The University of Manchester

New analysis finds that a third runway at Heathrow would blow a hole in the UK’s ability to meet legally binding climate targets.The case for aviation expansion hinges on sustainable aviation fuels and greenhouse gas removals but there is currently no evidence that these technologies can support the scale of expansion envisaged by the government.The climate scientists behind the report recommend the government rejects plans for a third runway. There…

A common but often overlooked cause of high blood pressure may be hiding in plain sight – and data from a pioneering wearable device could hold the key to its earlier diagnosis, according to new research.The study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, concerns a condition called primary aldosteronism – a hormone disorder which affects up to one in five people with high blood pressure and puts them at…

Presenteeism is no longer just about physical presenceThe researchers propose redefining presenteeism as the “behaviour of attending work in the state of suboptimal health, with varied location choices and degree of engagement”.This means that presenteeism should be understood not simply in terms of whether someone turns up to work, but also where they work, what health problem they are experiencing and how much effort they put into working.The authors argue…

Scientists have redefined how the key blood‑clotting protein fibrinogen behaves when it contacts air, overturning two decades of scientific consensus on wound healing.It is the culmination of over a decade of international collaboration by Dr Richard Campbell of The University of Manchester, Professor Juan Ruso of the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Dr Natalia Hassan of the Metropolitan Technological University in Chile.The discovery could have far reaching…

Researchers from the Universities of Manchester, Oxford and Arkansas are urging scientists to stop treating “non-significant” results as proof that nothing happened.The common statistical mistake, they warn in a new paper in PNAS on 10 08 26 – one of the world’s leading scientific journals - could be leading researchers to draw the wrong conclusions from their data.A p-value, which measures how surprising the observed data would be if there…

Despite national efforts to improve acute kidney injury (AKI) care, thousands of patients in England are missing vital follow-up care after leaving hospital, according to new research by The University of Manchester.The kidneys have a vital role in continuously clearing toxins from the body. AKI is a common clinical syndrome in which the kidneys stop working properly. It affects up to 1 in 5 people in hospital, usually as a…

A new study has found that sexual role identities among men who have sex with men vary systematically by age and geographic region.Written by Dr Morten Thomsen, University of Oxford; Dr Francesco Rampazzo, The University of Manchester and Associate Member, University of Oxford; and Milan Kovačič; the paper argues that these labels are shaped by social and cultural contexts rather than being fixed or universal.The findings challenge assumptions that younger…

Unequal benefits and risksResearchers Nathan Critch and Darcy Luke say years of short-term and fragmented policymaking by successive governments have left the UK with significant infrastructure and capacity gaps which could undermine Labour’s plans.The Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan includes plans to increase UK AI computing capacity twentyfold by 2030, develop AI Growth Zones, establish a National Data Library and expand the use of AI across government and the wider…

A University of Manchester led national initiative aims to connect people with lived experience, industry, researchers and the NHS to transform mental health innovation across the UK.The Mental Health Digital Innovation (MHDI) workstream has been launched as one arm of the UK Government’s Mental Health Goals Programme as a new national initiative designed to accelerate the infrastructure and development to support adoption of digital technologies that improve mental health outcomes…

Being inside with the windows closed does not completely protect you from the smoke caused by wildfires, early findings by University of Manchester researchers suggest.And opening windows during hot weather, they show, almost certainly exacerbates the problem of indoor air pollution caused by the fires.The University’s Cystic Fibrosis Hub Air Quality Research team analysed real time indoor air-quality records from 23 Greater Manchester homes monitored between 1 and 26 July…

Collecting rainwater from rooftops and using it to spray buildings during hot weather could help cities cut air conditioning use, lower urban temperatures and lessen the impact of heatwaves, according to new research from The University of Manchester.Cities around the world are facing rising temperatures, putting pressure on public health, infrastructure and energy systems. As people rely more on air conditioning to stay cool, energy demand increases and waste heat…

The ball's journey to its casing at the National Football Museum is just as fascinating as the final it was used in. After England's 4-2 win in front of some 97,000 spectators, Helmut Haller – who had scored the opening goal – carried it back to Germany, claiming tradition entitled the first scorer to keep it. It stayed there for 30 years, until a consortium of the Mirror Group, Virgin,…

Scientists in Britain and Spain have discovered critical windows after glioblastoma surgery when the brain’s defences falter, creating a rare chance to deliver powerful treatments exactly where needed. If doctors time treatment within two narrow postoperative windows identified by the researchers, existing lipid nanoparticle medicines - already approved and routinely used in oncology hospitals today - could be redeployed to deliver early, precision‑targeted therapy to the brain. The studies, published…

