Part of the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), the priorities were unveiled this week at a special event at the Royal Northern College of Music, attended by civic leaders, university partners, members of the Greater Manchester Citizens’ Panel and Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council.

Developed in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and shaped by the Citizens’ Panel, the new priorities ensure the universities’ civic mission remains grounded in the needs of residents while also supporting Greater Manchester’s long-term vision of becoming ‘a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life’.

The Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement (CUA), launched in 2021, brings together the University of Greater Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Salford, alongside the the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in a shared commitment to align the strengths of the universities with the needs of the city-region, with a shared goal of improving the lives of people across Greater Manchester.

Professor Jennie Henley, Chair of the Civic University Board, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Our universities are not separate from Greater Manchester; they are part of its fabric. These refreshed priorities are about reaffirming our long-term commitment to the people of this city-region. By working in partnership, we can achieve more together than any of us could alone, helping to build a Greater Manchester that is fairer, healthier, greener, and full of opportunity.”

The four new priorities focus on areas where the universities can make the biggest collective difference:

• Opportunity & Prosperity – widening access to education, creating lifelong learning pathways, supporting innovation, and helping people secure good jobs.
• Health & Wellbeing – training the next generation of doctors, nurses and social care professionals, supporting mental health initiatives, tackling health inequalities, and using research and expertise to put prevention at the heart of the region’s health strategy.
• Culture – celebrating Greater Manchester’s cultural strengths, making arts and creativity accessible to everyone, and building the skills that keep the city region’s creative economy thriving.
• Environment – helping Greater Manchester reach net zero by promoting sustainability in learning and research, creating greener places to live, and preparing people for the jobs of the future.

Greater Manchester’s universities already contribute over £4 billion to the local economy each year, educate more than 100,000 students and welcome millions of residents to concerts, lectures and public events. They also train the region’s future workforce, including an estimated 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers between 2022 and 2027.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester’s universities make a massive contribution to our city region, one that goes far beyond educating students. These refreshed civic priorities reflect the breadth of our universities’ impact across our society and economy, from creating jobs and supporting business innovation to enriching our culture. We recently set out our vision for Greater Manchester’s next decade of growth and we know our universities have a vital role to play in our continued success.”

By refreshing their priorities, the universities have renewed their pledge to work with civic partners and communities to make Greater Manchester a place where everyone can thrive. Explore our shared priorities for Greater Manchester.

•  for Greater Manchester

This list coincides with the publication of the Home Office’s report on the statistics of scientific procedures on living animals in Great Britain in 2024. 

The ten listed organisations were responsible for 1,379,399 procedures, 54% (more than half) of the 2,637,578 procedures carried out on animals for scientific research in Great Britain in 2024*. Of these 1,379,399 procedures, more than 99% were carried out on mice, fish, rats, and birds and 82% were classified as causing pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection. 

The ten organisations are listed below alongside the total number of procedures they carried out in 2024. Each organisation’s name links to its animal research webpage, which includes more detailed statistics. Case studies explaining how animal research has been used in recent medical research are also provided in the Notes to Editors section. This is the tenth consecutive year that organisations have come together to publicise their collective statistics and examples of their research.

Seventy-two organisations have proactively published their 2024 animal research statistics

UAR has also produced a list (see appendix) of 72 organisations in the UK that have publicly shared their 2024 animal research statistics. This includes organisations that carry out or fund animal research.

All organisations are committed to the ethical framework called the ‘3Rs’ of replacement, reduction and refinement. This means avoiding or replacing the use of animals where possible, minimising the number of animals used per experiment and optimising the experience of the animals to improve animal welfare. However, as institutions expand and conduct more research, the total number of animals used can rise even if fewer animals are used per study. 

All organisations listed are signatories to the , which commits them to being more open about the use of animals in scientific, medical and veterinary research in the UK. More than 130 organisations have signed the Concordat, including UK universities, medical research charities, research funders, learned societies and commercial research organisations.

Wendy Jarrett, Chief Executive of Understanding Animal Research, which developed the Concordat on Openness, said: “Animal research remains a small but vital part of the quest for new medicines, vaccines and treatments for humans and animals. Alternative methods are increasingly being phased in, but, until we have sufficient reliable alternatives available, it is important that organisations that use animals in research maintain the public’s trust in them. By providing this level of information about the numbers of animals used, and the experience of those animals, as well as details of the medical breakthroughs that derive from this research, these Concordat signatories are helping the public to make up their own minds about how they feel about the use of animals in scientific research in Great Britain.” 

Dr. Maria Kamper, Director of the Biological Services Facility at The University of Manchester, said:

"Scientific research involving animals remains essential in advancing our understanding of health and disease, and is fundamental to developing new medicines and medical technologies.

"At our institution, we prioritize transparency in animal research alongside a culture of exceptional care among our staff. Our approach is founded on collaboration and superior animal husbandry standards. We are dedicated to cultivating a sustainable environment where animal welfare, staff wellbeing, scientific excellence, and open communication with both stakeholders and the public are our highest priorities.

“This dedication aligns with the University of Manchester's broader mission to enhance education, knowledge, and wisdom for society's benefit.”

Case study:

Clotbuster drug is new hope for stroke treatment

A new clotbusting drug tested on mice has been shown by University of Manchester scientists to be significantly better at treating ischemic stroke than existing therapies.

The compound, developed by the scientists and known as caADAMTS13, could be a breakthrough for patients who have brain blood clots with an overabundance of platelets- the tiny cell fragments that help form clots and are often not treatable by existing therapies.

• One in 12 pupils (8.3%) reported being placed in isolation at least once a week
• The average time spent in isolation was 8.5 hours a week – more than a full school day
• Even after accounting for behavioural difficulties:
  -    Children with recognised special educational needs (an Education, Health and Care plan) were more than twice as likely to be in isolation
  -    Children on Free School Meals were more than one and a half times more likely to be in isolation
  -    Children who identified as LGBTQ+ were nearly twice as likely to be in isolation
  -    Black, Asian and mixed heritage children were more likely to be in isolation than their White British peers
• Isolated pupils reported reduced belonging, poorer relationships with teachers, and (for girls) lower levels of mental wellbeing than a very closely matched sample of their non-isolated peers.
• Schools with higher rates of suspensions also tended to isolate more pupils, undermining the idea that internal exclusion prevents more serious sanctions.

“Internal exclusion is happening every day in classrooms across England, yet it is largely hidden from view,” said lead author Dr Emma Thornton. “We know that it can provide an effective short-term solution for teachers dealing with disruption in their class, who want to create the conditions for all pupils to thrive. But our findings show that it is disproportionately applied to young people most in need of support, and leads to lost learning, weaker connections with teachers, and in some cases poorer mental health.”

#BeeWell is one of 40 organisations calling for a government definition of inclusion as measurable through data on the amount of lost learning - time spent away from the classroom through isolation, suspension and absence - and through pupil experience data, such as the #BeeWell data used in this study. The Inclusion for All campaign asks that the upcoming Schools White Paper should provide guidance and support schools to continuously improve and reduce the amount of time spent away from classrooms and peers.

“What’s needed is more research and practice-sharing on effective ways to set up internal spaces that are diagnostic, supportive and get children back to class as soon as possible,” said Kiran Gill, CEO of charity The Difference charity. “That’s why The Difference is working with schools across the country to better measure inclusion, and to set up spaces internally to support young people in crisis before their challenges escalate.  We’re excited to bring some of those school leaders together with #BeeWell and others at our annual conference IncludED in January to share strategies that are working, as measured by pupils’ own experiences.”

The research is part of the , a major study of young people’s wellbeing in Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, funded by The University of Manchester and partners including The National Lottery Community Fund.

The study also reflects a global concern. As house prices rise faster than wages in cities across the world, young people from Manchester to Nairobi are being told that property is their route to security. Yet many find themselves excluded from ownership or holding assets they cannot make use of.

“This research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap,” Dr Lockwood added. “It offers the illusion of escape from precarious work - but for many young people, it never delivers.”

The findings shed new light on how land, property and housing shape the futures of young people in rapidly urbanising regions, and they raise urgent questions about inequality, opportunity and the future of work worldwide.

A team from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, working with industry partner Q-Sustain Limited, an engineering consultant based in Manchester, is designing innovative vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) that capture airflow generated by trains moving through tunnels – known as the piston effect.

The project, which begins with the Transpennine Route Upgrade project, will explore how this untapped energy source can be integrated into transport infrastructure, providing clean electricity and supporting the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

Early feasibility studies have already confirmed the potential of tunnel airflow, and the team has developed a bespoke techno-economic analysis (TEA) toolkit to evaluate performance and commercial viability of such designs. Available through , the software offers a practical platform for assessing renewable energy projects, with potential applications beyond just rail.

The project, funded under EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and under the remit of ‘sustainable engineering and transport systems’, could transform how transport infrastructure is designed and operated in the future.

Academic Lead of the project at The University of Manchester, said: “Our VerXis toolkit represents a leap forward in renewable energy research. By turning minimal tunnel geometry and schedule data into bank-level economic indicators in minutes, we're bridging the gap between academic innovation and real-world deployment, making piston-wind VAWTs not just technically viable, but genuinely investable.”

