Research beacons
The University of Manchester’s research beacons are key areas of research innovation where our experts are engaged in pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the planet today.
Our research beacons campaign team support academics in promoting their research to policymakers, industry and the wider academic community, on a national and international scale, across a range of channels. The type of marketing and communications support we can offer includes:
- Strategic communications advice on how to reach different audience groups, refine key messages, build and report on appropriate performance indicators;
- Delivering multi-channel research materials such as events, blogs, social media campaigns, email newsletters, news articles, and features case studies, printed literature, films and podcasts.
“Working with energy beacon and Policy@Manchester communication colleagues led to a blog series which I authored on the consequences of Britain’s withdrawal from Euratom as part of the Brexit process. The initial blog post was also featured in Policy@Manchester’s On Brexit publication. It was cited in a House of Lords evidence submission and I was also asked to contribute an article for Public Sector Focus magazine."
Juan Matthews / Visiting Professor, Dalton Nuclear Institute
"The team has been very valuable in making sure that our work reaches the wider public, especially stakeholders outside the academic community. Their campaigns not only helped increase the profile of our research globally but also provided us with platforms to showcase our work and its potential positive impact. I especially appreciate that they work closely with researchers to ensure that key messages are communicated to different stakeholders and on different platforms."
Dr Angela Mae Minas / PhD Researcher, Tyndall Manchester
Advanced materials
We are the global knowledge base in graphene and 2D materials. Advanced materials allow us to work in the most demanding environments, on the frontiers of the energy sector or inside the human body. Our advanced materials expertise, lab-to-market capability and collaborative leadership are helping to drive growth in regional and national economies.
Contact: James Tallentire – Advanced Materials Campaign Manager
email: james.tallentire@manchester.ac.uk
Biotechnology
We’re leading the European renaissance in biotechnology, finding sustainable alternatives to the finite resources needed to manufacture products that we use every day. Our partnerships with leading companies – including GlaxoSmithKline, Shell, Unilever and Pfizer – are driving the creation of new bio-based chemicals. Our Manchester Institute of Biotechnology is one of Europe’s leading industry-interfaced institutes and won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize award in 2019.
Contact: Enna Bartlett – Biotechnology Campaign Manager
email: enna.bartlett@manchester.ac.uk
Cancer
Our approach to cancer research spans the full spectrum of combating the disease, from understanding the molecular and cellular basis of cancer to the development and testing of novel drugs and other therapeutic approaches. We’re committed to delivering research that transforms people’s lives by improving the evidence base for the treatment and detection of cancer, both in the UK and globally, forging partnerships in Africa and other countries as part of our ‘precision cancer medicine for all’ approach. We’re partners in the Manchester Cancer Research Centre with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Cancer Research UK. This £28.5 million facility brings together leading scientists and clinicians to drive forward progress in understanding cancer. We also have unrivalled access to patients and samples through our work with the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and The Christie, Europe’s largest cancer hospital.
Contact: Kate Tidman – Cancer Campaign Manager
email: Kate.Tidman@Manchester.ac.uk
Energy
Powered by a community of more than 600 energy academics and researchers, our interdisciplinary research spans science, engineering, social science, humanities and medicine to develop pathways to address the biggest energy challenges, in a way that will drive jobs, prosperity, resilience and equality. The work of our energy community influences local authorities, industry and international partners to deliver real-world energy and environmental solutions. Strategic partners include Arup, BP, EDF Energy, Electricity North West, Framatome, National Grid, National Nuclear Laboratory, Rolls-Royce, Siemens and Wood.
Contact: Emma Richmond – Global Inequalities Campaign Manager
email: emma.richmond@manchester.ac.uk
Global inequalities
We’re at the forefront of tackling inequalities – from poverty and social justice, to living conditions and equality in the workplace. More than 300 academics and PhD students at Manchester are working to address the challenges caused by income, health, social, education, gender and other inequalities across the world. The University of Manchester is home to the Global Development Institute with over 60 years of developmental studies.
Contact: Jo D’Angelo – Energy Campaign Manager
email: joanne.d'angelo@manchester.ac.uk
For any general research beacons enquiries, please email Vicky Taylor-Plane, Corporate Campaigns Manager
The team at the Global Inequalities Research Beacon have been a huge help to the Inclusive Growth Analysis Unit in maximising the impact of our final report and conference. Using their expertise in communications and their knowledge of wider University resources and systems, they developed a communications plan for us and also coordinated the process of its delivery, coordinating our activity with that other relevant teams such as Policy@Manchester and the press office. The result was a much more professional, thorough and imaginative job than we could have managed ourselves, and a much less stressful process. And it was a real pleasure working with them.”
Ruth Lupton / Professor, School of Environment, Education and Development