Newsroom University of ��Թϱ��

University of ��Թϱ�� recognised at national lifelong learning awards

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:35:15 +0100

The event brought together institutions from across the UK to share best practice, explore innovation in lifelong learning, and celebrate impactful partnerships that are widening participation and supporting learners at all stages of life.

The University was proud to be recognised on the national stage, receiving the Institutional Partnership Award for its collaboration with the Bank of England on the Teach Economics programme.

This flagship initiative is designed to support the teaching of economics in schools and colleges, equipping educators with the tools, resources and confidence to inspire the next generation of economists. A key ambition of the programme is to improve diversity within the subject, helping to broaden access and encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue economics through further study and into higher education.

The award recognises the strength of collaboration between academic, professional services and external partners, as well as the programme’s continued evolution and commitment to evaluation and impact.

Professor Ang Davies, University Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning, said:

The recognition reflects the University’s continued commitment to lifelong learning and to creating opportunities that enable learners from all backgrounds to engage with higher education.

Real-time microscopy reveals how semiconductor nanowires grow, and how bismuth seeds can speed their formation

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Scientists from the at ��Թϱ�� and Sun Yat-sen University, have captured the growth of semiconducting tellurium nanostructures in liquid in real time, revealing how tiny seed particles form, grow into nanowires and compete for material as the structures develop. The study, published in , also shows that adding bismuth seed particles can make tellurium easier to deposit under specific electrodeposition conditions used in the experiments.

The work focuses on tellurium, a semiconductor of interest for electronic, thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications, where performance depends strongly on the size and shape of the nanostructures produced. Although liquid-phase synthesis is a scalable and relatively low-cost way to make these materials, it has been difficult to observe exactly how anisotropic tellurium structures begin to form and evolve during growth.

Using liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy, the researchers tracked the early stages of tellurium formation at the nanoscale. They found that tellurium first appears as spherical seed particles, which then give rise to multiple nanowires. During growth, nearby wires compete for available material, affecting local growth speed and branching. Across the experiments, local nanowire growth rates were measured in the range of 1 to 15 nm per second, depending on electron flux and the presence of neighbouring structures.

, corresponding author at ��Թϱ�� and the National Graphene Institute, said: “This study lets us see, in real time, how tellurium nanowires emerge and evolve in liquid. By directly observing nucleation, growth and branching at the nanoscale, we can begin to understand how to control these processes much more precisely. That matters because the performance of tellurium-based materials depends strongly on their size and shape.”

A second key finding was that bismuth seed nanoparticles dramatically change how tellurium grows. In the microscopy experiments, bismuth increased the number of nucleation sites and promoted more highly branched, fern-like structures. Follow-up electrodeposition experiments confirmed that bismuth also lowers the reducing potential needed for tellurium deposition and can substantially increase the amount of tellurium deposited under the same conditions. Together, these results show how insights from real-time microscopy can guide more effective materials synthesis outside the microscope.

Dr Yi-Chao Zou, co-corresponding author, said: “One of the most exciting aspects of this work is that the behaviour we observed in the liquid cell translated into conventional electrodeposition experiments. We found that bismuth seeding not only promotes tellurium nucleation but also makes deposition easier and more productive at a fixed potential. That opens up new possibilities for designing tellurium nanostructures with tailored morphologies for future device applications.”

The study, a collaboration between Sun Yat-sen University, ��Թϱ��, the National Graphene Institute and Beijing Institute of Technology, suggests that real-time microscopy can do more than describe nanostructure growth. In this case, it identified a specific way to alter nucleation behaviour and improve deposition under defined experimental conditions. That could help researchers refine how tellurium nanostructures are produced for device-relevant studies, while keeping claims closely tied to the systems tested here. The team report the findings could help accelerate the optimisation of low-dimensional nanostructures for electronics, energy conversion and sensing applications.

Electrical control of spin signals demonstrated in graphene superlattices

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:12:08 +0100

Researchers at the , in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, have shown that the magnetic behaviour of electrons in graphene can be precisely controlled using electricity, revealing unusually large spin signals in a carefully engineered graphene system.

The study, published in , demonstrates how placing graphene close to a magnetic material can influence the spin of electrons without permanently altering graphene itself. By combining this magnetic proximity effect with graphene superlattices and operating at very low charge densities, the researchers were able to strongly tune how spins move through the material.

“This work shows that by combining graphene with nearby magnetic materials, we can gain a high level of control over electron spin using electrical signals alone,” said Dr Daniel Burrow, from ��Թϱ��. “In simple terms, we are learning how to pass information through graphene using the spin of electrons rather than their electrical charge.”

Electron spin is a quantum property that can act like a tiny magnetic compass needle. While conventional electronics rely on the movement of charge, spin-based approaches aim to use this magnetic degree of freedom to process and carry information, potentially reducing energy losses.

In the study, the team used cobalt contacts to induce magnetism in graphene through proximity, meaning the graphene itself does not become magnetic. They then injected and detected pure spin currents, allowing them to probe how spin transport changes across different electronic regimes.

Near the charge neutrality point, where graphene has very few mobile charge carriers, the researchers observed a clear reversal of the spin signal. This behaviour indicates that the magnetic proximity effect creates a spin dependent energy splitting in graphene, which governs how spins travel through the material.

Importantly, the same effect was also observed at additional neutrality points that appear when graphene is precisely aligned with hexagonal boron nitride. These so called superlattice features show that proximity induced spin control applies not only to graphene’s original electronic bands but also to those reconstructed by the superlattice structure.

“Our measurements show that the same underlying mechanism controls spin transport across all these regimes,” said Dr Burrow. “That tells us we are seeing a robust physical effect rather than something specific to a single device setting.”

The strongest signals were observed in a bilayer graphene superlattice device designed to open an energy gap in the electronic structure. In this specific system, the researchers measured spin polarisations approaching 50 per cent and nonlocal spin resistances exceeding 300 ohms. These values are nearly two orders of magnitude larger than those measured away from charge neutrality in the same experimental platform.

The study shows that low carrier density, combined with magnetic proximity effects and engineered band structure, can greatly enhance spin filtering and detection. While the work focuses on demonstrating the physics, the authors note that electrical control of spin at low power could be relevant for future spin based electronic technologies.

“This research shows that we can engineer graphene systems where spin signals become both large and electrically tunable,” said , a co-author of the study. “That opens up new ways to explore spin transport in two-dimensional materials and brings us closer to using these effects in practical devices.”

University of ��Թϱ�� and MEC Students Celebrated at the Venture Further Awards 2026

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:58:57 +0100

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) at the University of ��Թϱ�� celebrated the very best of student enterprise at the Venture Further Awards 2026, held on Tuesday 16th June at the iconic Whitworth Hall. Founders, judges, mentors, partners, alumni, colleagues and supporters came together for an evening defined by energy, ambition and the generosity of a community built around student entrepreneurship.

Now in its 23rd year, Venture Further is one of the most important moments in MEC's calendar - a celebration of creativity, courage and practical action. This year was the biggest yet: 29 finalists were selected from around 200 applications, competing for 11 awards across four tracks - Freelancer, Social Impact, Research-Led Disruption and Startup - for a share of a £200,000 prize pot.

The quality of pitches was exceptional. Finalists showed strong ideas, technical capability and the confidence to test, refine and communicate their ventures with conviction. From freelancers building businesses around their skills and reputation, to social impact founders tackling urgent societal and environmental challenges, to research-led innovators translating discovery into application, and high-growth startups with ambitious plans to scale - the breadth and depth of student talent was inspiring.

MEC's work is closely aligned with the University's 2035 strategy and its commitment to Entrepreneurship for All: an ambition that every one of the University's 47,000 students should have the opportunity to benefit from entrepreneurship education and graduate with an entrepreneurial mindset and innovative skillset. The Venture Further Awards demonstrate exactly why that ambition matters.

Founder Fireside Chat

The evening began with a Founder Fireside Chat hosted by Dr Rob Martin, Programme Director of Enterprise Education at MEC. Taking to the stage was VFA alumnus Sid Sethi, founder of Specsart - who won £10,000 at the Venture Further Awards in 2018 while studying at the University of ��Թϱ��. Specsart set out to disrupt the UK eyewear industry with affordable, premium glasses and has since grown into a global brand: three UK stores, customers across 120 countries, and over 25,000 free eye tests delivered by the end of 2025. Sid has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognised in the FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies 2025. His story set the tone for the evening - proof of what ��Թϱ�� students can achieve when they back themselve.