Mr Azhar Quaiyoom, Director of industrial partner Q-Sustain Limited, added: “What excites us most about VerXis is its ability to rapidly test and scale turbine designs tailored to each tunnel environment. This toolkit enables smarter, data-driven decisions, helping us deploy sustainable solutions in railway infrastructure that align with the UK's net-zero ambitions and calculates the return on investment for our clients”

The next stage will see prototype turbines tested in real-world tunnel environments, alongside further development of the VerXis toolkit, with the ambition of influencing future rail energy standards.

If successful, the approach could be applied not only to rail but also to other transport networks, providing a scalable model for integrating renewable energy into infrastructure across the UK and beyond.

Manchester’s Dr Elizabeth Dalgarno celebrated when she heard the Government had decided of the 2014 Children Act, which said involvement of both parents would improve their children’s welfare, creating unsafe contact arrangements 

The decision follows years of advocacy and research and acknowledges the devastating impact the presumption had on victims:  the mothers and their children.

 Further changes put forward will also automatically restrict parents convicted of rape resulting in the birth of a child and for those convicted of serious sexual offences against any child—not just their own- from having access to children. 

And parents convicted of abuse can no longer make decisions about a child’s schooling, medical care, or travel, removing the burden on survivors to apply through the family courts to provide immediate protection post-sentencing. 

Dr Dalgarno is also the Director and Founder of a collective of multidisciplinary professionals working in health, human rights, law, finance, social care and domestic abuse researchers. 

Her research  highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform, and included a study of the shocking impact of family courts on women’s health.

Another study, reported in the , revealed how nine dads accused of child sex abuse won parental access.

She said: “We are overwhelmed with the extraordinary news that the presumption of parental involvement is to be revoked.

“This marks a historic and long-awaited moment of justice for victims of domestic abuse across the country.

“We would like to send our deepest gratitude to the many researchers and professionals - and the wider academic and survivor communities - whose tireless efforts have illuminated the harms and helped build the case for reform.”

“Led by Claire Throssell, who turned unimaginable personal tragedy—the loss of her sons Jack and Paul—into powerful advocacy that has shaped national policy.”

She added: “I also pay tribute to SHERA founder members, especially Natalie Page of The Court Said, Survivor Family Network, and Eight Street LLP, who have dedicated over a decade of their lives to this cause.

“The Victims and Courts Bill amendments follow a long-standing campaign led by Natalie Fleet MP, Baroness Harman, and Jess Asato MP.

“And we also recognise the unwavering commitment of Dr Adrienne Barnett of Brunel University and Dr Charlotte Proudman of Right to Equality, whose legal and academic leadership has been instrumental.

“Above all, we thank the victim-survivors who have shared their stories, fought for justice, and dedicated their lives to this cause. There is much more work to be done, but this victory should be celebrated and belongs to you.”

Dr Dalgarno also thanked Professor Arpana Verma, Alex Davies-Jones MP, Josh Barbarinde MP, Dr Marie Tidball MP,  Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, Alison Hume MP and Jess Phillips MP, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, the London Victims’ Commissioner, Women’s Aid, Profs Birchall, Hester, Kelly and Choudhry, CWA, Kaleidoscopic, PEEPSA, Rights of Women, FiLia Hague Mothers and all those across the VAWG sector who have long advocated for these changes.

The Health Creation Alliance awarded the group Best health creating approach to seeking and using community insight award which they will pick up at a Partnership Summit on 21 October. 

Since 2022, Ardwick Climate Action has conducted in partnership with The University of Manchester which showed that local communities are an important way understand where local sources of pollution are and barriers to less polluting forms of travel. 

They have launched multiple initiatives, including  developing a green route that local people can use to avoid the excessive pollution, closing a section of the  A6 for a community day and creating  a series of green spaces that serve to educate and engage local people. 

By connecting communities with researchers, listening and responding to their health concerns, a series of planting projects across Ardwick and a new ‘Green Route’ marked by interactive ‘Wayfinders’ was launched through Ardwick in 2024. 

The project received widespread acclaim, including extensive media coverage, parliamentary attention, a public exhibition and the local Co-op Academy Medlock is now part of the official ‘School Street’ project. 

The Green Route has been integrated into a local school’s activities, showing the power of genuinely community-engaged research to drive health creation for lasting change.

One of the lead 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.”

Dan Musaheb, Co-Founder of Ardwick Climate Action said: “Ardwick residents together with The University of Manchester researchers, have co-created solutions for healthier, safer and more sustainable urban transformation in their local area.

“At it’s heart is community action, and through our strategic partnership with The University of Manchester, we have delivered much needed infrastructure. The Green Route project supports public health, education of nature and biodiversity, whilst inviting people to take up alternative routes who may have never stepped into the community”.

Read more about ACA

The Health Creation Alliance is a national cross-sector movement improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequity through Health Creation.

A not-for-profit community interest company, their membership comprises professionals from different sectors and levels of seniority, community leaders, and people with lived experience of poverty, trauma or discrimination working together as equal partners.

• The , which celebrates the winners, takes place  from 17:00-18:00

And now an upgraded version of the programme called Thumos,  involving small group workshops and a follow-up 1:1 phone or video call with the workshop facilitator afterwards, who is a psychological therapist, is being  trailed. 

The programme aims to equip medical students  with psychological strategies which some people find helpful. 

As the study is a trial, 50% of participants will be allocated to receive the intervention, 50% will not receive the intervention, but all participants can continue to access all other support services as usual. 

All participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and will be reimbursed for their time in completing follow up questionnaires (those which come after the first set/the baseline measurement). 

The 115 students, from medical schools across the UK, completed the original Reboot  coaching programme as part of a study to assess whether it would improve their psychological resilience, depression, burnout and confidence in their ability to cope with stressful work-related events. 

Before, during and after the coaching, the students were assessed in each of these areas.  found that taking part in Reboot was linked with significant improvements in all areas, with fewer students experiencing depression symptoms after they had completed the coaching. 

It was originally designed by Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Johnson, formerly from the University of Leeds but now from The University of Manchester. 

Dr Johnson adapted the programme to fit the needs of medical students. Globally, one in two report high burnout, while one in three experience elevated depression. 

She said: “Until now, most evaluations of supportive interventions for medical students have focused on generic interventions such as mindfulness, stress management training and yoga. These lack relevance for medical students and professionals and there is no clear evidence for such interventions improving depression or burnout among this group. 

“Poor mental health in medical students is a significant problem globally and there is evidence that a significant proportion of medical students intend to leave the profession as soon as they qualify.

“There is also a workforce crisis, with projections indicating a global shortage of around 10 million healthcare professionals by 2030. Anything which can help retain healthcare professionals in their professions is sorely needed. 

“We found reboot supported medical students with work-related stressors, normalising the anxiety which is inherent to training, providing peer-support and also helping medical students develop skills and solutions for the challenges they face and will continue to face as qualified doctors. 

• If you are a medical student in a year involving clinical placements, such as Y4 or Y5 you are eligible to take part in a new study evaluating a supportive programme designed to help students cope with the challenges placements can present. To express interest visit
• For more information, email ThumosTrial@manchester.ac.uk or the Principal Investigator Dr Judith Johnson,Judith.johnson@manchester.ac.uk

This new strategy to 2035 is rooted in Manchester and the North, creating knowledge, innovation and solutions that bring local benefits and scale globally.  

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “The University of Manchester was born as an answer to a question posed amid the Industrial Revolution: what kind of new knowledge and citizens do we need for our city to thrive in a world undergoing profound change?     

“As we enter our third century, we stand at a similarly pivotal moment. From Manchester for the world means working with our city and region deeply, to develop the ideas and solutions our communities and the world urgently need.” 

Focused priorities for the next decade 

The University’s strategy to 2035 focuses on five areas to go further and faster, driving innovation, skills and good jobs in the region and country, while also addressing global challenges from climate change and growing political polarisation, to social inequalities.  

They are: 

• Flexible, personalised and digitally enabled learning – more personalised, applied and digitally enabled study that fits diverse lives.
• Accelerating the path from research excellence to impact – faster routes from discovery to policy, practice and industry.
• A powerhouse of innovation– translating strengths into start-ups and scale-ups to create inclusive growth.
• The university to partner with – easier routes for partners to work with the University on collaborations that focus on making a difference.
• Digital inside and out – modern, data-driven and AI-enabled services and systems that make studying and collaborating with Manchester simpler. 

These priorities build on firm foundations – the University will remain committed to excellence in teaching and research, values-led social responsibility, its deep civic roots with global reach, and a culture with equity, diversity and inclusion at its heart. 

A preview of what's to come 

The future the University wants to build is already becoming real through key initiatives.  

launched in October 2024 to accelerate Manchester’s innovation ecosystem. The UK needs cities like Manchester to grow faster in socially inclusive ways and Unit M is reshaping innovation at Manchester – integrating expertise and partnerships across the University and transforming how it collaborates with startups, scale-ups, industry, community and government. It is already working with entrepreneurs, industry and civic partners, to tackle challenges in productivity, innovation and growth. 

Through Manchester Online, the University is developing a new platform to deliver teaching beyond the campus. It will help students locally and globally to access a University of Manchester education, building new skills through CPD, short courses, community and employer-responsive programmes, and collaborative projects that strengthen the region and global impact. 

