Newsroom University of Manchester

The Digital Environment Conference 2026: Open Call

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:38:26 +0000

is excited to announce that the presentation and poster submission is now live for !

Interested in presenting your work at The Digital Environment Conference 2026, hosted at SISTER on 1st April 2026? We are looking for individuals to present their research in 15 minute speakers slots, or present their work on a poster board at the event.

Please email Jade at digitalfutures@manchester.ac.uk with your presentation and/ or poster title, and topic or area of research.

Please note that the open call for presentation or poster submissions deadline is Friday 27th February 2026.

Creative 91ֱ�� Showcases Student Research and Celebrates University Collaboration at BEYOND Conference 2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:18:30 +0000

were delighted to once again be a partner of this year’s , engaging with industry leaders, researchers and artists from across the creative sector. The conference provided an opportunity to explore applications of and research into CreaTech and build collaborative links across the UK.

One of the highlights was Professor John McAuliffe, Creative 91ֱ��’s Platform Director, taking part in the panel discussion “Civic, Creative and Cultural: University Collaboration”. The session brought together members of the , including Professor Kirsty Fairclough (School of Digital Arts, 91ֱ�� Metropolitan University), Dr Sam Ingleson (University of Salford) and Professor Wiebke Thormählen (Royal Northern College of Music). Together, they demonstrated how universities are helping to create a more connected, creative and equitable city-region through strategic partnerships and cultural engagement.

Creative 91ֱ�� also invited three PhD students and their supervisors along to BEYOND for their CreaTech Student Research Showcase. The showcase, located among many other exciting product and research demos in the Immersive Futures Lab, featured the students’ PhD research and celebrated the University of Manchester’s vibrant postgraduate research community. These projects show how creative technology can tackle real-world challenges across diverse industries:

- PhD in Electroacoustic Music Composition
Stream of Strings explores embodied music cognition, blending cultural heritage with creative technology to create motion-responsive performances and visual works. The project reimagines the ancient Chinese Guqin as an interactive instrument for live performance and public engagement. She is supervised by .
- PhD in Electroacoustic Music Composition
Data Sonification for Algorithm Behaviour uses sonification, the mapping of non-auditory data into sound, to better understand how optimisation algorithms work. This approach advances mathematical research while inspiring educational tools and musical compositions. He is also supervised by Professor Ricardo Climent.
- PhD in Computer Science
ReflectanceFusion is a neural text-to-texture model that generates editable, relightable materials from text prompts. It enables precise control of physical attributes, producing highly accurate textures for rendering and material design. He is supervised by .

The showcase sparked lively conversations among attendees, with many playing the Guqin virtually via a Leap Motion Controller and others listening to the beats generated by algorithms being solved in real time. Not only did the students get to practise their pitching skills, but they also found partners for onward collaboration and learning. It was great to see how the next generation of researchers and business partners can come together and seize opportunities for R&D.

More content from BEYOND 2025 will be shared soon, but to get an idea of the atmosphere at this special conference.

New study exposes how conspiracy theories go mainstream across Europe

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

New pan-European research has shown that the spread of conspiracy theories across the continent is driven by a continuous feedback loop between media reporting, political rhetoric, protest movements and social media algorithms - not any single cause.

The involves 14 researchers from across Europe, and it has examined how conspiracy theories take shape differently in the UK, German-speaking countries, the Balkans, the Baltics, Slovakia and Poland. Their findings highlight that conspiracy narratives reflect the political cultures, histories and social tensions of each region, meaning that approaches to tackling them must be tailored rather than imported wholesale from elsewhere.

A key theme across the reports is the feedback loop that enables conspiracy narratives to circulate. Even when politicians or media outlets refer to a conspiracy theory to debunk it, the resulting attention helps it spread further via social media amplification and mainstream exposure. This blurring of online and offline spaces allows fringe ideas to influence political rhetoric, as seen in Europe-wide variations of the “Great Replacement” narrative.

The research also explores how conspiracies evolve in response to local concerns. In the UK, anxieties around Covid-19 restrictions fed into narratives about “15-minute cities”. In German-speaking countries, stigma around conspiracism has pushed much of it to the online sphere. In the Baltics and the Balkans, the legacy of foreign occupation, conflict and surveillance shapes suspicion of elites and fuels a sense of victimhood. Conspiracy theories in Poland and Slovakia frequently target gender and LGBTQ+ rights, often influenced by US culture-war narratives.

The reports identify a lack of evaluation of initiatives designed to counter disinformation. Some fact-checking and NGO efforts themselves become targets of conspiracist suspicion, undermining trust and the stability of their funding. Nevertheless, media literacy campaigns, debunking and fact-checking each have a role to play when adapted to national contexts.

