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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The Bee Cup initiative launches today in UniCafé locations. 

Raphi Bloom co-founder and current co-Chair of North West Friends of Israel will share the floor with Abdullah Al Andalusi, co-founder of the discussion forum The Muslim Debate Initiative (MDI). 

The pair will discuss the opinion that antizionism is the same thing as antisemitism, in a debate chaired by Joseph Timan, politics writer at the �鶹���� Evening News. 

The discussion will take place at �鶹����’s Whitworth hall, Oxford Road, on 31 October between 7pm and 9pm. 

The debaters hope to unpack what antizionism and antisemitism means to them, and the impact of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

An airing of the issues will, they hope, clarify the complexities of the conflict and promote respect and understanding for both Jewish and Muslim communities.

In his professional career, Raphi Bloom is Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at The Fed, the largest Jewish social care organisation and charity in Greater �鶹����.

He is also a member of the management board of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater �鶹���� and Region.

Abdullah Al Andalusi is head of the department for Occidentology at The Quran Institute, a researcher for the i3 Institute, an international speaker, and intellectual activist for Islam and Muslim affairs, and co-founder of the Muslim Debate Initiative (MDI).

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at �鶹���� will be introducing the speakers on the night with a welcome from Duncan Ivison, President and  Vice-Chancellor of �鶹����.

Professor Thakkar said: “�鶹���� is deeply committed to free speech and open debate, and this is the ethos which underpins the Whitworth Debates.

“Open and measured discussion about Israel and Palestine is important because it allows for a more nuanced, informed, and compassionate understanding of a complex and ongoing conflict.

“And being able to understand each side’s position can only be empowering for individuals and communities who so often feel marginalised and threatened by polarised views.”

The Whitworth debates are a series of discussions held at �鶹����’s historic Whitworth Hall in which a range of seemingly intractable issues are debated by people with well informed but differing and strongly held viewpoints.

The debates will be based on the format of the very successful animal research debate held in November 2023 at The Whitworth Hall in which three panellists debated questions from audience members.

If you are a member of staff or a student and would like to attend the event, register

In the latter part of the debate, the speakers will debate questions sent in by attendees so to send in your questions, email michael.addelman@manchester.ac.uk

• If you are affected by the issues in the discussion, you can access the student  support services or the staff wellbeing pages

The networks will share £4.8 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), awarded as part of its tackling infections strategic theme. This programme will continue next year with a new opportunity for ambitious new transdisciplinary research programmes, drawing on a dedicated budget of at least £7 million.

The People AMR Network, led by  Sarah Tonkin-Crine at  The University of Oxford  will consider how communities might use antibiotics in the best possible ways to minimise AMR through changing behaviour.

The network will explore ways to help people make decisions about antibiotic use, develop new strategies and tools, and to study these to ensure they target the right people, the right behaviours, and the right settings to have maximum and timely impact at the lowest possible cost. The community will include representatives from the public as well as GPs, dentists, pharmacists, vets and business leaders.

Co-lead Dr Wendy Thompson from �鶹���� said: “'From antibiotics for a dental abscess through to antifungals for mildew in the bathroom, we just take antimicrobials for granted. Yet the more often we use them for things where they are not strictly necessary, like toothache, the less often they will work when they are vital, like sepsis.

“It's my pleasure, therefore, to lead the dentistry part of this people-centred approach to helping ensure future generations continue to benefit from antimicrobials that work.”

The Fungal One Health and Antimicrobial Resistance Network, led by Darius Armstrong-James at Imperial College London  will focus on the emergence of anti-fungal resistance and the development of countermeasures to it, with collaboration from �鶹����.

The network will cover healthcare, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, as well as key government departments and end users in these settings. It will tackle the underlying causes of resistance, surveillance, agricultural waste and water-based hotspots, the development of countermeasures and interventions to mitigate resistance.

Co-lead Dr Michael Bromley from �鶹���� said: “Fungal pathogens cause devastating losses to all of our staple foods such as wheat, rice, corn, soybean and sugar cane. To combat these losses, which alone are sufficient to feed around half of the world’s population, millions of tonnes of fungicides are sprayed. This widespread and sometimes illegal use has caused drug resistance to emerge in many fungal pathogens of plants, placing pressure on our food security.

“Worse still, these fungicides have caused drug resistance to emerge in human fungal pathogens too. I will be leading a group to understand how we may balance the critical need for fungicide use in crops with the negative impacts they have on driving resistance and how we can work better with Governments to prevent resistance emerging to new the next-generation of antifungals.”

The Accurate, Rapid, Robust and Economical One Health DiagnoSTics for antimicrobial resistance Network will focus on diagnostic tools. It will coordinate and develop practical solutions for diagnostics in both animals and plants, across various settings and is led by Led by Mark Bradley from Queen Mary University of London, with collaborators from �鶹����.

This will be addressed by identifying needs across sectors, developing research and innovation, standardising evaluation, supporting implementation, and cross-pollinating findings.

The new networks will support diverse teams of AMR researchers, ranging from specialists in agriculture, food and the environment to human and animal medicine, policy and behavioral studies, engineering and social science. Together they’ll develop new partnerships and approaches to tackling AMR across sectors and disciplines, including culture, economics, behaviour, biomedical and physical sciences, design and engineering, environmental sciences and more.

Dr Colin Miles, Head of Strategy, Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Growth at UKRI, said:

“Tackling the creeping pandemic of anti-microbial resistance – increasing resistance to antibiotics – is a large, complex problem. Ten million people each year are expected to lose their lives to it by 2050.

“Rather than taking single-discipline approaches, we need researchers from across disciplines to come together and look at all aspects of the problem – from human behaviour and how we grow crops and rear animals for consumption to how we manage the environment or use technology, clinical management strategies or challenge established cultural norms.”

Professor Alejandro Frangi, Bicentennial Turing Chair in Computational Medicine says new approaches for product development, including computational modelling and simulation, could realise the huge potential of new technologies in regulatory and product innovation.

The report authored by KPMG UK Life Sciences Regulatory Solutions, commissioned by �鶹����, is based on the findings of a detailed literature review, surveys and structured interviews with life science sector stakeholders.

Professor Frangi said returns on investment is an important barrier, arguing that although relevant skills are in short supply, they can be sourced from other traditional sectors transformed by the digital revolution, such as the aerospace, automotive industries, or manufacturing.

Another challenge is to build trust among stakeholders for these new technologies and do so in co-creation with the broader sector and society.

In the report’s foreword, he said: “Computational Modelling and Simulation (CM&S) technology and In Silico Evidence (ISE) stand poised to revolutionize the future of healthcare.

“These cutting-edge methods offer a thrilling opportunity to expedite research and development (R&D), spark unprecedented innovation, and usher life-changing pharmaceutical and medical device products to market with remarkable speed and enhanced safety. The healthcare industry can easily recoup its investment in in silico methods during the R&D phase of a product’s life cycle.

“But progress is being hindered by misconceptions, which largely stems from regulatory uncertainty and a lack of incentives for adopting these technologies. This report, however, provides much needed evidence that we already have the skills and financial incentives to push forwards with this agenda, added Michael Kipping,  Honorary Research Fellow on Regulatory Science and Innovation at �鶹����.

The technologies have the potential to reduce research sample sizes and the reliance on animal testing in pre-clinical trials.

Access to novel medicines and medical devices could be democratised by employing virtual patient cohorts mirroring diverse populations, including those previously marginalized by traditional evidence approaches.

The costs of bringing a new pharmaceutical to market are currently estimated at around £2 billion. 

If new technologies are employed, they have the potential to accelerate market entry for innovative products by up to two years and reduce the number of patients required for clinical studies potentially saving up to £7.8 million.

Professor Frangi said: “To fully harness the transformative potential of these new technologies, manufacturers must navigate the complex landscape of global regulatory acceptance criteria. There is a pressing need for a cross-sector effort to develop clearer regulatory guidelines, international standards, and best practices. Such initiatives will pave the way for the global harmonization of in silico technologies, if not their regulation by worldwide regulatory agencies.”

“Those who dare to embrace innovation are poised to set new standards and lead the industry forward.”

Anusha Foy, Partner at KPMG said: “The potential benefits for patients and global healthcare systems with the utilisation of CM&S, MIE and ISE technology is enormous and transformative and is an area we will be following closely in the next few years”.

The report In Silico Regulatory Evidence Utilisation within the Life Science Sector is available for download here

He will record his experiences during all four events using a GoPro camera, and plans to compile a video towards the end of the summer. 

To support Jonathan in his series of challenges, visit .

Two children died following a stabbing in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Stockport yesterday.

Nine more children were injured, with six in critical condition. Two adults were also injured according to Merseyside Police.

The free leaflet, from the University’s Parenting and Families Research Group available here was developed for the �鶹���� Arena bombing and then for the Grenfell fire, with trauma experts from around the country.

It is designed to  help those affected through the critical first few days after the  trauma, but also in the months that follow.

The leaflet is  designed to help parents and caregivers cope with their own emotions and stress and  will help them to understand common reactions in children and how best to care for them.

Professor Rachel Calam, who helped develop the leaflet said: “ This is a tragic incident; parents, children and teachers will need good psychological support to help the navigate through the coming days and months.

“What they are going through might include difficulties sleeping, thoughts and memories of what has happened popping into mind, bad dreams, irritability, feeling low, behavioural problems and avoiding activities they used to enjoy.

“This leaflet is advises them how keep going in such difficult times, and that experiencing some distress like that is entirely normal. There is no one way of feeling after a trauma.

“We developed this information to help anyone wondering how best to help their child through such a frightening and upsetting experience. We hope you find it helpful.”

For more For more family advice, visit the NHS  MindEd website .

Download the advice

In total 68  of the most promising research leaders will be funded £104 million to lead research into global issues and to commercialise their innovations in the UK.

UKRI’s flagship Future Leaders Fellowships allow universities and businesses to develop their most talented early career researchers and innovators and to attract new people to their organisations, including from overseas.

Dr Fiona Whelan is a Senior Lecturer in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at �鶹���� whose research focusses on combining classical microbiology techniques with cutting-edge bioinformatic methodologies.