The University is also beginning to build a student experience for the future – more flexible, personal and connected. In partnership with the Students’ Union (SU), the University is making support more inclusive, learning more applied, and university life more responsive.   

The University is also launching its first major fundraising and volunteering campaign to turn strategy into action for the communities it serves by supporting the next generation of students and researchers to tackle the major challenges of our time.  

Leading with purpose 

Professor Ivison added: “Manchester must lead – setting out a clear vision that strengthens our city and region and tackling global challenges. To succeed, we need to face the future together, not as individuals, or isolated teams, but as a community.  

“That is manifested in how we built this strategy: thousands of our students, staff, alumni and partners contributed to the creation of From Manchester for the world. It is not a fixed map for the future, but a framework that allows us to respond to this time of change, while also creating faster paths from discovery to impact, simpler ways to work with us, and benefits felt across Greater Manchester and beyond.” 

Find out more about From Manchester for the world on the University website. 

The report models the potential effectiveness of the Government’s ‘Getting Britain Working’ programmes, showing these savings could be made by the end of this Parliament in 2029 if just 5% of out-of-work people in receipt of Universal Credit returned to work.

The report estimates that:

• Getting 5% of unemployed under-25s back into work would save £903 million.
• Getting 5% of under-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £631 million.
• Getting 5% of unemployed over-25s back into work would save £6.67 billion.
• Getting 5% of over-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £11.9 billion.

The 5% estimate is based on what happened with the similar New Deal initiatives that happened in the UK in the 2000s. Savings would be made in the form of both reduced benefits spending and increases in tax and national insurance revenue.

The costs to Government of assisting this number of people back into, and helping them stay in, employment could be between £1.5 to £1.9 billion. So that within just two years, the Government could save almost £10bn, meaning every £1 invested in employment support programmes could return between £5.21 and £6.63.

Currently, more than five million people in the UK are out of work and in receipt of Universal Credit - including almost one million people aged 18-24 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 1 in 5 of these young people receive health-related benefits largely for mental health conditions. Ill-health related economic inactivity accounts for over three million claims and is particularly concentrated in the most deprived and deindustrialised areas. As of May 2025, the average household on Universal Credit received £961.63 per month in England.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Work and Pensions Select Committee and produced by Health Equity North with academics from Newcastle University, The University of Manchester, University of Liverpool, and University of Glasgow.

The UK government has introduced several return-to-work initiatives over the last 12 months as part of its desire to ‘Get Britain Working’. This includes:

• Creating a new Jobs and Careers Service by merging Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service
• Establishing eight “Trailblazer” areas that receive funding to test local partnerships between the NHS, councils, colleges, and employers
• A Connect to Work programme providing rapid job-matching, training, and in-work coaching
• Embedding employment advisers in mental health and musculoskeletal services, with expanded Individual Placement and Support provision.
• Launching a new Primary Care pilot will enable GPs to directly refer patients for employment support.
• Launching proposals for the Employment Rights Bill and the NHS 10-Year Plan’s, which focus on prevention will further reduce ill health among working-age people.
• The Youth Guarantee for NEETS, which ensures access to apprenticeships, training, education, and tailored job support - including paid work placements for those out of work for more than 18 months.

These schemes replicate previous New Labour successes of the ‘New Deal’ return to work programmes which, between 1997 and 2010, saw a spike in employment across all age groups. This saved up to £2,500 per New Deal participant, with 46% gaining a job and 27% sustaining employment that lasted six months or more.

The report has been submitted as evidence to the Government’s Work and Pensions Select Committee, which looks into the policies and spending of the DWP, including benefits for people both in and out of work.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: : “After more than a decade of austerity-driven policies - further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic - levels of ill health and health inequalities have deteriorated across the UK, but particularly especially in deprived areas. As a result, the country now faces significantly higher rates of economic inactivity due to ill health compared with similar economies such as Germany, Sweden, and France. This poses a major economic challenge, contributing to stagnant growth, widening productivity gaps, and increasing poverty and health inequalities. In the past we have seen the value of supportive welfare-to-work programmes, such as the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Young People, which addressed the needs of the whole person in helping them to get into work. It’s imperative that these Government ‘Trailblazer’ schemes are ramped up – if we can get even a small proportion of the out-of-work population working again, we will see extraordinary gains, not only fiscally, but for these individuals, their families and across communities, workplaces, and public services alike.”

Professor Clare Bambra, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University, said: “Constituencies such as East Marsh and Port, Grimsby, Central Easterhouse, Glasgow and Birkenhead Central have around 30% of the working-age population receiving ill health-related welfare benefits. In these areas, life expectancy is 12 years less than the national average. This stark inequality reflects the deep connections between health, work, and place - where decades of industrial decline and underinvestment have left communities struggling with poor health, limited opportunities, and persistent economic disadvantage.

“By embedding employment support within health services and targeting investment where ill health and unemployment overlap, we have a real opportunity to break this cycle. Helping even a small proportion of people in these areas back into good, secure work could have transformative effects - not just for the government and local economies, but for people’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.”

Dr Luke Munford, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at The University of Manchester, said: “When people are supported to stay healthy, skilled, and connected to good jobs, everyone benefits – be it individuals, families, businesses or the economy as a whole. This report highlights the value of investing in people’s health and employability. Even modest improvements in getting people back into the workplace could deliver billions in savings by the end of the decade. These findings show that the Government’s efforts to integrate and embed health and employment can be a huge step towards the economic recovery of the UK.”

Dr Andy Baxter, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, said: “Employment is one of the strongest determinants of health. When people are in good, secure work, they’re less likely to experience long-term illness, more likely to engage with preventive healthcare, and more connected to their communities. Reducing economic inactivity through health-focused employment programmes provides stability, purpose, and the foundation for healthier, fairer futures. Effective back-to-work schemes are crucial in rebuilding a Britain that is healthy and prosperous, and our research shows that the return on investment potential is huge.”

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “We’ve seen in the past that well-designed back-to-work schemes can transform lives and deliver real results for both people and the economy. But this time, it needs to be right from the very start - ensuring programmes are properly funded, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of local communities. If the Government can combine effective employment support with investment in health, skills, and opportunity, they have a genuine chance to break the cycle of long-term unemployment and ill health once and for all.”

Read the full analysis ‘Estimating the savings and financial benefits to the UK government of return-to-work for people in receipt of Universal Credit’ here:

The app-  called Cerina – uses the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) -  which affects a significant number of students, studies show.

The peer reviewed study, sponsored by IT4Anxiety-  a partnership between Cerina Health  and Ulster University and funded by the European Commission, is published in JMIR  mhealth and uhealth

A sample of 158  Ulster University students with mild to moderate GAD symptoms were randomly allocated to either an intervention group of 79 or to a wait-list control group of 79

The wait list group would still have the opportunity to complete the intervention following the study and were offered to optional on-campus wellbeing services during the study period.

The intervention group had direct access to Cerina and followed CBT-based interactive sessions for 6 weeks.

All participants completed online self-reported assessments on anxiety, depression, worry, and usability at three time points.

When they completed the intervention, they were invited to an online interview to understand the implementation of the intervention in more depth.

In the intervention group, 13% dropped out and 61 % completed 2 sessions -  the minimum required. 12% completed 6 or 7 sessions.

The students who completed 2 or more sessions, when modules on worry starts,  showed significant improvement in GAD, worry symptoms and functional impairment. The greater the engagement, the greater the impact on worry symptoms

When they  re-ran analyses for all participants including those who dropped out or were lost to follow-up, the significant improvements on GAD symptoms maintained. There was also  marginally significant improvement in worry symptoms.

Participants who completed their assessments, argue the researchers engaged better with the app, completed more sessions including the ones focusing on worry, and benefitted more.

Lead author Dr Ozlem Eylem-Van bergeijk from The University of Manchester said: “University students can sometimes be vulnerable to generalised anxiety disorder because the rigours of academic pressure and financial uncertainty, let alone the issues young people often go through when they leave home for the first time.

“But despite the need for treatments the availability of  psychological services is patchy for students.

“And perceived stigma, long waiting times, service availability can restrict access to treatment.”

The study was managed by Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk, and the Ulster University study team led by Prof. Gerard Leavey. ������ participant recruitment took place at Ulster University campuses from April 2023 until April 2024.

She added: “Our results suggest that even with limited engagement, Cerina had a meaningful impact on reducing GAD symptoms and modest impact in reducing worry symptoms among participants.

“Our study supports findings from other trials  showing that digital CBT-based interventions are effective and feasible for a wide range of age groups and populations experiencing GAD symptoms-  none the least because they are cheap, accessible and anonymous.

“However, many participants did not complete the recommended number of sessions, highlighting the importance of making the Cerina app even more engaging and user-friendly in future.

“Co-design with users might be a good way  to  test the effects of the technology-driven engagement features such as AI-based chatbot on engagement with longer follow-ups.”

CEO of Cerina Health was involved only during the conceptualization phase of the study to preserve independence. The study was conducted as part of the NWE INTERREG IT4Anxiety project in partnership between Cerina Therapeutics and Ulster University,  supported by the European Commission. The sponsor, Cerina Health, was not involved in writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit it for publication. Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk is also Research Lead at Cerina Health . However, she was then part of the wider project team from Ulster University and the project which ensured study protocols and procedures were peer reviewed and followed.

