – and hopes to mobilise significant knowledge and technology transfer between these areas.

Being the only research focused university with a research base in West Cumbria, The University of Manchester will also attempt to bring other universities into the region and support them, as they develop technology for the nuclear industry.

The project aims to:

• Create 200 business opportunities
• Establish 10 spin-out companies
• Generate 200 new jobs
• Engage 5,000 people in cluster-driven events

UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “We are backing universities across the UK to home in on local strengths in research – from cybersecurity in Lancaster to maritime in Liverpool, offshore wind in Edinburgh to digital healthcare in Belfast – to support thousands of local jobs, boost skills and bring new technologies to market.

“This investment will allow innovators up and down the country to continue or expand their pioneering work to improve lives and kickstart growth in our economy with new opportunities.”

Other ongoing projects at The University of Manchester, funded by EPSRC PBIAA, include the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC), which is a collaborative project led by the University, aimed at creating a cohesive ecosystem for Industrial Biotechnology innovation. 

UKRI also funds the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), which provides flexible support to progress the commercialisation and translational development of University research.

Developed by researchers at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Manchester-based firm genedrive Plc, the rapid bedside test could save the NHS £5 million every year by reducing the need for interventions, such as cochlear implants.

The innovative test was first piloted at Saint Mary’s Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, in 2020 as part of the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) study. Following its success, the test was implemented into routine clinical practice at Saint Mary’s Hospital in 2022 and extended to all three maternity units at MFT, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, and North Manchester General Hospital, in 2023.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) conditionally recommended the genedrive test for use in the NHS last year. It has since been implemented into routine clinical practice at all eight Greater Manchester neonatal units, with funding from Health Innovation Manchester (HInM). So far, the test has prevented the hearing loss of 11 babies at MFT and across Greater Manchester, with 4,000 babies tested to October 2024.

As part of its recommendation, NICE identified areas requiring more information to determine whether the test should be recommended for use at all neonatal sites across the NHS. This includes how the test impacts the time it takes for a baby to be given antibiotics, how the results affect antibiotic prescribing decisions, and the technical performance and accuracy of the test.

Now, having successfully received £1.4m funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Office for Life Sciences, researchers at MFT will lead PALOH-UK, a new two-year study across 14 neonatal units, from large intensive care units to small special care baby units.  

Dr John McDermott, Clinical Geneticist at MFT and joint lead for the PALOH-UK study said: “We are incredibly proud to be leading this research at MFT, having already seen the difference this new genetic test has made across Greater Manchester. We are excited to explore how it can be used effectively at other neonatal units across the UK.  

“The PALOH-UK study will demonstrate how the test can be used in a timely way to ensure babies get a safe, effective antibiotic without affecting normal clinical practice, on a much larger scale.”

Using a cheek swab, the test can identify in 26 minutes whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene change that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common antibiotic, gentamicin.

While gentamicin is used to safely treat approximately 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry a gene change that can result in permanent hearing loss when given the drug.

The test replaces a previous method that traditionally took several days and is the first use of a rapid point of care genetic test in acute neonatal care. Babies found to have the genetic variant can be given an alternative antibiotic within the NICE recommended ‘golden hour.’

The 24 month, PALOH-UK study, due to start in November 2024 will be co-led by Professor Bill Newman, Consultant in Genomic Medicine at the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at The University of Manchester.

Professor Newman, who is also Rare Conditions Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), said: “While we were delighted that NICE recommended the use of the genetic beside test, we understand that evidence is needed to understand implementation in smaller centres and in more diverse populations, which is what this study will do.

“We are looking forward to working with partners across the NHS to take this research to the next level and hopefully bring this test closer to implementation across every NHS neonatal unit in the UK.”

Dr Gino Miele, Chief Executive, genedrive plc, said: “We are delighted with the successful funding award to MFT, to address the areas where NICE has identified a need for further information.  We are proud to be at the forefront of pharmacogenetic testing in emergency care settings and look forward to working with all partners across the UK to progress implementation of this worlds-first rapid genetic test in neonatal settings, positively impacting patient outcomes and healthcare finances.”

Dr John McDermott, who is also a NIHR Fellow at The University of Manchester added: “It’s fantastic to see this research moving forward and highlights how genomic medicine can be integrated into routine clinical practice to improve healthcare outcomes. Most importantly, having this test available nationally will ensure no baby will go deaf unnecessarily.”

• Image: using the genetic test

These new members join the Board at an exciting time, as it begins to engage with the development and evolution of the Manchester 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 Manchester. 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, Manchester 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 Manchester 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 .

The generous gift, which was made to the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM), will create the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund – a dedicated fund within the Foundation’s endowment. The first initiative supported by the fund will be a four-year Sear Family Cancer Research PhD, into which early-career researcher Gala Konteva has recently been recruited. Her research will focus on improving outcomes for lung cancer sufferers.

With Judith having studied at The University of Manchester with her late husband Tim in the 1960s, the Sear family is one of the University’s longest serving and most generous donors in the USA. Their donations have also supported the Manchester Access Programme, the Whitworth Art Gallery and a PhD in African Midwifery.

Judith Sear commented on her latest donation: “We chose to support cancer research at The University of Manchester because cancer directly upended the lives of two generations in our family. We are not alone. We are one family amongst millions around the world forced to cope with an unexpected cancer diagnosis. But while remembering our loved ones lost to cancer, we have been lucky to watch the incredible work carried on in the expanding Manchester Cancer Research Centre. There we have met world-leading scientists who are passionate about building brighter futures for the next generation of cancer patients. 

“By giving to the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM) Endowment, we were able to make this gift in a way that will benefit researchers for generations to come. As a NAFUM Board member for many years, I have seen the impact of US giving made possible through NAFUM. I encourage others to join my family and hundreds of alumni across North America in becoming a supporter.”

NAFUM is an independent foundation that supports the University’s work, by allowing donors based in North America to give tax efficiently and support research and student support initiatives at the University.

Gala said of her research: “The focus of my PhD project will be to develop a novel therapeutic approach for lung cancer by inhibiting a protein called p38α, a member of the MAPK signalling pathway. This protein plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in inflammation, and typically protects against cancer.

“However, in lung adenocarcinoma, it promotes tumour progression and represents a promising target for cancer therapies. There have been several clinical trials of other p38α inhibitors in lung cancer, however, none of them have been successful. My work on these novel peptide inhibitors, an alternative to traditional chemical drugs, has the potential to contribute to the development of targeted therapies, which could improve treatment options for patients suffering from lung cancer.”

Manchester is a bustling centre for cancer research, with The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust working in partnership to drive cutting-edge discovery at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre. The city is also home to the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute which spans the entire spectrum of cancer research.

Professor Stephen Taylor, Head of Division for Cancer Sciences at The University of Manchester said: "Under the fast-paced research landscape today, our understanding of cancer's causes and how to treat it is constantly evolving. And for the researchers focused on bringing safer and more effective treatments to patients, determination is limitless.

"But our funds are not limitless, making donations from generous philanthropists - especially those living overseas - absolutely crucial to the UK's cancer research efforts. Working towards the eradication of cancer is a global effort, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our donors, partners and colleagues around the world for their commitment to this shared goal."

, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health

In a book I wrote with a colleague on organisational failures () the inability of many of them to confront their failures, except to say a meaningless “we’re sorry”, is legend.

We highlighted the many cases of organisations in the private and public sector apologising profusely for a high-profile failure, but not taking any personal or organisational responsibility for it. We concluded, after looking at hundreds of organisational failures, that the very act of apologising is itself in crisis.

Organisations are confused and gripped by a range of anxieties. They worry about the consequences of apologising, including the humiliation that comes with admitting wrongdoing. And their (unfounded) fear of inviting litigation often prevents them from giving apologies when they’re most needed.

Crisis communication is becoming a costly business and often the conclusion is that it’s easier not to apologise at all. When an apology is forthcoming, it happens too late or in a wording so cautious as to be stripped of all meaning for the victims.

And in a multimedia age, the fear of potential damage to an organisation’s image and brand will encourage them to be less open and transparent about their failure.

In the case of the Church of England, there may be a number of additional obstacles which may have inhibited organisation leaders from confronting the appalling behaviour of John Smyth over the years. The now deceased barrister , many of whom he met via his work with the church.

First, the church is meant to be the “moral” role model of the country. So to admit to itself or to the outside world, that this kind of behaviour exists within its own structures may be difficult to acknowledge or to confront.

Second, the church is a highly hierarchical organisation. People further down the hierarchy might want to cover up their failures to protect their career ambitions or to protect the church’s image and reputation. This may help explain why people did not come forward, despite open concerns about Smyth.

Justin Welby has in the wake of a review that found evidence that Smyth’s crimes had been covered up by the church since the 1980s. Welby said he took responsibility for the “conspiracy of silence” within the church since 2013, when police had been notified about the abuse but the allegations were not properly followed up by the church.

But there are practical questions to ask about who was responsible for managing this process to ensure that proper safeguarding was put in place. In other words, who had delegated responsibility for this particular individual and situation? Welby may be morally responsible but that doesn’t quite answer the question of who failed to act at the time. This shows lack of senior leadership by the church, who have a duty of care for those under the guidance of the church.

As Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, has , there appears to be a lack of willingness among many bishops to confront the top leadership of the Church over their accountability for their lack of leadership on this safeguarding issue. This may come down to their personal career concerns or not wanting to rock the proverbial boat.

These organisational shortcomings were highlighted in the review of the church’s response to the Smyth case. The review warned of excessive deference to senior clergy in leadership roles and failures of leadership and accountability in safeguarding.

This will all require a serious culture change programme in the future. But as Machiavelli wrote in the Prince: “It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success and more dangerous to carry through than initiating change. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new.”

Change will be needed, nonetheless, and this situation has provided the church the opportunity to seriously explore its leadership and organisational culture – a process that should not stop at the resignation of the archbishop.

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read 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.” 

The NorthWest Doctoral Programme in Biosciences (NWD) unites the strengths of the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, to train a diverse community of motivated, inquisitive bioscientists for tomorrow’s workforce.

Alongside the partnership between Manchester and Liverpool university, NWD is also in collaboration with industrial partners Boots No7, Unilever, Waters, and Bionow, who will all provide training and research opportunities.