Awards Winners

The Freelancing Track

Recognising students who have built self-directed careers offering professional services and creative expertise, this year's Freelancing Track winners demonstrated exceptional craft, business acumen and ambition.

The Creative Excellence Award | £3,000
Winner: Sophia Shen, Marketing & Design Services

The Service Innovator Award | £3,000
Winner: Jahanvi Tripathi, Stats and Stories

Freelancer of the Year | £4,000
Winner: Giuseppe Romano, Make IT STEM

The Social Impact Track

This track celebrates ventures driven by purpose - tackling real-world challenges in communities, environments and societies. This year's winners showed remarkable breadth, from sustainability to education to community wellbeing.

The Community Impact Award | £5,000
Winner: Lisa Udoh, SOLITAIRE

The Sustainable Development Award | £15,000
Winner: Gloria Cherono, Envirofly
Co-founder(s): Sharon Chepngetich

The Social Impact Venture Award | £20,000
Winner: Elizabeth Crompton, Real Life Learning

The Research-Led Disruption Track

Rooted in the University's tradition of world-leading research, this track celebrates ventures turning laboratory discoveries into real-world commercial opportunities - from deep tech breakthroughs to advanced materials innovation.

The Deep Tech Excellence Award | £30,000
Winner: Dr Jacob Samuel Thompson, ADDER-VAX

The Eli & Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award | £45,000
Winner: Mohamed Elsharkasi, Hollowgraf
Co-founder(s): Premlal Balakrishna Pillai, Rahul Raveendran Nair, Feng Yan

The Startup Track

The Startup Track celebrates scalable ventures with the potential to attract investment and enter new markets. This year's winners brought innovation across AI-driven tools, consumer health technology and digital platforms.

The Digital Innovation Award | £20,000
Winner: Katrina Zalcmane, Vea
Co-founder(s): Zahra Bhatti

The Consumer & Product Innovation Award | £20,000
Winner: Donglin Zhao, PawSano

The High-Growth Venture Award | £35,000
Winner: Uma Maheswari Mani Shrinivasan, Deft AI
Co-founder(s): Jayanth Reddy

A Word from MEC's Interim Director

“The Venture Further Awards never fail to inspire me. This year's cohort was exceptional - the quality of ideas, the rigour of the pitches, and the sheer determination of our finalists was a testament to what ��Թϱ�� students can achieve. Now in our 23rd year, Venture Further has become one of the most exciting evenings in the entrepreneurship calendar, and this year was no exception. None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our judges and partners, who give their time, expertise and resources so that our students get the very best opportunities. I want to congratulate every finalist, and especially our 11 winners - but I also want to say to every student who applied: you took a step that matters. That courage is exactly what Entrepreneurship for All is about.” Lee Pugalis, Interim Director, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre

A Night to Remember

The awards ceremony at Whitworth Hall was made possible by the generous support of more than 100 partners, organisations and individuals who have supported MEC this year, including Unit M, the Innovation Factory, GM Business Growth Hub and NatWest. Their support ensures that events like Venture Further continue to connect student entrepreneurs with the networks, challenge and encouragement they need to go further.

Congratulations go to all 29 finalists. Only some names were called at Whitworth Hall on the night, but every finalist achieved something significant: taking an idea seriously, standing behind it, and inviting others to believe in it too. That is the mindset MEC wants every ��Թϱ�� student to develop, whatever path they choose after graduation.

For more information about the Venture Further Awards and MEC's programmes, or to find out how to get involved as a partner, mentor or collaborator, visit www.entrepreneurship.manchester.ac.uk.

Interested in Entering Next Year?

Venture Further is open to all University of ��Թϱ�� students and recent graduates. Whether you have a fully-formed business or just an idea you want to explore, now is the time to start thinking about your application. Join a community of ambitious student entrepreneurs and get access to mentorship, funding, and the support to take your venture further.

Register your interest for Venture Further Awards 2027:

New survey seeks women's experiences of travel and road safety in Greater ��Թϱ��

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:34:24 +0100

Women across Greater ��Թϱ�� are being invited to take part in a major new study exploring how safe they feel when travelling around the region, as researchers seek to know more about the unique challenges women face on and around the region’s road and transport networks.

��Թϱ�� and Greater ��Թϱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA) have joined forces to launch a new survey asking women about their experiences as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

The research will help build one of the most detailed pictures yet of women's experiences of road safety in Greater ��Թϱ�� and help identify practical ways to improve safety, confidence and inclusion across the region’s transport system.

The project is funded through the Vision Zero Innovation Fund and is informed by the Gender-Based Violence Strategy. It forms part of Greater ��Թϱ��'s wider Vision Zero ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the region's roads.

Researchers Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Rose Broad are leading the study, which will examine inequalities faced by women road users and explore how experiences of safety can differ depending on how people travel.

The team is particularly interested in understanding barriers that may affect women's confidence when using roads and transport networks, as well as identifying opportunities to improve safety for current and future generations of road users.

Women living, working or travelling in Greater ��Թϱ�� are being encouraged to complete the short online survey and share their insights and concerns.

The survey will explore issues including:

Experiences of travelling as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or public transport user
Feelings of safety and confidence while travelling
Worries about road safety and personal security
Barriers that influence travel choices
Ideas for improving safety and accessibility
Evidence to support future changes

The survey is the first part of a wider research project being delivered by ��Թϱ�� on behalf of the Safer Roads Greater ��Թϱ�� Partnership Board.

Alongside the survey, participants will have the opportunity to take part in follow-up focus groups to provide more detailed insights into their experiences.

The findings will be presented to the Greater ��Թϱ�� Safer Roads Partnership Board later this year.

The researchers hope the project will help ensure women's perspectives are better reflected in future road safety policies, interventions and transport planning.

By capturing the insights of women from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and travel habits, the study aims to create a stronger evidence base to support safer, more inclusive streets across Greater ��Թϱ��.

“It is vital that everyone feels safe travelling on foot, by bike or in a vehicle, and we need to understand specifically how women experience Greater ��Թϱ��'s roads so we can continue to address barriers they may face,” said Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater ��Թϱ��.

"Women use roads and transport networks every day, but their experiences are not always fully reflected in the evidence that informs road safety policy and planning,” said Dr Miles. “We know that concerns about safety can influence how, when and whether people travel, yet there has been relatively little research exploring these issues from women's perspectives.

“By listening to their experiences, we can build a clearer understanding of the challenges women face and identify where improvements could make the greatest difference.

"Road safety is about more than preventing collisions - it's also about ensuring people feel confident and secure when moving around their communities,” said Professor Broad. “The insights gathered through this research will help us understand what helps women feel safe, what creates barriers or concerns, and what practical changes could improve their experiences.

“We want the findings to support evidence-based action that makes Greater ��Թϱ��'s roads and transport systems safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

Women interested in taking part can complete the survey by .

University of ��Թϱ�� researchers recognised with Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:23:41 +0100

Researchers from ��Թϱ�� have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Horizon Prize for advances in solid-state battery technology.

The team, , received the Stephanie L Kwolek Prize for developing a scalable solid-state lithium metal battery architecture that integrates nanocarbon-enhanced cathodes with solid electrolytes.

The award recognises a collaboration between researchers at PETRONAS, ��Թϱ��, and Deakin University in Melbourne. Their work focuses on overcoming key barriers to the commercialisation of solid-state lithium metal batteries, including improving energy density, safety and manufacturability.

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid alternative, offering potential advantages in stability and performance. However, challenges remain in ensuring reliable operation at scale. The team’s approach combines nanocarbon-enhanced cathodes with solid electrolytes to deliver a design that can be manufactured using processes compatible with industry.

The RSC Horizon Prizes, introduced in 2020, recognise teams working on innovative projects at the frontiers of the chemical sciences. The prizes highlight collaborative research that addresses global challenges and demonstrates significant progress towards practical applications.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The purpose of the Horizon Prizes is to recognise those who are pioneering new techniques, technologies and discoveries. Our winners demonstrate how expertise from across chemistry and related disciplines can be brought together to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges.”