• A copy of the paper Cerina- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based mobile application for managing GAD symptoms among university students: results from a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

The knowledge could reduce the risk of severe bowel complications from radiotherapy, known as rectal toxicity, heralding a more personalised approach to prostate cancer treatment. 

The study, funded by Prostate Cancer UK, is published in Clinical Cancer Research today.(13/10/25). 

The study was led by PhD researcher Artemis Bouzaki from The University of Manchester, who is also an honorary researcher at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

Her approach is the first study to combine genetic data with detailed spatial maps of where radiation is delivered in the rectum. 

Though scientists have already identified the lower posterior of the rectum as significant for rectal toxicities after prostate cancer radiotherapy, the study is the first to incorporate genetic information into the framework. 

“Rectal toxicity is a significant concern for patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men and  now the most common cancer in England,” she said.

“Although dose guidelines limit the overall rate of rectal toxicity to around 10%, bowel function nevertheless often deteriorates over the course of treatment and beyond.

“Some patients experience severe, persistent complications, such as incontinence, or rectal bleeding, permanently affecting their quality of life.”

The scientists analysed data from 1,293 prostate cancer patients as part of the international REQUITE study, which collected radiotherapy outcomes from 17 hospitals in Europe and the USA between 2014 and 2016.

For each of three genetic variants linked to increased radiation sensitivity, patients were grouped based on whether they carried the variant.

They were analysed alongside dose maps over the surface of the rectum - based on a methodology developed by the team in their earlier work- which showed the risk regions were consistently in the lower posterior rectum.

 The scientists used a special way of analysing 3D image data by looking at it in tiny volume units called voxels, the 3D equivalent of a pixel.

Instead of just measuring overall dose averages in a region, Voxel Based Analysis analyses the data voxel by voxel across the entire image. This allows smaller regions of organs to be identified, where more radiation dose is linked to different treatment side-effects.

Co-author and supervisor of the study, Dr Alan McWilliam from the University of Manchester added: “Our work has revealed that patients with certain genetic variants may benefit from lower radiation doses in those specific parts of the rectum, which could make a significant difference to their recovery.

“However, these findings are preliminary, and clinical studies will be necessary to confirm their safety and effectiveness before any changes are made to standard treatment.”

One reason why the lower part of the rectum may be particularly sensitive is that the higher and lower parts of rectum have anatomical and functional differences which could influence their response to radiation.

The differences play a key role in inflammation and immune response and are likely to be affected by different genetic variants, including the ones analysed by the researchers.

Dr Hayley Luxton, Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “No two men’s prostate cancers will be the same, and different men will opt for different treatment. We know that radiotherapy is an extremely effective way to treat men with prostate cancer. However, it can have life changing side effects for patients.

“There are two ways to limit the side effects caused by radiotherapy – either through adjusting dosage to account for genetics or by reducing the dose to certain areas of the body.

“For the first time, thanks to Prostate Cancer UK’s funding alongside Movember, the team in Manchester have combined both methods, and can now fine-tune the delivery of radiotherapy based on a man’s genetics.

“The ability to personalise treatment in this way is exactly the direction we want prostate cancer care to head in. This study helps bring us that much closer to making sure the right men get the right treatment, at the right time.”

The paper Integration of dose surface maps and genetic data identifies the lower posterior rectum as a key region for toxicity after prostate cancer radiotherapy, DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxx is available

The study highlights practical lessons for UK supermarkets and other retailers facing uncertain times. With climate change expected to increase extreme weather events and global supply chains still under strain, building networks that can flex under pressure will be vital.

The paper, Proactive Logistics-Redistribution Strategic Planning in Response to Facility Disruptions under Contingencies, was co-authored with colleagues from the Indian Institute of Management, National Taiwan University and the University of Liverpool, and is published in the .

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur called Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the “Sword Dragon of Dorset” is the only known example of its kind in existence and helps to fill an important gap in the evolutionary fossil record of ichthyosaurs.

Thousands of ichthyosaur fossils have been found along the UK’s Jurassic Coast since the discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning. Yet the discovery of Xiphodracon is the first described genus of an Early Jurassic ichthyosaur described from the region in over 100 years.

Discovered near Golden Cap in 2001 by Dorset fossil collector Chris Moore, the fossil is almost perfectly preserved in three dimensions. The skeleton includes a skull with enormous eye socket and a long sword-like snout. The scientists say the animal would have been about three metres long and would have dined on fish and squid. The remains even show what may be traces of its last meal. It is probably the world’s most complete prehistoric reptile from the Pliensbachian period.

The finding has been described by a trio of international palaeontologists, led by ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, an Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Manchester and an 1851 Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, in the journal today.

Dr Lomax said: “I remember seeing the skeleton for the first time in 2016. Back then, I knew it was unusual, but I did not expect it to play such a pivotal role in helping to fill a gap in our understanding of a complex faunal turnover during the Pliensbachian. This time is pretty crucial for ichthyosaurs as several families went extinct and new families emerged, yet Xiphodracon is something you might call a “missing piece of the ichthyosaur puzzle”. It is more closely related to species in the later Early Jurassic (in the Toarcian), and its discovery helps pinpoint when the faunal turnover occurred, being much earlier than expected.”

After its discovery in 2001, the skeleton was acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada, where it became part of their extensive collection of ichthyosaurs but had remained unstudied.

Ichthyosaurs from the Pliensbachian (193–184 million years ago) are incredibly rare and makes Xiphodracon a vital piece of evidence for scientists studying the critical but poorly understood time in ichthyosaurian evolution.

Ichthyosaur expert and co-author, Professor Judy Massare, from the State University of NY at Brockport, USA, said: “Thousands of complete or nearly complete ichthyosaur skeletons are known from strata before and after the Pliensbachian. The two faunas are quite distinct, with no species in common, even though the overall ecology is similar. Clearly, a major change in species diversity occurred sometime in the Pliensbachian. Xiphodracon helps to determine when the change occurred, but we still don’t know why.”

Dr Erin Maxwell, a co-author and ichthyosaur expert from the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, added: “This skeleton provides critical information for understanding ichthyosaur evolution, but also contributes to our understanding of what life must have been like in the Jurassic seas of Britain. The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive, and the skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur- giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect.”

Collectively, the trio have identified several features in Xiphodracon that have never been observed in any ichthyosaur. The most peculiar is a strange and unique bone around the nostril (called a lacrimal) that has prong-like bony structures.

Dr Lomax, who is the author of the recently published book, “The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs”, said: “One of the coolest things about identifying a new species is that you get to name it! We opted for Xiphodracon because of the long, sword-like snout (xipho from Greek xiphos for sword) and dracon (Greek and Latin for dragon) in reference to ichthyosaurs being referred to as “sea dragons” for over 200 years.”

The new research has been published today in the international journal “Papers in Palaeontology”. The skeleton is planned to go on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Paper title:  A new long and narrow-snouted ichthyosaur illuminates a complex faunal turnover during an undersampled Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) interval

DOI:   

The research also points to wider benefits. City planners, museums, and community groups could use similar methods to understand how people use local spaces, collect living memories, and bring different voices into conversations about the future of towns and cities.

Focusing on the voices of older people highlights the importance of everyday places and the rich, personal stories they hold. It shows that the places we pass through each day - the park, the market, the church, the tram stop - are much more than just backdrops. They are living parts of our personal and collective stories.

The University has retained its spot as 8^th in the UK this year, while dropping three places in the overall global ranking. The university's overall score for teaching and industry also improved when compared to the 2024 ranking. 

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings measure research-intensive universities across all their core missions. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester: “We are proud to see our university’s outstanding national and international reputation recognised. However, we also want to continue to improve in these and other rankings. Our new strategy is focused on driving excellence in research, teaching and innovation and for that to bring more benefit to society over the coming years.’  

THE’s World University Rankings are assessed based on 18 performance indicators, grouped into the five areas of teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry. 

The University of Manchester scored highest in the international outlook category, highlighting Manchester’s global draw to attracting undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all over the planet. A strength which makes the University and the Greater Manchester Region a culturally rich, collaborative and economically impactful partner on the world stage. 

The celebration, in partnership with the University’s music department and  organised by university alumnus James Keirle with  Professor of music Ricardo Climent and his sister Dr Sarah Keirle will take place at 12pm this Friday. 

It is part of a cultural exchange programme which highlights the significance of  grass roots banding culture in both the North of England and East of Spain. 

As part of the visit they will be carrying out a 45 minute march around campus performing instrumental pieces on route and at stopping points along the way. 

James Keirle, a professional musician now based in Valancia studied at the University’s renowned . 

He said: “I'm extremely proud to have trained and performed in the Northern banding tradition. Now we are lucky enough to bring two musical cultures together. 

“Valencia's rich history of symphonic wind band performance perfectly complements the University of Manchester's wonderful brass band.” 

Professor Climent, who is originally from Valencia, said: “The bands of the North of England and East of Spain are an enormous source of pride for local communities.

“This cultural exchange tour will foster new relationships with the Symphonic Wind band of Benimaclet, Valencia and celebrate the cultural power of international banding traditions.”

The banding traditions in the north of England and the Valencian regions share a common history.

Whereas the north's bands represented mines and factories, the Valencian equivalents fought for the rights of orange growers and workers unions.

Both are powerhouses of grass roots music making which made it to the highest professional level of performance.