NWD will centre on four scientific and cross-cutting themes that bring together the complementary strengths of UoM and UoL in areas critical to the UK scientific, societal and economic landscape: Discovery Bioscience, Agrifood & Sustainable Systems, Engineering Biology & Industrial Biotechnology, and Advanced Tools and Technology.

NWD will offer PhD students a strong sense of community and team-led research, face-to-face training - including mandatory training in digital/AI skills - networking events and individualised training plans.

The programme also recognises that many biosciences doctoral graduates pursue careers beyond research. To aid students looking at careers elsewhere, the NWD will be underpinned by innovative PhD-to-workforce programmes - PhD-PROSPER and BIOBRIDGE – which will empower PhD students to plan, develop, and pursue future careers across diverse sectors.

Rasmus Petersen, Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and academic lead for NWD said: "I am delighted that the BBSRC has made this award to our new Doctoral Training Programme: an innovative new partnership between the University of Manchester and University of Liverpool, in collaboration with industry and charity partners.

Professor Peter McCormick from the University of Liverpool said: "We are delighted to win this award in conjunction with our partners at the University of Manchester. Together we build on our tradition in the North West of England in training world class researchers in the biosciences arena. The proximity of our partnership allows the students to take advantage of both our facilities and will enhance the cohort community."

As NWD is committed to accelerating equality of access and opportunity, the University will work in partnership with social mobility charity to engage and create opportunities for those currently underrepresented in UK doctoral training. This will include a significant institutional investment into Widening Participation Masters bursaries.

Doctoral Landscape ������ds are funded by UK Research and Innovation, who are investing more than £500 million across universities to support doctoral training.

Prospective postgraduate researchers can register their interest and receive updates about the programme .

The team is a collaboration between The University of Manchester and sector partners, including BASF, Siemens, the Ogden Trust, Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Comino Foundation, the Royal Society, ASE, PSQM, SSERC, Leeds Trinity University, and CREST – involving hundreds of schools across the UK.

They won the prize in recognition of their work inspiring 5-14 years olds in practical science, through a collaborative campaign focused on pupils asking, investigating and sharing their scientific questions. Supported by their teachers, young people work scientifically to gather evidence, draw conclusions and share their learning with new audiences, from fellow pupils to community groups and dignitaries.

GSSfS is relevant to all young people, in whatever educational setting, anywhere across the world. This year, the campaign reached over 670,000 pupils in more than 3,500 schools, spanning 36 countries.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.

“The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

“The team’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year’s winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education – including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills – from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.

, 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 supports healthcare professionals and students in developing leadership skills essential for shaping the future of healthcare.

Al-Saffar, a Final Year Medical Student, will join a community of scholars selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across the world. Scholars will attend several leadership workshops throughout the year, along with mentorship, coaching and networking opportunities with HLA Alumni and prominent healthcare leaders.

During the programme, each scholar will undertake a Scholar Project aimed at addressing a key healthcare challenge. Al-Saffar plans to focus on improving access to medical school for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Of the award, Noor said: “I am thrilled to have been accepted onto the HLA with a scholarship. As someone who is passionate about global health leadership and policy-making, this is an excellent opportunity to cultivate and develop my leadership skills. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Scholars from around the world, and sharing expertise. Very grateful and honoured to be part of the HLA community, and for the support and mentorship that I will undoubtedly derive from it for years to come.”

Johann Malawana, Director of The HLA, said: “After a rigorous and competitive application process, we are delighted to welcome our new cohort of 2024-2025 scholars. At a time of great global challenge in healthcare, it is important that the next generation of healthcare leaders are motivated, inspired, and prepared in order to best look after the populations they serve.”

Founded in 2016, The HLA recognises individuals with proven leadership potential  and offers an opportunity to future nurture their leadership skills to the next level. This year’s cohort has a mix of medical students from across various healthcare professions from over 10 countries.

The HLA is an associate member of The Council of Deans of Health in the UK, commissioned by NHS England, works with institutions across multiple countries and partners with Medics Academy.

The lecture, which celebrates the significant contributions made by women to the study of the Natural Sciences, was delivered in collaboration with the prestigious Linnean Society of London.

Hosted by Dr Maggy Fostier, Faculty Associate Dean for Environmental Sustainability, Professor Bamford took the audience on a journey from her industrial roots in Essex to her conservation work in Costa Rica and Panama, offering insight into the world of plant science and environmental issues like climate change along the way.

She described how her childhood interest in botany had been inspired by wild orchids growing in an abandoned chalk quarry in her local area in Essex. Her passion for plants and wildlife eventually led her to conservation work in Central America, where she has helped protect critically endangered amphibian and bird species from extinction.

She said: “It was a great honour to give the 2024 Irene Manton lecture. I wanted to show the importance of taking every opportunity to engage with wildlife and conservation, even in an abandoned chalk quarry reclaimed by nature, and the importance of connecting with people and their communities in order to conserve  endangered species."

Taking place at Manchester Museum, Professor Bamford’s lecture attracted an audience of academics, conservation enthusiasts, and students from local schools and colleges.

Robbie Blackhall-Miles, former Vice-President of the Linnean Society, also told the gathering that British botanist Irene Manton studied for her PhD at the University of Manchester and went on to an influential career which included becoming the first female President of the Linnean Society.

Amanda was joined by Matt O’Donnell, the Museum’s Curator of Herpetology, who spoke about his own work as a frog conservationist. He carries out  important frog research and conservation projects in Costa Rica. He also brought along some particularly popular contributors – several live tropical frogs from the Museum’s vivarium!

With the aim of the lecture being to encourage young people to explore a career in the natural sciences, Professor Bamford’s story demonstrated the impact conservation work can have on animals, plants, and the humans who protect them.

Titled ‘The road to net zero: renewables and nuclear working together’, the report shines a spotlight on the flexibility of nuclear as an energy source and its potential in a net zero future.

The report offers a fresh perspective on nuclear, which – until now – has not often been seen as a flexible technology because it operates best when run flat out continuously. However, in addition to nuclear reactors producing electricity, the process produces nuclear-enabled heat and hydrogen, a storable standby energy source.

While the experts agree that renewable energy sources should be a major contributor to future energy strategy, there is an argument that nuclear energy can complement the variability of renewables contending with the UK’s island weather system – negating the need to rely on expensive back-up natural gas power plants.

Zara Hodgson, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester said: “The time to research, evaluate and plan for the delivery of a clean energy future is now – and the clock is ticking. We hope this report will prompt debate within the energy sector and help to inform policy, so that Great Britain is in the best possible position to meet its ambitious 2050 net zero target.

“Great strides have already been made in driving forward renewable energy initiatives and moving away from fossil fuel burning power plants. And as part of an integrated approach to Great Britain’s future energy mix, nuclear can help ensure gas power plants do not play a key role.”

Included in the report are the Dalton Nuclear Institute’s ten recommendations to government and industry for effective net zero road-mapping, including the need for decision-making on the future energy mix to consider the capacity factors of new and existing infrastructure. The delivery of low-carbon, cost-effective dispatchable electricity must also be prioritised to support the overall system.

Traditionally, proponents of renewables and nuclear have been divided in their viewpoints. However, the report stresses the importance of a joined-up approach where nuclear, renewables, energy storage and hydrogen production can all play their parts in a cleaner, greener future. You can access the full report via the Dalton Nuclear Institute website

The new tool -  now used across the world - was developed by research fellow Dr Richard Naylor who made it possible to use zebrafish larvae to easily and quickly screen new drugs for treating different kidney diseases. 

Replacement, reduction and refinement – known collectively as the 3Rs -  are an increasingly important area of biological research. 

By law scientists must demonstrate they have adhered to the principles of the 3Rs before their project license is granted by the Home Office. 

Dr Naylor will pick up his award today (14 November) at the second ever University of Manchester  3Rs symposium, organised by the University’s animal unit, where  scientists will hear about the latest advances in 3Rs science. 

Using organisms that are not able to feed independently and are therefore considered to be minimally sentient - the judges recognised the tool as a novel alternative to mammals but also for its ability to reduce animal numbers and enhance the care they receive. 

Kidney disease is a major cause of illness and accounts for 10% of all deaths in humans. 

Protein in urine is produced when kidneys do not work properly and is easily tested in humans with a simple dipstick. 

Zebrafish- which have similar genetics to humans and possess 80% of human disease-causing genes - are a popular species used by research scientists because they produce large numbers of eggs (200 to 300 per week per female), which develop externally. 

In the past it was virtually impossible to test for protein in the urine of zebra fish larvae because the tiny amounts of urine produced are immediately diluted in the fish tank. 

However, a new genetically modified zebrafish larvae model, designed and generated by Dr Naylor and his team, contains a luminescent molecule called NL-D3 in its blood. 

When kidneys are damaged, NL-D3 leaks out of the kidneys and into the urine. NL-D3 can easily be detected in embryos using a luminometer which measures the light produced by urine in the water. 

As a result, scientists can now easily test for the level of protein in high numbers of the organisms which - at less than 5 days old - are not considered to be fully sentient under the law. 

The team tested the new tool by generating a zebrafish model of Alport syndrome, a kidney disease characterized by protein in the urine, publishing their results in the prestigious journal . 

In Alport zebrafish, levels of NL-D3 increased but could be subsequently reduced using captopril, a drug that lowers blood pressure, demonstrating the efficacy of the tool. 

Dr Naylor said: “Finding 3Rs solutions to animal research is incredibly important because as scientists we care about the welfare of the animals we are privileged to work with. 

“That is why it is so exciting we have demonstrated how is possible to conduct fundamental research on kidney disease without necessarily relying on mammalian models. 

“Testament to this, we have had seven research groups in the US and Europe request embryos be sent to them. 

“And even more excitingly, we are currently collaborating with a large pharmaceutical company to model acute kidney injury and screen drugs to treat it.” 

Dr Maria Kamper, Director of the animal unit at the University of Manchester said: “As Director of the Biological Services Facility, I am delighted to present our inaugural University of Manchester 3Rs prize to Dr Naylor and his team. 

“Their innovative work exemplifies our commitment to advancing scientific discovery while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. The widespread adoption of this model by kidney disease researchers worldwide proves it is an outstanding achievement in the 3Rs space.” 