Fiona was previously a University of Nottingham Anne McLaren Fellow (2020-3) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Independent Fellow (2018-20). She moved to the UK from McMaster University, Canada where she conducted her PhD research on the human microbiome.

She said: “I am so excited to join this cohort of UKRI Future Leaders Fellows. My research programme – focussed on understanding how bacterial interactions within mixed microbial communities contribute to pathogenicity and disease progression in cystic fibrosis – is interdisciplinary in nature.

“This Fellowship gives me the unique opportunity to assemble a world-leading, interdisciplinary team who will have the experience and expertise to answer these important questions and – ultimately – hopefully improve the lives of individuals with cystic fibrosis.”

Dr Laura Richards, a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow based at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of �鶹����, has been awarded a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to launch a project called AQUAROAD.

AQUAROAD aims to create a roadmap towards improved groundwater quality management in the context of the Global South by bringing together interdisciplinary approaches to understand (bio)geochemical controls and to support evidence-based decision making for effective remediation strategies for water supplies used for drinking.

The approach, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, will be developed and demonstrated in contrasting areas in India and East Africa, with flexibility for future adaptation.

Dr Richards said: “I’m thrilled and deeply grateful to have been awarded a Future Leaders Fellowship. This fellowship is an exciting springboard for ambitious research with an excellent network of collaborators and potential for positive impact on society.”

UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: “UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships provide researchers and innovators with long-term support and training to develop ambitious, transformative ideas.

“The programme supports the research and innovation leaders of the future to transcend disciplinary and sector boundaries, bridging the gap between academia and business.  

The fellows announced today demonstrate how these awards continue to drive excellence, and to shorten the distance from discovery to prosperity and public good.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The collection touches on a number of issues of vital importance to towns, cities features over 40 essayists from  across the political spectrum and across different sectors – including education, business, healthcare, local government, think tanks, charities and the arts – who all advocate for universities to have a stronger voice in place-making. Each essay includes policy ideas for the new Government to enable the local civic role to thrive.

Included in this is a contribution from Dr Julian Skyrme and Professor Richard Jones, along with Bev Craig (Leader of �鶹���� City Council) with . The essay demonstrates the important role universities play in innovation and productivity growth across their regions. 

There is also a on Developing skills and innovation and the importance of universities’ civic roles.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at �鶹���� said: "Lord Bob Kerslake was one of the most distinguished public servants of his generation and made a critical contribution to the higher education sector with his Civic University Commission. As the original civic university, �鶹���� has been delighted to contribute to this collection of essays by civic leaders, which has been written with a new government firmly in mind". 

The collection touches on a number of issues of vital importance to towns, cities and regions, including local economic growth, raising educational attainment and opportunity for disadvantaged groups, the local supply of the NHS workforce, improving the local environment, and access to culture and te arts. Following the launch at the National Theatre, the full collection is available from kerslakecollection.org.

Several prominent public figures have also signed an open letter to the new Prime Minister calling for actions including support for the creative sector, investment in the NHS workforce and a review of how the the post-16 educational sector can overcome the current funding crisis effecting it - all of which would continue Bob's legacy.

Among many other leadership roles, Lord Kerslake was Chair of the UPP Foundation Civic University Commission supporting over 70 universities in developing Civic University Agreements and the creation of the Civic University Network. The groundbreaking work championed by Lord Kerslake has transformed the relationship between universities and their local communities across the UK.

This stands as one among many other achievements across a lifetime of public service. As a former head of the civil service, a prominent figure in local government, housing and higher education and a regular media political commentator, Lord Kerslake and his vision for society touched thousands of lives. His impact is reflected in the breadth of the essays brought together in the collection, with reflections on everything from the future of English devolution to the role of universities in tackling homelessness.

Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, said: “It has been an honour to orchestrate this collection to celebrate the legacy of our late great friend Bob Kerslake. It was the privilege of my career to work closely with Bob, his passion, insight, and hard work were crucial to the success of our Civic University Commission, and I know that everyone involved in the collection has benefitted from Bob’s wisdom over the years. We hope that this collection provies the inspiration to the new Government to build on Bob’s work to ensure the civic role is truly recognised.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Former Vice Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University said: “Bob was one of the most gifted and committed public servants of our time. It's fitting that we launch this collection this evening, just a few days into the new government.  Bob was respected across the political spectrum, but there is no doubt that had he lived he would have been a powerful resource for a progressive government embarking on national renewal. It falls to those of us who remain to rise to the standards he set, to play our part in shaping and doing policy for the common good”.

With a unique commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, �鶹���� is the only institution in the world to rank in the top ten for social and environmental impact in every year of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. 

�鶹����’s top ranking comes from a record assessment of 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions, which is 26 per cent increase on last year where 1,705 universities were ranked. This year 72 UK universities participated in the ranking, 11 more than last year (61). 

The ranking, now in its sixth year, is the world’s only one that measures universities’ contributions to the and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at �鶹����, who leads the institution’s entry to the ranking, said: “Each year we submit over 300 pieces of evidence for this ranking covering our cultural institutions, sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, widening access, research impact, public and civic engagement, external partnerships, innovation, the student experience and reporting on the SDGs. Everyone in our University community should be proud of this independent measure of our commitment to social responsibility.” 

�鶹���� came top in the world for SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Initiatives supporting this include the Platinum Watermark for Public Engagement, the investment made in four public-facing cultural institutions and initiative, a commitment to sustainable travel and world-leading research across all three Faculties into the effects of on health. 

The University was also ranked first in the world for SDG15 – Life on Land. Initiatives supporting this included research by the into soil microbial diversity, work to enhance and map our nature on campus and the commitment the University places on sustainable food procurement. 

Other areas where the University was shown to be a world leader include research impact towards SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; the number of citing university research; the number of university the quality of the University’s SDG reporting; and on the commitment to educational for sustainable development through the School of Health Science’s free and interdisciplinary UCIL . 

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of �鶹���� said: “Retaining the number one rank in the UK and Europe, as well as coming second in the world once again in this year’s THE Impact Rankings is a great achievement for the whole of �鶹����. Being recognised for our commitment to Social Responsibility is especially important during our bicentenary year in which we celebrate 200 years of our incredible people and community and look toward the future.” 

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at �鶹���� said: “Social responsibility is, of course, a core goal for us so we’re delighted to be ranked top in the UK, top in Europe and second in the world in the 2024 THE Impact Rankings, which are based on our performance against the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

“These rankings cover our full range of functions – across research, students, public engagement and university operations – and we’re proud to be part of this growing community of universities who want to improve our society, economy and environment in all that we do.” 

Phil Baty, Times Higher Education’s chief global affairs officer, said: “With universities in the UK facing a funding crisis, and dozens making cuts and some predicted to close, this new data provides a very timely evidence base to demonstrate that the UK has a great diversity of global-leading universities, right across the country, way beyond the more traditional research elite.   

“Universities on the whole are offering clear, real-world impact for society – they are a powerful public good worthy of public support. Excellence in international higher education comes in many forms and this ranking very clearly demonstrates the UK has an abundance of excellence – world leaders – on many fronts.  

“There is a lot of talk in Westminster about how many international students the UK should welcome and which universities they should be allowed to study at. This new data shows that a very diverse range of universities from across the country are attractive to the ‘brightest and the best’ from around the globe and can deliver real impact.”  

THE’s Impact Rankings 2024 - World Top 10:   

View the full  

For more information about how �鶹���� is contributing towards the UN SDGs please see: /discover/social-responsibility/sdgs/

Throughout the year, teachers of 5-14 years olds have the chance to upskill in their own knowledge and skills of teaching science enquiry, using innovative resources and ideas related to the theme of Sustainable Science to involve their pupils in asking and investigating scientific questions that matter to them.

Now, on Tuesday 11 June, teachers and their pupils will come together in celebratory events both in-person and online, across the UK and beyond, to share what they have learnt with their peers, family, industry professionals and the general public.  

This year’s theme is Sustainable Science, with a focus on the Some of the questions shared this year, include:

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; How could we prevent the polar ice caps melting? 

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Which fruit or vegetable is most likely to be able to power an electric car? 

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; What effects does plastic pollution have on wildlife? 

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Which fabrics shed less fibres and are therefore better for the environment? 

·&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����;&�Բ�����; Can we increase the biodiversity in our school? 

The Great Science Share for Schools (GSSfS) campaign was launched by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at �鶹����, to provide a unique way to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom, focussing on learner-focussed science communication, inclusive and non-competitive engagement, and promoting collaboration.

Supported by a team of specialists, they have an approach that is supported across the STEM sector, and actively involves research from a range of fields including quantum science, fashion materials, computing and the creative industries.

Earlier this year, the campaign was granted the prestigious patronage of the , in recognition of its status as a beacon of excellence in science education and its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.

The team’s growth strategy, which monitors the reach and quality of the campaign, sees it develop year on year. Now, in its ninth year, there will be more than 650,000 pupils registered across 40 countries, with schools in Montenegro being some of the latest to join.

Professor Lynne Bianchi added: “GSSfS is a powerful and purposeful way to engage young people with science related to real-world contexts. It offers teachers and school leaders the chance to raise the profile of science at a time where our economy relies so heavily on STEM skills and innovation.”

Professor Bianchi, recently advised on the new Education Endowment Foundation’s Improving Primary Science Guidance and is researching the purpose and effectiveness of practical work in science as part of a Nuffield Foundation research study. In this way, the knowledge and awareness developed within the Great Science Share for Schools informs leading practice by sharing best practice and insights to make a wider impact.

An exciting addition to the Great Science Share this year is the release of the brand-new which publishes 200 questions shared by pupils.

Professor Bianchi said: “This has been an ideal opportunity to celebrate �鶹����’s Bicentenary, and to inspire more teachers and young people across the world to ask, investigate and share their questions with each other.”

In a first for the world-famous event held from Tues 21 to Sat 25 May 2024, Dermatologists and specialist nurses will be welcoming visitors to the Burma Skincare Initiative ‘Spirit of Partnership Garden’ during the week.

The charity, co-founded by Chris Griffiths OBE, emeritus professor at �鶹����, is an innovative global partnership providing research, education, and clinical services to dermatologists working in one of the world’s poorest health care systems.