And both foster rich and unique worlds of new compositions; both regions use competitions to drive their bands to even higher standards.

The findings also matter for families struggling with the cost of living. Delivery costs can push up food prices. By making transport more efficient, hubs like Local Heroes can keep food affordable while still supporting small businesses. This is especially important in rural regions, where high logistics costs have long limited farmer incomes and consumer access.

“The North East has some of England’s highest child poverty levels, but also a growing demand for healthy, locally produced food,” said co-authors Dr Barbara Tocco and Professor Matthew Gorton from , Newcastle University. “This work shows how smarter logistics can help more people access it without harming the environment.”

The study also highlights resilience. During Covid-19, when supermarkets ran low on supplies, food hubs were vital to connect farmers directly with households. Strengthening those networks will help communities to withstand future shocks from pandemics, rising fuel prices or climate change.

The researchers hope their model can be used by food hubs across the UK and Europe. With farming under pressure from economic and environmental challenges, small changes in delivery routes and vehicle choices could make a big difference.

The findings build on the team’s previous research which has been shared on the EU’s business advice platform , as well as being raised in UK Parliament questions about and . 

The research highlights that rather than setting bold new directions, the country copies climate policies from elsewhere (like the UK and New Zealand) and has to accept the prices set by bigger economies for its critical minerals. By waiting so long to act, Australia missed the chance to shape the global market. 

It also demonstrates the human cost - experts interviewed described how climate scientists and renewable energy experts left the country in frustration, a ‘brain drain’ that left Australia short of skilled workers just as the green economy began to boom.

“Australia’s story is a warning for all countries, especially those heavily tied to fossil fuels,” said co-author Dr Paul Tobin. “Delay now means paying the price later, not only in rising climate impacts like bushfires and floods, but also in lost opportunities for jobs, innovation and global influence.”

“If countries want to shape the future rather than scramble to catch up, they need to act boldly and early. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about economic competitiveness, national identity and fairness to the next generation.”

The study, published in , funded by Wellcome and the Royal Society, definitively confirm the mother’s role as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

Though other researchers have focused on isolated relationships between mother and child, this is the first study of the role that both partners may play in family mental health, both concurrently and over time.

The researchers produced a series of maps - called networks - depicting the way symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents and their children up the age of 16 connect with each other over time.

They based the analysis on data from 3,757 families from the UK Household Longitudinal ������ between 2009 to 2022.

Additional cross-sectional network maps of 8,795 families captured independent associations between family members’ mental health.

While fathers’ emotional state was linked to mothers’ mental health in the cross-sectional analysis, they observed an absence of associations with their children.

However, they reported that fathers’ emotional symptoms may influence children’s well-being indirectly, by affecting maternal mental health.

The longitudinal maps also identified how a mother’s feelings of being overwhelmed affected the child’s emotional state—especially worry, and that children’s feeling of worry cycled back, further affecting her own emotional health.

The influence of maternal emotional health on their children waned as they got older, reflecting how adolescents transfer their primary attachment from their parents to others.

Lead author Dr Yushi Bai from The University of Manchester said: “We do know that children’s mental health is formed by, and within, their family through shared genes, nurturing behaviours of caregivers, and sibling dynamics.

“Our study identified mothers, not fathers, as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

“We suspect that this can be explained by traditional division of parenting roles, where societal expectations often position mothers as the primary caregivers and organisers within families.

“Mothers are typically more involved in child-rearing and spend considerably more time with their children than do fathers, which means they are more likely to influence children’s lives and development.

“Greater exposure to maternal care might also lead children to copy their mother’s coping mechanisms and behaviours.”

Co-author Dr Matthias Pierce from The University of Manchester said: “Emotional disorders in young people are not only increasingly prevalent, but also present at early ages, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

“Given the family’s central role in shaping and sustaining mental health, interventions and policies should consider how the family mental health ecosystem operates.

“This study shows the potential value of interventions that aim to support mothers and reduce maternal anxiety, which may have the greatest impact on improving family dynamics and reduce the risk of poor mental health in children.

“We also suggest that the link between fathers’ and mothers’ mental health presents a further potential avenue for alleviating maternal stress.”

• The paper Quantifying cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in mental health symptoms within families: network models applied to UK cohort data  published in MBJ Open is published

• doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104829

The strategic partnership will help to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations in areas such as demography, smart cities planning, business, quantum science, biotechnology, advanced materials, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence. In addition to research projects, the partnership will pave the way for faculty exchanges and support for early career scholars.

The agreement was formally signed by Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International at The University of Manchester and Dr Ahmad Ezzeddine, Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Washington.

Dr Ezzeddine said: “We at the University of Washington are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with The University of Manchester.

“This collaboration between two globally recognized institutions will open new avenues for our faculty and students to engage in innovative research and educational programs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. It also strengthens the bonds between our universities and communities, helping foster a deeper academic and cultural exchange.”

The University of Washington in Seattle is a leading research institution in the US and ranks 17^th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It is also 25^th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 16^th in the Top US Public Universities and 8^th in the US News & World Report’s Best Global Universities.

Earlier this year, The University of Manchester strengthened its ties to North America by signing a similar MoU with the University of Texas at Austin.

You can read more about The University of Manchester’s global partnerships here.

The high-tech hearing tests, they say, can efficiently understand human speech from the comfort of your own home, rather than at a hospital clinic, by using AI to screen out background noise.

The researchers developed and tested an AI-powered version of the Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test that combines text-to-speech (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies.

The result was a fully automated, self-administered hearing test that can be performed without clinical supervision in 10 minutes.

The study, funded by a Medical Research Council’s Doctoral Training Partnership grant, could revolutionise the way hearing tests are carried out and is published today  in the journal Trends in Hearing.

Lead author Mohsen Fatehifar from The University of Manchester said: “Having tested this technology, we are confident that with the help of AI it is entirely possible to automate a hearing test on a computer or smart phone so it can be done from the comfort of your own home.

“Though we still need more extensive trials and a user-friendly interface, this technology could potentially make a huge difference to patients.

“Specialised equipment in the clinic and the specially trained staff who are needed to use it are not always available to patients who need quick assessment.

“Additionally, people are slow to seek help when experiencing hearing difficulties: there is an estimated delay of 8.9 years between the time hearing aids are needed to the time of their adoption.

“That is why we are excited about the ability of this system to incorporate machine learning into the test procedure to make it less dependent on human supervisors.”

Speech-in-noise tests are commonly used to detect hearing problems by assessing how well someone can understand spoken speech over background noise.

Traditional tests typically rely on pre-recorded human speech and require a clinician to score the responses.

However, the AI-powered version replaces both with computer generated speech and automatic speech recognition, allowing the test to run entirely on its own.

In a group of 31 adults, some with normal hearing and with hearing loss, the AI-powered test was evaluated against two conventional DIN tests.

The researchers assessed both reliability - how consistent results were across multiple runs and validity - how closely results matched a reference test.

Results showed that the AI-powered test gave virtually the same results as the conventional DIN tests.

While there was slightly more variability in some cases - especially in people with a strong accent- the overall reliability and accuracy were the same, demonstrating the addition of AI did not negatively impact test performance.

And by using larger ASR systems, the researchers say the higher accuracy would make the system compatible with stronger accents.

Co-authors Professor Kevin Munro and Michael Stone are from The University of Manchester and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Professor Munro said: “This  study highlights how AI can make hearing tests both reliable and user-friendly, particularly for individuals who may find traditional formats—such as keyboards or touchscreens—challenging to use.

“It also marks an important step toward more personalised and accessible hearing assessments that people can complete independently at home.

“The test software will be freely available, providing a foundation for future developments using more advanced speech technologies.”

Professor Stone said: “This research highlights the potential for well-crafted and tested AI to modernise hearing care.

“Our team plans to explore extending this technology to more complex speech tests in future studies.”

We are shocked and horrified by the events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue this morning.  The thoughts of everyone at the University and Students’ Union go out to those affected and their loved ones. 

This holiest day in the Jewish calendar should be a time to come together in peaceful reflection and contemplation, but instead we know many in our community, especially our Jewish community, will be feeling worried and deeply distressed by what has happened. 

The University of Manchester will always support and stand with our Jewish community of staff, students and across our city. 

Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Manchester 

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union 

Using sunbeds causes melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly among young people, yet existing sunbed legislation is ineffective and there is little evidence that stricter rules would help protect the most vulnerable, say Professor Paul Lorigan and colleagues. 

Indoor tanning is experiencing a boom in popularity, particularly among Gen Z (born 1997-2012), with social media promoting sunbeds as integral to wellness, they explain. For example, a 2024 survey of 2,003 people in the UK by Melanoma Focus found that 43% of respondents aged 18-25 used sunbeds, half of them at least weekly, with many unaware of the associated dangers. 

And despite a ban on under 18s using sunbeds in England and Wales in 2011, a 2025 survey by Melanoma Focus of 100 UK 16-17 year olds found that 34% were still using sunbeds. 

Neither the number nor location of sunbed outlets in the UK are monitored, point out the authors. Data from websites and social media in January 2024 identified 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with density per 100,000 population highest in north west and north east England and in the most deprived areas. 