Scientists at Imperial College London and The University of Manchester have developed a promising new way to create safer and more effective treatments for life-threatening fungal infections.The research, published today in Nature, describes a new family of antifungal agents, which - when tested in mice - are more potent and less toxic than existing treatments.A growing threatFungal diseases are an escalating global health threat, becoming harder to treat as resistance…

The scholarships were created in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine but were open to any international applicant who has suffered because of armed conflict or is at serious risk of persecution or violence.The graduating scholars reflect this diversity, with two Ukrainians joined by other students from Myanmar and Sudan.One of these graduates, Yefym, is graduating with a 2:1 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Yefym joined us in Manchester…

Co-author Dr Belén López-Pérez, Lecturer in Psychology at The University of Manchester, said: “Our findings suggest that what makes emotional support effective is less about who provides it, and more about how it is delivered. Providing people with specific, actionable steps, rather than general reassurance, is a key ingredient for effective support, whether that comes from a person or a chatbot.She added: “While a human might typically suggest going for…

Fathers who take sole responsibility for caring for their baby during parental leave are more likely to remain actively involved in childcare years later, according to major new research from The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.The five-year study found that periods of solo caregiving helped fathers develop confidence, practical parenting skills and a deeper understanding of the demands of childcare, leading to more equal sharing of work and…

Dr Chris Blount at the UK Space Agency said: “The Long Baseline Multistatic Radar (LMBR) project has been a fantastic example of innovation and collaboration by incredible UK and international talent, and an exemplar case of the capability multiplication through collaboration the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) seeks to achieve. The LBMR team have taken the thorny challenge of real time on-demand monitoring of space objects on geostationary orbit, and through…

A new study from The University of Manchester has offered the most comprehensive look to date at how the UK coordinates its response to economic crime, identifying the structural challenges that make this difficult to do well.The study examines the tensions that make these challenges resistant to easy resolution, and the enabling conditions needed for multi-agency collaboration to work more effectively. The research examined the work of the National Economic…

Researchers say children's rights and wellbeing must be placed at the heart of family court proceedingsChildren involved in private family law proceedings in England can experience serious harm to their mental and physical health because their voices are too often ignored or dismissed, according to new research led by the University of Manchester in partnership with SHERA Research Group members and The Survivor Family Network.The study argues that children are…

Andy Burnham became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom today.Styled as ‘King of the North’ for his successes as Mayor of Greater Manchester between 2017 and 2026, Burnham’s oversight of our region - which has been dubbed ‘Manchesterism’ - saw it become the fastest growing place in the UK. Now it is up to him to recreate the regional success of Greater Manchester on a national scale.As the eyes of…

The Hine study, covered by media outletscalls for policy and legal reforms, including the development of school programmes to teach children how to identify so-called “parental alienating behaviours.” The study has also been cited within official Family Justice Council guidance raising questions about the robustness of the evidence appraisal and guideline development process of the guidance, particularly given the methodological concerns with the Hine study that have since been identified.…

Honorary graduates 2026 Tim Booth[embedded content]Tim Booth is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, performer and author best known as the frontman of the band James. Over a career spanning more than four decades, James has sold more than 25 million records worldwide and earned recognition as one of Britain's most successful and enduring bands, receiving the Ivor Novello Legendary Award for songwriting. A former drama student in Manchester, Booth has also worked as…

Data collected at The University of Manchester's Air Quality Supersite has contributed to a major international study showing that increasing amounts of desert dust from North Africa are reaching Europe, with implications for public health and solar energy generation.The study, published in Nature and led by the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, found that concentrations of airborne desert dust have increased across Europe over the past decade.Researchers combined measurements from…

The report’s recommendations are centred on four priorities:1. A single, integrated data system: Creating a shared, Greater Manchester-wide view of learner journeys from education into employment, to enable better planning and accountability.2. A coordinated approach to careers and pathways: Providing a single source of truth for learners, improving understanding of both academic and technical routes and supporting informed choices.3. Employer voice embedded throughout the system: Moving to a more systematic,…

The John Rylands Library will exhibit on public display one of its most extraordinary treasures from 15 July 2026, bringing visitors face-to-face with the oldest surviving copy of Homer's Odyssey in book form anywhere in the world. The display, The Manchester Odyssey, opens just two days before the worldwide release of Sir Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey.Copied in Egypt in the 3rd century CE, when readers were beginning…

