Message from James Evans, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation

19 Oct 2026

In his first eNews leadership message as Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation, James reflects on the strength of our research community and the opportunities ahead. He highlights the importance of collaboration, supporting research talent and making our work more visible, discoverable and influential locally, nationally and globally.

As I write my first introduction for Humanities eNews as Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation, I want to begin by thanking my predecessor Professor Maggie Gale for her fantastic leadership and support over the past few years.

Maggie strengthened our research environment, supported colleagues at every career stage and ensured that Humanities research is central to the University's strategic vision. I know colleagues across the Faculty will join me in thanking Maggie for everything she has contributed and in wishing her every success in her new role as Head of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC).

As we begin a new academic year, we find ourselves at an exciting moment for research across the University. The publication of the Research Delivery Plan provides a clear framework for delivering the research ambitions set out in Manchester 2035 and encourages us to build on our existing strengths while adapting to a changing research landscape.

Delivering together

The Research Delivery Plan sets out ambitious plans to up our research game. Success will require a collective effort from us all – researchers, professional services colleagues, postgraduate researchers and academic leaders working together across our Faculty.

Humanities is already home to world-leading research. Our challenge is not simply to maintain that position but to strengthen it by creating the conditions that enable more excellent research to flourish. Supporting collaboration across disciplines and ensuring that our work reaches the audiences who can benefit from it are two key elements of this.

As we take forward the next phase of Manchester 2035, I am particularly keen that we approach this collaboratively. The depth of expertise, creativity and commitment across our community gives me great confidence in what we can achieve.

Telling our research story

Showcasing and championing Humanities research is an area of significant opportunity for us.

Across the Faculty, colleagues are producing research that informs policy, shapes public debate, enriches culture, supports communities and helps businesses understand an increasingly complex world. Yet the value of our work is not always visible to those outside our disciplines.

Improving research visibility, strengthening researcher profiles and increasing the reach of our publications help us make a difference in the world. Work around citations and responsible research promotion is about much more than metrics. It is about ensuring that excellent research is discoverable, recognised and able to influence audiences both within and beyond academia.

We all have a role to play in telling the story of Humanities research and demonstrating the impact it has on people's lives. By working together to increase the visibility of our work, we can strengthen our reputation, expand opportunities for collaboration and ensure that our research reaches the widest possible audience.

Supporting excellence

We are fortunate as a Faculty to benefit from a wide range of opportunities that help researchers develop new ideas, put together ambitious projects and deliver major pieces of work.

This autumn we are launching the Simon and Hallsworth Research Accelerator to support research excellence and foster innovation across Humanities. Along with our other schemes, we are putting thought into how we provide opportunities for colleagues to develop their work, establish new partnerships and pursue research with the potential to achieve significant academic and societal impact.

I would encourage colleagues to explore the opportunities available through the Faculty's funding and development programmes and consider how they might support future research plans.

Welcoming our new Fellows

I am also delighted to welcome the newest cohort of Fellows to the Faculty.

Our Simon and Hallsworth and Bicentenary fellowship schemes continue to attract exceptional researchers from around the world, strengthening Manchester's position as a leading destination for Humanities research. The expertise, creativity and fresh perspectives our Fellows bring enrich our research environment and create exciting opportunities for collaboration across Schools and disciplines.

Our Fellowship Academy is building a vibrant and supportive research community making Manchester a world leading place for talented researchers to build their careers, with a range of Fellowship opportunities available.

Looking ahead

Humanities research has never been more important.

At a time when societies around the world are grappling with technological change, global uncertainty, environmental pressures and growing social challenges, our work helps people understand change, make sense of complexity and imagine better futures.

Our research makes a critical contribution to Manchester 2035. It enhances the University's global reputation, attracts outstanding students and colleagues, creates opportunities for partnership and collaboration, and demonstrates the value of Humanities knowledge to society and the economy.

The years ahead will require ambition, adaptability and collaboration. I am excited about the opportunities in front of us and confident that, by working together, we can continue to strengthen Humanities research and showcase its importance locally, nationally and globally.

I look forward to working with colleagues across the Faculty as we take the next steps together.

Best wishes,

James