Replacing mouse models
Until now, protein in the urine as a marker of kidney dysfunction in disease and in response to drug treatments was mainly used in mouse models or from human patients. But with the new tool, the ability to use zebrafish to accurately monitor kidney dysfunction increases the appeal of pre-independent feeding stage zebrafish to model kidney disease for researchers worldwide. 

Fewer numbers needed
Previously, high numbers of embryos were needed due to high variability in methods used to test kidney dysfunction in zebrafish. The new tool, however, has reduced the number of procedures needed to be performed on zebrafish embryos to zero.  As the scientists now only need to analyse embryo medium, no animals are injected or are required to be anaesthetized. And fewer larvae are needed to achieve statistical significance. 

No need to anaesthetize the embryos
Before the paper was published, the only way to measure kidney dysfunction in zebrafish was to inject fluorescent dextran directly into the animals and observe how quickly the fluorescence was lost from the blood vasculature over the subsequent days. The approach meant having to anaesthetize zebrafish embryos repeatedly, which is now lo longer necessary.

• The paper A novel nanoluciferase transgenic reporter measures proteinuria in zebrafish is published in
• Images are of zebrafish larvae

The findings from a survey and interviews provide an important context to the retention crisis for pharmacy technicians, who are leaving their current employers or the role altogether in numbers. 

Published in the journal Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy this week, the study reveals their role is characterised by heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, and lack of support. 

A minority of the 603 respondents - 489 of which were women - also reported favouritism, bullying, and racism, especially in community pharmacies and some hospitals. 

The findings are a stark warning to policy makers that urgent action is needed to retain the 26,500-strong English pharmacy technician workforce. 

After formal recognition of the role in the early 2000s, registration was made mandatory in 2011, requiring two years of study. 

Pharmacy technicians are now regulated pharmacy professionals, who are taking on increasing levels of responsibility in community and hospitals, and increasing numbers are working in general practice. 

Government plans for newly qualified pharmacists registering as independent prescribers from 2026 and delivery of increasing levels of clinical services through community pharmacies will mean pharmacy technicians are needed to take on more responsibility to free up pharmacists’ time. 

However, according to NHS England, current workforce projections (Based on 2021 figure from Health Education England. Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Support Staff Workforce Development Strategy) suggest the number of pharmacy technicians will not meet the demand, which could lead to a vacancy rate of 9% across the acute and primary care sectors.

NHSE also estimates that vacancy rates in community pharmacies are even starker at 20% and rising. 

Lead author Dr Imelda , research fellow at The University of Manchester said: “Our study discovered many complexities behind the falling numbers of pharmacy technicians. 

“These include low pay, limited career advancement, lack of recognition by employers and stressful work environments, characterised by heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, and lack of support. 

“Our evidence shows that staff turnover is influenced by a multitude of factors such as career commitment, organisational commitment, job satisfaction and job stress.

“But as Government policy sees their role as increasingly important, these issues need to be resolved.”

Co-author and the study’s principal investigator Professor Ellen said: “There are challenges preventing pharmacy technicians from effectively fulfilling their expanded roles.

“One is the lack of clarity surrounding their roles and responsibilities, particularly in community pharmacy settings.

“But the heart of the problem could lie in the lack of adequate support and recognition of their inherent value, leading to job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates.

She added: “Employers need to address compensation disparities, offering fair and competitive wages that reflect the pharmacy technician's extended roles and responsibilities. 

“Prioritising career development opportunities, such as mentorship, demonstrates a commitment to pharmacy technician growth and job satisfaction. 

“Cultivating supportive and inclusive work environments is equally important. This involves fostering a culture that values pharmacy technician contributions and promotes work-life balance. 

“A stable, committed workforce, will benefit the organisation, the pharmacy technician’s workforce and ultimately, patient care.”

It was sent by the NHS England funded Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) to 11,762 people who had agreed to be contacted for marketing and evaluation purposes. 

The team also carried out 19 qualitative interviews to understand the views and experiences of pharmacy technicians and the factors that contribute to their intention to leave practice.

One of the respondents told the researchers:  “Within the career itself, I don't think pharmacy technicians’ role is very well described. People don't actually know what we do.” 

Another said: “I have left community pharmacy after 10 years of stress and bullying by customers, staff and management.”

And another commented: “you could get £3 an hour more stacking shelves in supermarket, which is pretty eye opening.…In pharmacy you make a mistake and you have got a whole raft of things that you need to be seriously worried about and that is only worth 30 pence more an hour.”

The paper Why are pharmacy technicians leaving?: Factors contributing to turnover intention and strategies for retention is available

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 Manchester. 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 ������d winner Nile Rodgers will play one of the three nights of shows in Liverpool later this month.

Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the research will investigate how current youth worker services for children and young people with physical or mental health LTCs are organised, provided and experienced across the UK.

Around a quarter of young people aged 11 to 25 have an LTC, such as diabetes, depression or autism, and the number of young people with mental health problems has increased significantly in England since 2017. Recent figures published in 2023 indicate that 20 per cent of 8 to 16-year-olds, 23 per cent of 17 to 19-year-olds and 22 per cent of 20 to 25-year-olds are now reporting LTCs.

Youth workers have been introduced into healthcare settings to support young people, however there is little evidence to support this introduction, and little is known about their role and the best way of providing youth work services.

The 30-month study, jointly led by Professor Marie Marshall MBE, Deputy Director of NMAHP for Research and Innovation at MFT and Professor Sue Kirk, Professor Family and Child Health at UoM, aims to fill this evidence gap and to standardise and improve how support is delivered in healthcare settings across the UK, to benefit the health and wellbeing of young people.

Professor Marie Marshall at MFT, said: “Adolescence is a life stage when patterns of health behaviour are established that continue into adult life, which makes this a key time to intervene, to improve health, social and educational outcomes in adulthood.

“The study findings will help services develop and provide youth work services that will be used in the NHS and other organisations, to improve young people's health, confidence, social relationships and resilience. This could support young people living with LTCs to have a better quality of life both now and in adulthood.”

The study will be carried out in two stages; in stage one researchers will conduct a national survey to find out what types of youth worker services there currently are for young people with LTCs in the UK. This will include those provided by the NHS and other organisations.

In stage two, six youth worker services drawn from the survey will be selected to compare the different ways of providing youth work services. Researchers will study these services in detail and talk to young people, parents, professionals and managers about their views on the services.

12 young advisors and parents, including one or two young people at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, part of MFT, with a LTC will also help with the research.

Their input will ensure the work is relevant and matters to young people by developing the study materials, advising on the best way to carry out the research, helping researchers understand the findings and co-develop the guidance for developing the future of youth work services.

Joint study lead, Professor Sue Kirk at The University of Manchester, said: “This study will develop the evidence-base for youth work services for young people with LTCs and identify the best way of providing these services to improve health and wellbeing. We are a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, practitioners, managers and researchers from across the UK, working closely with our young people’s advisory group and study advisory group to help ensure the guidance we develop is appropriate and used by commissioners and services.”

The study will run until 31 March 2027, and findings from the research will be used to develop guidance on the best way of providing youth work services for young people with LTCs in the NHS and other healthcare settings.

The collaboration between the two universities, which are both located in UK innovation hotspots, aims to boost growth and turbocharge a more inclusive economy, so everyone can benefit from the opportunities created by innovation.

Professor Ivison visited Cambridge as part of a delegation led by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, which also included the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Deborah Prentice.

Also representing The University of Manchester was Professor Richard Jones, Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement and Professor Lou Cordwell, OBE, Professor of Innovation.

During his visit, Professor Ivison toured the Cambridge West Innovation District and paid a visit to the Cambridge Graphene Centre.

Graphene was first isolated at The University of Manchester in 2004, earning Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov the Nobel Prize in Physics. Two decades on, this wonder material has incredible potential to revolutionise how we live and it is being piloted for a breadth of medical and engineering purposes.

The visiting delegation also paid a visit to AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre (DISC), a state-of-the-art research facility. The biopharmaceutical giant is set to extend its ‘AstraZeneca Exchange’ science and business mentoring programme to Manchester entrepreneurs, helping early-stage life sciences businesses to develop their ideas and connect with scientific and commercial experts within the company.

The Glasshouse, a new innovation hub for Innovate Cambridge, was also officially opened by the Mayors. Academics, business and civil leaders from Cambridge and Manchester also attended the event to celebrate the collaboration between the two universities and Innovate Cambridge.

Professor Ivison said: “To keep the UK at the forefront of a truly inclusive growth agenda, we need to supercharge innovation - linking capital, talent, and research in ways that drive new economic growth.

“Working collaboratively, the partnership will build on the strengths of both cities’ universities and innovation ecosystems to deliver real benefits for our regions and beyond. Our ambition is to power an inclusive economy, positioning Manchester and Cambridge as central players on the global stage to accelerate growth for all in society.” 

The partnership is the first of its kind, and it aims to build closer relations between universities and research institutions, attract more investment and speed up the growth of start and scale-ups.

Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board and Professor of Innovation at the University of Manchester, Lou Cordwell, said: “This partnership is a groundbreaking initiative – bringing together two of the UK’s leading innovation cities to help us achieve more. Whether it’s researchers, entrepreneurs, established businesses or investors, we want to support a flow of innovation between our two places.

“Hearing from the Mayors, local leaders, businesses and universities today, the scale of the opportunity and level of ambition was clear and we’re excited to take the partnership further.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester and Cambridge are two world-renowned centres of innovation. This partnership is breaking new ground, creating strong new ties between the North of England and the Golden Triangle to drive regional and national economic growth.

“Our two places have distinct identities and unique strengths, but we also have a lot in common – world-leading universities and dynamic, fast-growing economies. We also share an ambition for growth that benefits everyone, with more people and businesses able to access the opportunities created by innovation. By working together, we can be greater than the sum of our parts.”

The Vice-Chancellor’s trip to Cambridge followed hot on the heels of the new government’s first Budget, in which research and development (R&D) is cited as one of the Chancellor’s key priorities. An increase in public R&D investment of £20.4billion in 2025/26 was announced in addition to a boosted budget of £13.9billion for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The partnership between The University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge aims to plot a new way forward for R&D and innovation-led growth.

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 Manchester, 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.” 