Currently fewer than 50 dermatologists and three dermatology centres serve 55 million people in the impoverished country.

It is also the first time a Burmese garden has featured at Chelsea and in another first, it is a debut design by someone not in the profession.

The designer, the charity and the sponsors behind the first Burmese and skin-themed garden at the world’s most famous flower show say it’s a unique opportunity to put Burma and skin health in the spotlight.

Professor Griffiths said: “Skin disease has a major impact on a person’s quality of life and mental health and can impose severe limitations on their ability to work. In Myanmar, we met many people, including hundreds of children in orphanages, with skin diseases.

Their suffering and resilience motivated us to improve access to skincare in the country through partnerships between international and local dermatology communities and industry.”

Co-founder, Dr Su Lwin, a Burmese-born dermatology registrar and honorary lecturer at St John’s Institute of Dermatology and King’s College London, added: “My beautiful country faces many challenges. We are focussed on creating opportunities in education and research for our colleagues in Myanmar so that together, we may achieve our vision of equal access to quality skin care for its people. I am absolutely thrilled that through the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we are able to put Myanmar and skin health on the world stage. This is also the first time a garden at Chelsea tells the story of skin disease, and the importance of partnership in its management, and we hope people love it.”

Garden designer Helen Olney, working with landscaper Conquest Creative Spaces, has juggled her day job, to create her Chelsea debut.

She said: “The garden is full of texture, including timber from a Thames jetty, crumbling red bricks and weathered stone with moss and lichen. Along with plants such as Acer davidii and Betula utilis (Himalayan birch), they represent skin disease.

All the plants are found in Burma and grow happily in the UK and many have value for wildlife. The planting is naturalistic in a palette of greens, lilacs, yellows and whites. The diversity of Myanmar is shown through different planting zones and features. That includes the part-ruined ‘stupa’, a spiritual structure found across Myanmar, which symbolise the challenging environments in which the BSI work.

A stilt house, above a water lily pool, indicates the sanctuary the charity provides. Seating is inspired by a letter in the Burmese alphabet meaning ‘coming together’. This is how this garden came about, and how the charity works,” added Helen.

For more information about the BSI visit the website

Images:

• L-R Prof Chris Griffiths OBE, RHS's Esta Morris and Doctor Su Lwin on the plot where the show garden will appear in May.
• The BSI garden uses education research and clinical care to support Burmese health Credit The3DGardener

“Laura’s life - and her selfless dedication to improving the lives of others - were an inspiration to the many staff and students who knew her,” said Professor Claire Alexander, Head of �鶹����’s School of Social Sciences. “We are proud to be part of continuing Laura’s legacy through this new scholarship, and we thank Laura’s family for partnering with us in this new venture in Laura’s name.” 

The scholarship was introduced at an event on campus where Laura’s Mum Nicola also launched the publication of ‘, her heartbreaking and inspiring account of helping her daughter to make the most of her remaining time while dealing with her own pain along with that of husband Mark and younger daughter Gracie. 

To find out more about Laura’s legacy and her family’s ongoing work, visit . 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Christmas Dinner, which was founded by the University's former Chancellor Lemn Sissay OBE to ensure young care leavers are not alone on Christmas Day, won Gold in the University Reaching Higher Award.  

Zero Without a Net, the University's strategy to reduce its carbon to true zero by 2038, won Bronze in the Sustainability Impact Initiative Award. 

Assistant Director of Estates and Facilities, Alison Shedlock, said: “We’re delighted to receive these awards. It’s amazing the support Christmas Dinners gets from the Directorate of Estates and Facilities and across the wider University. It makes such a difference to care leavers on what can be one of the most challenging days for many care leavers.” 

Julia Durkan, Acting Head of Environmental Sustainability, said: “Receiving the Bronze award for ‘Zero Without a Net’ demonstrates our dedication to advancing our campus decarbonisation initiatives. We are committed to working with our academic and professional services colleagues to safeguard our planet, and this recognition underscores the significant strides we have made so far.”  

With the awards, AUDE celebrates teams, projects and individuals who have made a significant contribution to enhancing excellence and ensuring university estates provide best value to support the institutional mission and promote professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness. 

The Christmas Dinner 

The  is an annual Christmas Day dinner and get together for care leavers aged between 18 and 25, where they are served by university colleagues and other volunteers.  

The University has been involved for several years, and last year many of our colleagues volunteered and donated gifts to help ensure Christmas Day was memorable for care leavers who might otherwise be on their own during the festive period. 

Zero Without a Net 

In 2019, the University adopted a targeting of achieving “true” (not net) zero-carbon by 2028 within its carbon budget. Alongside this, part of the University's primary vision is to be recognised globally for the benefits it brings to society and environment. The zero-carbon target is one of �鶹����'s top eight KPIs and the University has taken a series of steps, including securing funding of £150m over 10 years to achieve this.

The University is also undertaking energy efficiency measures to cut costs and consumption and the decarbonisation of our heat sources – specifically by replacing gas boilers with electric alternatives. 

To find out more or to donate, visit  

For details of our sustainability strategy, visit our sustainability commitments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The launch

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

Ideas and discussions

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

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

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

A Guardian Live event, led by Professor David Olusoga, Cotton Capital: Slavery and �鶹���� will explore how transatlantic slavery shaped �鶹����. 

Creativity and performance

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

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

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

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

Community and Families

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

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

Closing

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

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

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

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

The gift, which is the most recent donation to the University from the Foundation, will deliver an ambitious programme of work aimed at redefining the role of global development research in the 21^st Century. This supports the GDI’s overarching mission of addressing global inequalities and promoting a socially just world for all.

The gift aims to build equitable partnerships between the GDI, one of the foremost development studies research institutions globally and Universities across the developing world. The GDI aims to reshape, and lead by example, the way that leading North-based universities work with Global South partners to ensure knowledge creation is co-created.

Activity funded by the gift includes a new policy lab – aimed at translating academic research into policy change – and the creation of new PhD studentships focused on climate change and poverty reduction.

Recent GDI research has encouraged the UK government to launch new development programmes worth £270 million, catalysed improved gender equality for one million women working the supply chains of companies such as Nike and Marks & Spencer, and has resulted in improved life expectancy for over 3,750 Indonesians at risk of cardiovascular disease.

, Head of the GDI said: “The gift from the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks foundation will enable us to transform the ways in which global development institutes like ours operate.

“We want to do this by targeting new Global South partnerships. This is where we move beyond very short-term income-led forms of partnership, to much more durable and equitable relationships. The aim is to ensure that scholars in the Global South have a larger and louder voice in setting research and teaching agendas around global development, which has previously been captured very much by northern based academics.”

This new activity will build on the GDI’s track record of learning from and amplifying academic voices from across the globe. Gig economy workers in Ghana and Bangladesh are who are helping to rank platforms like Uber and Upwork. These rankings are driving up pay and conditions for workers in a wider range of low-income countries.

 

, a PhD researcher based at the GDI, is using his research to drive policy change in order to ensure that communities in his home country of Ghana benefit from prosperity brought to the country from the mining industry.  

“The people who are really short-changed are often the local people. In order to make sure the local people benefit, it is important that their views are elevated to a level where they have a greater say in governance,” said Gerald.

“The University is number one in terms of research towards sustainable development goals. I have no doubt in mind that the nature of the GDI is contributing immensely towards this.”

The Brooks’ extraordinary contribution reflects a deep commitment to promoting sustainable development and social justice worldwide.

Rory Brooks is co-founder of the international private equity group MML Capital Partners. Rory graduated from UMIST (now �鶹����) in 1975 and serves on the Charity Commission.   He was the donor member of the Pearce Review into philanthropy in Higher Education in 2012 and was awarded the CBE in 2015.

Rory Brooks said: “Philanthropy, at its best, should be used to catalyse new and bold activity that is less likely to be funded through traditional channels. We are very encouraged and pleased to be able to support the ambitious plan of the GDI to recast global development research in partnership with Institutions around the world.”

The gift follows a recent £1.5 million gift to �鶹���� from alumnus and businessman Simon Sadler, which will provide life-changing financial support for care leaver students.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor said: “�鶹���� owes its very existence to philanthropy. As we step into our third century, philanthropic gifts play a critical part in delivering our goal of creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.”

�鶹����, renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and education, is the home of the Global Development Institute. This significant donation underscores the University's position as a leader in addressing complex global challenges and underscores its ongoing dedication to making a positive impact on society.

For more information about the Global Development Institute at �鶹����, please visit

This recognition underscores the event's profound alignment with UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) values, solidifying its status as a beacon of excellence in science education.

Patronage granted by the UK National Commission for UNESCO serves as a hallmark of quality, signifying an event's contribution in advancing UNESCO's mission in promoting education, scientific research, and cultural understanding. The GSSfS has been acknowledged by the UKNC for its exceptional contributions to these crucial areas, affirming its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists, innovators, and global citizens.

The GSSfS is a campaign for everyone to involve young people from 5-14 years in asking, investigating and sharing a scientific question they care about. First launched as part of the European City of Science in 2016, the campaign is centred around an annual programme of activity culminating in a large scale sharing event on the second week of June each year.

Since its inception, GSSfS has been dedicated to empowering young people to ask-investigate and share a scientific question with new audiences. The event has reached over 500,000 young people across 33 countries to spark curiosity about the world around us. Through teacher professional development, tailored resources aligned to global issues and engaging events, the campaign has, nurtured creativity, and inspired a lifelong passion for discovery in young people across the globe.

"We are deeply honoured this year to receive the esteemed patronage from the UK National Commission for UNESCO," said Professor Lynne Bianchi, �鶹����.

“This endorsement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making this initiative a resounding success. I hope that every supporter and participant will acknowledge that this has only been achieved through authentic collaboration across the sector.  With UNESCO's support, we are poised to expand our reach, amplify our impact, and inspire even more young learners to embrace the transformative power of asking scientific questions.”

As a UKNC-patronised event, GSSfS will continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in science education. By leveraging this prestigious endorsement, the initiative aims to forge new partnerships, enhance its offerings, and empower teachers, educators, pupils and whole school communities worldwide to engage meaningfully with science enquiry and its applications.

Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility, said “�鶹���� is already a world-leader in social responsibility and sustainable development. This prestigious partnership with UNESCO will help even more young people around the world see science as a force for good in the world.”

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General, United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC), said: “We are delighted to grant the UK National Commission for UNESCO Patronage to the Great Science Share for Schools campaign in 2024. Education, Science, and Communication and Information are three fundamental pillars of UNESCO’s global work, so it is great that the UK National Commission can support an initiative here in the UK that brings these together in such an imaginative and collaborative way.

“By engaging and encouraging children to choose a scientific question that they personally care about, and then gather and share their evidence to ‘solve’ that question, is a wonderful mechanism to develop enquiring minds.”

The Great Science Share for Schools extends its heartfelt gratitude to the UK National Commission for UNESCO for bestowing this honour and looks forward to continuing its mission of igniting passion, unlocking potential, and transforming lives through the wonders of science.

For more information about The Great Science Share for Schools, please visit .

The scheme close to Kale Street will help combat the area’s disproportionate exposure to air pollution, improve the health and wellbeing of local people and improve public safety away from major roads.

Nine signs  put up along the various entry points to the attractive 15 minute walk  will contain digitally interactive QR codes, which when scanned with a smartphone will direct the public to various webpages.

The pages contain information about local ecology and how plant species support �鶹����'s biodiversity.

They also details the history of the site and the local community groups that manage it.

Daniell Musaheb, Ardwick Climate Action said: “Green Routes represent community action directly tackling our community’s issues, with a need to address air pollution and public safety at its core.

“We are honoured at the support the project has received from our partners which has undeniably contributed to its success.

“We hope to see further tangible outcomes for our community and that this is the first step in realising a fairer balance in �鶹����.

“Ardwick is disproportionately affected by air pollution, and the public safety of local people is compromised due to the lack of infrastructure to support green transportation.”

To  celebrate the launch, the group are organising lavender planting. Representatives from a range of groups including Clean Cities, Friends of the Earth �鶹����, Asthma and Lung UK, Mums for Lungs and Living Streets UK will talk about air pollution, road safety and green routes in �鶹����.

And a guided walk from the A6 will show participants  why the Green Route is so badly needed.

Since 2022, ACA has conducted in partnership with �鶹���� which showed that local communities are an important way understand where local sources of pollution are and barriers to less polluting forms of travel.

One of the researchers, said: “Collaborative working between local communities and our researchers was vital to understand the barriers for active travel and the issues that most impacted residents.

“By engaging with communities we can promote awareness of the risks of pollution to health and do more meaningful research that best meets the needs of those most impacted by pollution.

She added: “This research highlighted real issues encountered by residents of high levels of pollution and dangerous roads with fast moving traffic.

“There is a lack of crossings across busy roads which makes it very hard for residents to get around safely.

“We are so excited about the green route and we really hope it makes a difference to residents for their health and wellbeing as they can avoid some of the traffic and pollution and enjoy the incredible biodiversity created by the planting done by ACA.”

Read more about the research

Caption: Ardwick Climate Action’s aims are to regenerate and rewild areas for the community, offering a series of green spaces that serve to educate and engage local people.

Simon and his wife Gillian are also supporting Cancer Research UK’s More Research, Less Cancer campaign with a gift to the CRUK National Cancer Biomarker Centre in �鶹����. The Biomarker Centre is housed in the CRUK �鶹���� Institute, a partnership between �鶹����, CRUK and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

“I would personally like to thank Simon for this generous, life-changing programme of support for students leaving care, which will play a pivotal role in our mission to create a more inclusive and accessible academic environment,” said Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of �鶹����. “We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds are able to fulfil their potential and succeed here at our University, and this new bursary is another tool in our arsenal to enable that to happen.”

Our University is committed to supporting care leavers and estranged students throughout their studies, and offers tailored support to these students. This includes various financial packages such as The �鶹���� Bursary, the  and the  - which are all generously supported by donors. The Access & Success Fund also provides accommodation grants for care experienced and estranged students, ensuring they are not left without somewhere to go during the summer break.

Students are also provided with named contacts who help them to navigate and access university support services, assist with accommodation, finances and settling into university life, provide career guidance, put them in touch with other care experienced or estranged students, and provide a listening ear whenever they would like to speak to someone.

Care experienced and estranged students are also offered paid work at the University as a Student Ambassador, which is a great opportunity to access to flexible, paid, part-time work, meet other students and develop people skills. Ambassadors are also offered the chance to act as role models on the projects that we run with looked-after young people by talking about their experiences of education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Athena Swan Charter supports universities in addressing gender inequalities and helps foster greater inclusivity for students and staff in all disciplines and roles, irrespective of sex and gender identity. 

This Silver award recognises the progress and impact made towards gender equality and endorses future university plans that will help  overcome remaining challenges and embed inclusivity for all people across the University. 

Our Athena Swan application was based on a critical self-assessment of existing circumstances, what has worked, what has been less successful, and what steps are now needed to take to achieve gender equality.  

Evidence was gathered through surveys and conversations with people from across the University and wider community. Thorough student and staff data analysis was also conducted. These steps are vital to a community-led approach to gender equality and to ensure that Athena Swan is an effective mechanism for meaningful change. 

A progressive action plan has been co-created with the university community and is aligned with the . The wider community will be consulted throughout a five- year action plan so that ongoing gender equality challenges are addressed whilst also being watchful for emerging issues.   

Nalin Thakkar, Vice President for Social Responsibility  said: “Despite making significant progress, we have not achieved gender equality across our organisation. We know positive impacts don’t reach everyone and that gendered issues persist. We are also aware that there is a need for balance in considering issues specific to different characteristics and we are committed to taking an intersectional approach.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work together to achieve our equality, diversity and inclusion ambitions.”

More information  

• Read the 
•    

The $500k gift from the will be matched 100% by the University and will be used to support both early-career and returning researchers from the University’s Photon Science Institute in partnership with the Royce Institute, the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation.

The partnership was announced today (29 January) during the SPIE Photonics West conference in San Francisco.

Photonics is the study of light and its interactions to develop technologies that impact our daily lives, from fibre optics for communications, microscopy for medical applications, light sources for displays such as smartphones, to next generation quantum applications.

With a goal of increasing diversity in the subject, the SPIE-�鶹���� Postgraduate Scholarship will have a particular focus on funding individuals returning to research following a career break or time in industry, and those pursuing unconventional career pathways or part-time study (situations often necessitated by caring responsibilities, for example).

Aligning current research and industrial needs for a robust training pipeline, an additional unique feature of the scholarship is an optional final-year placement of up to 12 months, during which students can develop industry-relevant skills in collaboration with local optics and photonics companies.

SPIE CEO Kent Rochford, added: “For many researchers and engineers, the traditional educational paths are barriers to their success.

“The SPIE-�鶹���� Postgraduate Scholarship in Photonics aims to remove those barriers and provide exciting opportunities for early-career researchers and those who may be pursuing unconventional career paths. Working internally at the University’s Photon Science Institute with the option of an industry-focused placement, promises to benefit young researchers as well as our future diverse workforce. I very much look forward to meeting the leaders in optics and photonics technologies who will emerge from this dynamic partnership between SPIE and �鶹����.”

The scholarship is the 11^th major SPIE gift to universities and institutes as part of the Society's ongoing program to support the expansion of optical engineering teaching and research.

The  was established in 2019 to increase international capacity in the teaching and research of optics and photonics. With this latest gift, SPIE has provided more than $4 million in matching gifts, resulting in more than $11 million in dedicated funds. The SPIE Endowment Matching Program supports optics and photonics education and the future of the industry by contributing a match of up to $500,000 per award to college, institute, and university programs with optics and photonics degrees, or with other disciplines allied to the SPIE mission.

The Disability Confident scheme, accredited by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), helps employers recruit, retain and train great people. Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes about, and increasing understanding of, disability. There are three levels of the scheme with Leader being the highest.  

The University's Disability Confident Leader submission focused on the people we employ including staff, PGRs, apprentices, and those undertaking work experience and work placements. It also highlighted how data is reported and includes an ongoing commitment to annually report the Disability Pay Gap. 

The successful Disability Confident Leader application was based on evidence generated through conversations with colleagues in the Disabled Staff Network and across the University about their lived experiences and professional practice.  The reporting captured both positive and negative experiences and reflected these honestly in the submission.  

The application focuses on all three pillars of the :  

• Inclusive Environments and Cultures; 
• Diversity and Equity in our community; 
• Inclusive Practice. 

The University was able to demonstrate how it strives to be disability-inclusive and endeavour to ensure that disabled colleagues feel they belong, and that the University is a great place to work, whilst recognising that there is work to be done in achieving this. 

It is only the beginning of the University's leadership journey comments provided by the Business Disability Forum will be used to co-create a robust action plan.   

Actions will be assigned to individuals to track progress and ensure accountability. Everyone has a role to play in eliminating discrimination and advancing disability equality. 

More information 

The initiative, funded by a Defra Air Quality Grant, seeks to understand the motivations behind burning solid fuels in homes and gardens, improve community knowledge and influence behaviour and improve public health in Greater �鶹����.

Smoke from log burners, domestic fires and garden bonfires contain tiny particles called particulate matter (PM2.5) that can damage people’s health, increasing the risk of respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and lead to more serious health conditions. 

The study – led by �鶹���� on behalf of Greater �鶹����’s 10 councils – aims to understand the link between household burning practices (indoor and outdoor) and local air quality.

Over the next two years, the research partnership will help inform a public health campaign across the city region to raise awareness around the negative impacts of domestic burning, with the aim to reduce particulate matter emissions through reduced and cleaner burning habits.

The survey will run until February 2024 and invites both people who burn at home and those that do not to take part.

Those that complete the survey can enter a draw to win one of five food vouchers. The link to the survey can be found

In conjunction with the study, Greater �鶹���� has launched an to educate residents about the health impacts and regulations surrounding domestic burning. Over 40 air quality monitors will be strategically placed across the region to better understand the link between domestic burning and PM2.5 air pollution.