The distribution of sunbed outlets also correlates with melanoma rates in young people, with the highest rates in north England, they add. Over 2,600 new diagnoses were recorded annually in 25-49 year olds in England during 2018-20 and 146 deaths, with two thirds of cases in women. 

Regulation has also failed to prevent young people’s use of sunbeds in other countries, they note. For example, the percentage of under 18s using sunbeds in the Republic of Ireland has barely changed since stricter regulation in 2014, while Iceland’s 15-17 year olds are now the main users of sunbeds despite a ban for under 18s in 2011. 

The current situation in the UK is “a clear example of an under-regulated industry aggressively marketing a harmful product to a vulnerable population,” they write. “An immediate outright ban on commercial sunbeds alongside public education offers the most cost effective solution to reduce skin cancer, save lives, and ease the burden on the NHS.” 

To counter the economic impact of banning sunbeds on providers and communities, they suggest use of a buy-back scheme “to mitigate industry pushback and the potential effect on livelihoods.” 

They conclude: “The UK government has pledged to prioritise prevention and to reduce health inequalities. Commercial sunbeds target those who are most disadvantaged and susceptible to harm.” 

“Enhanced efforts to encourage sun safe behaviours are critically needed but will likely take a generation to have an effect. A ban on commercial sunbeds is the first step in this process. It would send a clear message and have an immediate effect on skin cancer.”

• Analysis: Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK  is published in the BMJ doi: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085414 and is available

Published in 1950 during Turing’s time as an academic at The University of Manchester, the paper was one of the first on artificial intelligence. It was in this paper that he established the Turing Test, also known as the Imitation Game, posing the question that would shape the modern world: “Can machines think?” 

Today, more than 1,600 Manchester researchers are designing and applying AI to tackle global challenges, transform industries, enhance public services, and improve lives. From advancing breast cancer treatment and improving menopause care to transforming crop productivity in Ghana and tackling online misogyny, Manchester researchers are using AI to deliver positive change for society and the environment. 

To enable this, the University has invested in a world-leading research environment, creating an AI research ecosystem that supports research excellence and accelerates the journey to real-world impact. Capabilities span from the , driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow, to two dedicated units fuelling innovation - the part of , which connect partners to the University’s world-famous talent, ideas and resources. 

Professor Jay adds: “We believe AI should deliver real benefits to business, public services and society. That’s why we’re continually investing in the people, partnerships and platforms that turn bold ideas into transformative outcomes. 

“In every thriving AI ecosystem, there’s a university at its heart. We’re proud to shape the future of AI – for Manchester, the UK and the world.” 

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• AI at Manchester
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Current treatments for asthma largely involve controlling the inflammation of lung tissue using steroid inhalers. However, 4 people die every day in the UK¹ from asthma related complications. With funding from the Medical Research Foundation and Asthma UK, a team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Manchester have investigated the scarring that occurs in lung tissue as a result of asthma and have been able to reverse these changes in animal models.

Although still in the early stages of development, this discovery paves the way for a new way to treat not only asthma, but many different diseases in which similar structural changes in tissues occur. Such diseases include conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver and account for approximately 40% of deaths worldwide.

Asthma affects more than 7 million people in the UK and severe asthma can have a hugely detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life. Even when treated, asthma can be fatal and the most recent data shows it contributed to 1,465 deaths in the UK in 2022¹ – this is despite the availability of new treatments which aim to dampen down inflammation in the lungs.

However, as well as inflammation, asthma also results in what has previously been considered to be irreversible structural lung changes. These changes include making the lungs stiffer and more scarred through increases in things like ‘extracellular matrix collagens.’

Using animal models that share features of severe asthma in people, the researchers found that preventing inflammation alone is not enough to reverse this tissue scarring. Instead, they found that blocking the action of specific protein molecules strongly associated with inflammation and tissue damage, ‘remarkably reversed’ scarring in the lungs. 

Dr Tara Sutherland, Lecturer of Immunology, who led the research at the University of Aberdeen, alongside collaborators at the University of Manchester, explains: “Drugs that inhibit inflammation in asthma are crucial for managing the disease. However, these drugs may not always be enough to prevent and reverse lung damage found in severe asthma.

“Our findings show that we also need to consider that structural lung changes occur in severe asthma and that these changes may occur independently of inflammatory pathways.

“A better understanding of these structural changes and their consequences for lung health could lead to development of new therapies that benefit people particularly with severe asthma and could potentially be used alongside drugs that stop inflammation.

“Although a first step in a long process, our study suggests avenues for new treatments that may have the potential to prevent disease progression and even reverse tissue scarring in asthma and many other diseases where fibrosis due to disorganised matrix formation is suggested to account for approximately 40% of worldwide mortality.”

James Parkinson, Research Associate from the division of Immunology and Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester who collaborated on the project added: “This work adds a new layer to our understanding of how asthma develops. It also reinforces the importance of considering all aspects of airway remodelling when evaluating future potential therapies.”

, CEO of the , said: “Asthma affects millions of people in the UK, including 1.1 million children, yet despite current treatments, too many people still die from the condition every day. Severe uncontrolled asthma can cause lasting damage to the lungs and drastically reduce quality of life. This research is a crucial step forward – showing how we might not only prevent that damage, but even reverse it, opening the door to treatments that could transform lives.

“By supporting studies like this, the Medical Research Foundation aims to generate the evidence needed to change how asthma is treated and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with the condition.”

Dr Ellen Forty, Research Networks and Partnerships Manager at Asthma + Lung UK added:

“Asthma + Lung UK is pleased to have funded this exciting research which has helped to tease apart some of the ways that damage to lung tissue occurs in severe asthma, showing potential that some aspects of the damage could actually be reversed in mice. Now we need to invest in the next stages of this research to better understand this newly discovered process, and whether it works the same way in humans.

“This study offers hope for a new avenue for future treatments for the 7.2 million people in the UK living with asthma, that could supplement existing medicines. It could also have benefits for those with other lung conditions with similar causes of damage. Funding for lung health research is on life support and urgent action is needed to increase investment.”

This research was funded by the Medical Research Foundation and the Asthma and Lung UK Fellowship with support from Medical Research Council and Wellcome.

1: 

The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked closely with the University, the Council, the local community and key stakeholders to secure Reserved Matters Planning Approval for the redevelopment.

Development can progress towards a start based on the finalised design, layout and landscaping plans. Covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, the development will deliver up to 3,300 modern, high-quality student homes, alongside amenity spaces, ancillary residential dwellings and extensive green infrastructure.

A key feature of the scheme is the creation of five distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity inspired by Manchester’s rich cultural, sporting and musical heritage. Sustainability is central to the design, with the project targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will be used to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and accelerate delivery.

Viridis Living also submitted its first application to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025, three months ahead of planning approval. This proactive step supports the consortium’s commitment to fire safety, detailed design and the accelerated delivery of much-needed student housing in the city.

GRAHAM, on behalf of the consortium, has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester, architects Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants Deloitte.

Commenting on the planning approval, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.

“The engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application. Inclusion, accessibility and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK.”

Ben Leech, Managing Director, Investments, Equitix, said: “We’re pleased to see that the next stage of planning approvals for the University of Manchester’s new student accommodation has moved forward at pace. This important project will deliver much needed, high-quality, sustainable housing that keeps student wellbeing at its heart and reflects our commitment to long-term social infrastructure investment.”

Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “Our design draws on the site’s layered history and character—from the rich parkland setting to the careful preservation and relocation of Mitzi Cunliffe’s ‘Cosmos 1’ relief sculpture. The detailed proposals establish five distinct neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of belonging through varied colours, textures, and finishes, with sustainability and wellbeing as unifying threads.

“The new social hub and additional study areas provide a variety of spaces that encourage togetherness and help reduce stress and isolation. We have increased biodiversity through new green spaces and a car-free environment, helping to rebuild the student community at Fallowfield as part of one of the world’s largest Passivhaus developments.”

Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director, Derwent Facilities Management, said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering a transformative scheme for Fallowfield and The University of Manchester’s students. We are proud to play a key role in this landmark contract, using our expertise to create a vibrant, sustainable community where students can truly thrive. We look forward to working closely with the University of Manchester and our partners to provide a world-class living experience that meets the evolving needs of students and the wider community.”

Enabling works are progressing ahead of the main construction programme, which will begin in early 2026. A phased handover will allow students to move into their new homes from 2026 through to 2030.

For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit here.

“However, if we want to create high streets that truly support healthier, fairer communities, we must also invest in bringing back vital amenities like libraries and community hubs - regulating unhealthy outlets is important, but we also need to create positive alternatives that give people better choices. The Prime Minister’s announcement is progress, but now we need some real ambition."

This success highlights the importance of academic research in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges. As the government takes steps to empower local authorities, the researchers will continue to work with policymakers, communities and partners across the UK to ensure that high streets can once again thrive as healthy, inclusive spaces.

Professor Zara Hodgson and Professor Jovica Milanović have been elected for their exceptional contributions to their field: pioneering new innovations within academia and business, providing expert advice to government, and fostering a wider comprehension of engineering and technology. 

Zara Hodgson, Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester is an internationally renowned expert in nuclear energy policy and research. She has been pivotal in the UK government’s recent interventions to grow the UK’s nuclear fuel production capability, delivering advances for the global net-zero mission, and generating energy security by building resilient supply chains. Zara is the Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute and a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Manchester, where she is leading contributions to the national nuclear enterprise through high impact research, education, training and independent advice.

