The result places Manchester at the top of a global field of 1,603 universities from 114 countries and territories. It is also the eighth consecutive year that the University has ranked in the global top ten, making it the only institution to achieve that distinction since the rankings were launched in 2019. 

The THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assess how universities are helping to address major global challenges through their research, teaching, operations and partnerships, measured against the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Manchester is one of the few elite global universities (40^th in the QS World University Rankings 2027) to also consistently rank in the top ten in both the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings (formally known as the THE Impact Rankings) and QS World Sustainability Rankings. This demonstrates not only the high standard of teaching and research at Manchester, but its positive impact on the world’s most pressing issues. 

This year, the University ranked first for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), which has been a key focus through initiatives like  and the , which propel spinouts and patented work. And our research platforms, , ,  and , bring together people, ideas and infrastructure to boost civic engagement and societal impact.  

The University also ranked first individually for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15), in recognition of the many projects across the University focused on these areas. 

As of September 2025, the University has supported the development of a major new solar farm, meaning 65% of its electricity demand will be matched from this renewable source - halving the University’s electricity carbon footprint. The University’s target is to reach zero direct carbon emissions by 2038. 

The interdisciplinary work of the  on projects such as    and the  are based on international research partnerships addressing some of the world’s greatest development challenges.  

And its commitment to social responsibility, public and civic engagement is evidenced through four world-leading cultural institutions, commitment to co-creation through  and patient panels and engagement programmes such as the  and . 

The University of Manchester has recently announced its new strategy for the next decade, From Manchester for the world, where our world-leading commitment to social responsibility sits as one of our five foundations. At home in Manchester, but with a global outlook, the University is striving to connect students to skills, community to ideas, and research to solutions that drive inclusive growth locally and scale globally over the next decade. 

Fuelling the University’s bold ambitions for the next decade is a global fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, which will help the University to continue to deliver real world change on issues such as climate, inequity and health. To find out more, and about ways you can contribute, visit the website. 

Published today, sets out what that contribution looks like in practice, and how the Civic University Agreement is working to make universities’ civic activity more visible and consistently felt across the city region.

A Year of Progress

This year marked the first update to the agreement's shared priorities since 2021. Developed alongside the GMCA and shaped by what residents across all ten boroughs told the Greater Manchester Citizens' Panel matters most, the four refreshed priorities – Opportunity & Prosperity, Health & Wellbeing, Culture and Environment – reflect where GM's universities can make the greatest collective difference. For The University of Manchester, this work is closely aligned with Manchester 2035 and our ambition to be a great civic university for the 21st century: values-led, socially responsible and committed to co-creating solutions with partners and communities, particularly with people and places higher education has not always reached. They also connect directly to the refreshed Greater Manchester Strategy, launched last summer, which recognises universities as a central part of the city region's ambitious ten-year vision.

Speaking at the time, then 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.”

Behind the Figures

Between 2022 and 2027, GM's universities will train an estimated 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors and 8,500 teachers, the professionals our public services and communities depend on. But their contribution doesn't stop at graduation. Across all disciplines, 40% of graduates remain in Greater Manchester, building careers and putting their skills to work in the city region they studied in. To put faces to those figures, our universities worked with the to share the stories of five of them, whose careers show what the civic mission looks like in practice.

A safeguarding nurse supporting vulnerable teenagers, a GP who came to university through a widening participation programme and pledged his digital health technology to Manchester for free, a community physiotherapist helping people stay at home rather than going into hospital . All five studied here, and all five are now putting their skills to work for the city region which helped shape their careers.

Looking Ahead

The Greater Manchester Post-16 Skills Pathways project, developed in partnership with further education colleges, the GMCA and employers, will provide new insight into how learners move through the city region's education and skills system and where barriers to progression remain. Building on this, the Board will develop a five-year implementation plan over the coming year to turn its refreshed priorities into practical action.

As the agreement enters its next phase, the focus is not just on what Greater Manchester's universities achieve together, but how they communicate it. By working more visibly and with a collective voice, the universities can better champion the region’s strengths on a national stage, while ensuring their day-to-day impact remains firmly rooted in local priorities and genuinely felt across Greater Manchester. This matches The University of Manchester’s ambition to be the partner of choice for those who share commitment to excellence and to turning knowledge into impact for the public good: open, values-led and focused on making a difference in the North and beyond.

See

Nearly one in five primary school children are now experiencing a probable mental health disorder - more than double the rate in 2011 – according to analysis published today by Health Equity North on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Children and young people growing up in disadvantaged communities, particularly across parts of the North of England, are more likely to experience cumulative adversity, poorer wellbeing, and reduced access to support.

The report, ‘Building a Preventative Mental Health System for Children and Young People’, shows that demand for support is rapidly outpacing capacity, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without help.

The report shows:

• Around one-third of adolescent mental health problems could potentially be prevented through action on child poverty.

• A record 850,000 children accessed NHS mental health support in 2025

• Around 385,000 children are still waiting for mental health support.

• Children with mental health difficulties are three times more likely to miss significant amounts of school, highlighting the impact on educational outcomes and long-term life chances.