The ��Թϱ�� researchers contributed expertise in nanomaterials and their integration into functional devices, building on the University’s strengths in advanced materials and energy research. Their involvement in the project reflects ongoing collaborations with international partners and industry to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

The prize is one of a number of Horizon Prizes awarded this year by the RSC, which form part of a wider programme recognising excellence in research, innovation and education across the chemical sciences.

Lost & Found in Translation: From Methods Fair Workshop to a Global Research Network

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:24:54 +0100

Lost & Found in Translation (L&FIT) is a collaborative network of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and early career researchers (ECRs) initially based across the four North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) institutions. The network brings together researchers whose work involves qualitative interviews conducted across diverse languages, settings and disciplines.

The initiative was founded by , Lecturer in Arabic Cultural Studies (and scholar of Translation Studies) at the University of ��Թϱ��. Recognising that many PhD researchers were engaging with issues of translation often outside of Translation Studies, she identified a gap: cross-language research practices vary significantly across disciplines, yet opportunities for shared reflection were limited.

L&FIT began as a small group of scholars from across the NWSSDTP which includes ��Թϱ��, Liverpool, Lancashire, Lancaster and Keele Universities. These researchers initially came together to deliver a workshop at the Methods@ ��Թϱ�� 2025 Methods Fair. What followed was not a one-off event, but an ongoing conversation that continued well beyond the Fair itself.

Building on this momentum, the group secured a Catalyst Grant in summer 2025. This funding supported a programme of three workshops (February, April and May 2026) and a conference in June 2026. From the outset, the diversity of the network was striking, with participants drawn from disciplines including Biology, Human Geography, Business, Politics, Literature, IT and Translation Studies. Guest speakers from the supported the network by sharing their own expertise while signposting the group to the latest translation research publications.

By the second workshop, the network had already expanded beyond the NWSSDTP region, welcoming contributors from institutions in China and Morocco, alongside a visiting scholar from the United States. The third workshop deepened these conversations further, focusing on the role of the researcher within the research process, and on how to ethically represent the communities involved in cross-language research.

The L&FIT Conference

The conference programme reflected the breadth and ambition of the network. Originally planned as a one-day event, it expanded into a two-day format - including an online component - to enable wider participation.

Topics ranged from AI algorithms and idioms, speech recognition and sign language, to research in conflict zones and the emotional complexity of interviews that extend beyond words. Participants also critically examined broader structural challenges, including how the ‘big social sciences’ engage with cross-language production, interpreters being seen as a problem, not a help, when ‘money talks’ in different languages; academia ‘stuck’ in English.

A practising translator described the event as “diversified, well-structured and highly relevant to the current state of the Translation field”, highlighting the way it opened up new perspectives on both the challenges and possibilities of working across languages.

For those involved in organising the conference, the experience was equally significant. One Year 3 PGR reflected on the “professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated at every stage”, describing it as “the best experience I have had across no fewer than ten conferences and workshops this year.”

Why has L&FIT resonated so strongly?

Reflecting on the network’s success, Dr Abou Rached describes L&FIT as “academic community development in action”. Its impact, she suggests, stems from a combination of open collaboration, institutional support, and a shared recognition that translation is a vital component of academic research practice. Together, these elements have created “rich potential to become a sustainable hub of knowledge-sharing in the methods area and beyond.”

This sense of community is echoed by participants. One doctoral researcher noted that involvement in the network had encouraged greater reflexivity in their work, particularly in “keeping grassroots voices at the centre of research”. Another highlighted the personal significance of these connections, explaining that the network “made me feel less alone… and part of a community.”

Where next?

What began as a group of ten researchers across five North West universities has grown into an international network of around 50 scholars. Participants now span regions including North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt), the Gulf (Qatar), China and beyond.

The network’s momentum has attracted strong support from the wider academic community. A guest speaker praised its success in “bringing together such a diversity of disciplinary perspectives” and emphasised the importance of sustaining this energy into 2026–27.

For many involved, the value of L&FIT lies not only in intellectual exchange but in the sense of belonging it fosters. As one Year 2 PGR reflected, being part of the network has been “truly inspiring” and has “renewed my enthusiasm for translation studies” another valued “how researchers from a wide range of fields are all, in different ways, contributing to language and cultural accessibility.”

Looking ahead, the network plans to first extend these conversations through a dedicated blog, continuing to create space for dialogue, reflection and future collaborations.

Where can I find out more?

You can read more about the workshops and conference , and while L&FIT does not yet have a LinkedIn page, you can explore posts from the conference, panel by panel, and post by post, !

University of ��Թϱ�� in top 40 in QS World University Rankings 2027

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:30:58 +0100

��Թϱ�� has been ranked in the top 40 universities globally in the .

The rankings assess more than 1,500 institutions worldwide across a range of measures, including research and discovery, employability and outcomes, international engagement and sustainability.

��Թϱ�� achieved an overall score of 84.6 and performed particularly strongly in international research collaboration, ranking 7th globally. The University also ranked 10th for sustainability, 28th for employer reputation and 32nd for academic reputation.

The results reinforce ��Թϱ��'s position as one of the world's leading universities, recognised for the quality of its research, global partnerships, teaching excellence and real-world impact.

��Թϱ�� is also one of a small number of global universities that consistently performs strongly in both the global university rankings and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since these rankings were introduced in 2019, the University has been placed in the global top ten every year.

The University was ranked 35th in the . This year's rankings saw particularly strong competition from institutions in China and across Asia, reflecting the intensely competitive global higher education landscape.

QS is one of the world's leading university ranking systems. ��Թϱ�� was ranked 56th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and 46th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025.

Find further information about where the University is ranked on our World Rankings page.

University of ��Թϱ�� plays leading role in £50m Local Innovation Partnerships Funding for Greater ��Թϱ��

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:08:50 +0100

��Թϱ�� has helped secure £50m to drive innovation-led growth across Greater ��Թϱ��.
The University is leading two major projects and supporting across the whole programme.
Funding will back growth in advanced materials, manufacturing, AI, health innovation and low carbon technologies.
The investment will help attract financial backing, create skilled jobs and boost regional growth.

��Թϱ��, working with partners across the Greater ��Թϱ�� region and beyond, has played a leading role in securing £50m investment from UK Research and Innovation’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) that drives innovation-led growth across Greater ��Թϱ��.

The University is lead delivery partner on two projects and will be a delivery partner on the remaining three across the wider funding programme, .

Together the whole portfolio is worth £50m and covers nationally significant sectors including advanced materials & manufacturing, digital, cyber & AI, health innovation & life sciences, and low carbon technologies. These projects will attract private investment, create skilled jobs, support business growth and strengthen Greater ��Թϱ��’s position as a globally competitive innovation region.

The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a flagship UK government programme - delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - investing up to £500 million to strengthen regional innovation economies across the country.

Forming a central pillar of the government's modern Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change, the Fund brings together local leaders, businesses and research organisations to build on regional strengths to create new jobs, drive innovation-led productivity and attract further public and private investment into communities across the UK.

Atom Valley Innovation District

The University is lead delivery partner in the £16.4m invested in the Atom Valley Innovation District, (AVID) a nationally significant advanced materials and manufacturing cluster.

The investment will help to activate the innovation ecosystem needed to support the growth of materials-focused companies at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale.

Through the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) within the new Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC), the programme will provide technical support, business services and access to specialist expertise to help companies scale up and adopt sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing technologies.

By connecting businesses with national research centres, universities and industry, the programme will accelerate collaboration, unlock new supply chain opportunities and strengthen the region’s ability to attract and grow innovative businesses.

The project is delivered in partnership with the Rochdale Development Agency, and the delivery consortium provides comprehensive access to the national advanced materials innovation ecosystem through the Henry Royce Institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), : NCC and CPI. The University of Greater ��Թϱ�� will support the delivery of industry-ready skills packages.

Together, these activities will drive private sector investment in the Atom Valley Innovation District, generating skilled jobs, and build long-term economic resilience for the region.

GROW AI

The University will also play a key role in GROW AI (£12.8m). The project will be jointly led by the Centre for Enterprise at ��Թϱ�� Metropolitan University and the Turing Innovation Catalyst at the University of ��Թϱ��.

