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From Manchester, for the world: people, partnerships and place

13 May 2026

A new feature showcasing the University’s civic mission and global ambition has been published in the Manchester Evening News, accompanied by a short film featuring our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison.

Duncan Ivison being interviewed in lab coat

Titled From Manchester, for the world: people, partnerships and place, the article highlights how the University’s future is inextricably linked to the city it calls home and how the collective work of our University community is driving forward our Manchester 2035 strategy, with its strong commitment to social responsibility, civic engagement and global impact. Duncan emphasises a clear message: the University’s success depends on Manchester’s success, and vice-versa. This shared trajectory underpins Manchester 2035, the University strategy, focusing on working not just in the city, but actively for it.

Reflecting on Manchester’s character, Duncan points to the city’s distinctive energy as a defining force. Having first visited in the late 1980s, he notes both the enduring spirit and the remarkable transformation of the city over time. That change reinforces the University’s civic purpose: creating opportunity, supporting inclusive growth and innovation and tackling major challenges through local partnerships.

The article also shines a light on the University’s cultural institutions - Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank, being described as the University’s ‘front door’. These spaces play a vital role in connecting communities with research and ideas, often providing the first point of engagement with the University for many people across the city region and beyond.

Partnership working is a central theme. The University’s collaborations with the NHS, schools, local authorities, businesses and cultural organisations are key to turning knowledge into impact. These partnerships are fundamental to Manchester 2035, enabling us to co-create solutions to local and global challenges while strengthening our role as a truly civic university. They not only enhance research and innovation but also create valuable opportunities for students, helping them develop skills, gain experience and build lasting connections in Greater Manchester.

The feature also highlights our world-leading research, particularly in health. Manchester’s cancer research ecosystem brings together the University, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK. This is a powerful example of how scale and collaboration can deliver global impact. The proximity of research and clinical care at sites such as the Paterson Building enables discoveries to translate directly into patient benefit.

Looking ahead, Duncan reinforces the University’s long-term vision: to remain at the heart of the city’s future while sharing Manchester’s strengths globally. The message is simple but ambitious - taking what makes the University special and ensuring it is recognised around the world.