• One in four children referred for specialist mental health support are turned away.

The report authors, led by academics from The University of Manchester, stress that these patterns reflect wider inequalities in poverty, housing, and access to community support and that the NHS “cannot treat its way out” of the crisis. Report recommendations call for a shift towards prevention, tackling the root causes of poor mental health.

The research also highlights how the consequences of adverse childhood mental health can lead to poor health and opportunities as an adult.

Without early and holistic intervention, it warns that rising mental health problems among children will continue to translate into higher levels of youth disengagement and long-term economic inactivity.

Professor Pamela Qualter, Director of Research (SEED) at The University of Manchester, and lead report author, said: “Research shows that mental health inequalities begin very early in life, often before a child is even born. We see higher rates of perinatal mental health difficulties among parents in parts of the North, and these challenges can have lasting impacts on children’s emotional development and wellbeing.

“Children’s mental health is shaped by the environments and services that support them - including family circumstances, poverty, housing, and access to support. These factors accumulate over time, increasing the likelihood that some children face multiple and reinforcing disadvantages.

“If we want to reduce mental health inequalities, we need to think much earlier and much more holistically. Supporting parents, families and communities is one of the most powerful

ways we can improve outcomes for children and prevent problems from escalating later in life.”

Emma Lewell MP, Co-Chair of the Child of the North APPG, said: “Today’s mental health crisis among children and young people cannot be seen in isolation. It is closely linked to wider social and economic challenges, including rising school absence, exclusion, and increasing numbers of young people disengaging from education and employment.

“The impact of children missing school is particularly concerning as school disengagement is a key pathway into becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). There is also a pressing need to ensure that NEETs have access to sustainable employment opportunities, alongside sufficient placement opportunities to support participation in education, skills development and vocational training. Poor mental health, absence and exclusion reinforce each other over time - leading to higher risks of unemployment, poorer health outcomes and reduced life chances in early adulthood.

“If we are serious about tackling youth unemployment and reducing the number of young people who are NEET, we must start by addressing children’s mental health and the inequalities that drive it.

“Improvement is not a pipe dream - there are already many examples of positive action across the North, with charities, community groups and education services providing support for young people. These models can be replicated across the country to support health and school services in tackling these urgent issues.

“With targeted investment to support interventions to help those in need now, and a more prevention focused mindset for future generations, there is a chance to turn the tide. We are calling for stronger coordination across healthcare, education, local government and the voluntary sector to deliver a more joined-up, preventative system that supports children earlier and reduces long-term inequalities.”

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “Children’s mental health is not just a health issue – it is a social and economic issue that requires coordinated action across society.

“Improving outcomes will require sustained investment in tackling child poverty, strengthening family support, improving inclusion and belonging in schools, and rebuilding youth and community services. These are not ‘nice to have’ interventions – they are critical to preventing problems before they escalate.

“This report makes clear that without early, coordinated action, we risk experiencing a lost generation, with a cycle of disadvantage that will affect not just individuals, but our economy, education system and communities for years to come. The evidence is also clear that with the right investment in prevention, we can change the trajectory and give more children the chance to thrive.”

Read more about the report findings and its recommendations here: https://www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/childrens-mental-health-crisis-risks-fuelling-lost-generation The full report can be accessed at https://www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/app/uploads/Building-a-Preventative-Mental-Health-System-for-Children-and-Young-People-Report-June-2026.pdf

The new laboratory has been designed as a shared research and innovation space, providing GEIC partners, researchers and technology developers with access to specialist facilities that support a growing range of bioengineering applications. 

Built to Containment Level 2 (CL2) standards and approved for Genetically Modified Organism Class 1 (GM1) work, the facility significantly broadens the scope of projects that can be undertaken within the GEIC. The addition strengthens the Centre's ability to support organisations seeking to develop and scale innovations that combine advanced materials, biotechnology and engineering. 

The laboratory opens new possibilities across a range of application areas, including biosensing, antimicrobial technologies, environmental monitoring, mineral extraction, healthcare and sustainable industrial processes. Supported by GEIC's experienced team of application specialists, the facility will help partners accelerate the development and commercialisation of new technologies. 

The new facility complements the GEIC's existing capabilities in materials development, de-risking and scale-up, providing an environment for multidisciplinary projects that combine biological and advanced materials. 

Since the opening of the GEIC in 2018 we have had to be responsive to industries and the market’s needs. This new bioengineering facility shows our commitment to investing in keeping the GEIC a relevant world class facility. – Phil Hirst, Technical Manager, GEIC. 

The bioengineering laboratory reflects the GEIC's continued evolution in response to emerging industry needs, creating new opportunities for collaboration and the translation of research into commercial applications. It further strengthens the GEIC’s position as a leading hub for advanced materials innovation and industrial partnership. 

To discover how the GEIC can support your next project, explore our full range of capabilities: 

In a new study published in , researchers investigated how different forms of nitrogen are used by plants and microbes in alpine heath environments.