GROW AI will rapidly scale the responsible and secure adoption of AI across Greater ��Թϱ��, unlocking faster commercialisation of research and delivering inclusive, high-value economic growth. Involving collaboration with the University of Salford, Lancaster University and numerous private sector partners, the initiative will fuse startup and research commercialisation with AI adoption by SMEs across priority sectors, bringing together the public, private and academic sectors to focus on key challenges at pace.

Utilising the networks, delivery expertise and academic excellence of the partner organisations, it builds on the region’s existing assets and is designed for rapid deployment. GROW AI develops the regional cluster at scale, supporting both new AI firms and existing businesses, so the wider economy can benefit from the AI opportunity. The project will also support the continued growth of the tech community at Sister, a new innovation district which is a joint venture between ��Թϱ�� and Bruntwood SciTech.

The University's innovation arm, – a function designed to unleash the institution's full innovation potential – has supported the development of these two projects.

Delivery partner on three projects

��Թϱ�� is also the delivery partner for indoor air quality and sustainability assessments in the Retrofit Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (£8.56m) led by the University of Salford, the GM Wearables and Remote Monitoring Innovation Cluster (£5.5m) led by ��Թϱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, and the Greater Data Accelerator (£6.7m) led by Health Innovation ��Թϱ��.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of ��Թϱ�� said: “This shows what Greater ��Թϱ�� can achieve through collaboration between universities, industry and the public sector. We’re very proud to play a central role in this, working alongside our partners to turn research into innovation that supports business growth, builds new ventures and strengthens the economy.

"Our research, partnerships and innovation activity will increasingly create globally competitive clusters that attract investment, generate high-value jobs and position Greater ��Թϱ�� as a leader in advanced materials, manufacturing, health innovation and AI. This is about connecting talent, ideas and industry - which ultimately means long-term, inclusive growth is felt across our communities.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of ��Թϱ�� City Council and Greater ��Թϱ�� Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “Through this significant investment in five pioneering projects we will translate world-class research and innovation into new jobs and opportunities that benefit Greater ��Թϱ��’s businesses and residents.

“By focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation and AI, we are building on the strengths that already set our city region apart and creating the conditions for more businesses to innovate, scale and succeed here. This is the kind of investment and collaboration that helps us deliver long-term, inclusive growth, strengthening our economy and ensuring the benefits of innovation are felt right across Greater ��Թϱ��.”

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the Innovation Greater ��Թϱ�� Board, said: “I am delighted that Greater ��Թϱ�� has secured such a significant investment and is the first region to have all its projects approved.

“This is testament to the maturity in Greater ��Թϱ�� and the strong partnership that exists across the region. I would like to thank the partners for their support in the process. At IGM we look forward to continuing to collaborate with UKRI, supporting deployment of world-class innovations that impact lives throughout the region and beyond.”

University of ��Թϱ�� community recognised in King's Birthday Honours 2026

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:41:00 +0100

Twenty-two members of the University of ��Թϱ�� community have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours 2026, in addition to the three University academics announced earlier this week.

The King's Birthday Honours recognise extraordinary contributions and service across the UK.

This year's list highlights outstanding contributions across public service, healthcare, education, business, science and the voluntary sector, reflecting the breadth and impact of the University's wider community.

Sarah Munby CB
Sarah Munby, a member of the University's Board, has been appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for public service.

Her career spans both the private and public sectors. Recently, she served as Permanent Secretary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), where she oversaw the establishment of the new department and held overall responsibility for government policy and delivery on science and technology. Her portfolio covered the national approach to artificial intelligence, the UK's science and research system, digital transformation across government, and the government's relationship with technology-driven sectors of the economy, including life sciences, AI and digital, quantum, telecoms and space.

Previously, she was Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with wide-ranging responsibilities across the economy. This included leading support for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing the UK's energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, establishing the UK's first national net zero strategy, and supporting business growth and innovation nationwide. During this time, she also established BEIS's second headquarters in Greater ��Թϱ��, later mirrored at DSIT.

Before joining the civil service, she was a Partner at McKinsey and Company, where she led the firm's Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice in the UK and Ireland, working on strategic change and transformation with major businesses in the UK and globally.

She has also previously served as a Board Member at UK Government Investments, the government's centre of expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance.

Sir Jon Cunliffe GBE CB
Sir Jon Cunliffe, who studied English Language and Literature at the University, is recognised with a GBE for public service.

He has had a distinguished career in public service, including a decade as Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for Financial Stability from 2013 to 2023. In that role, he sat on the Bank's Court of Directors, the Financial Policy Committee and the Monetary Policy Committee, and also had responsibilities across the Bank's prudential regulation work.

Earlier in his career, he served as the UK's Permanent Representative to the European Union. He is currently Chair of the Independent Water Commission.

Abigail Shapiro MBE
Abigail Shapiro, a member of the University's General Assembly, has been awarded an MBE for services to education. She is Co-Founder of The Tutor Trust.

Alongside Sarah Munby, Sir Jon Cunliffe and Abigail Shapiro, a further 19 members of the University of ��Թϱ�� community have been recognised:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Tom Attwood (BSc Management Sciences 1973), Chair of Trustees, Attwood Academy Trust, for services to education.

Paul McCreesh (MusB 1981), Conductor, for services to music and music education.

Merope Mills (BA Psychology 1999), Patient Safety Campaigner, for services to patient safety.

Dr Richard Vautrey (MBChB 1988), former President, Royal College of General Practitioners and GP Partner, Meanwood Group Practice, for services to general practice.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Robin Gisby (MBA 1984), former Chief Executive Officer, DFT Operator Limited, for services to the rail network.

Rachel Hollis (BA History 1981), former Chair, Professional Nursing Committee, Royal College of Nursing and Honorary Nurse Advisor for Children's Cancer Care, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, for services to nursing.

Professor Janet Lord (BA Psychology 1986; MSc Cognitive Science 1991; EdD Education 2016), Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, ��Թϱ�� Metropolitan University and Independent Chair, Priority Area, for services to education.

Rohan Malik (MBA 1998), UK and Ireland Government and Public Sector Managing Partner, EY, for services to business and professional services.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Nafiza Anwar (BSc Anatomical Sciences 1993), Co-Founder and Director, Association of South Asian Midwives, for services to charity and healthcare.

Esther Barratt (BSc Mechanical Engineering 1992), Group Director, Amentum, for services to nuclear power engineering.

Sara Barr-Frost (MA Healthcare Ethics and Law 2019), Deputy Chief Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Officer, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and former Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, for services to the NHS.

Professor Stephen Leveson (MBChB 1970; MD 1978), Founder and Trustee, York Against Cancer, for services to cancer patients in North Yorkshire.

Dr Colin Prosser (BSc Geology 1984), Principal Specialist Geoheritage and Geoconservation, Natural England, for services to geoconservation.

Bill Reeves (BSc Electrical Engineering and Electronics 1977), Chief Executive, Portland Port, for services to the community in Portland.

Paul Seddon (BA Town and Country Planning 1991; BPl 1992), Strategic Director of Planning and Transport, Nottingham City Council, for services to town planning.

Rabbi Dr Norman Solomon (PhD 1966), for services to the Jewish community and to interfaith relations in Oxfordshire.

Paul Trevatt (MSc Healthcare Management 2008), Nursing Leader, for services to nursing.

Karen Whittaker (MSc Nursing 1997), Senior Education Lead, Institute of Health Visiting, for services to health visiting.

British Empire Medal (BEM)
Dr Katie Misselbrook (MBChB 2011), Consultant Anaesthetist, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, for services to children and young people.

GM Policy Hub supports GMCA and ��Թϱ�� City Council to create ARI pilot for the city region

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:10:16 +0100

The and academics at ��Թϱ�� have supported the Greater ��Թϱ�� Combined Authority (GMCA) and ��Թϱ�� City Council (MCC) with the development of an Areas of Research Interest (ARI) pilot for the city region.

Joint workshops with academic and policy experts, and subsequent consultation within the GMCA and MCC, has led to the development of 13 ARIs which will support with the delivery of long-term strategic goals.

The ARIs have been modelled on elements of the and the and focus on two priorities: good growth and prevention.