The research, led by researchers at The University of Manchester and McGill University in Canada which analysed over 1 million patients newly initiated on opioids, found prescription of strong opioids was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to taking codeine.

 Strong opioids include morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, as well as combination opioids. 

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research the UK , the study findings, published today in  the journal Pain is one of the first to provide clarity on the comparative safety of different types of opioids across different countries. 

Additionally, patients taking 50 or more morphine milligram equivalents per day experienced an incremental higher risk of death. 

Morphine milligram equivalents are a way to compare the strength of different opioid medications to morphine which enables measurement of how much opioid a person is taking, no matter which specific drug is prescribed.

 The researchers also found that:

• UK patients on morphine had more than 12 times the risk of all-cause mortality compared to codeine users after adjusting for confounding factors. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the US and Canada after such adjustments. Elevated risks were also seen with fentanyl, oxycodone and buprenorphine.
• A history of depression and prior substance abuse were associated with an increased risk of death across all cohorts and in most subgroups.
• In the UK, the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepine medications at the same time as an opioid was associated with higher risk of death across all three subgroups.
• Being on more than one type of opioid was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality.. 

Dr Meghna Jani, NIHR Advanced Fellow and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester was the lead author of the study. 

She is also based at the North Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust  and a researcher within the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. 

She said: “It is understandable that some people do need to be prescribed opioids for pain especially in the short term given the limited options for pain relief. 

“What these study findings allow is for people to make more informed choices about the types of pain relief or specific opioid to get started on based on scientific evidence across multiple countries.” 

She added: “The morphine milligram equivalent thresholds at which the risks of opioid use are considered to outweigh the benefits, vary considerably across current international guidelines. 

“This study highlights the importance of closely monitoring patients on or approaching doses of 50 or more morphine milligram equivalents per day. 

“It also suggests having earlier, open discussions with patients on such doses to explore alternative treatments and provide additional support, especially for those with risk factors for serious opioid-related harms. 

“However instead of stopping the use of stronger opioids outright, shared decisions need to be made collaboratively between patients and healthcare professionals, considering each person’s unique situation”.

An embargoed copy of the paper Comparative risk of mortality in new users of prescription opioids for non-cancer pain: results from the International Pharmacosurveillance ������ , published in Pain  - the journal from the International Association for the ������ of Pain -is available

Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented in 14 years by promising to put an .

British governments typically see budgets as an opportunity to present policies providing short-term gain in terms of public popularity, even if they do little to improve Britain’s long-term economic prospects. Over the past ten years, governments have adopted and then abandoned , and .

The last Conservative government’s budget contained a range of tax cuts, most notably a 2p cut on National Insurance. Little consideration was given to the medium-term . Labour inherited a funding squeeze, alongside the need to balance the books over a five-year period based on the previous .

This kind of short-termism is a within British economic policymaking. A winner-takes-all, majoritarian electoral system encourages governments to over a longer-term economic strategy.

Here’s how Reeves is taking a different approach in her first budget.

1. Long-term strategy

Reeves has underscored Labour’s commitment to long-termism through various institutional reforms. The government had already announced the creation of to drive a new industrial strategy. This will now be accompanied by a new to provide private investment into infrastructure.

The launch of the will scrutinise spending decisions. And the Office for Budget Responsibility’s role in of capital investments, government policies and departmental spending will be enhanced.

2. Investing for growth

Alongside a few surprises such as an uplift to the minimum wage, increased tax on private jets and the continued freeze on fuel duty, the main theme of the budget was investment-led growth for the long-term.

To that end, Reeves has around debt to enable more headroom for investment. She also raised national insurance contributions for employers to fund this investment wave.

These measures will be used to plough such as engineering, biotechnology and medical science. The chancellor committed £1 billion into the aerospace industry, £2 billion into electric vehicle development, and £500 million into life sciences. In total, the public investment will amount to .

3. Infrastructure projects

Reeves also committed to funding a number of high-profile . On transport, the TransPennine Route upgrade, East West Rail, and HS2’s link into central London were all green lit. She also to build 1.5 million new homes in five years. Additionally, £20.4 billion in R&D funding was also protected in the budget.

4. Regional growth

The budget highlighted the importance of , reflecting Labour’s emphasis on continued devolution . Reeves has committed to providing an extra £6.6 billion to the devolved nations through the .

She also revealed that the would receive integrated financial settlements from 2026-27. These moves indicate some ambition and long-term vision around empowering devolved governments to drive regional economic growth.

5. Public services

Another long-term focus of the government has been “fixing the foundations” of Britain’s . Reeves linked low levels of investment to . As such, she committed to significant spending on education and health, alongside £1.3 billion to address the crisis of .

These measures signpost a renewed interest in an to address Britain’s economic weaknesses and drive growth. Both require a focus on the medium and long-term.

Remaining challenges

Collectively, these measure suggest some long-term thinking by Labour, but do they go far enough and will they stick?

Delivering on a long-term industrial strategy requires greater , especially between the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade. But other departments too, will be key to driving long-term growth and must be brought on board with Labour’s approach .

And while the integrated financial settlements will empower the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, the approach stops short of fully downloading financial independence to the regions. A focus on selective regions also only adds to in the powers regions have. A systematically thought-out approach that covers the whole UK would go further, but remains remote.

Finally, while the government has spent big on education and health, real departmental funding is only set to . Pre-budget, about the effect tight funding settlements might have for non-protected departments, especially when these cuts come to bite .

The spectre this raises for Labour is that a short-term squeeze on day-to-day departmental spending risks undermining the work it has done to secure long-term investment for growth.

, Research Associate; , Professor of Government Practice; , Professor of Public Policy

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license - read the

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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 2035 process.

Duncan Ivison
President and Vice-Chancellor

The research examines the unmet healthcare needs of marginalised communities in Greater Manchester during the pandemic and how community-based organisations and networks stepped up to help address these challenges.

Led by researchers at the University of Manchester and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), the study highlights the frustration, fear and loss of faith in the healthcare system from people within these communities, who felt they were not supported sufficiently by mainstream services.

VCFSE organisations and community networks mobilised to meet health and wellbeing needs, such as providing food and care packages to vulnerable households, food bank services, support for people experiencing homelessness, and online support groups.

The research found that these community-based approaches were deemed crucial to the success of the vaccination drive thanks to the unique position to reach members of diverse communities to boost uptake of the vaccine.

These efforts included VCFSE group helping run vaccine pop-up sites in community spaces, such as mosques and other religious sites, children’s centres, and local specialist charities such as refugee and sex worker charities.

The findings suggest that the support delivered by the VCFSE sector remains under-recognised and under-valued by the health system and decision-makers, and has prompted calls for more inclusive, community-driven solutions in future health crises.

Lead author Stephanie Gillibrand from The University of Manchester and NIHR ARC-GM, said: “The important contribution of community engagement initiatives during the pandemic and vaccine rollout is made clear in this study. Not only did VCFSE organisations and community-led networks provide significant health and wellbeing support to people across Greater Manchester, but they also played a pivotal role in building trust within hard-to-reach communities to help boost vaccine uptake.

“The value of this work needs to be recognised and learned from so steps can be taken to remove the current barriers within the health system that are stifling effective joined-up working with VCFSEs.

“Our study underscores the need to create a broader, more inclusive system which allows and promotes cross-sector collaboration, with flexibility and adaptability at the heart of future service delivery.

“With the right mechanisms in place, there is real potential to harness capacity to tackle inequalities and build trust through shared learning and greater collaborative working.”

The qualitative study, which is published in , drew insights from interviews and focus groups with people from local marginalised communities, health and care system stakeholders and VCFSE representatives.

Community participants involved groups that had been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in England, including ethnic minority groups, young adults, and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions.

During the research, concerns were raised about inability to access health services during the pandemic, including GP and specialist services. Participants also described their fear of catching the virus if they did attend healthcare settings, as well as fear of insufficient care due to well-publicised pressures in NHS settings. 

The study also found that:

• Participants felt strongly that this increased support provided by the VCFSE sector and community networks remains under-recognised and under-valued by the health system and wider public.
• Operational and logistical barriers created dissonance between communities and the system. This included difficulties with decision-making and power-sharing between VCFSE and commissioning or clinical organisations, organisational cultural clashes, red-tape and bureaucracy, and complex systems and power structures to navigate.
• Health systems should engage with the full breadth of the VCFSE sector, encouraging the involvement of smaller scale and less formal organisations as partners.
• Traditional health and care partners such as the NHS and local authorities should consider how their ways of working may need to change to foster full VCFSE inclusion on an equal standing.

in BMC Health Services Research at: https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-024-10921-4#Abs1

Biocatalysis is a process that uses enzymes as natural catalysts to carry out chemical reactions. Scientists at The University of Manchester and AstraZeneca have developed a new biocatalytic pathway that uses enzymes to produce nucleoside analogues, which are vital components in many pharmaceuticals used to treat conditions like cancer and viral infections.

Typically, producing these analogues is complicated, time consuming and generates significant waste. However, in a new breakthrough, published in the journal , the researchers have demonstrated how a "biocatalytic cascade" — a sequence of enzyme-driven reactions — can simplify the process, potentially cutting down production time and reducing environmental impact.

The researchers engineered an enzyme called deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase, enhancing its range of functions to efficiently produce different sugar-based compounds, which serve as building blocks for nucleoside-based medicines, such as oligonucleotide therapeutics. These building blocks were combined using additional enzymes to develop a condensed protocol for the synthesis of nucleoside analogues which simplifies the traditional multi-step process to just two or three stages, significantly improving efficiency.

With further refinement, this method could help streamline the production of a wide range of medicines, while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. The team are now continuing this work with the MRC funded , which looks to develop sustainable biocatalytic routes towards functionalised nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides.

The researchers, from The University of Manchester publish their findings in the journal Child Development.

Children start to say words around their first birthday, and for a while only say one word at a time, though they rapidly build their vocabulary during their second year.

But the researchers found  they do not do this by adding a complete form of new words to their own personal dictionary.

Instead, they put a new word in their dictionary which has some, but not all of the meaning, slowly finetuning  it as they hear more language.

To show how children do this, the researchers set up a study in Manchester Museum, working with a group of three to eight-year olds.

An experimenter built either 4 blocks stacked up, or 4 blocks lined up flat on a table, and then the children were asked to respond to different size words by building a bigger, smaller or taller version.