Different strategies below ground

Using stable isotope labelling to track nitrogen movement in the field, the team – including Dr Ellen Fry, lead author for the paper – found that plants and microbes use distinct strategies to access this critical nutrient.

Plants primarily absorbed simpler, inorganic forms of nitrogen – such as ammonium and nitrate – and transported them from roots to shoots, where nitrogen accumulated over time.

In contrast, soil microbes showed a clear preference for more complex organic forms, particularly amino acids.

This division of labour reduces direct competition between plants and microbes, enabling them to coexist more effectively even in nutrient poor soils.

A dynamic system over time

The study also found that nitrogen cycling is highly dynamic. Nitrogen taken up by plants was rapidly moved through tissues, while microbes processed organic forms and influenced what eventually became available to plants.

Importantly, the researchers found little evidence that plants take up large organic molecules directly. Instead, these are likely first broken down by microbes and then reused by plants in simpler forms.

The team also observed that faster growing, more dominant plant species tended to take up more nitrogen overall, highlighting how competition between plant species influences nutrient use within ecosystems.

Implications for climate and ecosystem health

Alpine and heathland ecosystems are often cold, nutrient limited environments where small changes in nutrient cycling can have large ecological impacts.

By showing how plants and microbes partition nitrogen based on its chemical form, this research provides new insight into how these ecosystems function and persist under challenging conditions.

The findings could also inform efforts to manage soils more sustainably, by improving understanding of how nutrients move through ecosystems and how biodiversity is maintained.

Scientists have long tried to replicate this behaviour using synthetic materials, but most designs have focused on how molecules interact with ice at their surface.

In a study published in , the team – led by –  have shown for the first time that the internal structure of polymer nanoparticles, rather than their outer surface, plays a key role in controlling ice growth. This was a collaboration with Professor Steve Armes FRS at Sheffield Univeristy.

Looking inside the particle

The team created a library of polymer nanoparticles using a scalable technique known as polymerisation‑induced self‑assembly. These particles consist of a water‑exposed outer layer and a hidden inner core.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that changing the chemistry of the inner core dramatically altered how effectively the particles inhibited ice recrystallisation – the process by which ice crystals grow larger over time.

Particles with “soft” cores showed significantly higher activity, strongly suppressing ice growth, while those with more rigid cores were less effective.

Even more strikingly, chemically locking the core structure removed this activity entirely.

A new design principle

The findings challenge the conventional view that only the surface of a material interacts with ice. Instead, they show that internal mobility and structure within nanoparticles can influence how ice crystals behave.

The study suggests that individual polymer chains within the particles may play a role in interacting with ice as conditions change during freezing and thawing.

Applications from medicine to materials

Materials that control ice growth are important in a wide range of applications, from preserving cells and tissues to improving the texture of frozen foods and developing anti‑icing coatings.

By providing a new way to design these materials, the research opens up opportunities to develop more effective, scalable and cost‑efficient alternatives to natural antifreeze proteins.

The work also establishes a broader framework for designing functional nanoparticles, showing that internal structure can be as important as surface chemistry in determining performance.

Led by researchers at The University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the study investigated the efficacy of a urine test which detects the presence or absence of blood pressure lowering medications — known as chemical adherence testing, or CAT.

They tested the hypothesis that the test would help in regular administration of blood pressure lowering medications and bring their blood pressure under control after its results were discussed with patients.

Known as the study, it was the largest randomised trial of its kind bringing together 12 recruitment centres in the UK.

The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and is published in on 16/06/26

CAT uses a special technique called liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect specific drugs or their metabolites in blood or urine samples.

It is mainly used in hospital hypertension and renal/cardiology clinics when doctors want to verify medication adherence in patients with resistant hypertension - the medical name for high blood pressure.

The researchers recruited 130 adults with hypertension who were taking at least two blood pressure medicines but were found to be non‑adherent after their urine was tested using CAT.

Participants were randomly assigned either to receive their CAT results alongside a personalised discussion about why they were missing doses, or to continue with usual care.

After a median follow‑up of nearly three months, average systolic blood pressure - – the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out - was not significantly different between the two groups.

While the adjusted systolic blood pressure in those who received the CAT intervention was approximately 5 mmHg lower than in the standard of care group, this difference did not reach the level of statistical significance.

Those who received the intervention, however, became more adherent to the prescribed blood pressure lowering medications 3 months after the intervention.

This showed a promising sign that it may improve medication adherence.

The findings highlight the challenges of tackling hidden non‑adherence, a problem that affects up to one in three people with high blood pressure and costs the NHS millions of pounds in unnecessary tests and treatments.

The authors argue that larger trials are urgently needed to understand whether CAT‑based interventions could play a role in improving long‑term outcomes for people with hypertension.

They also add that the technology may yet prove valuable as part of a personalised approach to managing chronic conditions where missing medications is common.

The Chief Investigator of OUTREACH is , Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at The University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Physician at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

He is also Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), which partly supported the research.

He said: “Sharing the results of the CAT with the patients and the discussion for the reasons behind missing their blood pressure lowering medications appears to help in improving adherence.

While there was a trend for this improved adherence to favour lower blood pressure, we could not detect a statistically significant signal in blood pressure.