The study is one of many research projects at the University which is looking into the

Residents who do need to burn this winter are being encouraged to follow these guidelines:   

• Find out if you are in a – if so your stove needs to be Defra-exempt and you must only use approved fuel.    
• Only burn clean seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20% or dried for a minimum of two years, or use ‘Ready to Burn’ approved manufactured solid fuels.   
• Do not burn rubbish or general waste.   
• Get your chimney swept each year and your stove checked.   
• Do not let your fire smoulder overnight. 

Take part in the survey

The qualitative study - led by Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno from �鶹���� - is published today  in the journal of social welfare and family law.

The mothers had taken violent partners to court only for some of them to lose custody and residence of their children over counterclaims of parental alienation.

Parental Alienation is a that asserts when a child has a negative stance towards one parent, typically the father, the child’s preferred parent, typically the mother, is to blame.

When victim-survivors report abuse and violence, parental alienation is often used to denounce and disqualify reports of abuse, implying that mothers are lying and manipulating children.

A law introduced in Brazil in solidified the concept into legislation.

The current Government under President Lula da Silva shows no sign of a revoking it. In fact, the country is on track to making so-called parental alienation a criminal offence, .

Speaking publicly about this abuse in the family court and inability to pay child support can result in a prison sentence for mothers in Brazil, whereas child rape and other acts of violence including illegal firearms possession and associated violence by fathers did not, the study found.

In the study, all the mothers reported multiple health conditions associated with family court proceedings, conceptualised by the researchers as Court and Perpetrator Induced Trauma (CPIT).

Eight of the 13 cases included child sexual abuse. Five mothers reported that police-led criminal investigations into child sexual abuse were closed due to allegations of parental alienation in family court.

Some mothers were being sued or threatened with being sued for slanderous defamation, and another was propositioned by the state prosecutor to withdraw the criminal charges of domestic violence and child sexual abuse , in exchange for the father’s custody application to be withdrawn.

All the mothers had been accused of Parental Alienation and all the fathers had been accused of domestic violence by the mothers.

The mothers reported being subjected to much harsher treatment by the courts than fathers accused of DV, and reported maternity problems, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and respiratory conditions and a broad range of mental health implications including suicide and other trauma responses.

The study also found:

• Irrespective of the abuse or violence reported by mothers and children, the fathers maintained some form of direct contact with the children.
• Three mothers lost custody of their children with one having no contact at all.
• Five out of eight criminal investigations into child sexual abuse, child rape and domestic violence by fathers were closed following parental alienation claims in the family courts.
• None of the mothers’ allegations of violent crime raised in court by mothers and children were passed on to police and criminal prosecutors.

Lead author Dr Dalgarno said: “There are growing concerns around the world about the weaponisation of the pseudo-concept ‘Parental Alienation’ in the family courts against women.

“In a country which has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, it’s fair to argue that Brazil is a very difficult country to be a victim of domestic abuse .

“, around one-third of Brazilian girls and women were found to have suffered Intimate Partner Violence with more than half of the perpetrators current or former ‘partners’.

“The family courts in Brazil provide an opportunity for this violence to increase, where perpetrator fathers use ‘Parental Alienation’ and similar variations, to penalise mothers and children.

“We call on the Brazilian government to urgently investigate links between harm to health and the family courts and to strengthen human rights protection for women and child victims.”

Quotes from some of the women in the paper:

Helena: “It is a feeling of injustice, helplessness . . . I understood that you get into that [court] to lose. We don’t have any chance, any chance. That’s just staging, you are going to lose it, you can be sure about it. We are only used to fill the experts and the lawyers’ pockets, our own lawyers . . . we don’t have any chance . . . I felt betrayed”.

Vania : “I think that what hurts me the most is the fact that, despite I knew I was a victim-survivor, just like my son was, I was feeling like a criminal. . .I never had criminal incidents, I had never been involved with drugs, I always had a straight life. On the other hand, the father already had criminal records, but they haven’t even taken that into consideration. Nothing, nothing, nothing . . . the more we report the more we are punished. That was my fear. I would say, by using an expression “Swim, swim and die at the beach”.

Beatrice: “It’s like you’re the prey for years . . . No animal could survive that, I think, would die of stress, I don’t know, if you put in a small cage a zebra, and a bunch of lions around about, what would happen to the zebra in the cage? I don’t know.”

Helen: “I think it was also due to stress, cortisol, stress hormone, gastritis, nightmares . . . for there were so many petitions accusing me of so many nonsense things. I was called a hooker, then a bad wife, then a murderer . . . there was no point in proving in the Family Court that that was not like that for they would just keep going “No, it is”. We become the dead dog that everybody kicks.”

The paper Swim, swim and die at the beach’: family court and perpetrator induced trauma (CPIT) experiences of mothers in Brazil is available

Over the last year, �鶹���� has been working on a bid to be a funded Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), which is a local-government led partnership, to increase research capacity in areas where there are high levels of need or deprivation. 

�鶹���� submitted a proposal to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) where every part of the Council’s work and decision-making can plug into HDRC findings to influence decisions and change how services work – especially by listening to less-heard voices in the community. 

The proposal also linked to a wide spread of other key players including voluntary and faith organisations, public and private sector partners, so that they too, can routinely use its research to inform current and future planning. 

And, now, the city has just heard that it has been identified as one of a number of areas that the NIHR would like to see undertake further development from January 1, 2024, with the expectation of becoming a full HDRC a year later in January, 2025. 

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy �鶹���� and Social Care at �鶹���� City Council, said: “This is a unique bid because it means that local people are at the heart of shaping policy and connecting with academia based on their own experiences. Too often communities are presented with pre-set solutions that they don’t relate to. The HDRC brings a new era in trust where local people can make their own health priorities the subject of research - and will then see the impact on local decisions. 

“Not only is that right, but it is key theme of our Making �鶹���� Fairer Programme. That’s our five-year action plan to address health inequity and preventable deaths by looking at all the social factors that mean that some people in the city die earlier than others.  

“�鶹���� is an incredible world-leading city and that’s why we want to make sure that those opportunities and expectations can be experienced by everyone who lives here.” 

, Academic Lead for the HDRC, said: “This is a unique opportunity to build on our inclusive research for the full HDRC in 2025.   

“�鶹���� has a proud record of partnership work to bring together communities, voluntary organisations and policy partners. Our evaluations have demonstrated how including communities helps in all aspects of tackling inequalities and making sure that we don’t leave anyone behind. 

“Putting people at the heart of this exciting new initiative is vital for inclusive research and improving health and wellbeing. We look forward to building on our research-active communities and research-responsive policies to tackle inequalities together.” 

Mother of three Eliza Varga is also the first recipient of the Sally Bradley Memorial Prize, given to high achieving students studying public health.

Dr Bradley, a former GP, Director of Public Health in �鶹���� and Medical Director was tragically killed in a terrorist attack while holidaying in Sri Lanka.

Her brother Lord Keith Bradly – a Labour Party politician and honorary special advisor to �鶹���� - created the award in his sister’s name.

Lack of funds forced Eliza to abandon a degree in Hungary, and a few months later she found herself living in a tiny room in Wilmslow.

She immediately found work and, as her language skills improved, so did her job opportunities, eventually moving to Stockport where she met her husband Josh.

In 2010, she enrolled at �鶹���� and graduated in zoology in 2015.

Eliza said: “I always loved animals as my family kept some livestock in Hungary, so I studied Zoology. Being a mature student posed its challenges, but the university's foundation year program offered me a gateway to a new life.

“My journey wasn't smooth; but The University supported me throughout, allowing me to graduate with good results and people wanted me to succeed.”

In 2021 Eliza enrolled in the Master of Public Health programme at �鶹����, because she said, of its reputation for trying to better understand and address health inequalities.

�鶹���� was one of the first  Universities to run an online public health programmes, and now has have over 2000 alumni from 80 countries over the 20 years it have been going.

Eliza added: “As a mother of three young children, I had to study at night, managing a household, and facing financial and other challenges. It was a Herculean task.

“The online option was brilliant: online is so much more inclusive to people with other commitments in their lives.

“My university journey was as much about personal growth as it was about academic achievement. I discovered my resilience and ability to keep going despite the challenges in the hope of one day being able to help others. 

“I would like to thank my family, friends and my wonderful teachers at the University, especially, Professor Arpana Verma, I am so grateful they believed in me.”

When asked what Sally Bradly Memorial Prize meant to her, Eliza said: “This award symbolises the intersection of my personal journey with the legacy of an inspiring figure in public health, Dr Sally Bradley.

“It motivates me to continue making meaningful contributions to the field, honouring both Sally's memory and the support I've received throughout my studies.”

Building on her journey, Eliza now has a job focusing on inclusive research and intends to pursue her research career with a PhD, here at The University.

Professor Arpana Verma, who leads the Master’s programme in public health was a colleague of Sally Bradley.

She said: “We are so incredibly grateful to Lord Bradley and Sally’s family for this prestigious award. Being able to celebrate Sally’s life and achievements through the prize that is given to one of our own masters student who has excelled in the programme and lives and works in the city that Sally was so proud of.

“Sally was a mentor to me and so many of my colleagues during her time as Director of Public Health in �鶹���� and Medical Director of Pennine Acute NHS Trust.

“Eliza has not only gained a distinction in her degree, she produced a high quality dissertation for �鶹���� City Council and we thank David Regan, Director of Public Health for his help with both the research and the development of the prize.”

She added: “We are proud of our flexible online learning Masters in Public Health that facilitates higher education for students who have to juggle work and caring responsibilities.

“Our University’s Flexible Learning Strategy exemplifies the vision and progress for lifelong learning we embody through bringing online education to a population that may not previously have been able to study.

“We celebrate today’s graduation ceremony as a tribute to Sally’s legacy, Eliza’s achievements and the achievements of all our students.”

Lord Keith Bradley said: “I am extremely grateful to the University for approving this new award in memory of my dear sister Sally.

“Sally made a huge contribution to health in �鶹���� and Eliza is a very worthy recipient of this award in Sally’s memory.

“Eliza will contribute to the work of public health which is so vital to the wellbeing of our local population.”