The researchers compared how their structure differed from the experimenter’s in each dimension , using mathematical modelling  to describe what types of changes children made, and how patterns varied with age.

Three and four-year-olds tended to treat bigger, smaller, and taller with the same meaning: they built things that were bigger in all directions.

“It seems that when children first learn words, they pick up a general idea of what they mean- in this case, that the words mean a size change”, said co- author Dr Alissa Ferry,  a lecturer at The University of Manchester.

“This seems to be how we end up with children  calling a cow a dog, or all round fruit apples, even though they’ve never heard an adult do that. But with more experience they fine tune their word meanings.

“We do think all children go through this process of fine-tuning word meanings, but which words are fine-tuned and when depends on what they hear around them.”

“Size words”, explained Co Author Dr Katherine Twomey, also from the University of Manchester, “are trickier to learn because they describe relations between all different kinds of objects, which makes it harder to find what is common.

“That makes it easier for us to see how the meaning changes with age development.”

By around  age 5, the children generally worked out that smaller meant they should use fewer blocks.

But it was not until about age seven they reliably worked out that taller really means bigger but specifically in the ‘up’ direction.

Most of the 3-year-olds built bigger things when the researchers asked for smaller ones, though some of them seemed to work it out faster than others.

It was not until about age 7 when most of the children  knew that taller meant specifically ‘up’.

However some 3- and 4-year-olds already seemed to know that taller meant ‘up’, probably because they had exposure to those words more frequently in conversations with their caregivers.

Dr Ferry added: “Learning a language is a uniquely human experience; children just pick it up from being exposed to it.

“Yet, we don’t quite know how that happens, which is why we carried out this study.”

Also on the research team were four sixth form Nuffield Research Placement summer internship students who helped design and collect the data.

The paper Bigger Versus Smaller: Children's Understanding of Size Comparison Words Becomes More Precise With Age is published

Cancer Research UK is investing a total of £5.9 million to develop new radiotherapy technologies and techniques over the next five years. In close collaboration with The Christie, the funding will support University of Manchester researchers to discover ways to improve radiotherapy treatments with the use of virtual clinical trials.

A virtual clinical trial is a computer simulation used to predict how medical treatments might work. It creates "virtual" groups of patients based on real-life data and tests how different treatments or devices would perform. These simulations let researchers explore questions and test ideas at a faster rate than traditional clinical trials and without the need to involve real patients.

The grant, awarded this month, is the second wave of investment into the multimillion-pound Cancer Research UK RadNet radiotherapy research programme which saw Manchester chosen as one of just seven centres of excellence in a UK-wide network that will accelerate advances in radiotherapy research.

Professor Rob Bristow, Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre and Chief Academic Officer at The Christie, is lead researcher for the project. He said: “We are very proud that Manchester has been awarded this grant to continue our work on bringing the next generation of precision radiotherapy treatments to patients sooner. The funding supports basic and discovery science to develop new approaches using state of the art radiotherapy technologies to help more people survive cancer, with fewer side effects and a better quality of life after treatment.

Our work will investigate patient-specific genetics and the microenvironment of the tumour and apply this knowledge to the latest technologies in tandem with other therapies, including immunotherapy.

Importantly, we will also be delving further into the use of artificial intelligence in radiotherapy trials. Virtual clinical trials are a new and exciting way to preview and test out new ideas using computerised simulation and improve the results of clinical trials. They help reduce the risk associated with investing in large-scale clinical studies by allowing a better tailoring of trials to patients which makes the research trial process faster, safer and less expensive, and less burdensome on our patients.

“All of this is only possible with the world leading infrastructure and expertise we have built here in Manchester."

One project will focus on the use of virtual trials to compare a form of pioneering proton beam therapy to standard radiotherapy using photons for lung cancer treatment.

Martin Storey, 70, from Wythenshawe knows all too well why radiotherapy research is so important. In 2009 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and treated with intensive radiotherapy alongside chemotherapy as part of a clinical trial.

The retired delivery driver went to see his GP after work one day when he was worried about being off his food. Countless tests found nothing of concern but eventually a scan on his lungs discovered a mass.

Now after 15 years in remission, Martin, who is married to Julie, 69, is delighted that funding is being awarded by Cancer Research UK into the development of advanced radiotherapy techniques, which he says helped to save his life.

The great-grandad who also has two children and six grandchildren said: “I feel blessed every day. Not everyone survives lung cancer, and I was one of the lucky ones to be able to go on a trial. Now thanks to research I’ve lived to be a great grandad. I think artificial intelligence is the future and if more can be done with virtual trials to improve the effectiveness of clinical trials, then it will help more patients, and more people will be able to survive their cancer like I did.”

Cancer Research UK and the Christie supported some of the earliest research into the treatment of cancer with radiation and pioneered the first use of radiotherapy in the 1920s. In its simplest form, this treatment works by blasting tumours with x-ray radiation, killing cancer cells by irreversibly damaging their DNA. Today, over 130,000 patients are treated with radiotherapy on the NHS every year.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in the UK*, and in the North West, around 44,100 people are diagnosed with the disease every year.**

In the 1970s, 1 in 4 people in the UK survived cancer for 10 years or more. But today, thanks to progress in research, it’s 2 in 4.***

Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK, Dr Iain Foulkes said: “Cancer Research UK, and its predecessors, have been at the forefront of radiation research for the past 120 years. Thanks to research, radiotherapy treatment is becoming kinder, more precise and less intensive across different cancers. 

“This funding marks a new phase of our RadNet network, advancing research which will further accelerate improvements in radiotherapy treatment in the clinic. This funding will work alongside our investments in pioneering radiotherapy clinical trials to ensure more people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

As the UK’s first university to have social responsibility as a core goal, The University of Manchester is committed to supporting the 17 issues outlined by the UN as the most pressing facing humanity and the natural world, which include quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, climate action and sustainable cities and communities.

The University of Manchester is facing these challenges head on and, for 200 years, it has responded to the needs of its city, the nation and the world. The University understands there is a profound obligation on great research universities to meet the challenges set out in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The University’s strategy to meet these challenges is comprised of four inter-related strands: research, learning and students, public engagement and operations.

In the Times Higher Education Impact , based on performance across the 17 goals, The University of Manchester is the top-ranked institution in the UK and in Europe, and second in the world.

The University is the only university in the world to have featured in the global top 10 each year since the rankings were established in 2019. The University is also proud to be the top performing institution in Europe for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, commented on the new report: “This latest publication summarises some key ways that we’re addressing the world’s biggest action plan, reflected in the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It is part of our broader commitment to reporting and sharing progress towards these important global goals.”

The report outlines that The University of Manchester published more than 22,000 pieces of research on the Sustainable Development Goals over the past five years, which is 4% of the UK's entire share of publications. It details teaching and learning programmes that address the SDGs, such as the 'Creating a Sustainable World' interdisciplinary unit.

The report also draws attention to the role of the University’s four cultural institutions, other initiatives that are engaging the public with the goals, and the ways in which people, estate and finance operations are contributing to sustainable development.

It is hoped the report stimulates the exchange of ideas, collaboration opportunities and partnerships so that, together, everyone can play a role in tackling these crucial goals by 2030.

You can download The University of Manchester’s Sustainable Development Goals report 2023-2025 .

We have notified the police, who are investigating.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duncan Ivison 

President and Vice-Chancellor 

Further information 

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

Support services 

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

Staying safe and reporting incidents  

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

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

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

The database study, which looked at the records of 613 people who died by suicide among adult patients in England between January 2001 and May 2019, also found that more than 40% of those who died within two weeks of being discharged had at least one primary care consultation before taking their lives. It further revealed  that discharged patients who died by suicide were more likely to have diagnoses of anxiety, adjustment or related disorders, depression, or personality disorders, than schizophrenia. 

Researchers at the NIHR GM PSRC, University of Manchester and at Keele University, say the study, published in BJGP Open, highlights the opportunity  that general practices have in helping to reduce suicide risk among people recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care. 

The research team has called for hospitals to arrange post-discharge appointments for patients with a GP as soon as possible and for GPs to be given more support, with the study also finding earlier visits are linked to lower suicide risk. 

The study’s principal investigator, Professor Roger Webb (NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration, University of Manchester) said: : “These findings will inform healthcare providers, especially those in primary care. They indicate the need for GPs and mental health practice colleagues to provide timely enhanced support for discharged patients in helping to reduce their risk of dying by suicide as they return to living back in the community.”

Professor Carolyn-Chew Graham OBE, Professor of General Practice Research at Keele University, said: “The investigation revealed that most patients who died by suicide within a year of discharge engaged with primary care services, and that more than 40% of those who died by suicide within two weeks of their discharge consulted with a GP. This shows there are opportunities to monitor these patients following discharge and intervene during this risky transition period. 

“General practice has a key role to play in preventing suicides among people recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care. Most recently discharged people do access primary care, and each contact presents an opportunity to reduce suicide risk.” 

In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on transition between inpatient mental health settings and the community includes two primary care specific recommendations - the discharging hospital should consider organising a GP follow-up appointment within two weeks of discharge; and ensure that a discharge letter is emailed to the patient’s GP within 24 hours, and a summary sent within a week, subject to the patient’s agreement.

However, Prof Chew-Graham, who is also a practising GP, said this does not always happen, adding: “Letters often don't arrive in the practice for a few weeks after a patient has been discharged, and our practice is not contacted to ask us to offer a patient an appointment just after discharge.”

The researchers say clear communication and liaison between services is essential to provide timely support.

 

 [RW1]The study was led from UoM and it was funded by the GM PSTRC, so I reckon that the two institutions ought to be mentioned in the order that I’ve indicated here.

Professor Carolyn-Chew Graham OBE, Professor of General Practice Research at Keele University, said: “The investigation revealed that most patients who died by suicide within a year of discharge engaged with primary care services, and that more than 40% of those who died by suicide within two weeks of their discharge consulted with a GP. This shows there are opportunities to monitor these patients following discharge and intervene during this risky transition period. 

“General practice has a key role to play in preventing suicides among people recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric care. Most recently discharged people do access primary care, and each contact presents an opportunity to reduce suicide risk.” 