Hidden non‑adherence remains a major and costly problem in hypertension care, and our findings underline the need for larger, longer‑term trials to understand where CAT‑based approaches might still add value.”

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation and senior author on the study, said: “High blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the UK, where it is associated with 50 per cent of heart attacks and strokes. This means it is crucial that people take medications to treat it as advised by their doctor.

“We hope that this personalised approach to monitoring adherence can help address the many reasons why people may not be taking their medication properly, and support them to do so in future. This study showed signs that this strategy may help improve adherence, but to properly judge its effectiveness, a larger study is needed.”

• The paper: Chemical adherence testing-guided intervention versus standard of care in patients with hypertension who are non-adherent to antihypertensive treatment in the UK (OUTREACH): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

Improving carbon efficiency in microbial manufacturing

Microbial platforms are widely used to produce fuels, chemicals and materials from renewable feedstocks. However, much of the carbon consumed by microbes is lost as carbon dioxide during metabolism, limiting carbon efficiency and contributing to emissions. Micaela’s research aims to tackle this challenge by exploring mixotrophy, a metabolic mode in which microbes can use both organic carbon sources and carbon dioxide at the same time.

By co-assimilating CO₂ alongside sugars or waste-derived feedstocks, mixotrophic microbes have the potential to retain more carbon within the production process. This could improve product yields, reduce emissions, and make biomanufacturing more economically viable.

Supporting a more sustainable bioeconomy

Despite its promise, the diversity and efficiency of mixotrophic metabolism remains poorly understood, and its potential is largely underutilised in biotechnology. Through her fellowship, Micaela will investigate this metabolic capability in greater depth, identifying and characterising new microbes capable of efficient carbon co-assimilation. Her work will focus on organisms found in high-CO₂ volcanic soils, using advanced genomic, cultivation and analytical approaches to uncover and evaluate previously untested strains. This interdisciplinary programme will be hosted by Professor Sophie Nixon and draw on continued collaborations with Professor Neil Dixon, the University of Iceland and the Technical University of Denmark.

The project will generate new insights into how carbon flows through microbial systems and identify strains with strong potential for industrial application. By defining the conditions that maximise carbon retention, the research will establish a comparative framework for designing next-generation low-emission bioprocesses.

This fellowship strengthens MIB’s role in developing sustainable biotechnology solutions, contributing to efforts to reduce industrial emissions and support a circular, carbon-efficient bioeconomy.

• Ancient Egyptian funerary texts were not fully standardised during this period, and varied between tombs
• Tomb decoration involved the choices and priorities of the tomb owner or commissioner
• Religious practices and funerary fashions could change within a single generation
• Local traditions shaped how beliefs were expressed in places such as Saqqara
• Egyptian religion was flexible and evolving rather than completely fixed over time

Why this matters

Ancient Egypt is often portrayed as a civilisation governed by rigid traditions and unchanging religious beliefs lasting thousands of years.

However this research challenges that perception, revealing a society in which religious ideas and funerary practices adapted over time, even across the span of a single lifetime.

Rather than being rigid, Egyptian religious culture responded to changing tastes, priorities and local traditions.

A human story told through tombs

At the heart of the book is the idea that tombs were highly personal spaces.

The decoration, inscriptions and arrangement of funerary texts within tombs at Saqqara reflected the involvement of those commissioning them. While these tombs drew on established religious traditions, they also reveal changing fashions and evolving approaches to the afterlife.

Two tombs built only a generation apart could already show noticeable differences in style, emphasis and religious presentation.

What the research found

Drawing on archaeological evidence from Saqqara, the study shows that:

• Funerary texts and images differed between tombs during this period
• Tomb decoration reflected individual commissions rather than a single rigid template
• Religious styles and practices evolved noticeably over relatively short periods of time

The findings challenge the long-standing image of Egyptian religion as static and entirely controlled from the top down by priests and kings.

Why Saqqara matters

Saqqara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, provides an unusually rich record of religious and artistic change.

The book demonstrates how local traditions shaped tomb decoration and funerary expression, revealing how broader religious beliefs could be adapted differently within particular communities.

A different view of ancient religion

The research presents ancient Egyptian religion as:

• Evolving rather than fixed
• Influenced by local communities and changing fashions
• Shaped through personal commissions and lived experience

In short, the study suggests that ancient Egyptians were not simply preserving ancient traditions unchanged - they were continually adapting them for new generations.

Publication details

The Transmission of the Book of the Dead in New Kingdom Tombs at Saqqara will be published in paperback by on June 25^th, but is also currently available to read online via .

"The study highlights a wider challenge facing governments around the world – whether in the EU, the UK or elsewhere, efforts to tackle imported deforestation need to work with producer countries rather than simply impose new requirements on them,” said co-author Professor Khalid Nadvi, Professor of International Development at The University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute and Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development.

"Effective environmental governance depends on cooperation, capacity-building and shared responsibility across global supply chains."

Publication details

The paper was published in journal Global Policy.