The pilot aims to:

Inform policymaking and test the ARI model at local government level;
Build stronger partnerships between policymakers and academic experts;
Support effective processes for identifying and prioritising research questions;
Broaden the range of voices shaping GM policy, supporting the region’s commitment to equality and inclusion.

Launched in early June via the , the pilot will run for six months and academics are strongly encouraged to respond. It will help policymakers to access expertise and evidence, with ARIs operating successfully in various branches of government for almost a decade.

More information is available via the Policy@ ��Թϱ�� and the .

World-leading research receives cash boost in ��Թϱ��

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:42:56 +0100

Cancer Research UK will invest an additional £6m each year into world-leading research in ��Թϱ�� and create up to an additional 100 new jobs.

The charity’s annual investment into the will increase from £11m to more than £17m this year - putting the city at the heart of its mission to beat cancer.

The boost in funding will be used to recruit up to eight senior researchers who will build on the Institute’s expertise and advance cancer research in areas including immunology, data science and AI.

Once fully established, their labs will attract up to 100 world leading researchers and research staff to join ��Թϱ��'s fast-growing research community.

The investment will also help to develop the next generation of clinician scientists - funding two new positions in partnership with The Christie. This will further help to combine world-class research with placing patient care at each stage of the research journey.

Bringing new knowledge into the ��Թϱ�� research ecosystem will be matched with investment in cutting-edge research and computational technologies.

These will allow the Institute’s world leading facilities to study cancer under closer detail than ever before and build a platform to ensure the long-term emergence of new discoveries.

The Cancer Research UK ��Թϱ�� Institute sits in the Paterson building in Withington and is part of ��Թϱ��. The building is directly connected to The Christie which allows cells and samples from patients to be taken to the research lab in a matter of minutes.

Recently appointed Director of the Cancer Research UK ��Թϱ�� Institute, hugely welcomes the boost in funding.

She said: “Having recently left London to move to ��Թϱ��, I am delighted that Cancer Research UK recognises the level of expertise at the Institute and the power of our cancer research partnerships in ��Թϱ��.

“The extra investment will make a huge difference moving forwards and will help us continue to attract the brightest minds to the city.

“While we are living in an exciting time for research, nearly 1 in 2 people.* are set to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so there’s still much more to do. Patients will be at the very heart of everything we do and the Institute will be a real engine room for discovery."

Sharon Quennell, from Chadderton in Oldham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 36 after noticing a lump on her left breast. She underwent surgery followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.

Now 62, she celebrated a quarter of a century free of cancer last year. Sharon works at North ��Թϱ�� General Hospital and is a single mum to Ryan, aged 31, who has autism and learning disabilities.

She has visited the laboratories in the Institute many times.

Sharon said: “The extra investment is amazing news for ��Թϱ��.

“As a former cancer patient, I am always humbled to hear about the exciting research work happening on my doorstep.”

Professor Ashley Blom, Vice President and Dean of Biology, Medicine and Health at ��Թϱ�� said: “The CRUK ��Թϱ�� Institute sits at the heart of the city’s cancer research strength, uniting world‑class scientists under one mission. Its teams push the boundaries of discovery, from understanding the biology of cancer to developing treatments that change clinical practice. So this increase in funding is great news for the University and the city, which holds a pre‑eminent place in global cancer research, driving discoveries that shape the future of treatment. This welcome news will create more opportunities for scientists to turn bold ideas into breakthroughs that can change what’s possible for patients.”

Professor Fiona Blackhall, Director of Research and Innovation and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, comments: “What makes ��Թϱ�� such an important hub for cancer research is that our research facilities are located on the site of one of Europe’s leading cancer hospitals, The Christie. This means we can carry out research at every stage – from basic science to trials involving patients – all on one site.

“This increase in investment reflects the level of expertise we have here in ��Թϱ�� and the difference that we’re making for our patients.

“Cancer research is a collaborative effort and we at The Christie are proud to work with our partners in the Cancer Research UK ��Թϱ�� Institute and ��Թϱ�� to find new and better ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer.”

Every year, around 45,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West. **

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years and is the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research.

* See CRUK website
** Based on the average annual number of new cases of cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (ICD10 C00-C96 excluding C44) diagnosed in the North West in 2021-2023.

Space at ��Թϱ�� showcases strength of its research capability

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:24:40 +0100

The next phase of the UK’s space capability will be defined by partnership – and ��Թϱ�� is at the centre of that ambition.

On 12 June 2026, the University welcomed partners from across the UK’s space community to its Space at ��Թϱ�� Research Showcase, bringing together industry, government and academic collaborators to explore how ��Թϱ��’s research strengths can help shape the future of the sector.

Opening the event, Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, set out the role collaboration will play in addressing the challenges ahead.

She highlighted ��Թϱ��’s long-standing tradition of partnership-led innovation, noting that the University was “developed because of a need from industry, and a partnership between scholars and industrialists”, a heritage that continues to inform its approach today.

Those foundations are now being applied at scale to one of the UK’s most strategically important emerging sectors. ��Թϱ��’s strength lies not just in individual areas of excellence, but in the breadth of its long-established, cross-disciplinary expertise across its three faculties – spanning engineering, materials science, environmental research, data science and the social sciences – and the ability to bring these together to tackle complex, interconnected challenges.

This integrated approach is increasingly critical as space evolves beyond a standalone sector into infrastructure that underpins modern life – from communications and navigation to climate monitoring and global security.

The showcase demonstrated how this translates into practice. Research highlights spanned space technology and sustainability, space data and applications, astronomy and astrophysics, and the social dimensions of space exploration, reinforcing the University’s ability to address not only technical challenges, but the policy, environmental and societal questions that will shape the sector’s future.

Enabling this work is a distinctive infrastructure that allows ��Թϱ�� to operate at scale for the global community. Facilities showcased during the event included the Space Technology Laboratory, where spacecraft systems can be tested in simulated low-Earth orbit conditions, alongside the and the .

This combination of expertise and infrastructure positions ��Թϱ�� as a partner of choice for organisations looking to translate research into deployable technologies and systems. Alan Cross of the North West Space Cluster explained:

“For the Northwest to grow and support national space priorities we have to focus on what the Northwest is good at… ��Թϱ�� leads in all of them. It’s not just a player. It really is a world-leader.”

By aligning strengths across advanced materials, digital technologies, manufacturing, energy, robotics and environmental science, ��Թϱ�� is uniquely placed to support both research and innovation - a critical factor in the UK’s ambition to grow its space sector.

, Space at ��Թϱ�� co-chair and Professor of Space Technology, emphasised the University’s ability to support growth in the space sector:

Looking ahead, the University will build on the momentum from the showcase to deepen partnerships and develop collaborative programmes that deliver impact at scale - positioning ��Թϱ��, and the wider North West, at the forefront of the UK’s space endeavour.

For more information about space research at ��Թϱ�� and to collaborate with our researchers, visit the research page.

University of ��Թϱ�� appoints Professor Lei Chen to lead ��Թϱ�� China Institute

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:28:37 +0100

This appointment is made possible through the generous philanthropy of Dr Lee Kai Hung, an Honorary Graduate of ��Թϱ��, whose exceptional support through his family foundation helped to establish the ��Թϱ�� China Institute and the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery. Dr Lee’s legacy has created a lasting platform for advancing mutual understanding between China, the UK and the wider world.

The appointment of Professor Chen marks an important next step in realising that vision. As part of the University’s Challenge Accepted campaign, this support demonstrates how a global community of supporters is coming together to create opportunity, drive discovery and build a fairer future - enabling us to attract world-leading academics like Professor Chen and strengthen initiatives such as the ��Թϱ�� China Institute for the benefit of society.

Professor Chen is an internationally recognised scholar specialising in comparative law, Chinese law and international dispute resolution. His research spans comparative private law, transnational commercial dispute resolution, and Chinese legal and regulatory development, positioning him among leading global experts in his field.

He was elected an Ordinary Member of Academia Europaea in 2026 and is also an Ordinary Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, as well as a Titular Member of the International Academy of Comparative Law. He has published extensively and serves on the editorial boards of several leading international law journals.