Jovica Milanović, Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at The University of Manchester is internationally recognised for his outstanding contributions to power systems engineering. His research focuses on the probabilistic modelling of power system dynamics, addressing uncertainties in generation, demand, and network topology, and advancing distributed voltage control strategies. He has played a pivotal role in shaping industrial standards through leadership in IEEE and CIGRE task forces, and his work on load modelling has been instrumental in improving peak demand management across UK networks. Professor Milanović also holds leadership positions within the IEEE and senior advisory roles in the electrical power industry.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 18 November, when each Fellow will sign the roll book. In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to engineer better lives.   

The group consists of 60 Fellows, nine International Fellows and five Honorary Fellows.They are drawn from every specialism from within the engineering and technology professions and cover sectors ranging from energy and defence to new materials.

 Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “As we approach our 50th anniversary next year it’s a good time to reflect on how much we have achieved. The Academy is built on the foundation of our Fellowship, and that remains as true today as half a century ago. Our story began as a ‘Fellowship of Engineering’ of 130 Fellows including such pioneers as Air Commodore Sir Frank Whittle, Lord Hinton of Bankside and Sir Ove Arup, driven by the support of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“Today’s cohort join a community of around 1,700 of some of the most talented engineers and innovators in the UK and around the globe. Their knowledge and experience make them uniquely well placed to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world, and our determination to advance and promote excellence in engineering remains undimmed.” 

Further information about the new Fellows can be found on the

The Ganges, a lifeline for hundreds of millions across South Asia, is drying at a rate scientists say is unprecedented in recorded history. , shifting monsoons, relentless extraction and damming are pushing the mighty river towards collapse, with consequences for food, water and livelihoods across the region.

For centuries, the Ganges and its tributaries have sustained one of the world’s most densely populated regions. Stretching from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the whole river basin supports over 650 million people, a quarter of India’s freshwater, and much of its food and economic value. Yet new research reveals the river’s decline is accelerating beyond anything seen in recorded history.

In recent decades, scientists have documented across many of the world’s big rivers, but the Ganges stands apart for its speed and scale.

In a , scientists reconstructed streamflow records going back 1,300 years to show that the basin has faced its worst droughts over the period in just the last few decades. And those droughts are well outside the range of natural climate variability.

Stretches of river that once supported year-round navigation are now impassable in summer. Large boats that once travelled the Ganges from Bengal and Bihar through Varanasi and Allahabad now run aground where water once flowed freely. Canals that used to irrigate fields for weeks longer a generation ago now dry up early. Even some wells that protected families for decades are yielding little more than a trickle.

Global climate models have failed to predict the severity of this drying, pointing to something deeply unsettling: human and environmental pressures are combining in ways we don’t yet understand.

Water has been diverted into irrigation canals, groundwater has been pumped for agriculture, and industries have proliferated along the river’s banks. More than a thousand dams and barrages have radically altered the river itself. And as the world warms, the monsoon which feeds the Ganges has grown increasingly erratic. The result is a river system increasingly unable to replenish itself.

Melting glaciers, vanishing rivers

At the river’s source high in the Himalayas, the Gangotri glacier has retreated in just two decades. The pattern is repeating across the world’s largest mountain range, as rising temperatures are melting glaciers faster than ever.

Initially, this brings . In the long-run, it means far less water flowing downstream during the dry season.

These glaciers are often termed the “water towers of Asia”. But as those towers shrink, the summer flow of water in the Ganges and its tributaries is dwindling too.

Humans are making things worse

The reckless extraction of is aggravating the situation. The Ganges-Brahmaputra basin is one of the most rapidly depleting aquifers in the world, with water levels falling by . Much of this groundwater is already contaminated with arsenic and fluoride, threatening both human health and .

The role of human engineering cannot be ignored either. Projects like the in India have reduced dry-season flows into Bangladesh, making the land saltier and threatening the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. Decisions to prioritise short-term economic gains have undermined the river’s ecological health.

Across and West Bengal, smaller rivers are already drying up in the summer, leaving communities without water for crops or livestock. The disappearance of these smaller tributaries is a harbinger of what may happen on a larger scale if the Ganges itself continues its downward spiral. If nothing changes, experts warn that millions of people across the basin could face within the next few decades.

Saving the Ganges

The need for urgent, coordinated action cannot be overstated. Piecemeal solutions will not be enough. It’s time for a comprehensive rethinking of how the river is managed.

That will mean reducing unsustainable extraction of groundwater so supplies can recharge. It will mean environmental flow requirements to keep enough water in the river for people and ecosystems. And it will require improved climate models that integrate human pressures (irrigation and damming, for example) with monsoon variability to guide water policy.

Transboundary cooperation is also a must. India, Bangladesh and Nepal must do better at sharing data, managing dams, and planning for climate change. International funding and political agreements must treat rivers like the Ganges as global priorities. Above all, governance must be inclusive, so local voices shape river restoration efforts alongside scientists and policymakers.

The Ganges is more than a river. It is a lifeline, a sacred symbol, and a cornerstone of South Asian civilisation. But it is drying faster than ever before, and the consequences of inaction are unthinkable. The time for warnings has passed. We must act now to ensure the Ganges continues to flow – not just for us, but for generations to come.

, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, Geography,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Working with colleagues at Manchester St Mary’s Hospital and the University of Malaysia, the researchers used mathematical modelling to understand how the cord’s unique twisted shape affects the way oxygen, nutrients and heat are exchanged before birth.

The study, published in the , found that the spiral design of the blood vessels in the cord appears to affect the exchange of oxygen and heat, minimising the risk of heat and oxygen being lost, helping to keep babies’ temperature and oxygen levels stable before birth.

Although the umbilical cord is essential to life, scientists still know little about how its complex coiled structure contributes to its function. These new findings shed light on an overlooked but vital process.

Complications linked to the placenta and umbilical cord, such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, affect around 10% of pregnancies in the UK, yet remain poorly understood.

The researchers hope their work will pave the way for further studies on abnormal cord structures, such as cords that are too loosely or tightly coiled, which are known to be associated with complications during pregnancy.

Paper details:

Journal : Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Full title: A functional shunt in the umbilical cord: the role of coiling in solute and heat transfer

DOI:

The image from this research was also chosen as the journal's issue cover: 

The project, supported by a £3 million grant from the Gates Foundation, will develop national-scale irrigation mapping data and capacity in three countries – Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria – between September 2025 and August 2029.

Expanding and improving irrigation access is vital for climate adaptation and food security across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, most SSA countries lack up to date or reliable information about existing irrigation systems, leaving governments and development actors limited in their ability to target interventions to improve irrigation access, evaluate outcomes of investments, and ensure development is both sustainable and equitable.

The new project – IrrEO: Irrigated Area Mapping Tool Development and Deployment – will leverage advances in Earth Observation (EO) imagery and artificial intelligence algorithms, working with national partners in the three focal countries to co-develop a set of data products, algorithms, and software that enable high-resolution mapping of irrigated croplands both now and into the future.

The project will also work with local research teams to use new irrigation mapping data and tools to understand the barriers and opportunities for irrigation development, highlighting investment strategies that deliver better results for small-scale farmers.

Another key goal is to strengthen the capacity of government agencies and development partners across Sub-Saharan Africa to apply advanced mapping approaches in national irrigation planning. Over four years, the team will conduct training workshops and participatory design session to help overcome barriers to adopt of EO methods and tools in irrigation decision-making and policy.

The University team brings together interdisciplinary expertise in remote sensing, agricultural sustainability, rural development, and data justice. Alongside , the other Manchester team members include , Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography from the School of Environment Education and Development (SEED) and co-lead of MERI’s newly launched Land and Resource Futures Initiative – and , Senior Lecturer in Socio-Environmental Systems in the Global Development Institute (GDI).

The report calls for urgent reforms, including:

Faster approvals – cutting the red tape that slows NHS trial delivery.
Flexible design – letting participants choose between home visits, clinic appointments or online check-ins.
Specialist centres – building dedicated hubs for mental health trials inside major NHS Trusts.
Smarter promotion – using social media campaigns and testimonials to boost awareness and trust.

Despite the surge of private providers, the NHS still has key advantages. It can draw on huge, reliable patient datasets and long-standing doctor-patient relationships that private firms cannot match. This helps ensure trials include a diverse mix of people – and prevents the problem of “professional patients,” which industry leaders say can account for up to 30% of participants in US depression trials.

The study was supported by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

As more countries and regions introduce stronger privacy protections, the study raises questions about how smaller financial institutions will cope with the cost of compliance. While consumers may benefit from improved protection, the financial burden may be felt most by smaller banks, which could in turn affect the services they provide.

The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, banks and the public. It underlines that the debate over data privacy is not only about regulation but also about competition, trust and the future of banking in the digital age.

John will sit on the University Executive with responsibility for driving The University of Manchester’s strategic agenda across civic engagement and innovation, working in partnership with local, regional and national stakeholders, and across the full breadth of our university community.

John brings extensive experience in strategic leadership across higher education, national and local government, and industry. In his current role as Associate Vice President for Major Special Projects at The University of Manchester, he has played lead roles in delivering key initiatives, including the establishment of the UK’s , the relocation of the UK Biobank to the Oxford Road Corridor, and the creation of the Turing Innovation Catalyst. He was the University’s lead in establishing Sister, the 20-year project to build a new innovation district on the former North Campus.