DOI:

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 The University of Manchester 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, The University of Manchester, 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.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Whitworth Hall on Thursday, 18 June, bringing together students, staff and civic leaders to celebrate achievement, leadership and the enduring partnership between the University and the wider city-region. 

Honorary degrees are the university’s highest awards, recognising individuals who have made exceptional contributions that reflect the university’s values and create meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, welcomed the guest and honorees at the event and gave opening remarks, he said: “Today, we come together to celebrate and honour four exceptional individuals whose contributions have shaped our University, our city and society more broadly. 

“Our honorary graduands are united by their commitment to Manchester and by the lasting impact they have had on the communities they have served. Through leadership in public service, culture, and higher education, each has helped to strengthen the city's reputation as a place of innovation and opportunity.” 

As a global-civic university, Manchester is committed to working in partnership with its city and communities to advance social responsibility, inclusive growth and innovation. This year’s honorary graduates exemplify that mission, each playing a significant role in shaping Manchester’s reputation as a place of ideas, opportunity and positive change.

Honorary graduates 2026 
 

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell 

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell served as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester from 2010 to 2024, becoming the first woman to lead the institution. Her leadership strengthened the University’s role as a leading global-civic university, deepening its engagement with the city, region and international partners. 

An internationally recognised neuroscientist, her research has advanced understanding of brain injury and contributed to improved treatment outcomes. Alongside her academic work, she has played a key role in shaping the UK’s research and innovation landscape, while championing the role of universities in addressing global challenges and delivering local impact. 

Sir Richard Leese 

Sir Richard Leese served as Leader of Manchester City Council for more than 25 years, playing a pivotal role in the city’s regeneration and global rise. His leadership spanned defining moments in Manchester’s recent history, including the recovery following the 1996 terrorist bomb and the delivery of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. 

Under his tenure, Manchester saw significant economic growth and the revival and repopulation of its city centre, helping to position the city as a leading example of inclusive urban renewal. He now chairs the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, continuing his contribution to improving outcomes for communities across the region. 

Dr Maria Balshaw CBE 

Dr Maria Balshaw is a leading figure in the cultural life of both Manchester and the UK. As Director of Tate Galleries from 2017 to 2026, she led a programme focused on artistic boldness, inclusivity and engagement with new audiences. 

Her connection to Manchester is longstanding. She previously served as Director of The Whitworth at The University of Manchester, as well as Director of Manchester City Galleries and Director of Culture for Manchester City Council. Her leadership has helped position Manchester as a globally recognised cultural destination, where creativity and access to the arts play a central role in civic identity and social impact. 

Sir Howard Bernstein (1953–2024) 

Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Manchester, the late Sir Howard Bernstein devoted his career to public service in the city he called home. As Chief Executive of Manchester City Council for 20 years, he played a central role in shaping Manchester’s recovery, growth and long-term vision. 

He led the reconstruction of the city centre following the 1996 terrorist bomb and was instrumental in delivering the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the regeneration of East Manchester. His work extended across major developments in transport, culture and infrastructure, as well as securing Greater Manchester’s landmark devolution deal. 

Sir Howard’s legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to civic leadership and place-making, helping transform Manchester into a confident, globally connected city rooted in strong communities. 

Together, this year’s honorary graduates highlight the vital role of collaboration, leadership and creativity in addressing the challenges of our time and delivering lasting social impact. 

Through Manchester 2035, the University is strengthening its commitment to being a global-civic institution, working in partnership to improve lives, advance knowledge and support the continued success of Manchester as a leading global city. 

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 The University of Manchester. “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.” 

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 The University of Manchester on behalf of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester.

“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 Manchester's roads so we can continue to address barriers they may face,” said Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester. 

"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 Manchester's roads and transport systems safer and more inclusive for everyone.”

Women interested in taking part can complete the survey by .

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, The University of Manchester, 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 Manchester 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. 

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.   

Manchester 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 Manchester'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.  

Manchester 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. The University of Manchester 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.

The University of Manchester, working with partners across the Greater Manchester 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 Manchester.  

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 Manchester’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 Manchester 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 Manchester Metropolitan University and the Turing Innovation Catalyst at the University of Manchester.  

GROW AI will rapidly scale the responsible and secure adoption of AI across Greater Manchester, 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 The University of Manchester 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 

The University of Manchester 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 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and the Greater Data Accelerator (£6.7m) led by Health Innovation Manchester. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “This shows what Greater Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester 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 Manchester’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 Manchester.” 

Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the Innovation Greater Manchester Board, said: “I am delighted that Greater Manchester 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 Manchester 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.” 

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 Manchester, 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 Manchester 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, Manchester 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. 

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@Manchester and the .

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 Manchester'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 Manchester 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 Manchester Institute sits in the Paterson building in Withington and is part of The University of Manchester.  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 Manchester Institute, hugely welcomes the boost in funding.

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

“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 Manchester 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 Manchester.

“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 The University of Manchester said: “The CRUK Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester Institute and The University of Manchester 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. 

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 The University of Manchester. 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 Manchester 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.