In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on transition between inpatient mental health settings and the community includes two primary care specific recommendations - the discharging hospital should consider organising a GP follow-up appointment within two weeks of discharge; and ensure that a discharge letter is emailed to the patient’s GP within 24 hours, and a summary sent within a week, subject to the patient’s agreement.

However, Prof Chew-Graham, who is also a practising GP, said this does not always happen, adding: “Letters often don't arrive in the practice for a few weeks after a patient has been discharged, and our practice is not contacted to ask us to offer a patient an appointment just after discharge.”

The researchers say clear communication and liaison between services is essential to provide timely support.

The study, led by scientists at The University of Manchester, has revealed that a material known as a metal-organic framework (MOF) - an ultra-porous material - can be modified to capture and filter out significantly more benzene from the atmosphere than current materials in use.

Benzene is primarily used as an industrial solvent and in the production of various chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibres, but can also be released into the atmosphere through petrol stations, exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. Despite its widespread applications, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure can lead to serious health effects, making careful management and regulation essential.

The research, published in the journal today, could lead to significant improvements in air quality both indoors and outdoors.

MOFs are advanced materials that combine metal centres and organic molecules to create porous structures. They have a highly adjustable internal structure, making them particularly promising for filtering out harmful gases from the air.

The researchers modified the MOF structure – known as MIL-125 – by incorporating single atoms from different elements, including zinc, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper to test which would most effectively capture benzene.

They discovered that adding a single zinc atom to the structure significantly enhanced the material’s efficiency, enabling it to capture benzene even at ultra-low concentrations – measured at parts per million (ppm) – a significant improvement over current materials.

The new material – now known as MIL-125-Zn – demonstrates a benzene uptake of 7.63 mmol per gram of material, which is significantly higher than previously reported materials.

It is also highly stable even when exposed to moisture, maintaining its ability to filter benzene for long periods without losing effectiveness. Tests show that it can continue removing benzene from air even under humid conditions.

As the research progresses, the team will look to collaborate with industry partners to develop this and related new materials, with the potential of integrating it into ready-made devices, such as air purification systems in homes, workplaces, and industrial settings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plastics play a crucial role in healthcare, but the current linear model of using and then incinerating leads to significant waste and environmental harm. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), materials experts at Manchester will work in collaboration with Vernacare – specialist manufacturers of infection prevention solutions – to investigate how the sustainability of plastics can be improved through the creation of more circular products from waste polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC).  

A 24-month project, led by an interdisciplinary team from The University of Manchester and Vernacare, aims to create new insight into the behaviour of real-world polypropylene and polycarbonate products during mechanical recycling. The team will be led by experts including Dr Tom McDonald, Dr Rosa Cuellar Franca, Professor Mike Shaver, Simon Hogg, and Dr Amir Bolouri. It also will advance knowledge on the selection, characterisation and use of plastic to optimise recyclability, while developing understanding of the complex environmental impacts of product design and supply chain. 

Finally, life cycle assessment will be used to evaluate the sustainability for different approaches to the circularity of these plastics. This project will involve the knowledge transfer of the academic team’s expertise in plastics recycling, plastics circularity and rigorous life cycle assessment. 

Alex Hodges, CEO of Vernacare, explained: “Through this project we aim to change how plastics are viewed and used in healthcare. Our work with Manchester will ensure we’re at the forefront in sustainable single use healthcare product research. It will enable us to embed product lifecycle, environment assessment capability and materials research and development into our business culture so that we’re in pole position, able to lead the market in the development and testing of future solutions. It will also help Vernacare economically, by offsetting a portion of our £7m annual polypropylene costs while also broadening their appeal to eco-conscious customers.” 

The research will be conducted through the (SMI Hub), a cutting-edge facility dedicated to sustainable plastic solutions. The SMI Hub is part of the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Manchester and is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.                                                                                           

Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships  funding support innovation by matching businesses with world-leading research and technology. Projects are focused on delivering a strategic step change in productivity, market share and operating process by embedding new knowledge and capabilities within an organisation. Delivered through the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team, part of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The University of Manchester has collaborated on more than 300 KTPs and in the last five years alone, has supported 42 KTPs with a total research value of £11 million. 

By working together, The University of Manchester and Vernacare aim to lead the way in sustainable healthcare products, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. 

This innovative programme, named Inciner-8-2-Net0, seeks to repurpose incineration waste in the UK and Singapore, with the aim of reducing the mounting strain on landfill and lowering the embodied carbon in cement and concrete mixes.

Inciner-8-2-Net0 will pioneer a method to accelerate carbonation, a natural process that turns CO2 into a solid form for use in construction materials, effectively locking away carbon.

The method was developed by The University of Manchester team - Concrete Materials, Resource Efficiency and Advanced Technology for Sustainability – a research group dedicated to attaining a Net Zero built environment, through exploring new materials and developing novel methods that optimise the use of concrete materials.

CREATES’ approach will involve the use of wastewater and CO2 from flue gas. Such a combination will enable the permanent storage of CO2 in the processed IBA, while improving its stability and making it suitable for construction application purposes.

, Chair in Net Zero in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management, leads , and is the principal investigator for Manchester’s Inciner-8-2-Net0 team. , Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and Management, is a co-principal investigator.

The University of Manchester’s team will work with industry partners and their academic partner, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, to create a technical solution for this excessive waste, that is more consistent and less harmful to the environment.

Inciner-8-2-Net0 is led by , a consultancy which works with leaders across both public and private sectors to help deliver positive social, economic and environmental impact.

The programme’s industry partners - Blue Phoenix, Carbon Upcycling, Marshalls, PanUnited, PCE and Recycl8 – will work to establish a commercially viable pathway to enable widespread adoption, offering clear guidelines for the construction industries in both the UK and Singapore.

Dr Meini Su said: “Utilising incineration bottom ash in construction is a significant step towards reducing the environmental burden of waste. By transforming this byproduct into a functional material, we not only conserve natural resources but also support more sustainable construction approaches.”

John Handscomb, Partner at Akerlof said: “This project exemplifies the power of multinational collaboration in solving complex global challenges. By turning waste into a resource, we’re not only addressing immediate environmental concerns but doing so in a way that is both impactful and scalable.”

The UK produces a staggering 3 million tonnes of processed incinerator bottom ash annually from waste incineration, which is not aided by the growing global pressure on waste management.

At the heart of this project is a vision set to shape the future of the construction sector, and its route to achieving Net Zero. The transfer of knowledge between the UK and Singapore will help to advance the construction industry’s transition to a circular economy, reducing both waste and emissions on a global scale.

The new , also the first of its kind in the UK, evaluated the specific clinical conditions that lead to the initiation of opioid prescriptions using data from nationally representative GP electronic health records.

The study team from The University of Manchester, The Northern care Alliance and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) publish their results in the journal Pain. The research was funded by NIHR and FOREUM.

The findings are published amid a backdrop of a considerable rise of opioid prescriptions over . A 48.9% increase in opioid-related hospitalisations from 2008 to 2018 has also been reported, paralleled by an increase in opioid-related harms over two decades.

From a statistical evaluation of over 2 million records of patients prescribed opioids for non-cancer pain, 61% were women and 77% were aged over 45.

The researchers also discovered a pattern of opioid use for respiratory conditions such as cough, infections, trauma and injuries such as sprains and strains, neurological issues such as headaches, and post-surgical pain.

The most frequent musculoskeletal conditions were osteoarthritis and lower back pain.

The most common surgical indications were total knee and hip replacements, followed by hernia repairs.

In 2021, previous research has shown that opioids were involved in nearly half (2,219) of all UK drug poisoning deaths.

Organisations including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, currently suggest alternatives to weak opioids unless other types of pain relief is contraindicated.

Strong opioids are no longer recommended for or .

Joint first author of the study and research associate, Carlos Ramirez Medina from The University of Manchester said: “While our study does not aim to evaluate the appropriateness of opioid prescriptions, it uses nationally representative data to increase awareness of the possible reasons for opioid initiation in UK primary care and encourage a re-evaluation of prescribing practices."

Senior author of the paper is Dr Meghna Jani, an NIHR Advanced fellow and Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester, Consultant Rheumatologist at Salford Royal Hospital.

She said: “Our study indicates that opioids are commonly prescribed in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, despite scientific evidence suggesting limited effectiveness, especially in conditions such as osteoarthritis.

“For chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis in particular, the ongoing prescription of opioids may suggest a complex landscape of pain management given limited drug treatment options for these conditions and access to helpful interventions such as physiotherapy.

“The increasing proportion of opioid use in musculoskeletal conditions over time in our study may also be reflective of an aging population who are more at risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.

“Making informed shared decisions between health care professionals and patients is especially important, especially in such groups where opioids may cause more harm due to side effects and interactions with other medicines.”

Primary care electronic health records from January 2006 to September 2021 were used from the Clinical Research Practice Datalink (CPRD) to identify opioid prescriptions.

She added: “We hope these findings will help inform targeted interventions in specific disease areas and future policies to support non-pharmacological interventions in the most common conditions where opioid associated harms outweigh benefits.”

Research led by University of Manchester academics funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), examined the attitudes of people from minoritised ethnic groups, young adults and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions toward the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Researchers found that a “perfect storm” of marginalisation and experience of structural inequalities led to distrust of the COVID-19 vaccination drive – and that marginalised communities felt ‘left behind’ by policy and decision-makers prior to and during the pandemic. 

The study, which is published , concludes that wider social inequalities, combined with experiences of marginalisation and discrimination, have long-lasting and widespread implications for vaccination uptake and health outcomes.

During the pandemic, Greater Manchester experienced higher levels of mortality from COVID-19, higher case rates and greater impacts to productivity than the national average – with disproportionately high COVID-19 mortality rates in the most deprived areas and amongst Black African, Pakistani and Black Caribbean groups.

For some study participants:

• The choice to not have the vaccine became almost a metaphor for political dissent against institutionalised failures.
• Elements of distrust appeared to be established prior to the pandemic – and enhanced due to intensified episodes of racism experienced over the course of the pandemic.
• Feelings of distrust were emphasised via the perceived mishandling of the pandemic by the government and paradoxical government policy-responses to aspects of the pandemic, including U-turns and mixed public messaging.
• Culturally insensitive public messaging and practices during the pandemic heightened longstanding and widespread disenfranchisement.
• Longer-term injustices were perceived to be further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic - links were made between long-term failings for underserved communities and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic.
• Pushback against the vaccine was articulated via a sense of establishing boundaries against an oppressive system.