Images: Eliza's children Zack (6.5), Eli (4.5), and Evelyn (3)   with Husband Josh; Eliza

Sophie Duncan, Co-director of the NCCPE said: “At the NCCPE, as well as challenging the sector and campaigning for change, we champion excellent practice. We’re delighted to be able to award �鶹���� a Platinum Engage Watermark for their sustained and deep-rooted commitment to public engagement, which has been informed by consultation with staff, students and partners”.  

Winning a Platinum Engage Watermark is a significant achievement. It is the highest honour that can be awarded to an institution and recognises exceptional strategic leadership of public engagement; high standards of professional support; and excellence in partnership working.  It also evidences that the institution has a profound grasp of challenges ahead and of areas of relative weakness, with a commitment to addressing these. 

Key features of �鶹����’s approach which drew special praise from the assessors included its efforts to open up the campus and cultural institutions to become more welcoming and accessible for community use, the involvement of partners and communities in shaping the research and teaching at the university, and the very significant commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at �鶹���� said: “We’re delighted to receive this prestigious Platinum award for public engagement. We’ve prioritised new forms of public engagement through our emphasis on civic partnerships, our cultural institutions and in creating a local Citizens’ Panel. We’re grateful for the support and constructive challenge throughout the Watermark process and the commitment our staff, students and community partners play in delivering our core goal of social responsibility.”  

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of �鶹���� said: “As a passionate advocate for public engagement, I’m proud that we have embedded a culture of high-quality practice through our core goal of . We are delighted to be recognised nationally with a prestigious Platinum Watermark for our sustained excellence and leadership in public engagement.” 

Cllr Bev Craig said: “As the leader of �鶹���� City Council and lead for greater �鶹���� Combined Authority for economy and Inclusive growth, I am proud that we have �鶹���� as a civic partner. This award is great recognition for the University’s collaborative work with local communities, councils, business and civic partners to address to address real priorities and realise mutual benefit through the GM Civic University Agreement.” 

The latest news shows how the University’s work across research, teaching, and social responsibility is impacting progress and society around the world and changing people’s lives for the better. 

QS, which also publishes the globally influential QS World University Rankings, launched the Sustainability Rankings in 2022. The ranking draws on evidence such as policies and case studies, and sources such as staff and alumni surveys and research data. More than 1,400 universities from 95 countries are assessed on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. 

Dr Julian Skyrme, �鶹����’s, Director of Social Responsibility, who led the submission to the ranking, said: “This ranking by QS uses a wide range of unique evidence points drawing on our research, teaching, public engagement and university operations. A remarkably similar picture has emerged to that found in the THE Impact Ranking, where we are also top in Europe. This success reflects the impact that thousands of our staff, students, alumni and external partners make to improve our world and should be a source of pride for our whole community.” 

At �鶹����, many of these efforts are focused on working towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

In research this includes Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. In one example of this, as part of a joint India-UK water quality project, a team of �鶹���� researchers carried out ground-breaking work on arsenic exposure in India. Arsenic-contaminated groundwater used for drinking and crop irrigation poses a serious health risk, and this research established the extent of exposure and how this toxic metal enters well water.  

University research was also highly rated by QS against Goals 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), and 3 (Good health & wellbeing). 

For evidence for its work around teaching, �鶹���� submitted examples of its commitment to the SDGs through the where students from any degree can take additional short courses to boost their employability or personal development. This can include setting up a business or creating a sustainable future.  

On public engagement, the University shared evidence from its museums, galleries and libraries and how it involves local citizens in decision-making through a Civic Panel.  

And evidence on University operations included work to decarbonise the campus, supporting and a commitment to fostering .  

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, said: “People want to work and study at �鶹���� in part because we are so committed to social responsibility. It means that we have thousands of inspiring people coming up with ideas and making a difference through their work and study every day. The QS ranking shows just how much of an impact all of these actions can have, not just on campus but for people all around the world who we may never meet but who will live better lives as a result of someone’s work here in �鶹����.” 

There is more information on how �鶹���� is making progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals online. 

More information on the methodology and weighting can be found on the .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about and the other .  

Find out more about environmental sustainability at �鶹����.

By James Mason, Visiting Academic in Decarbonisation;  Alice Larkin, Professor of Climate Science and Energy Policy;  and Simon Bullock, Research Associate, Shipping and Climate Change.

In the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, a transformation is underway.

The international shipping sector, made up of thousands of massive cargo ships laden with many of the goods we buy, emits carbon dioxide (CO₂) roughly equivalent to the entire country of .

Our emphasises the need for immediate action. Reducing shipping emissions by 34% by 2030 is necessary to stay on course with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. But with low-carbon fuel pipelines unlikely to be at the necessary scale until at least the 2030s, how can the industry meet its short-term target?

Enter a new solution with ancient origins: sails. Not the billowing canvases of centuries past but high-tech systems capable of harnessing renewable wind energy to supplement the propulsion from a ship’s engine.

A number of advanced sail designs are gaining the attention of shipping firms. Two contenders include Flettner rotors, cylinders that spin to generate propulsion, and “wingsails”, which resemble aeroplane wings and are derived from designs used in yacht racing.

Wingsails, analogous to aeroplane wings, provide lift on either side. Smart Green Shipping,

Wind propulsion allows ships to use less fuel and so emit less greenhouse gas. However, in our , we found that the real opportunity to slash emissions from shipping this decade lies in combining sails with optimal routes plotted by satellite navigation systems.

An old idea with new technology

Optimised routing is a familiar concept to most of us. You’ll have used it by typing a destination into Google Maps and allowing its algorithms to calculate the quickest way for you to arrive at your destination.

The process is similar for ships. But instead of finding the quickest journey, the software models the ship’s performance in water to calculate routes and speeds that minimise fuel use.

With optimised routing and sails, ships can deviate from their standard course to seek out favourable winds. The ship may travel a longer distance but the extra power gained by the sails limits the ship’s fuel consumption and reduces the total emissions over the full journey. The software only suggests routes that guarantee the same arrival time, keeping the ship to its original schedule.

We used a computer model simulation of a cargo vessel with four sails, each taller than Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue at 35 meters high. By calculating the fuel consumption of this large bulk carrier ship on over 100,000 journeys spanning four years and covering 14 shipping routes worldwide, we found that sails can cut annual carbon emissions by around 10%.

The true promise of sails unfolds when optimal routing is used, increasing annual emission cuts to 17%.

Routes with ideal wind conditions have even greater potential. The most promising are typically those far from the equator, such as transatlantic and transpacific crossings, where strong winds can fill large sails. By taking advantage of wind patterns moving across the ocean on these routes, sails and optimised routing can cut annual emissions by over 30%.

Take the journey between the UK and the US as an example. A ship setting out on this voyage will typically experience strong headwinds which generate drag and push the ship backwards, meaning more fuel must be burned to maintain the same forward momentum. But by using sails and optimised routing software on this crossing, ships can avoid these headwinds and steer into more favourable winds.

Flettner rotors are smooth cylinders with discs that spin as wind passes at right angles across it. Norsepower,

On the return journey, the ship would typically experience strong winds from behind and the side, which would fill the sails and push the ship on. With optimised routing software the ship can find even stronger winds and fine-tune its direction for the sails to maximise propulsion.

Keeping the 1.5°C target afloat

The International Maritime Organization (the UN agency responsible for environmental regulation in shipping) has a of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20%-30% by 2030. The Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target .

Our research shows that cuts to CO₂ of this magnitude are possible this decade using wind propulsion and optimised routing on promising routes. Achieving this will oblige the shipping industry to deploy existing technologies and practices and shift its focus from fuel alone, as will take longer to develop.

As we sail further into the 21st century, our research delivers a clear message to the shipping industry: substantial carbon reductions are feasible this decade. Here is an old idea, one that integrates technology with tradition, that can steer international shipping towards its climate goals.

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

This collaborative study between the University of the Witwatersrand’s and �鶹����’s programme will analyse the programme’s  impact  on their development. It is funded by the UK's Medical Research Council.

Prof Claudine Storbeck  Primary Investigator: South Africa said: “Around 6,000 deaf children are born in South Africa each year, but the lack of universal newborn hearing screening means that the average age of diagnosis of hearing loss in South Africa is 28 months old.

“The availability of data on deaf child development and impact of early intervention is sparce and structured early intervention programmes to promote early childhood development in the first three years of life are minimal

“Those offering South African Sign Language (SASL) as a language option are very rare and largely unavailable to families.”

“As a result, the linguistic, communicative, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in South Africa can be delayed, often significantly.”

Prof Alys Young – Primary Investigator said: “Results from high-income countries show that identification and diagnosis by 3 months of age with family support and early intervention by 6 months of age drastically improve the developmental progress of deaf children.

“The project will investigate the extent and character of the impact of such a home-based early intervention programme, alongside an understanding of what might mitigate the effectiveness of such a programme of intervention.

“This is important because home-based early intervention for deaf infants is not universal and the case for its effectiveness is not proven within the wider context of school readiness in South Africa.”

The researchers will investigate the HI HOPES early intervention and family support programme, which supports families with deaf and hard of hearing children

Founded in 2006 by the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies as a non-profit programme, it provides families with specialised home-based early childhood development  programme for children from birth to 6.

The project also aims to provide large scale data on the development of deaf children in South Africa that will help to inform the South African Government/UNICEF National Early Learning and Development Standards (NELDS) from birth to four years.

It will also support, age-normed and standardised Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM) 4 & 5 Years assessment tool, developed by South African early learning charity .

An important part of the  work will be the adaptation of the ELOM to ensure suitability for deaf children as well as developing a standardised South African Sign Language (SASL) version to ensure the validity of all items for children who are SASL users.

Prof Storbeck added: “It will be possible for the first time in South Africa to accurately evaluate deaf children’s developmental progress and needs in all domains (not just language) at point of school entry.

For more information on the overall research project, contact: Prof Claudine Storbeck – Primary Investigator: South Africa,  The University of the Witwatersrand,  claudine.storbeck@wits.ac.za  and Prof Alys Young – Primary Investigator: UK,  �鶹����, alys.young@manchester.ac.uk

The audience at the event, called Culture of care or culture of concern: let’s debate animal research, will put questions to a panel.