In the UK, the REDACT team argues that the current Online Safety Act does not go far enough. Unlike the EU’s Digital Services Act, it does not explicitly address health misinformation, election-related disinformation or AI-generated content, leaving gaps in the regulation of systemic risks.

Ultimately, the project concludes that tackling conspiracy theories requires more than closing individual online channels. Efforts must address the structural political and social conditions that allow conspiracist narratives to flourish, as well as the business models that incentivise sensational content. The researchers urge a move away from simply asking why the public lacks trust, towards making institutions genuinely worthy of trust.

91ֱ�� highlights rise of ‘authoritarian peacemaking’ and its implications for Ukraine

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

As Donald Trump’s White House places huge pressure on Ukraine to sign a peace deal, a team of experts has published a new study examining what they describe as a worldwide shift towards “authoritarian peacemaking” - a model of conflict resolution shaped not by international institutions or liberal democracies, but by authoritarian and semi-authoritarian states whose interests lie in control, influence and geopolitical advantage rather than long-term solutions.

The study, set to be published in journal Washington Quarterly, traces how traditional peacemaking - rooted in international law, rights and negotiated compromise - has been eroded over the last two decades. According to the authors, the Iraq War, the post-9/11 security paradigm and growing global competition have weakened the norms that once governed international conflict resolution. This has opened space for powerful states to broker deals that prioritise strategic gain over accountability or the wishes of the affected population, as seen in the Ukraine peace plan drawn up by the USA and Russia.

The research draws on the concept of “Revisionist Conflict Management,” a framework relying on transactional bargaining, economic incentives and top-down deals that freeze conflicts rather than resolving their causes. The authors argue that these patterns are increasingly visible in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa - and now in Europe too.

The findings have particular resonance for the current efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The proposals floated by the USA give greater weight to Russian territorial “realities on the ground”, and involve conversations where Ukraine’s role is more limited than expected for a state whose sovereignty is at stake. This reflects concerns highlighted in the research - that peace deals in the current climate risk being shaped by external actors, not those living with the consequences.

The study compares this dynamic to earlier conflicts where authoritarian or centralised governments acted as mediators while pursuing their own agendas. In the authors’ view, this risks creating “victor’s peace” arrangements that halt fighting but entrench dominant states’ interests, leaving questions of justice, accountability and democratic legitimacy unresolved.

The researchers note that public opinion in Ukraine remains strongly opposed to ceding territory, and that Ukrainian society continues to insist on a settlement that restores borders and addresses wartime abuses. The tension between these expectations and geopolitical pressure, they argue, is emblematic of the broader global transition their study describes.

“By examining the Ukraine case through this lens, our research offers a wider warning about the international system - as global power becomes more fragmented and traditional norms weaken, the nature of mediation itself is changing,” said Oliver Richmond, Professor in International Relations, Peace & Conflict Studies at The University of Manchester.

HCRI Anthropologist Recognised with Top Feminist Scholarship Award for Groundbreaking Work on Kashmir

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:49:38 +0000

, Lecturer in Disasters and Climate Crisis at the , has won the Gloria Anzaldúa Book Prize for his monograph,

Widely regarded as one of the highest honours in the field of feminist studies, the prize is named in tribute to renowned Chicana poet, feminist theorist, and writer Gloria Anzaldúa. It is awarded annually to groundbreaking monographs that significantly advance multicultural feminist research, particularly within Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

The National Women’s Studies Association announced the award at its annual conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November.

The jury described the book’s contributions as follows:

“Atmospheric Violence: Disaster and Repair in Kashmir offers incredible insights and invitations as we take up [the author’s] question: ‘how we can operate in ways that warp the distance between the academy and community, expert and subject, story and theory, life and poetry’? [The] generous, incisive, beautifully written and visual work informs a lyrical and generative text that is disobedient to the colonial disciplines of extraction normalized in the infrastructure of knowledge production. Atmospheric Violence enriches the depth of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality studies in [its] offering of rich and complex ethnographic scholarship that continually asks readers pause and reframe the role of the researchers, modalities of living and erasure, and the ever-present question of the politics of our location before we can even fathom a response to ‘Who Can Stand with Kashmir?’ [We] thank [the author] for inviting us to pause and delve into these rich scenes of an otherwise.”

This is the fifth international award the monograph has won since its release last year.

Research calls for “sportswashing” rethink amid FIFA Peace Prize rumours

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

As global attention turns to rumours that FIFA may award a new “Peace Prize” to US President Donald Trump later next month, new research has argued that public debates about politics and sport need far more nuance than the familiar narratives of “sportswashing” allow.