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 Manchester and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, part of Manchester 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 The University of Manchester, 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) Manchester 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 Manchester thanks to generous support by various translational structures, including the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, and the BHF Manchester 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) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

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, The University of Manchester welcomed 31 schools from across Greater Manchester 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 The University of Manchester, 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 Manchester 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.

• 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.

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 The University of Manchester, 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 Manchester Institute of Innovation Research in the Alliance Manchester 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 Manchester’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 Manchester’s outstanding innovation ecosystem.”

Professor Gareth Evans

, Emeritus Professor of Medical Genetics at The University of Manchester and Consultant in Medical Genetics at Manchester 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.

For the past five years, Dr Eric Lybeck has been working with communities in Southport to develop The Arcade Project, a cultural programme and community space within the town’s historic Grade II Listed Wayfarers Arcade. A community café space called The Engine Room, located within the Arcade, has become the venue for music, arts, craft and heritage activities co-developed with local people.

Now the story so far of the development of The Arcade Project is being told in a comic play called ‘Best Practice’, exploring the challenges of trying to make things happen in an ordinary town. The performance takes place on Friday 19^th June and tickets can be booked . The play is part of a wider programme of cultural events continuing through the summer.

But, as Dr Lybeck explains, The Engine Room cafe and its cultural programme is just the start of reimagining the Wayfarers Arcade as the focal point of civic regeneration in Southport:

More information about the Arcade Project can be found .

Researchers, community organisations and entrepreneurs who want to get involved can contact Dr Lybeck.

 commissioned from , the CBI’s economic consultancy division, has revealed the enormous opportunities for UK growth, regional development and productivity that can come from aligning business needs, universities and government policy.

The report, which is based on survey and interview data from 610 businesses and university stakeholders, reveals a system that is working well in some areas with eight out of ten businesses surveyed recognise the positive contribution of working with universities. However it is also failing to make the most of talent and the ability to innovate.

Ultimately this is stunting growth, preventing new work being carried out, or forcing businesses to shift operations overseas.

The report shows that this is particularly acute in the UK’s priority ‘frontier sectors’, crucial for delivery of the government’s Industrial Strategy, including advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and life sciences. Compared with firms outside of these sectors, surveyed frontier sector firms are around seven times more likely to report relocating activity outside of the UK if universities were less able to supply skilled graduates or collaborate with business.

The findings also present a significant opportunity – the UK has world-leading universities, strong research capability and businesses operating at the technological frontier. The UK can build on these by strengthening talent pipelines, improving collaboration and aligning policy with business needs.

Talent and skills

Businesses reported that the constraint on talent and skills is largely one of availability, not quality.

Survey responses indicate that around one in five businesses (19%) are currently experiencing a graduate skills shortage or gap, with shortages more pronounced among firms operating in frontier sectors.

The findings show that international talent is filling targeted skills gaps rather than displacing domestic workers.

Addressing this talent gap this will require strengthening the scale and alignment of the domestic skills pipeline, while maintaining access to international talent, where gaps persist.

University-business collaboration

The other significant way in which universities and businesses collaborate is in research and innovation. This, the report finds, delivers benefits including commercial product development and productivity gains, access to specialist facilities and research expertise, that businesses would not be able to invest in themselves.

However, businesses also highlight that it is difficult to find the right contacts, and there are differing timescales and multiple funding streams which complicate engagement.

One SME described how establishing initial engagement with a university could take several months, from securing the right contact through to progressing discussions. This contrasted sharply with their experience in other countries, where similar partnerships could be initiated within days.

Recent University of Manchester initiatives point to the types of practical steps universities can take. This includes plans to offer all undergraduates meaningful real-world experience, such as placements, internships, live employer projects or work with public and community organisations, and the launch of the five-year, £5m, Future of Work Alliance with BNY, focused on responsible human-led AI.

The report calls for clearer incentives and simpler funding routes from government, with universities doing more to speed up and simplify access for businesses.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “Economic growth depends on our ability to turn talent and ideas into new products, services, and industries. The countries that do this best will lead the global economy.

“We need to be more ambitious, more responsive and more outward-looking in how we work with employers and entrepreneurs. The issue is not whether the UK produces highly skilled people. It is whether those skills can be connected quickly and effectively to the places, sectors, communities, and businesses that need them most.

“As this report makes clear, by strengthening skills pipelines, removing barriers to collaboration and backing innovation wherever it emerges, we can unlock far more of what universities and businesses can achieve together. This is what the country needs and what we are committed to delivering.”

Adriana Curca, CBI Economics Director, said: “Our research shows that universities are a critical part of the infrastructure that supports business growth, providing access to talent, research capability and innovation expertise. This is particularly important in the UK’s frontier sectors where firms rely on advanced skills, research capability and innovation to grow and compete.”

“While many examples of collaboration are already delivering tangible benefits, there is a significant opportunity to do more. Better connecting business needs with talent, research and innovation capability could help unlock growth in the sectors that will shape the UK's future economy.”