Professor Chen is an experienced international arbitrator and mediator, having acted in proceedings administered by major arbitral institutions worldwide. He currently serves as an International Commercial Expert Committee Member of the Supreme People’s Court of China and has been called to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities said:

Professor Chen said:

Can AI Bridge the Equity Gap in Higher Education? ��Թϱ�� Institute of Education Conference Asks the Question

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:15:01 +0100

The conference, opened by University of ��Թϱ�� President and Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Ivison, took place on Tuesday, 9 and Wednesday, 10 June 2026. The event brought together perspectives from across the sector to examine how AI is reshaping participation, inclusion and learning.

A series of standout sessions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of AI in education. A student panel offered candid, first-hand perspectives on global AI inequalities, sharing lived experiences of access, bias and studying in different contexts - the discussion underscored how uneven access to AI tools continues to shape learning outcomes worldwide.

Plenary discussions also formed a central part of the programme. A panel chaired by Professor Khalid Nadvi, Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development, welcomed Mohamed Elrefai (Senior Director and Head of Worldwide Education, Adobe), Professor Mirjam Hauck (Academic Lead for AI in Learning, Teaching and Assessment, Open University) and David Raho (AI Design and Delivery Manager, HM Prison & Probation Service), exploring AI adoption among disabled and neurodivergent learners, alongside the structural barriers to equitable participation.

The opening plenary panel featuring Dr James Brooks, Professor Jenn Hallam, Sami Karamalla Gaiballa, Professor Rebecca Hodgson and Professor Juup Stelma focused on AI and inclusion at ��Թϱ��. The panel explored how institutional approaches can meaningfully embed inclusion within AI-enabled education, highlighting both progress and areas requiring further development.

Recent studies led by colleagues from the ��Թϱ�� Institute of Education highlighted both opportunities and risks. Most recently, has found that students with disabilities were already using generative AI to overcome barriers in their learning, yet because these tools were not formally recognised as assistive technologies, their use remained ambiguous, uneven and often financially burdensome.

Dr Skye Zhao’s global research, involving more than 600 students and educators, highlighted persistent digital divides, alongside linguistic and cultural biases embedded in AI systems. These challenges were particularly acute in the Global South, where access and localisation remained uneven. The report can be accessed .

Drawing on the challenges identified in recent research, the conference was an opportunity to discuss the key priorities for advancing inclusion in AI-enabled education, including sharing these challenges, cross-sector collaboration, and future research directions.

Missed the conference? Listen to our , which captures some of the big debates with AI in Higher Education.

AI may unlock early disease clues hidden in routine eye exams

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0100

Advances in artificial intelligence may enable routine eye tests of the future to detect early signs of heart and brain disease long before symptoms appear, a new study led by an interdisciplinary group of scientists based at ��Թϱ�� has concluded.

Using different types of health data - from body measurements to genetics - the authors have built on evidence that there is a potential future where simple, high street eye scans could be used as a measure of how the rest of the body is functioning.

Using “UK Biobank” data, a UK volunteer-based study, the researchers developed an AI tool called “Ret-AAE” to explore the links between the eye and disease risk, blood test results, and the appearance and function of different organs, across over 68,000 people.

The study showed that the associations between the eye and body are incredibly broad, identifying that the appearance of the eye is linked to risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attack, Parkinsons disease, dementia and more.

Two types of scan were used in the study - 3D scans of the inner lining of the eye called “optical coherence tomography” (OCT), and simple photographs of the back of the eye called “colour fundus photographs”.

Both scan types are widely available at optometrists across the UK, with several million scans already captured every year by high street providers – making them a highly accessible health marker.

The team showed the two scan types might reveal complementary signals about our future health, with OCT more strongly linked to neurological traits and CFP having broader associations with cardiovascular traits.

Further analysis showed that the eye contains several signals that are captured by AI systems and reveal information about health – including the appearance of blood vessels and the nerves which connect the eye to the brain.

Some of the patterns the system picked up were caused by cataracts or natural differences in eye colour, showing that researchers might need to account for age and ethnicity when analysing the images.

One of the key contributions of the study is the work around the biological pathways that might link the eye to disease in the brain, blood vessels and heart.

Genetic analyses showed that eye features are linked to genes involved in neurodegenerative disease pathways, including those related to Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and broader neurodegeneration.

Physiological analyses linked eye features to blood pressure, blood vessel stiffness, and the function of the heart.

‘Radiomic analyses’ - which turn medical images into measurable data - showed associations between eye features and the size of the brain, as well as tiny changes in the brain’s tissue structure detected using MRI scans.

By studying the tiny molecules in the blood, the researchers also found several connections between features in the eye and fat‑related molecules in the body, which may link the eye to general health.

Lead author Medical Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellow, is an eye doctor and researcher at the University of ��Թϱ�� and ��Թϱ�� Royal Eye Hospital, part of ��Թϱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “Our findings show that the eye can reveal a remarkably broad picture of whole‑body health, offering a way to identify those at risk of heart and brain disease before they occur.

“Our study advances the use of deep‑learning‑derived eye traits in large‑scale biomedical research.”

Dr , Wellcome Clinician Scientist, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant, from ��Թϱ��, who oversaw this interdisciplinary work alongside FREng, also from the University, said: “While more work is needed before these tests could arrive on the high street - we hope and believe that routine eye tests will one day be used as part of health screening for disease prevention.”

Professor Frangi is also a RAEng Chair and Digital Infrastructure Programme Co-Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) ��Թϱ�� Biomedical Research Centre’.

He said: “Using scans available on every high street, an eye test may become much more than a way to check your glasses prescription.”

“This work shows the interdisciplinary work ongoing in ��Թϱ�� thanks to generous support by various translational structures, including the NIHR ��Թϱ�� Biomedical Research Centre, and the BHF ��Թϱ�� Centre of Research Excellence, among other funders”.

Multi-omic analysis of deep learning-derived phenotypes links ophthalmic imaging to cardiovascular and neurological traits is published in on Tuesday 16 June at 4pm UK time. DOI
Funders included: the Medical Research Council; the Wellcome Trust; the British Heart Foundation; the Royal Academy of Engineering; and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) ��Թϱ�� Biomedical Research Centre.

UK social housing design must change to suit changing climate demands, say researchers

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:39:00 +0100

A study carried out by researchers at the University of ��Թϱ��, has found that future climate change will see a clear shift towards summer cooling requirements, with implications for grid capacity, occupant wellbeing, and energy affordability.

The research, published in , aims to understand how the UK’s designs for social housing need to change, as future climate change alters the demand for heating and cooling in the summer and winter months, and how we might approach this change in energy demands, in order to mitigate the environmental effects.

In 2019, heating accounted for around 45% of total energy consumption; the study argues that in order to reduce this consumption, a comprehensive understanding of homes, and how climate change will affect their energy performance in the future, is needed.

The study records a likely substantial increase in cooling demand projected for 2050 and 2080, suggesting that cooling demand will rise in 2050 by 138.69%

Researchers suggest that by using the correct weather files (typical-year data that represents long-term historical data used to test housing designs) to test housing designs, which accurately represent the effects of future climate change, we can build homes which are better suited to the increased need for cooling requirements.

By building homes in such a manner, we could reduce the amount of energy used to meet demands for heating and cooling of housing, and as such reduce our consumption of fossil fuels to do so.

Dr Claire Brown, of ��Թϱ��, said of the research, “The implications of climate change for the residential energy system are far reaching. These emerging stresses challenge the viability of a ‘business-as-usual’ approach to housing provision and highlight the need for adaptive, forward-looking design and policy interventions to prevent future harm to residents of social housing in the UK and beyond.”

Publication Details

This study was published in

DOI:

New Publication in the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:12:06 +0100

Philip Leifeld, Professor in Social Statistics at ��Թϱ��, together with Sebastián Martínez and Laurence Brandenberger, has published a new study in the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A (Statistics in Society) (2026): .

Abstract

Behaviour by individuals or organizations is often interdependent. Social contagion posits that behaviour spreads from unit to unit due to the presence of network or equivalence relations as transmission pathways. Contagion of a single behaviour has been modelled in cross-sectional and temporal data contexts. But existing statistical approaches have not been able to identify multiple contagion pathways in temporal processes where multiple actors can display or adopt multiple behaviours. This data structure and problem setting is common, for example in health behaviours by peers, treaty ratification by states, the spread of wildfire incidents in forests, or the diffusion of policies or political beliefs.

