The campaign reflects the University’s role as a great civic university for the 21st century in the digital age. By connecting brilliant people to work together – academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders – the University will deliver real-world change, both locally in Manchester and globally.
Professor Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics and Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science at The University of Manchester, is a Challenge Accepted ambassador. He said: “This is such an exciting moment for The University of Manchester, and for all of us whose work here depends on the generosity of philanthropists.
“Their support drives the curiosity-led research that deepens our understanding of the world – from developing new cancer treatments and tackling climate change, to exploring the origins of the universe.
“The truth is, we never know which discovery will transform our future – and that’s what makes philanthropy so powerful. Whether it’s funding a PhD, supporting a particular area of research or innovation, every gift fuels the people and ideas needed to tackle the challenges of our time.”
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “At The University of Manchester, turning discovery into impact is what we do. Through this campaign, we’re mobilising our entire community to deliver real-world change. The support of academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders will help us deliver the next life-saving medical discovery, the next leap in sustainable technology, and support the next generation of global changemakers.
“The great universities of the 21st century are going to be the ones that get their work out into the world and make a difference, faster. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has already supported Manchester, and I warmly invite others to join us. The future won’t be shaped by those who wait. It will be shaped by those who say: ‘Challenge Accepted.’“
The campaign builds on existing momentum, with major gifts already accelerating high-impact research and expanding student support.
In 2024, The University of Manchester received a $1.3 million donation from alumna Judith Sear to accelerate cancer research impact. The generous gift, which was made to the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM), created the Sear Family Cancer Research Fund. The first initiative supported by the fund is a four-year Sear Family Cancer Research PhD, into which early-career researcher Gala Konteva has been recruited. Her research will focus on improving outcomes for lung cancer sufferers.
Also in 2024, Sir Terry Leahy pledged £1.5 million to fund research into regional economic disparities. The gift supports the Sir Terry Leahy Chair in Urban and Regional Economics. The role is part of Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), which oversees detailed research into regional productivity inequalities. The first appointment to the Chair was award-winning economist Professor Philip McCann – a specialist in the analysis of regional economic inequalities and the identification of new pathways to change the trajectory of the UK economy.
Through Challenge Accepted, supporters can engage directly with academic leadership, shape a meaningful legacy through named gifts and bespoke partnerships, and explore causes that reflect their passions – from discovery science to social justice.
For more information about the Challenge Accepted campaign and to start a conversation about how your support can make a difference, visit www.manchester.ac.uk/give
“The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road.”
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