On the panel is Wendy Jarrett CEO of Understanding Animal Research (UAR), Penny Hawkins Head of the Animals in Science Department, RSPCA Science and Policy Group and  Celean Camp from CEO of the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME).

The event will kick off with the signing of a public pledge to a culture of care at �鶹����’s animal research unit by Dr Maria Kamper, Director of the unit.

Register if you would like to take part and send a question you’d like the panel to debate to animal.research@manchester.ac.uk .

The panel will be by chaired by Mike Addelman, communications lead for animal research at �鶹����.

He said: “For centuries, scientists have worked with animals to help answer some of the most important questions in biomedical science.

“But nowadays, more than 115  million animals are used in research across the world every year.

“And though the UK sector is the most tightly regulated in the world, some of those animals still experience pain, suffering and distress.

He added: “So what’s the future for animal research? Are we able to replace it with more humane alternatives? And how important is a culture of care, not just to the animals themselves, but also the people who work with them?

”Join us to consider the issues.”

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

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

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

April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students at �鶹����, welcomed the TEF outcomes: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New research from students at �鶹���� has traced the wealth of five of the most significant founders and funders of the institution to transatlantic enslavement and underpins this new exhibition.  Artefacts and objects from the University’s collections tell the story of these connections.

The exhibition invites visitors to examine these rediscovered histories and help us answer the emerging question for the city of �鶹���� and the University: “What should we do next?”

Founding a University

Today’s University of �鶹���� was founded as two separate educational establishments - Owens College and the �鶹���� Mechanics’ Institution. �鶹���� Mechanics’ Institution was founded in 1824 by a group of businessmen and manufacturers, including Sir Benjamin Heywood, James McConnel and John Kennedy.

Heywood’s position as �鶹����’s leading banker was built on generations of his family’s profits from slave trading, while McConnel & Kennedy’s mills, the largest in �鶹����, spun slave-grown cotton imported from the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia.

Owens College was founded in 1851 with a gift of nearly £100,000 (over £10 million today) from the estate of �鶹���� businessman John Owens, who invested heavily in importing slave-grown goods from North and South America, as well as cotton manufacturing.

During their research, students discovered that the land on which the University sits was bought by Murray Gladstone, inheritor of considerable wealth from plantation ownership and enslavement of thousands of people of African heritage.

The exhibition showcases the history of the University’s cultural institutions, including the John Rylands Research Institute and Library itself, which was built using a fortune derived from the manufacturer of textiles made from cotton cultivated by enslaved people, and became part of the University in 1972.

Experiences of enslavement and treasures of the collections

Alongside letters and archival material that detail �鶹����’s financial and foundational connections are books and documents exploring the experiences of enslaved people linked to those locations and activities.

This includes Olaudah Equiano and Solomon Northup who published accounts of their first-hand experiences of enslavement and Jack Gladstone, an enslaved man who led a revolt of approximately 10,000 enslaved men and women known as the Demerara Uprising.

Also included are items that show how wealth derived from transatlantic enslavement continues to hold high financial and cultural value in objects owned by the John Rylands Research Institute and Library and �鶹���� Museum.

This includes a richly-decorated 16th century copy of Shāhnāmah (Book of Kings) by Firdawsī donated to Owens College by Samuel Robinson. Robinson inherited his wealth from his father, who manufactured textiles specifically to be traded for captives on the West African coast.

Emerging researchers uncovering hidden connections

The exhibition has been curated by a team of University of �鶹���� postgraduate students, academics and curators, with the support of external researchers. Core to the exhibition is research conducted by a diverse team of emerging scholars who undertook the Race, Migration & Humanitarianism: Legacies of Slavery and Colonialism in the Modern World module as part of their MA History. The Emerging Scholars programme provided students with paid opportunities to develop their historical research and curatorial skills with the aim of strengthening pipelines for underrepresented and Global Majority students to participate in academic and heritage work. Blog posts written by the team are available on the exhibition website.

Dr Kerry Pimblott, Lecturer in International History said: “Founders and Funders represents the culmination of two years of research conducted by a team of postgraduate students from �鶹����’s History MA programme. The project began in one of our core modules – HIST64101: Race, Migration & Humanitarianism – in which students receive a grounding in the global history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and colonisation before examining the multiple and complex legacies of these world historic phenomena in the present.

“Since 2021, all students in this module have participated in a series of special workshops to critically examine the legacies of slavery and colonialism in the places they live, study, and work – �鶹���� and �鶹����. In 2022, we launched the Emerging Scholars Programme and recruited six talented postgraduate researchers, including a plurality of Black and other Global Majority students, to lead on the next stage of the research and exhibition curation.

“At the heart of the project is an acknowledgment of the longstanding structural inequalities in the discipline of History which have created barriers to access and participation for Black and other Global Majority students (see, Royal Historical Society

“The Emerging Scholars Programme aims to address this ‘broken’ pipeline (, 2019) by providing paid research positions as well as structured mentorship and support from curators and historians based at �鶹���� as well as the University of Liverpool’s Centre for the Study of International Slavery and UCL’s Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery.

“Recent graduates from the Emerging Scholars programme have gone on to work in the education and heritage sectors and we are looking forward to recruiting more postgraduate researchers to advance this research in the years to come.”

Jeevan Kaur Sanghera, MA History graduate and student curator, said: “Working on the exhibition, Founders and Funders, as a student curator was a process of getting to grips with just how embedded enslavement, empire and colonisation were essential to the building of �鶹����, 'Cottonopolis'. The social life, politics, intellectual culture, finances and kinship networks of �鶹����'s 19th century residents were intertwined with exploitative colonial practices. This included direct investment in slave voyages or through industry, such as cotton production which was directly linked to Transatlantic enslavement and the labour of enslaved people.

"The exhibition does not simply seek to present this research as facts about arbitrary �鶹���� residents who funded the foundation of �鶹����. It prompts its visitors to begin to understand and acknowledge how embedded enslavement was to these people's lives and their social and financial patronage of �鶹����'s culture and institutions.”

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility at �鶹����, said: “This is an important step on a journey we started with the initial research into our links to slavery, which we published last year, in conjunction with seeking the views of staff, students and alumni.

“Our University is entering its 200^th year in 2024 and it is incredibly important that our staff and students have undertaken this research, through our MA in History, and that we continue to be transparent in sharing new findings and perspectives.

“This exhibition, together with other insights, will help inform a broader response being considered by our expert group of staff and students, who are meeting over the coming year to consider how we address our past in positive ways as we enter our third century.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The analysis of the small-spotted catshark, zebrafish, European seabass, and the three-spined stickleback is published in the journal .

Though scientists already know that the warming of our rivers and oceans causes direct physiological stress to fish, this study shows the impact on their developing embryos has a deep-seated effect on their gene expression patterns as adults.

These changes may also affect their capacity to respond to future changes in temperature, having consequences for surviving climate change in their adult life.

Scientists have failed to find consistent differentially expressed genes implicated in biological changes linked to global warming.

However, �鶹���� analysis suggests different phenotypes identified in later life may occur through changes in the organisation of the transcriptome - the genetic code as it is read – one crucial element of life itself.

Their findings, using sophisticated modelling, show that transcriptomes of developmentally warmed fishes are characterised by an increased disorder in the way genes interact, implying a less structured, more ‘random’ set of gene interactions.

Professor Holly Shiels, from �鶹����, said: “Climate change is a major threat facing animals. As the world’s oceans and rivers continue to warm the physiological and population level stresses exerted upon fishes will continue to grow.

“If we are to predict and mitigate the consequences of global warming, it is crucial we understand how it influences an animal’s biological capacity to respond to future environmental challenges.”

Dr Dan Ripley, from �鶹����, said: “Our findings suggest that exposure to elevated temperatures during the development and growth of an embryo may influence the ability of fish to respond to future challenges they face in later life.”

Dr Adam Stevens, from �鶹����, added: “In our study, we found that developmental warming influenced the relationships between genes. The ‘plumbing’ of the system was changed, with knock-on consequences for how it then functions in adulthood.

“This was absent in animals reared under ‘control’ conditions.”

The embryos were held in either control conditions, representing everyday temperatures, or warmer treatment conditions, representing future conditions under climate change.

Following embryogenesis, all fish were moved to control conditions, simulating adult fish in the wild moving to find areas at their preferred temperature.

Despite living in their preferred temperature range as adults, genomic differences were found between the groups related to the temperatures they experienced as embryos.

These differences were associated with an altered capacity to respond to future warming as adults.

• The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Higher Education Innovation Fund through �鶹����’s Knowledge and Innovation Hub for Environmental Stability, and the pump priming fund through �鶹����’s Cardiovascular Division.

The UK disposes of one million tonnes of textiles every year, 300,000 tonnes of which end up in landfill or incineration. Some figures suggest 10% of global CO2 emissions come from the fashion industry. 

The football sector is a huge contributor to this - approximately 2.45 million Liverpool and 1.95 million �鶹���� United sports shirts were sold worldwide in 2021 alone. 

The new project, KIT:BAG by RÆBURN, will work with local sportswear suppliers and the local community transform surplus football shirts into unique reusable tote bags, while educating them of the environmental impacts of textile waste and how we can extend the life of our garments. 

It aims to provide a fun, responsible way to keep kits in circulation while shining a light on the large-scale problem in the industry. 

Lindsay Pressdee, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Fashion Marketing & Branding Communication at �鶹����, said: “Developing meaningful sustainable business models and consumer behaviours remains a key issue within the fashion sector and raises serious environmental concerns.  

“This project focuses on the overlooked area of sportswear; how we can extend the life of these polyester garments and avoid them going into landfill or incineration, through the key principle of community education. 

“The initiative aligns with �鶹����'s objectives of promoting sustainability and social responsibility and by collaborating with Raeburn Design, which follows the REMADE sustainable ethos, we have an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and address this issue.” 

Christopher Raeburn, Creative Director at RÆBURN, added: “As our business has evolved, we’ve tried, tested and proven our “Remade, Reduced, Recycled” motif can be scaled and translated into other industries outside of fashion, such as architecture, furniture design, film and cultural placemaking. 