Stephanie Gillibrand, Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, said: “Existing research in this area tends to focus on the psychological or socio-economic factors that influence an individual’s uptake of vaccination. We sought to understand the complexities around vaccination motivations, exploring broader social and historical contexts or people’s experiences of marginalisation.

“We found that wider social inequalities, intersecting with experiences of marginalisation during the pandemic, have long-lasting and widespread implications when it comes to vaccination – and public health policy must recognise this broader context for future public health crises and vaccination drives..

“These implications may already be apparent, where new data has suggested that MMR vaccination rates are at a ten-year low since the start of the pandemic, and other childhood immunisations rates have also fallen.”

Although scientists knew one atom thick, two-dimensional crystal graphene existed, no-one had figured out how to extract it from graphite, until Professor Geim and Professor Novoselov’s groundbreaking work in Manchester in 2004.

Geim and Novoselov frequently held ‘Friday night experiments’, where they would play around with ideas and experiments that weren’t necessarily linked to their usual research. It was through these experiments that the two first isolated graphene, by using sticky tape to peel off thin flakes of graphite, ushering in a new era of material science.

Their seminal paper ‘, has since been cited over 40,000 times, making it one of the most highly referenced scientific papers of all time.

What Andre and Kostya had achieved was a profound breakthrough, which would not only earn the pair a Nobel Prize in 2010 but would revolutionise the scientific world.

The vast number of products, processes and industries for which graphene could significantly impact all stem from its extraordinary properties. No other material has the breadth of superlatives that graphene boasts:

• It is many times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight and flexible
• It is electrically and thermally conductive but also transparent
• It is the world’s first two-dimensional material and is one million times thinner than the diameter of a single human hair.

It’s areas for application are endless: transport, medicine, electronics, energy, defence, desalination, are all being transformed by graphene research.

In biomedical technology, graphene’s unique properties allow for groundbreaking biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and DIY health-testing kits. In sport, graphene-enhanced running shoes deliver more grip, durability and 25% greater energy return than standard running trainers – as well as the world’s first .

Speaking at the , hosted by The University of Manchester, Professor Sir Andre Geim said: “If you have an electric car, graphene is there. If you are talking about flexible, transparent and wearable electronics, graphene-like materials have a good chance of being there. Graphene is also in lithium ion batteries as it improves these batteries by 1 or 2 per cent.”

The excitement, interest and ambition surrounding the material has created a ‘graphene economy’, which is increasingly driven by the challenge to tackle climate change, and for global economies to achieve zero carbon.

At the heart of this economy is The University of Manchester, which has built a model research and innovation community, with graphene at its core. The enables academics and their industrial partners to work together on new applications of graphene and other 2D materials, while the accelerates lab-market development, supporting more than 50 spin-outs and numerous new technologies.

Professor James Baker,  CEO of Graphene@Manchester said: “As we enter the 20^th anniversary since the first discovery of graphene, we are now seeing a real ‘tipping point’ in the commercialisation of products and applications, with many products now in the market or close to entering. We are also witnessing a whole new eco-system of businesses starting to scale up their products and applications, many of which are based in Manchester."

What about the next 20 years?

The next 20 years promise even greater discoveries and The University of Manchester remains at the forefront of exploring the limitless graphene yields.

Currently, researchers working with INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, with funding from the European Commission’s Graphene Flagship, are developing brain implants from graphene which could enable precision surgery for diseases such as cancer.

Researchers have also developed wearable sensors, based on a 2D material called hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), which have the potential to change the way respiratory health is monitored.

As for sustainability, Dr Qian Yang is using nanocapillaries made from graphene that could lead to the development of a brand-new form of , while others are looking into Graphene’s potential in grid applications and storing wind or solar power. Graphene is also being used to reinforce , to reduce cement use – one of the leading causes of global carbon dioxide.

Newly-appointed Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair, Professor Rahul Nair, is investigating graphene-based membranes that can be used as water filters and could transform access to clean drinking water.

Speaking at the World Academic Summit, Professor Sir Andre Geim said: “Thousands of people are trying to understand how it works. I would not be surprised if graphene gets another Nobel prize or two given there are so many people who believe in this area of research.”

Discover more

To hear Andre’s story, including how he and Kostya discovered the wonder material in a Friday night lab session, visit: 

To find out more about The University of Manchester’s work on graphene, visit: 

To discover our world-leading research centre, or commercial accelerator, visit

To find out how we’re training the next generation of 2D material scientists and engineers, visit:

• .

The new Hub for Advanced Long-acting Therapeutics (HALo) will focus on driving research, public and patient engagement, and the translational infrastructure required for the development and manufacture of new Long-acting therapeutics (LATs).

LATs are predicted to revolutionise treatment of health conditions by replacing extensive periods of daily pill taking with a single administered dose.

The approach addresses the issue of missed daily drug doses, which can cause a range of complications, from a lack of efficacy to pathogen resistance. They will also help patients stay on treatment, make it easier to achieve optimal dosing targets and reduce the burden on health systems.

The project is supported with an £11 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). As a key partner, The University of Manchester has been awarded £1.5m from the grant to lead efforts to advance multiple strands of LAT research.

The Manchester activity is an interdisciplinary team, led by , Reader in Sustainable Materials. Dr McDonald is Head of Environmental Sustainability and Engagement for the and is also Research Area lead for Chemical Materials Design within the .  

Alongside Dr McDonald is , , and .

The Manchester team will focus on:

• Developing innovative in situ forming implant technologies, which allow for a controlled release of medication directly at the site of need.
• Creating predictive models to evaluate drug release kinetics, helping to optimise LAT formulations for better patient outcomes.
• Quantifying the sustainability benefits of LAT medicines, including reductions in packaging waste and resource use, as part of a broader effort to make healthcare more environmentally friendly.

Dr Tom McDonald said: “Long-acting therapeutics have the potential to address significant challenges in drug administration by offering more convenient, effective, and sustained treatment options.”

LATs are emerging as the next landmark for healthcare management; pharmaceutical companies are realising the benefits for clinical outcomes and patient well-being. Such technologies are already in use in fields such as contraception, HIV therapy, and the management of mental health conditions.

By focusing on understanding the physical science that underpins existing successful LAT medicines, HALo will create new proof-of-concept LAT medicine candidates for diseases and conditions where no LAT option exists yet, such as high blood pressure and asthma.

HALo is led by Professor Steve Rannard at the and the Hub will primarily be hosted within its Centre of Excellence for Long-acting Therapeutics (CELT) - the world’s first academic centre of excellence focussed on LATs.

Professor Rannard said: “Long-acting therapeutics have the potential to simplify the administration of medicines, improve clinical outcomes and reduce the costs of healthcare provision.

“They are widely predicted to revolutionise disease treatment and healthcare management. HALo provides a much-needed focal point for new LAT developments in the UK and by working with partners it will ensure the UK is on the path to global leadership in this exciting new field.

“The outcomes from HALo will have far-reaching benefits globally and also enable CELT focus on low and middle-income country healthcare needs where LATs are expected to be transformational.”

HALo brings together academics, industry, clinicians and other stakeholders including patient groups and policy makers. Key partners of the project, include The University of Manchester, Queens University Belfast, the University of Nottingham, alongside the Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Alder Hey Children’s Foundation Trust and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

HALo is one of  that aim to transform healthcare through the development and application of revolutionary new technologies.

As and a habitable climate teeters, it’s understandable to feel despair.

Some of the world’s top climate scientists at the prospect of reaching 3°C by 2100. This hellish scenario, well in excess of the 1.5°C countries agreed to aim for when they signed the 2015 , would indeed spell disaster for much of life on Earth.

As a lecturer in sustainability, I often hear my anxious students bemoan the impossibility of building a way out of ecological collapse. However, the greatest danger is fatalism, and assuming, as claimed, that “there is no alternative”.

There is a vast ocean of possibility for transforming the planet. Increasingly, cities are in the vanguard of forging more sustainable worlds.

Car-free futures

Since the , the car has afforded a sense of freedom while infringing on the freedoms of .

Cars, particularly , are a major source of air pollution and . Motorways and have transformed Earth’s terrain and monopolised public space. For those of us in industrialised societies, it is difficult to .

Global sales of electric vehicles are projected to . Yet even these supposed solutions to an unsustainable transport sector require a lot of space and materials to make and maintain.

With cities set to host nearly by 2050, space and livability are key concerns. As such, and are beginning to reclaim their streets.

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of low-emissions zones, areas that regulate the most polluting vehicles in order to improve air quality and help to protect public health, in European cities. Research suggests that policies to such as congestion charges and raised parking fees can further discourage their use. However, providing viable and accessible alternatives is also crucial: as such, many cities are also widening walkways, building bike lanes and making public transport cheaper and easier to access.

An estimated 80,000 cars used to pass daily through the centre of , a city in north-west Spain. Mayor Miguel Anxo Fernandez Lores instituted a ban on cars in 1999 and removed on-street parking spaces. The city has since drastically reduced air pollution and hasn’t had a vehicular death in over a decade.

Living cities

Cement and concrete are to make major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings and dams. The cement industry accounts for up to . Moreover, the open-pit quarrying of limestone, a key ingredient in cement, involves removing topsoil and vegetation which and increases flooding risks.

A burgeoning “” movement originated in in 2008 and has removed concrete and asphalt from cities including , and several cities , replacing it with plants and soil.

Depaving is an example of the wider movement which aims to restore natural habitats and expand green spaces in cities for social and ecological wellbeing.

Multispecies coexistence

A new by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has documented in the abundance of monitored wildlife populations globally since 1970. Despite such unfathomable losses, many cities are being transformed into .

Prized for their fur, beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK by the 16th century. Their create homes for other species such as birds and invertebrates and help prevent flooding. Eurasian beavers have been since their reintroduction in the 1920s and 1960s, respectively.

In 2022, beavers were designated a in England. , London saw its first baby beaver in over 400 years.