• Just 4% of patients in the dataset were offered social prescribing between 2019 and 2024

• Patients living in the least deprived areas were significantly more likely to be offered social prescribing than those in the most deprived communities

• Women were substantially more likely than men to be offered social prescribing

• Older patients and people with multiple long-term conditions were more likely to receive offers

• More than three quarters (77.7%) of those offered social prescribing received a referral

• Ethnic minority patients were generally as likely - or more likely - to accept referrals

What else did the study find?

The researchers analysed anonymised NHS primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), one of the largest healthcare datasets in England.

The study explored which groups of patients were offered social prescribing and which went on to receive referrals after offers were made.

Social prescribing schemes aim to support people whose health may be affected by wider social issues such as loneliness, poor housing, financial stress or isolation by linking them with non-medical community services through dedicated NHS link workers.

Clear inequalities

Patients in more affluent areas consistently had higher odds of being offered social prescribing than those in deprived areas, despite evidence that poorer communities often experience worse health outcomes and greater levels of long-term illness.

Women were also more likely to be offered referrals than men across almost every age group examined.

The study found strong links between long-term illness and social prescribing access, with patients suffering multiple health conditions far more likely to receive offers and referrals.

Why it matters

Researchers say the findings are significant because social prescribing has become a major part of NHS plans to reduce pressure on healthcare services and improve public health.

Since 2019, thousands of social prescribing link workers have been recruited across England through the NHS Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme.

The researchers warn that unequal access to these services could risk widening existing health inequalities if patients in deprived communities are less likely to benefit. However, the study also found encouraging signs once offers had been made.

Patients from ethnic minority backgrounds were often more likely than white patients to accept referrals, while deprivation itself did not appear to reduce uptake after an offer was made.

Researchers say this suggests the key inequality may lie in access to offers rather than willingness to engage.

Men and older patients less likely to engage

The study also found important differences between being offered social prescribing and accepting referrals.

While older patients were more likely to be offered support, they were less likely to go on to receive referrals once offered. Male patients were consistently less likely than women to both receive offers and proceed to referral.

Researchers say more work is needed to understand why some groups may be underrepresented or less likely to engage with social prescribing services.

What the researchers say

“It is concerning that the patients most likely to benefit from social prescribing support appear to be among the least likely to be offered it,” said Research Fellow Anna Wilding. “People living in deprived communities are more likely to experience long-term illness, financial hardship, isolation and poor mental health - the very issues social prescribing is designed to help address.”

“Our findings suggest the biggest challenge is not whether people will engage with social prescribing once offered support, but ensuring disadvantaged communities are not left behind in the first place.”

Publication details

The study was published in journal PLOS One.

DOI:

The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) has committed £50 million over five years to drive forward the vital research led by clinicians, researchers, and communities across the consortium marking the most significant step forward in maternal health research in a generation.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for maternity care in the UK, with national attention increasingly focused on improving safety, equity and women's experiences of care.

The Manchester-led part of the research will involve improving and reducing inequalities in maternity care pathways. The focus will be on major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly cardiometabolic complications (obesity, hypertension, gestational diabetes (GDM), perinatal mental health, and complications in early maternal recovery after birth.

Dr Debbie Smith, Co-Lead of the Perinatal mental health and wellbeing work, said: “I am really excited that Manchester are co-leading the perinatal mental health and wellbeing work as part of this consortium and look forward to co-producing equitable behavioural interventions with key stakeholders over the next few years”.

The Government's renewed Women's Health Strategy highlights the need to improve care before and between pregnancies for marginalised communities, against this backdrop, the consortium will generate the evidence, interventions and research capacity needed to help translate national ambition into practical, equitable improvements for women, babies and families.

“This funding represents a critical opportunity to make the step change we need to improve outcomes for women and their babies. Alongside the research, the Consortium will be investing in tomorrow's research leaders today to ensure we have the capacity to deliver on improving pregnancy outcomes, access to, and experience of, care”, says Professor Judith Rankin OBE, Consortium Co-lead for Research and Capacity Development, Newcastle University.

“National attention on maternity safety and equity has never been greater, but ambition must now be matched by evidence and implementation. Through this consortium, we will work across the UK to understand what works, for whom and in what contexts, and to ensure that research leads to practical changes in care for the women, babies and families who need them most,” says Professor Joht Singh Chandan, Consortium Co-lead for Research, University of Birmingham.

• Elite football increasingly relies on investment from fossil fuel-rich states and companies, including sponsorships and ownership models linked to Gulf nations and energy firms.
• FIFA’s partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco is singled out by the authors, who claim football has become central to a wider strategy of sportswashing by fossil fuel interests.
• The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 Men’s World Cup will significantly increase emissions due to the greater number of matches and the vast travel distances across North America.
• The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities spanning the entire continent. The last Men’s World Cup in 2022, Qatar, saw 64 matches played across the 32-team tournament.
• FIFA’s environmental policies are scrutinised, with the research team accusing the organisation of promoting sustainability rhetoric while simultaneously expanding competitions and strengthening ties with fossil fuel sponsors.

The study highlights concerns over future tournaments, noting that Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup while the United States withdrew from the Paris climate agreement under President Donald Trump.