35 universities form new Defence Universities Alliance with the Ministry of Defence to develop new technologies and create opportunities for students and graduatesAlliance will boost defence industry skills across the UK and support vital research into new defence technologiesAlliance is part of £182 million investment in growing defence-related skills and opportunities across BritainThe University of Manchester hosted the launch of the new Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), a major UK-wide partnership…

A Netflix adaptation helped transform Heartstopper from a popular graphic novel into a global mainstream publishing success, according to new research from The University of Manchester and Princeton University.The study found that the release of Heartstopper on Netflix in April 2022 triggered a dramatic and sustained rise in book sales across eleven countries, introducing the series to new audiences and helping it break out of its original graphic-novel niche.Researchers analysed…

99% of procedures carried out in mice, fish, rats, and birds82% of procedures caused pain equivalent to, or less than, an injection69 research institutions and funders have proactively shared their 2025 animal research statisticsUnderstanding Animal Research (UAR) has published a list of the ten organisations, which includes the University of Manchester,  that carried out the highest number of animal procedures – those used in medical, veterinary, and scientific research –…

Even moderate doses — as low as 31 to 60 MME per day — were linked to a measurable increase in risk of respiratory depression.Additionally, the combination of opioids and gabapentinoids, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, was associated with a further increased risk in respiratory depression.Fentanyl’s high potency and rapid brain uptake help explain why it suppresses breathing more abruptly than other opioids.Oxycodone’s role in opioid‑related deaths in North America…

Liverpool’s year as the first UN Climate Change Accelerator City has shown that the cultural sector can be a powerful driver of climate action, but cities need the right expertise, data, governance and infrastructure to deliver lasting change, according to a new report.The evaluation, led by researchers at The University of Manchester’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), analysed nine real-world…

Universities need to rethink how they teach, assess and prepare students for employment as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life and work, according to a new study from The University of Manchester.The paper argues that AI is changing how people learn, work and make decisions, and that universities need to adapt to this new reality.The study suggests universities should move beyond concerns about plagiarism and chatbot…

We are delighted to introduce this year’s winners and their ventures –  £100,000 – SwiftCas Diagnostics We have developed simple, fast diagnostic tests that use CRISPR programmable nuclease technology to identify infections caused by a wide range of infectious agents, especially bacteria. Our approach can be easily adapted to detect different diseases, making it highly flexible. CRISPR diagnostic tests are accurate, affordable, and rapid. These tests will help doctors diagnose infections and make informed treatment decisions within hours of assessing a…

The University of Manchester will play a leading role in delivering new national infrastructure for UK life sciences.The University and the Earlham Institute have been appointed by BioFAIR to lead a new consortium to establish the Methods Commons, the first spoke of the £34 million BioFAIR programme.The Methods Commons will provide researchers with national-scale capabilities for the discovery, execution, sharing and reuse of the computational workflows, tools and notebooks that…

Researchers from The University of Manchester are advising Parliament on the growing energy and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres, as part of a new inquiry into their implications for the UK’s net zero ambitions.Data centres have been designated as critical national infrastructure due to their importance for economic growth, but their electricity consumption is projected to quadruple by 2030. The inquiry will assess how this increasing…

The way people in Manchester pronounce a single vowel sound can reveal their social class, according to new research from The University of Manchester.The study examined the pronunciation of the final vowel in words such as happy, baby, city and chilly – known by linguists as the "happy vowel".Key findingsThe pronunciation of the "happy vowel" remains one of the strongest indicators of social class in ManchesterMiddle-class speakers tend to use…

Julianne Antrobus, CEO, UKNNL, said: "I am looking forward to our collaboration with the University of Manchester moving from strength to strength as we work together to develop the next generation of nuclear talent and technology."The 2024 Strategic Review gave us a clear direction: become the partnerships-led national laboratory that government and the sector needs. One of the most important things we can do in pursuit of that is to…

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…

Ancient Egyptian religion was not as fixed and unchanging as many people imagine, according to new research by Manchester Egyptologist Dr Huw Twiston Davies. His new book reveals that beliefs and funerary practices evolved even within a single generation, showing that ancient Egyptian religion was dynamic, adaptable and shaped by changing social priorities.The study focuses on tombs at Saqqara, one of Egypt’s most important burial sites, and explores how tomb owners…

The UK could face significant challenges if it follows the European Union's lead and introduces tougher restrictions on imports linked to deforestation, according to new research from The University of Manchester.The study examines how the EU's landmark Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) is likely to work in practice in Brazil's beef sector, which is one of the world's largest sources of beef exports and a major driver of tropical deforestation.Researchers…