Melbourne has launched a project to create in the city by 2028, with at least 20 local plant species for each square metre. An 8-kilometre long is also being created to allow wildlife to travel between 200 interconnected gardens and further help local pollinators flourish.

Living alongside larger predators brings unique challenges. However, as with any functional relationship, respect is key for coexistence. Los Angeles and Mumbai are two major cities that are mountain lions and leopards. Local officials have launched public education initiatives urging people to, for instance, maintain a safe distance from the animals and not walk alone outside at night. In cases where wildlife conflicts occur, such as who have lost livestock, non-lethal methods such as wolf-proof fences and guard dogs have been found to be than culls.

Environmental justice now

Cities, particularly in wealthy countries, are only a small part of the story.

At just over 500 years old, the modern capitalist system, imposed globally through , is a relatively recent development. Despite its influence, the visionary author Ursula K. Le Guin that “any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings”.

numbering 476 million across 90 countries represent thousands of distinct cultures that persist as living proof of the enduring possibilities of radically different ways of living.

tracks 4,189 worldwide. From keeping illegal miners at bay, to countless local communities and resisting the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure. Over the last few years, these place-based struggles have either stopped, stalled or forced the suspension of at least .

These examples demonstrate hope in action, and suggest that the radical changes required to avert climate and ecological breakdown are often a simple question of will and collective resolve.

Reality, like the future, is never fixed. Whether the world is depends on actions taken today. The terrain ahead will be full of challenges. But, glimmers of a better world are already here.

, Lecturer in Sustainability,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

The festival is a key element of the Economic and Social Research Council’s () commitment to promote awareness of UK social sciences to new audiences.

The events shaping our world, from climate change to geopolitical tensions and civic protests, reveal how social science is more important than ever to understanding the world.  From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects us all every day – at work, in school, when raising children, within our communities, from the personal and the local, to the national and global level.  

The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a fascinating insight into some of the country’s leading social science research and how it influences or social, economic and political lives – both now and in the future.  Discover how it shapes public policy and contributes to making the economy more competitive, as well as giving people a better understanding of 21^st-century society.

Attendees at this year's festival will be invited to dive into ‘Our Digital Lives’ by exploring the fascinating intersection of social sciences and technology as we unravel the complexity of human-digital interactions.  Our carefully curated programme offers a compelling look at how social sciences illuminate our evolving relationship with the digital world.

Stian Westlake, ESRC Executive Chair, said: “The ESRC Festival of Social Science offers a unique insight into UK social science research and its relevance to individuals, society and economy.  There are hundreds of free events taking place across the UK and online, including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Salford.  We hope you enjoy the events and finding out more about social scientists’ work.”

Join us to explore the work of social science from 19 October to 9 November.  Take a look at our range of free events for all ages and tastes!

For a complete calendar of events and details on how to register, we invite you to visit the .   

This festival was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Moon, like the Earth, has been bombarded by asteroids and comets since its formation, leaving behind craters and basins. However, the exact timing and intensity of most of these events, notably the oldest and largest basin on the Moon, have remained unclear to scientists—until now.

By analysing a lunar meteorite known as Northwest Africa 2995, a team led by scientists at The University of Manchester have investigated the age of the formation of the massive South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin – the Moon’s oldest confirmed impact site, which is located on the far side of the Moon and stretches more than 2,000 kilometres.

The proposed date is around 120 million years earlier than what is believed to be the most intense period of impact bombardment on the Moon.

The finding, published today in , provides a clearer picture of the Moon’s early impact history.

, Royal Society University Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, said: “Over many years scientists across the globe have been studying rocks collected during the Apollo, Luna, and Chang’e 5 missions, as well as lunar meteorites, and have built up a picture of when these impact events occurred.

“For several decades there has been general agreement that the most intense period of impact bombardment was concentrated between 4.2-3.8 billion years ago - in the first half a billion years of the Moon’s history.  But now, constraining the age of the South-Pole Aitken basin to 120 million years earlier weakens the argument for this narrow period of impact bombardment on the Moon and instead indicates there was a more gradual process of impacts over a longer period.”

The Northwest Africa 2995 meteorite was found in Algeria in 2005 and is what geologists refer to as a regolith breccia, which means it contains fragments of different rock types that were once a lunar soil and have been fused together by the heat and pressure involved in an impact event.

By analysing the amount of uranium and lead found in a range of mineral and rock fragments within the meteorite, the researchers were able to determine the materials dated back to between 4.32 and 4.33 billion years ago.

The team, which included The University of Manchester, the Institute of Geology and Geophysics – Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, and the University of Portsmouth, then compared these results to data collected by NASA’s Lunar Prospector mission, which orbited the Moon studying its surface composition between 1998 and 1999. The comparison revealed many chemical similarities between the meteorite and the rocks within the SPA basin, confirming their link and enabling the new age estimate.

, Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester, said: “The implications of our findings reach far beyond the Moon. We know that the Earth and the Moon likely experienced similar impacts during their early history, but rock records from the Earth have been lost. We can use what we have learnt about the Moon to provide us with clues about the conditions on Earth during the same period of time.”

This new understanding opens new avenues for future lunar exploration.

from The University of Manchester, said: “The proposed ancient 4.32 billion year old age of the South Pole-Aiken basin now needs to be tested by sample return missions collecting rocks from known localities within the crater itself.”

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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester 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.

This - made possible by the collaboration of experts including Dr Joanna Taylor from The University of Manchester and the work of thousands of volunteers - highlights Davy's immense contributions to science, and even reveals that two common chemical elements could have had different names.

The platform, funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, allows the public to explore Davy's notebooks and gain insight into his groundbreaking discoveries, such as the isolation of potassium and sodium – which his notes reveal were almost labelled "potarchium" and "sodarchium."

In addition to scientific insights, the platform includes fascinating details of Davy’s experiments with nitrous oxide, including his personal experience as the first person to inhale the gas and recognise its pain-relieving properties. The notebooks also reveal Davy's frustrations over the lack of recognition for his inventions, such as his miner’s safety lamp which saved tens of thousands of lives.

Led by Professor Sharon Ruston of Lancaster University, the project is the result of a major international effort involving , the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, University College London, and .

The platform, which launches officially on Saturday 19 October, was made possible through the work of 3,841 volunteers who transcribed more than 13,000 pages of Davy’s notes, creating a valuable resource for researchers and the general public alike. The collection is now publicly available on Lancaster University Library’s digital platform.

Dr Taylor’s expertise in understanding how Davy’s scientific work intertwined with his personal reflections on nature and poetry was pivotal in interpreting the notebooks in a way that reveals Davy’s deep intellectual engagement with the world around him.

“The publication of these notebooks, images of the pages, their transcription and explicatory notes is a beginning rather than the end of a project,” said Professor Ruston. “Now everyone can read what Davy wrote 200 years ago and, I hope, will make full use of this new resource.”

Simon Johnson - who studied Economics at Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 ������d 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.”

The announcement has been made as part of a collaboration agreed between Lilly and UK Government today, unveiled at the Government’s International Investment Summit. 

The study will evaluate the real-world effectiveness of tirzepatide in weight loss, diabetes prevention, and prevention of obesity-related complications for adults with obesity. 

The evidence generated will seek to increase the global evidence base on the long-term impacts of weight loss medicines and potentially inform the UK's care pathway approach to the treatment of obesity. Significantly, the five-year study will also aim to collect data on healthcare resource utilisation, health-related quality of life and changes in participants’ employment status and sick days from work. 

Health Innovation Manchester has worked with the University of Manchester and local digital trials company NorthWest EHealth to develop the study approach.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Greater Manchester is worldrenowned as a hub for innovation in health and life sciences. The results of the trial announced today could have a far-reaching impact on how we treat obesity globally, and our city-region is ready to make a significant contribution through our outstanding health data assets, R&D expertise, and the strong partnerships between industry, universities and public sector organisations.

“The International Investment Summit will provide an opportunity to showcase our local strengths in health innovation to an audience of global business leaders and investors. This partnership could be the first of many and give Greater Manchester residents access to other innovative treatments.”

Professor Rachel Batterham, Senior Vice President for International Medical Affairs at Lilly, said: “At Lilly, we are deeply committed to improving lives by partnering across the health system to address complex health challenges like obesity. We’re delighted to partner with Health Innovation Manchester on our plans for the SURMOUNT-REAL UK study. This collaboration will add to the evidence base on the real world impact of obesity treatments on the health of people with obesity, and will explore a broad range of outcomes including health-related quality of life and impact on individuals’ employment status.”

Martin Rutter, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine, University of Manchester, and principal investigator for the Greater Manchester study, said: “This five-year real-world study aims to demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of tirzepatide in a primary care setting compared to usual care. It will specifically quantify the medicine’s long-term effects on obesity, diabetes incidence, and obesity-related complications, as well as its impacts on employment and health economic outcomes.” 

Ben Bridgewater, CEO at Health Innovation Manchester, commented: “Greater Manchester (GM) is well placed to deliver novel trials and real-world evidence studies to develop a deeper understanding of the impact that industry-led innovation can have on population health. Through this landmark partnership with Lilly we will show how a medicine impacts people’s long-term health outcomes. This will help us understand its effects people with obesity in GM as well as inform national strategies and pave the way for further research and development in this critical area.”

Mark Britnell, Chair of Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Owing to our strengths in life sciences, academia and digital, Greater Manchester has all the ingredients to be truly world-leading in health innovation. This is demonstrated through our partnership with Lilly, which will help to propel our sector strengths even further forward for the benefit of local patients.”

Mark Fisher, CEO of the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, said: “Around 600,000 adults in Greater Manchester live with obesity, many of whom also suffer with other obesity-related illnesses which reduces their quality of life and puts additional pressure on the health and care system. Working collaboratively with industry to solve these problems is paramount, and I am delighted to support the study coming to the Greater Manchester integrated care system.” 

Jonathan Wogel, Chief Executive Officer, NorthWest EHealth, said: “We are excited to be partnering with our colleagues at Health Innovation Manchester to deliver this new study which is aimed at generating data to support patients with obesity. It is not only a milestone for NWEH and Greater Manchester (GM), but a significant moment for the UK clinical trials industry. By combining GM’s well established health system with our innovative technology, we are demonstrating the future of clinical trials, where technology and health data integrate to make research more efficient, helping develop and deliver better care for patients.”