In 2024, he co-led the University’s Regional Innovation Review and played a pivotal role in the creation of , the University’s new dedicated innovation arm launched to unlock the University’s full potential as the region’s largest innovation asset and drive inclusive growth regionally and nationally. Recently he has also been instrumental in developing our burgeoning relationship with Cambridge which is pioneering a new model of place-to-place collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth for the UK.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We want to be one of the leading 21st Century civic universities in the world. A significant part of that vision is to be a powerhouse for innovation and strategic partnerships in our city region, the UK and globally.

“John brings a strong track record of civic engagement and developing innovative programs and policies that have contributed to creating opportunities for our region and beyond. To further this ambition, it is vital that we work with our partners and communities to meet the challenges that they face and I’m excited that John is set to play a leading part in this.”

Professor John Holden, Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Vice-President for Civic Engagement and Innovation. With these two critical agendas set to be at the heart of our new 10-year strategy launching in October, this is a pivotal moment for the University and an exciting time to take on a role focused on driving its delivery.

“Our University has a proud tradition of working in partnership with our city and region, recognising that our success and the success of our region are inextricably linked. By strengthening our collaborations with industry, civic partners, and communities we can accelerate research into real-world impact, help our students unlock their full potential, and develop solutions to the major challenges that face our region and the world.

“As one of the North of England’s most significant innovation assets, the University has the scale, capabilities, and global reach to play a central role in driving inclusive economic growth and prosperity not just for our region but for the whole of the UK.

“I’m looking forward to working with our students, staff, alumni and partners to improve lives and create opportunities locally, nationally and globally — and I look forward to engaging with current and future collaborators about how we can make this happen together.”

Before joining the University in 2020, John spent 15 years in senior strategy and policy roles in Greater Manchester. He was instrumental in shaping the city region’s Mayoral Combined Authority, including the landmark 2014 ‘Devo Manc’ devolution deal and subsequent agreements that transferred significant powers and funding from the UK government to the city region. As head of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Strategy and Research team, he worked with Mayor Andy Burnham, Sir Richard Leese, the late Sir Howard Bernstein and other regional leaders to set and deliver economic growth and public service reform policy.

He has advised national and international organisations on regional policy, including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. John is also a Board member of the Rochdale Development Agency, a North West Council Member of the Confederation of British Industry, a member of the Oxford Road Corridor Executive, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).

John will begin in his new role from 1st October 2025.

“The quality of universal SEL education has significantly improved over the last two decades, meaning new programmes face a higher bar for showing additional impact. This highlights the excellent work already being done in schools to nurture children's mental health," Neil added.

The research also raises questions about whether programmes developed in one country - like Passport, which was originally from Canada - will work the same way in another. Cultural differences may affect how well these interventions work.

The researchers plan to keep studying the data, and looking into whether the programme has any long-term benefits, works better for certain groups of children or is good value for money.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent is available now from .

Research conducted by High Fliers, published via , ranked Manchester second only to Birmingham, and ahead of Nottingham, Warwick and Bristol.

Now in its 21^st year, The Graduate Market is an annual review of the graduate job market, with this year’s report based on research completed in July 2025 with 100 of the UK’s leading graduate employers. The University of Manchester has maintained its second-place ranking from the previous year.

The report cited how the top five universities attracted the most graduate employers in 2024-2025 for locally-run publicity, university career fairs, on-campus employer presentations, careers service promotions, on-campus presentations and university-specific virtual events.

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings, scoring second in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for 2025 and 53^rd in THE’s overall list.

The University rose this year to 46^th globally and 13^th in Europe in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It also ranked 35^th in the world and 11^th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings, and 9^th in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings.

Organised in partnership with Rethink Rebuild Society and supported by the Chemists’ Community Fund (Royal Society of Chemistry), 48 children aged nine to 14 visited the University’s state-of-the-art Makerspace facility over three days to take part in a variety of fun and practical experiments, including making batteries out of lemons, testing acidity with natural indicators, and simple filtration experiments.

The initiative is the brainchild of Dr Abdullatif Alfutimie, Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University. Dr Alfutimie first came to Manchester from Aleppo in 2009 to pursue postgraduate study before going on to complete his PhD in 2012. But while pursuing his research career, his home city of Aleppo – once one of Syria’s most vibrant cultural centres – was being devastated by civil war.

Staying closely connected to family and friends affected by displacement and the collapse of education, he began to consider how he might use his own expertise to help displaced students regain educational confidence.

Dr Abdullatif Alfutimie, who led the programme, said: “This event wasn't just about science — it was about recognising curiosity, celebrating identity, and creating a sense of belonging for children who often face immense challenges.

"If we need to rebuild our country or even to contribute to improve this country, we need to educate this generation.

“The enthusiasm from the pupils was truly heartwarming - one parent told us that their child couldn't wait to repeat an experiment at home for their siblings.”

The initiative concluded with a Community Celebration Day at Rethink Rebuild Society’s centre in Manchester, welcoming more than 150 children and family members. Each child received a certificate and a take-home chemistry kit to continue their learning at home. A representative from the Royal Society of Chemistry was also in attendance to present the certificates and celebrate the children’s achievements.

Magda van Leeuwen, Volunteer and Engagement Manager for the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Chemistry Education for Refugee Students is an important initiative that gives young people who have already experienced a lot in their lives hope and opportunities. Programmes like the one Abdullatif has developed show that chemistry really is for all and can be a catalyst for instilling a lifelong passion in our subject.

“Through the Outreach Fund and with the backing of the Chemists’ Community Fund, the RSC is committed to supporting projects that give more people the opportunity to get hands-on scientific experiences. We are proud to have played a small part and want to applaud Abdullatif and his colleagues for their hard work in putting together such a practical and engaging experience for the participants.”

The University of Manchester is recognised as a University of Sanctuary, working to make the University a welcoming and safe place for refugees and asylum seekers. The University’s commitment to supporting sanctuary seekers is embedded across its three core goals: research, teaching, and social responsibility. The city of Manchester is also a City of Sanctuary, part of the . The University works closely with the organisation to help its aim of making Manchester a place that is open and fair. 

Read more about Abdullatif’s initiative on the

Established in 1945, COEH is the UK’s oldest and one of the world's earliest centres for occupational health research and education. Its foundation lies in Manchester's industrial history, particularly the cotton industry, with early studies addressing respiratory diseases and lead exposure. 

The annual honours , the first Professor of Occupational Medicine (1945–1964). The Centre’s subsequent leaders have each contributed to its growth and enduring reputation: Tommy Scott focussed on research on bladder cancer and hearing loss; Tim Lee broadened the scope to areas such as occupational asthma and lead poisoning, and introduced distance learning; Nicola Cherry expanded the department further with research into neurotoxicity and Gulf War Syndrome, launching the Occupational Disease Ascertainment Network (ODIN) network; and Raymond Agius strengthened environmental health research and online education, securing long term funding for the future. 

Current lead, Professor Martie van Tongeren, has transformed the Centre into an interdisciplinary centre offering innovative undergraduate and postgraduate training, attracting students from around the world. Working in collaboration with and the , COEH’s research spans global occupational and environmental health, health inequalities, climate change and health, digitalization and AI, as well as traditional occupational hazards. The Centre is also actively engaged with regulatory bodies, and its balance of basic and translational research supports policy makers. 

As COEH enters its ninth decade, the centre continues to build on its founders’ pioneering work while adopting new approaches to train practitioners and address emerging challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with partners COEH remains committed to social responsibility and reducing health inequalities both in the UK and worldwide, continuing to make a significant impact. 

Professor van Tongeren commented: “I am proud and honoured to be part of the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, continuing the legacy begun by Prof Ronald Lane 80 years ago. As new challenges like AI emerge and longstanding ones like silicosis persist, our mission to protect worker health through research and teaching remains vital. I’m confident COEH will continue to lead the way.”

80^th anniversary event 

COEH invites colleagues and guests to commemorate 80 years of pioneering research and education at The University of Manchester on the afternoon of 1 October. The event will bring together past and present staff, students, and guests to honour the Centre’s legacy and explore future progress in occupational health.  

The programme will include: 

• Lightning talks showcasing key achievements and ongoing research initiatives 
• Forward-looking panel session to explore challenges and opportunities in occupational health 
• The , presented by Professor Malcolm Sim, former Head of the Monash University Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health in Australia 
• Closing reception  

2025 Lane Lecture 

While UK occupational health research, including at COEH, now focuses more on stress and mental health, traditional risks such as occupational respiratory disease continue to be a key priority. The Centre has, in recent years, led efforts to address the dangers of artificial stone (used frequently in kitchen worktops and bathrooms) as workers without proper controls can develop accelerated silicosis—a serious lung disease affecting even young individuals. 

Professor Malcolm Sim played a lead role in research and advisory activities to address the silicosis epidemic in Australia among stonemasons working with artificial stone. In this year’s Lane Lecture, Professor Sim will explore artificial stone silicosis further through his talk, ‘The Artificial Stone Silicosis Epidemic: Lessons Learned for More Effective Prevention’. 

where you can also find a detailed programme.