Why this matters

The researchers say the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 Men’s World Cup will significantly increase emissions due to the greater number of matches and the vast travel distances across North America.

The tournament will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities spanning the entire continent. The last Men’s World Cup in 2022, Qatar, saw 64 matches played across the 32-team tournament.

FIFA’s environmental policies are also scrutinised, with the research team accusing the organisation of promoting sustainability rhetoric while simultaneously expanding competitions and strengthening ties with fossil fuel sponsors.

The study also highlights concerns over future tournaments, noting that Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup while the United States withdrew from the Paris climate agreement under President Donald Trump.

What the researchers say

Lead researcher, Dr Mark Doidge, Reader in Sociology of Sport at Loughborough University, said: “Football is the world’s most popular sport, and probably the most popular activity. It is for this reason that football authorities, like FIFA, continue to exploit it for commercial profit."

“Football is also a cultural powerhouse with millions of fans, volunteers, and players trying to make the sport better. Football can, and should, use its influence to mitigate against climate change.”

Dr James Jackson, Lecturer at The University of Manchester, said: “Despite the last World Cup offering a preview of what football would be like in a significantly warmer world, FIFA has remained indifferent to better regulation. Rather than being proactive and ensuring football helps mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change, they are - at best - pursuing meagre adaptation measures for things which affect fans and players."

Dr Oscar Berglund, Senior Lecturer in International Public and Social Policy at the University of Bristol, said: “FIFA has made elite men’s football the primary target of Petrostate sportswashing. This World Cup, with the ridiculous Trump Peace Prize and having Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest polluter, as its main sponsor, reaches new levels.

“It has been a key strategy of Petrostates to use football’s unrivalled cultural influence globally. They don’t need to convince us that fossil fuels are good, just that they are inevitable. So, as we watch and love our beautiful game, we come to accept the necessary evil of fossil capital.”

Club sustainability and commercial pressure

As part of the study, researchers interviewed sustainability managers working in football clubs across Europe, many of whom described tensions between environmental targets and the commercial demands of the modern game.

According to the report, sustainability initiatives are often only approved if they do not disrupt football’s core product, including the scheduling and broadcasting of matches.

Some interviewees said clubs remained more focused on increasing revenues than reducing environmental costs, despite the growing financial risks posed by flooding, heatwaves and fixture disruption.

Recommendations

The investigation proposes a series of recommendations aimed at reducing football’s environmental impact.

• FIFA should stop awarding tournaments to Petrostates.
• Restrictions should be placed on fossil fuel ownership of clubs.
• Fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship should be banned in football.
• Football authorities should halt the expansion of competitions.
• Sustainability managers should be embedded into all levels of club decision-making rather than operating in isolated compliance roles.

FIFA response

FIFA has previously defended its sustainability strategies and said major tournaments can drive investment, infrastructure and development in host nations. The organisation has also said that expanding competitions increases global participation and opportunities for smaller footballing nations.

Publication details

To read the full report, . The findings will form part of Football and Climate Change: The Unsustainability of the Beautiful Game, due to be published in 2027.

, a new model for low‑light image enhancement (LLIE), was created by Computer Science undergraduate Alexandru Brateanu during his third-year project, working with academic supervisors.

The model outperforms comparable compact systems, recovering detail and clarity from images that would previously have been considered unusable.

The advancement has significant implications for photography, security, and a wide range of computational imaging tasks.

Low‑light image enhancement seeks to restore natural visibility, colour fidelity, and structural detail in scenes captured under poor illumination. While recent LLIE models have achieved impressive results, many rely on heavy architectures with large parameter counts, resulting in high computational cost and limited real‑time applicability. Efficiency has therefore become a central research challenge: how to enhance images more effectively while dramatically reducing model size.

In the work presented at the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition 2026, the team proposes a structured solution grounded in classical colour vision theory and implemented using modern neural components within the Retinex framework. Retinex, a foundational approach in image enhancement, decomposes an image into illumination (light) and reflectance (colour) components to better handle low‑light scenes.

The design motivation behind Multinex is to extract as much useful information as possible from low‑light images using a highly compact architecture. By prioritising enhancement over reconstruction and leveraging lightweight neural operations, Multinex achieves strong illumination correction, detail recovery, and colour fidelity while using only a fraction of the parameters required by existing approaches.

The model is released in both a lightweight version (45K parameters) and an extremely compact nano version (0.7K parameters), each offering substantial reductions in computational load. Comparison to corresponding lightweight models such as PairLIE (330K parameters) and ZeroDCE (80K parameters) Multinex shows a significant performance improvement.

Like other LLIE techniques, Multinex still faces challenges in scenes with severe spectral distortions, lens flares, or mixed artificial and natural lighting. The team aims to extend the framework to these complex cases, exploring alternative formulations such as tone‑mapping or multiplicative residuals, and applying Multinex principles to related domains including intrinsic image decomposition, colour constancy, underwater enhancement, and haze removal.

The researchers demonstrate that Multinex delivers state‑of‑the‑art performance at real‑time cost, highlighting the power of combining analytic priors with modern lightweight design.