We explore the application of bipartite relational event models of actors and behaviours and find that temporally backward-looking specifications confound social contagion with prior similarity, the tendency of similar units to adopt the same behaviour independently. We construct a set of sufficient statistics parsing information bidirectionally along the event sequence to establish an atemporal prior similarity null distribution against which contagion hypotheses for multiple pathways can be tested. Using simulations and four empirical cases, we show the efficacy of this parametric approach for disentangling contagion from prior similarity, contributing to causal inference for temporal networks.

Read the article in the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A (Statistics in Society): .

New Publication in Computational Statistics and Data Analysis

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:09:14 +0100

Philip Leifeld, Professor in Social Statistics at ��Թϱ��, together with Jackie Siaw Tze Wong, has published a new study in Computational Statistics and Data Analysis (2026): Fully Bayesian Estimation of Temporal Decay in Ordinal Relational Event Models.

Abstract

Relational event models (REMs) can infer the generative properties of longitudinally observed social networks with instantaneous edges. They assume conditional independence of edges given sufficient network statistics formed over the past event sequence. A popular specification in REMs is to subject these statistics to exponential temporal decay with a fixed half-life parameter to attribute higher importance to more recent edge events in the formation of network statistics. Assuming a fixed half-life parameter may cause biased estimates and obfuscates the temporal horizon over which network effects operate in empirical social systems. These limitations are addressed by proposing fully Bayesian estimation of REMs and designating the half-life parameter as an estimable quantity. A “pre-computation” strategy is devised to speed up calculations for practical feasibility of the sampling procedure.

The approach is adapted to discourse network analysis, which models political actors’ statements about their preferred policy beliefs as dynamic networks. An application to the policy debate on reforming the German public pension system illustrates how temporal decay for inertia, actor activity, belief popularity, and actor homophily can be estimated alongside the main coefficients. Convergence diagnostics and an illustration of bias correction relative to fixed parameters are provided, stabilisation using hyper-parameters and computational complexity are discussed, and the approach is extended to include both Breslow’s and Efron’s methods for breaking ties in the event sequence.

Read the article in Computational Statistics and Data Analysis.

New Publication in Journal of Common Market Studies

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:05:54 +0100

Philip Leifeld, Professor in Social Statistics at ��Թϱ��, together with Kristijan Garic , has published a new study in Journal of Common Market Studies (2026): Measuring Frame Evolution: Smoothed Temporal Framing Trajectories in Complex Policy Debates.

Abstract

The European Union faces long-term governance challenges in contested domains, such as migration management, health data sharing, and facial recognition technology. Across these fields, political debates are shaped by shifting ways in which actors frame problems and solutions. Understanding how such framing contests evolve over time is crucial for explaining both integration dynamics and the capacity of EU institutions to govern effectively.

This article develops the mathematical foundations of a comparative approach to frame evolution by extending discourse network analysis, acknowledging the relational nature of collective action framing. Partitioning trajectories into distinct states and phases reveals key types of frame evolution: progressive versus regressive, entangled versus disentangled, and fast-paced versus slow. This typology provides a basis for linking framing dynamics to EU integration and policymaking processes. The article makes three contributions: operationalising collective framing trajectories; introducing a temporal kernel smoothing approach; and identifying comparative dimensions across policy debates.

Read the article in the Journal of Common Market Studies:

Professor Kunal Sen elected to the Council of the Royal Economic Society

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:34:12 +0100

, Professor of Development Economics at the Global Development Institute, has been elected to the Council of the Royal Economic Society (RES) following a competitive ballot process. The RES is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious economic associations, and Professor Sen will serve a five-year term lasting from June 2026 to June 2031. He plans to use this valuable opportunity to bring together communities of economists from around the world, creating stronger links between the RES and other professional associations of economics, especially in the Global South.

Professor Sen has over three decades’ worth of experience in academic and applied development economics scholarship, with expertise in the Indian economy, international finance, the dynamics of poverty, female labour force participation, and the informal sector. He has authored and co-authored a long list of publications, with recent books including (2023) and (2016).

Professor Sen has also served as the Joint Research Director of the research centre – a GDI-led project that worked to deepen the understanding of governance in the developing world. His research into the state’s role in underpinning has been particularly influential. He extended this work as lead for the .

In 2019, Professor Sen took research leave from GDI to serve as the Director of United Nations University – (UNU-WIDER), a UN agency and research institute producing economic analysis and policy advice that encourages sustainable and equitable development for all. After he completes his successful tenure, GDI looks forward to welcoming Professor Sen back this summer.

In response to his election, Professor Sen said:

More than one million pupils worldwide share their scientific curiosity through Great Science Share for Schools

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:41:42 +0100

More than one million pupils from 58 countries have been asking, investigating and sharing the scientific questions that matter to them through ��Թϱ��’s Great Science Share for Schools campaign.

The milestone marks the largest level of participation in the campaign's history, having launched in 2016. This demonstrates the growing global appetite for teachers to upskill in how to engage 5–14-year-olds in practical science learning in schools.

Teachers and their pupils have been involved in thinking about scientific questions that interest them. Time has been dedicated to encouraging them to plan and undertake investigations, gathering evidence and drawing conclusions on topics ranging from nature, weather, motion and materials.

Under the annual theme 'Globally Curious', the pupils’ questions have demonstrated creativity, curiosity and wonder.

Which is the smallest animal that makes the biggest difference in our environment?
What do ants like to eat the most?
How does friction affect the distance a car travels?
How do different exercises affect your heart rate?
How do my clothes shed microfibres and does it matter?

Teachers and educators across the globe get involved in many ways. As an inclusive campaign, sharing events take place in schools, gardens, zoos, hospital schools and community spaces. This year saw the campaign expand its reach into Slovenia and Spain, with bespoke training for teachers and translated materials that increasingly support engagement globally.

Brompton-Westbook Primary in Kent was the school that took registrations beyond the million mark. Claire Hofer, the school’s Science Lead, said Great Science Share for Schools has enabled their pupils and teachers to do more enquiry-based science, which they share with other pupils at a showcase event at the Discovery Park in Sandwich.

Similarly, ��Թϱ�� welcomed 31 schools from across Greater ��Թϱ�� to its Nancy Rothwell Building for a large in-person event, where pupils showcased their investigations and discoveries with the Lord Mayor encouraging them on.

The Great Science Share for Schools campaign was founded by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility at ��Թϱ��, to elevate the prominence of science in the classroom through learner-led enquiry, inclusive participation and collaboration.

Professor Bianchi said: “2026 is a truly great year for GSSfS by reaching this huge milestone. This makes a huge difference to teachers and young people, as well as showing that there is keen interest to raise the profile of science education for all. As the University’s From ��Թϱ�� for the world 2035 strategy really takes pace, GSSfS models our values towards social responsibility and widening participation.”

Grace Marson, Campaign Manager for Great Science Share for Schools, added: “We are really proud that the campaign continues to grow as this means it is continuing to support teachers to upskill their own knowledge and develop pupils’ confidence in science enquiry.”

As participation surpasses one million pupils for the first time, the achievement comes amid a new Royal Society report, calling for stronger support for public engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, highlighting the growing importance of initiatives such as Great Science Share for Schools.

Today's housing emergency is nearly 200 years in the making, says new report

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:52:24 +0100

Many of the problems facing the more than 134,000 households living in temporary accommodation in England today - including more than 176,000 children - are part of a pattern of failure stretching back nearly 200 years, according to a major new report.

The research reveals that poor conditions, lengthy stays, placements far from schools, work and support networks, fragmented responsibility and weak accountability have been recurring features of England's temporary accommodation system across generations.

Written by Dr Jessica Field from ��Թϱ�� and published by homelessness charity Justlife, the report traces the development of temporary accommodation from the Victorian Poor Law workhouse system to the modern homelessness system.

Drawing on extensive archival research, parliamentary records, case law and historical accounts, it argues that many practices often presented as contemporary policy failures are in fact longstanding features of temporary accommodation provision, challenging the idea that the current situation represents a sudden departure from an otherwise effective system.