“KIT:BAG by RAEBURN marks our newest venture: bringing circular design solutions to the sports industry. We’re excited to have �鶹���� on board as our research partner for this project. Together, we’ve set out a roadmap and a masterplan, now we’re inviting industry leaders to join us on this journey.” 

While many solutions are emerging to tackle the problem of sustainable fashion, the size of the problem relating to official sportswear remains unknown.  

As research partners, academics from the Department of Materials at �鶹���� will focus on advancing current knowledge and generating new knowledge in this area. The researchers, including Lindsay Pressdee, Dr Amy Benstead,  Dr Jo Conlon and student intern Lena Bartoszewicz, will look at post-consumer waste, diverting it from landfill and repurposing it into a new usable product - a key part of the circular design model. 

Lindsay added: “The waste of sportwear is a hidden problem – we know that football teams can have on average three kits per season, but we do not know how many people have in their homes, shoved in their wardrobes, or put away in their lofts.  

“The problem requires a multifaceted approach and any change requires collaboration with consumers, sports clubs, garment recycling schemes, sports brands and producers. 

“It is difficult to distinguish who is responsible, so we must consider both the sustainable production and consumption of products – a key principle of which is education.” 

KIT:BAG by RÆBURN will launch on Thursday, 27 July with a party at The Lab E20 – Raeburn’s creative workspace in London. This will be followed by a community event for children and families on Saturday, 29 July.  

The team plan to extend this to �鶹����, where they will invite the local community to various workshops and have a go at making their own reusable bags.

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

The strategy 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

The strategy has been approved by the University’s Board of Governors and is endorsed at the highest level of the University. It was developed following extensive consultation with colleagues and students, who shared their views on the actions the University needed to prioritise and where it needed to improve.

The University’s operational carbon footprint has fallen by 35% since 2007, from approximately 81,000 tonnes CO2e to under 53,000 tonnes in 2022, but more needs to be done across all areas of activity to reach zero carbon by 2038, while cutting emissions as sharply as possible in the run-up to this date.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, wants the new strategy to act as a guide for everyone who is part of the University’s community. “Achieving this strategy is a challenge which we must all work towards,” he said. “The University will be allocating significant funds to this, but we must all contribute through the things we do every day at work and by talking to students and colleagues about the things we are doing to make a difference.”

Action already taken by �鶹���� includes ending investments in fossil fuel companies and reducing the carbon intensity of other investment holdings. The campus runs on 100% renewable electricity and 94% of the University’s waste is diverted from landfill. The University has also recently committed to limiting its business travel emissions to no more than half of pre-COVID levels and so far is with this.

Action planned for the future includes proposals to increase energy efficiency, make changes to the Old Quad that promote biodiversity and to shift more of its buildings away from gas boilers to heat pumps.

The strategy also contains commitments to further embed sustainability in the curriculum and take advantage of the world-class expertise of its researchers. Training will be developed for all colleagues including leaders to give them the tools to make changes.

Professor Thakkar added: “The future that this strategy lays out is one where we have a campus that is rich in nature, with cleaner air and a lighter footprint on the planet. Some of the measures to achieve this are going to be hard, but everyone in the leadership of the University is committed to making the necessary changes and if we all contribute, we have the ability to be far greater than the sum of our individual parts.”

You can read the full list of commitments in the strategy which has now been published as a document .

The Environmental Sustainability Team at �鶹���� has been shortlisted for in the 2030 Climate Action category. The awards ceremony will take place in November.

As part of the  campaign, more than 500,000 primary and secondary school pupils will take part in a celebratory event where they will get the chance to ask and explore their own scientific questions, take part in experiments and be inspired into science and engineering.

The national campaign was launched by �鶹���� to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom.

Now in its eighth year, the campaign has seen exponential growth with over 500,000 primary and secondary school pupils signed up to participate this year. Thousands of schools and STEM organisations across the UK and internationally, will be sharing science on 13 June 2023.

�鶹���� will host 30 primary and secondary schools from across Greater �鶹���� in its newly opened

This year’s theme is Science Around Us – an idea that provides an opportunity to focus on the important role science has to play in addressing the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

The pupils have spent weeks gathering data, analysing, and drawing conclusions about a wide range of questions, including:

• Does the amount of air pollution affect the amount of biodiversity around our school?
• Does the material used for the wing of a glider plane affect the distance it travels?
• Can we identify and classify living things around us?
• Can we stop or slow down the time it takes for the polar ice caps to melt?
• Could reflection of light help tackle climate change?

The event at �鶹���� will be attended by Councillor Yasmine Dar the Lord Mayor of �鶹����, President and Vice-Chancellor of �鶹���� Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, Councillor for Baguley Tracey Rawlins, alongside other local business, and education professionals. The guests will be encouraged to listen and question the pupils about their findings as part of this inclusive and non-competitive event. 

Professor Lynne Bianchi, Campaign Director and Director of the Science and Engineering Education Research Innovation Hub at �鶹����, said: “We are always encouraged by the way teachers and educators make the Great Science Share for Schools their own – and the engagement figures prove that the campaign continues to make a difference across the UK and internationally. Every scientific question a child is able to ask, investigate and share is a question worth listening to – and each of us has a responsibility to support our younger generations to that.”

 Research states that if children do not develop an identity for STEM before leaving primary school, they are unlikely to be able to do it the older they grow. The events aim to empower children to tell their own scientific stories at a critically influential time - a vital approach to instilling the skills and attitudes towards science from an early age.

�鶹���� has today been named top in both the UK and Europe, and second in the world for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the .

�鶹����’s top ranking comes from a record assessment of 1,705 universities from 115 countries/regions. As well as ranking first in the UK, �鶹���� is also the only UK institution in the global top 10 and the only university in the world to rank in the top ten in every year the Impact Rankings have been running. In addition, the University attained the top spot for SDG 15 – Life on Land and was third for SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

The ranking, now in its fifth year, is the world’s only one that measures universities’ contributions to the and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of �鶹���� said: “At �鶹���� social responsibility is a core goal and is very important to us. So, we’re delighted to be ranked first in the UK, first in Europe and second in the world in this year’s THE Impact Rankings, which are based on our performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“This builds on our performance in previous years, where we’ve been a global top 10 university for five years running – the only university in the world to do this.  

“These Impact Rankings cover the social and environmental contribution of universities across their full range of functions – through their research, their students, their public engagement and their operations – and we’re proud to be part of this ever-growing community of universities around the world leading work to a make a difference.”

The UK has the most universities in the top 100 of the overall table with 26. British universities’ progress towards tackling the world’s greatest challenges are laid out in the .

Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer, THE, commented: “The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, now in its fifth year, is establishing itself as one of the world’s most important university rankings.  

“It moves away from the traditional and more narrow approach to rankings and looks at far broader issues – examining how universities’ are improving our world.

“I’m especially impressed to see how well British universities are doing – taking more than a quarter of the top 100 places in the overall ranking and with a real diversity of institutions showing excellence. It is testament to how seriously those institutions take those critically important goals and how the UK higher education sector is taking a global lead on international sustainability issues.  

“It is also inspiring to see even more universities participate and see countries that don’t normally rank so highly do so well.

“This is an extremely valuable tool for universities, governments, funders and policymakers to understand how universities are supporting the drive to meet the UN SDGs and what must be done to improve their performance even further in this massively important area.

“The rankings are also vital for millions of prospective students who are increasingly demanding to see evidence that the universities they consider for their education are committed to sustainability and to helping them to become sustainably minded citizens.”

Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at �鶹���� who leads the institution’s entry to the ranking, said: “The evidence we submitted covers work from a wide range of our functions – our cultural institutions, equality, diversity and inclusion, widening participation, research impact, public and civic engagement, the student experience and reporting on the SDGs. Everyone in our University community should therefore take enormous pride in this result.”

THE Impact Rankings 2023: overall top 10  

Branko Kovacevic, Samantha Grieve, Lewis Mosey and Alisha Quinn each tell their stories of how they came to work at the University through some of our socially responsible recruitment routes. The University will also be launching a new Apprenticeship strategy in Autumn 2023. 

The full feature and accompanying film can be seen at: 

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Alisha and Lewis both joined as apprentices. Alisha is now a workshop technician in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, while Lewis is an IT service business analyst. 

He says: “What gives me the most job satisfaction is that it is such a calm, collected and empathetic place to work. As an employee, you really want to be cared for by your employer and we are.”  

Samantha joined through Kickstart, a government scheme to support people into work, initially as an apprentice before gaining a permanent role as a recruitment support assistant in the People and Organisational Development team.  

And Branko joined the University eight years ago through The Works, our innovative employment and training initiative at the heart of our local community in Ardwick, and now works in the Beehive Cafe in Oddfellows Hall.

More information 

Find out more about the benefits of working at our University: 

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A range of roles and opportunities are available: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The University has therefore hit its target of reducing the weighted average carbon intensity (WACI) by 50% by 2027 ahead of time. The University also ended investment in fossil fuel companies in 2021, as part of its .

Carbon intensity is a measure of carbon efficiency, in which the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions by a company are divided by the level of its activity (as measured in value of sales). The University aims to reach net zero carbon in its investments by 2038 at the latest.

The Endowment Investment Portfolio Climate Change report for the year ended 31 July 2022 has been prepared with support from Mercer, the University’s investment adviser.

As well as updating on progress, the report explains how the University considers climate-related risks in relation to its endowment investment portfolio, how it adopts governance processes and investment strategies, and assesses relevant metrics and targets in order to manage these risks.

Asset owners like the University sit at the top of the investment chain and, therefore, have an important role to play in influencing the organisations through which they invest (such as asset managers) and companies in which they ultimately invest to provide better climate-related financial disclosures.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, said: “I’m really pleased with the progress we have made on this, as it brings us much closer to our ultimate ambition of net zero-carbon in our investments. Publishing this report is part of demonstrating our ambition in a transparent way.

“This work, and our efforts to decarbonise our campus operations, helps us make a contribution to tackling the climate crisis, alongside our important teaching, research and social responsibility activity.”