Key findings

Temporary accommodation has existed in different forms for nearly two centuries
Many of the problems seen today have deep historical roots
Poor conditions, lengthy stays and placements away from communities have been repeated over time
Fragmented responsibility has consistently made accountability difficult
People living in temporary accommodation have often had limited opportunities to challenge poor conditions or unfair decisions
Temporary accommodation has frequently operated outside the standards expected of other forms of housing
A new enforceable framework is needed to ensure temporary accommodation is short, safe and healthy

A crisis with deep historical roots

The report identifies a long-running pattern in which certain groups have faced greater barriers to support than others, rooted in ideas about who is considered ‘deserving’ of assistance.

It argues that while major reforms have changed the legal framework around homelessness, longstanding patterns of exclusion, unequal treatment and poor-quality accommodation have repeatedly reappeared in different forms.

The research also highlights how fragmented responsibilities across government departments, local authorities and providers have often made it difficult to identify poor practice, enforce standards or learn from successful approaches.

Lessons from nearly 200 years of history

The report calls for three major reforms:

Make unequal harms visible - better monitoring is needed to understand who is being placed where, in what conditions and for how long, enabling policymakers to identify and address unequal outcomes.
End fragmentation - temporary accommodation requires clearer statutory coordination, stronger oversight and greater accountability across the system.
Create an enforceable framework - temporary accommodation should be subject to baseline national standards, backed by meaningful enforcement.

Better temporary accommodation is possible

The report also identifies examples showing that better temporary accommodation can be delivered when there is political will and investment.

One example is the 1944 Temporary Housing Programme, which funded more than 150,000 prefabricated bungalows following the Second World War. Designed with comfort, privacy and family life in mind, the programme demonstrated that temporary accommodation could provide safe and dignified housing rather than merely emergency shelter.

What the researchers say

"Many of the problems experienced by people living in temporary accommodation today have appeared again and again for nearly two centuries,” said Dr Jessica Field. “What emerges from this research is a story of recurring patterns rather than isolated failures - poor conditions, long stays, family disruption and displacement from communities have persisted across very different political and policy contexts. Understanding how these problems developed helps us see why piecemeal reforms have often struggled to deliver lasting change.”

"Temporary accommodation may seem like a current crisis, but it has been part of our lives for nearly 200 years - yet the experience for many people living in temporary accommodation today remains painfully similar to what it was in the nineteenth century,” said Simon Gale, Chief Executive of Justlife.

"Poor conditions, long stays, people being moved away from their communities, and families left in uncertainty are not new problems. Lifelines shows they are part of a much longer pattern. That matters because we cannot keep responding to temporary accommodation as if each problem is new, isolated or unavoidable.”

"If we are serious about ending the harm caused by temporary accommodation, we need a clear national framework, proper standards, stronger accountability and a housing policy that stops temporary solutions becoming long-term realities."

Publication

was authored by Dr Jessica Field and published by Justlife.

Professor Steve Eichhorn announced as incoming Director of Royce ��Թϱ��

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:26:55 +0100

��Թϱ�� is pleased to announce that Professor Steve Eichhorn FREng will take up the position of Director of the Henry Royce Institute at ��Թϱ�� in November this year.

This is a significant leadership role at the heart of both the University and Royce, the UK's national institute for advanced materials research and innovation. As the lead Partner and host of Royce, ��Թϱ�� plays a pivotal role in shaping the UK's materials research and innovation landscape.

As Director of Royce ��Թϱ��, Professor Eichhorn will provide strategic leadership across Royce activities in ��Թϱ�� ensuring strong alignment with the national Institute while advancing the University's ambitions across the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Materials science and engineering are central to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, from clean energy and sustainability to advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and healthcare.

Royce is accelerating the discovery, development and deployment of advanced materials to support a sustainable and prosperous UK. ��Թϱ��, as the hub of this national endeavour brings together world-class facilities, outstanding academic and technical expertise and strong partnerships with industry.

Professor Eichhorn is an internationally recognised materials scientist whose research and leadership have made significant contributions to the field. He is an expert in cellulosic materials, natural fibre composites and biomimetic/functional materials.

In his new role, he will work closely with the Royce CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, University and Faculty leadership and Royce Partners across the UK to ensure Royce ��Թϱ�� continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the national materials innovation ecosystem.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Member of the Royce Governing Board, said:

“We know we are in a period of incredible societal change, and to rise to that moment, partnership sits at the heart of our mission – with universities, industry and government. We need to translate the incredible discoveries that emerge from scientists and engineers into impact and innovation. Steve’s appointment is extremely important. He brings an outstanding record of leadership with a strong commitment to values-led leadership within science and engineering nationally and internationally. His stewardship will further strengthen collaboration through Royce and ensure research from ��Թϱ�� helps drives the UK’s ambitions for innovation-led growth and continues to deliver transformative impact at a global scale.”

Professor David Knowles, Royce CEO added:

"Steve’s deep understanding of the advanced materials landscape alongside his long-standing commitment to the Royce mission as a former member of our Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Royce ��Թϱ�� through the next phase of its development. ��Թϱ�� of course is at the heart of the Henry Royce Institute and plays a vital role in connecting world-leading research with regional industrial innovation and national priorities. I look forward to working closely with Steve as we continue to strengthen Royce's impact across the UK.”

Three University of ��Թϱ�� honourees recognised in King’s Birthday Honours 2026

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:30:00 +0100

Professor David Knowles, Professor Luke Georghiou and Professor Gareth Evans have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026 in recognition of their outstanding contributions and service.

The list celebrates individuals who have had an immeasurable impact on the lives of people across the country, such as by creating innovative solutions or driving real change in public life.

We are also celebrating the members of our wider community who have been honoured. Read more here.

Professor David Knowles

FREng, CEO of the Henry Royce Institute, has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to industry and academia.

His work has focused primarily on the application of advanced materials and engineering research to address major industrial and national challenges across transport, energy, petrochemical and infrastructure sectors.

Responding to the award, Professor Knowles said: “I feel incredibly privileged and proud to have received this honour. It is a recognition not just of my own work, but of everything that the outstanding teams and institutes I’ve been fortunate to be part of have achieved together over many years.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the many colleagues and collaborators I’ve worked alongside across academia, industry and government. Their talent, dedication and shared commitment to innovation have been central to everything we have accomplished.

“Naturally, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my family, past and present, whose encouragement and support have sustained me along the way.”

Professor Luke Georghiou

, formerly Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at ��Թϱ��, has been awarded an OBE for services to science and innovation. His current role is that of Professor of Science and Technology Policy and Management in the ��Թϱ�� Institute of Innovation Research in the Alliance ��Թϱ�� Business School.

A longstanding figure in UK research and innovation policy, Professor Georghiou has played a leading role in shaping national and international approaches to science funding, collaboration and impact. Among his many contributions, he led ��Թϱ��’s successful bid to host the Euroscience Forum and secure its designation as European City of Science, and played a key role in the foundation of Northern Gritstone, a £380m venture capital company supporting university spinouts across the North.

Speaking on his award, Professor Georghiou said: "It has been a privilege to support and guide so many hugely talented people and to help develop ��Թϱ��’s outstanding innovation ecosystem.”

Professor Gareth Evans

, Emeritus Professor of Medical Genetics at ��Թϱ�� and Consultant in Medical Genetics at ��Թϱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded an MBE for services to cancer genetics. His work has made a significant contribution to advancing understanding, diagnosis and care in inherited cancer, benefiting patients and families in the UK and beyond.

Professor Evans said: "I'm very honoured to be mentioned in the King's birthday honours. It's the culmination of thirty six years of work on inherited cancers and I'm extremely pleased. In particular to have my work on breast and ovarian cancer and the BRCA1/2 genes recognised and my setting of a national highly specialised service for patients with NF2 related schwannomatosis."

The birthday honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister, senior government ministers, or members of the public.

The awards recognise active community champions, innovative social entrepreneurs, pioneering scientists, passionate health workers and dedicated volunteers who have made significant achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

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University of ��Թϱ�� researchers recognised with Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize

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Professor Steve Eichhorn announced as incoming Director of Royce ��Թϱ��

Three University of ��Թϱ�� honourees recognised in King’s Birthday Honours 2026