Two new open-access journal articles by Dr Vitaly Kazakov have challenged popular assumptions about how political actors use sport to shape global opinion - and, crucially, how media and audiences participate in that process. Taken together, the studies offer a timely rethink at a moment when sport’s symbolic power is again colliding with international politics.

The first article, published in , revisits the now-ubiquitous term used to describe attempts by authoritarian governments or international organisations to launder their reputations through sport. Dr Kazakov argues that the concept is often taken for granted, treated as a straightforward description of elite and always effective narrative manipulation rather than a complex, contested and historically recurring phenomenon.

The research identifies what Dr Kazakov calls a “normative trap” - a tendency for public commentary, policy analysis and even some academic work to embed moral judgements into the concept of “sportswashing” omitting important aspects of analysis. This, he suggests, can obscure the very dynamics the term is meant to illuminate.

“As debates continue about how meaningful FIFA’s new Peace Prize will be, and who it might be awarded to, it’s more important than ever to understand how narratives about sport take shape and impact political and social life around the globe,” Dr Kazakov said. “If we treat ‘sportswashing’ as a fixed label rather than a process involving media coverage and audience interpretation, we risk misunderstanding why these stories resonate - and who they actually influence.”

His second article, published in the , goes further by examining how information is circulated, authenticated and emotionally charged through sport. Using Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup as a case study, the article applies a five-part “disinformation lifecycle” model developed by The University of Manchester’s Professors Vera Tolz and Stephen Hutchings alongside Dr Kazakov and Dr Sofia Tipaldou from Panteion University, Greece.

The model highlights how political messaging around sport evolves over time, crosses borders and adapts to different languages and cultural contexts. It also emphasises the active role played by journalists and global audiences, whose emotional investments in sport can amplify both criticism and celebration.

“These studies show that sport doesn’t just transmit political messages - it transforms them,” Dr Kazakov added. “Media organisations, fans, NGOs and policymakers all contribute to how ideas about politics, morality and identity circulate around major sporting events.”

The research offers a pointed reminder that, in an era where symbolic gestures from global sporting bodies can carry enormous political weight, understanding the mechanics of narrative formation is essential. Debates around sport, reputation and political power are set to continue - and this work provides a crucial framework for interpreting them.

Post-Covid school attendance crisis is hitting disadvantaged children hardest

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:01 +0000

Experts from The University of Manchester are warning that school attendance across England still hasn’t recovered for many children since the pandemic - and the gap between rich and poor pupils is growing.

Their findings are the latest in the , which calls for urgent action to help every child stay in school and thrive.

The data shows that:

- Children with Education Health and Care Plans are seven times more likely to miss more than half their school sessions.
- Pupils on Free School Meals are four times more likely to have severe absence.
- Suspensions are nearly four times higher for pupils with special needs or living in poverty.

“Too many children are being failed by a system that doesn’t meet their needs,” said Professor Caroline Bond, who co-led the research alongside Dr Luke Munford.

The researchers say progress on attendance since the pandemic has been slow - and for some children, things are getting worse. They’re calling for a joined-up approach that brings together schools, families and community services. This could include:

- Family Hubs which offer early help, advice and activities to support school readiness
- More flexible routes through education, like apprenticeships and internships
- Enrichment activities, mental health and careers support to support pupil’s broader engagement with learning
- Stronger relationships between teachers, pupils and parents
- Involving young people in decisions to increase their sense of belonging and safety

“Every missed day of school means a missed opportunity,” said Baroness Anne Longfield, founder of the Centre for Young Lives. “This research shines a light on the urgent need to fix attendance and make sure every child gets the education they deserve.”

The Child of the North campaign is a partnership between the N8 Research Partnership and Health Equity North which brings together universities across the North of England - including 91ֱ��, Leeds, Durham, York, Lancaster, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle - to push for fairer futures for children across the North of England.

“If we want to give every child a fair start in life, we need to fix attendance - and that means fixing the barriers that stop children from feeling they belong in school,” said Professor Mark Mon-Williams, who leads the campaign.

University of Manchester hosts unveiling of 2026 BRIT Awards Trophy

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:28:59 +0000

The University of Manchester proudly hosted the unveiling of the official 2026 BRIT Awards trophy design at the University’s , marking a major cultural moment as the BRITs prepare to be hosted in 91ֱ�� for the first time in their history.

The trophy, designed by internationally acclaimed 91ֱ��-born designer was unveiled during a special event celebrating both the city’s creative heritage and the University’s role as a hub for arts, design, music and performance. The University of Manchester’s , home to the renowned - the UK’s first large-scale, dedicated collection for the preservation and study of popular, counter- and youth culture - helped frame the significance of the occasion.

At the event, attended by fashion, music and drama students from across the University, guests witnessed the first public reveal of the iconic trophy and took part in an in-depth Q&A with Williamson. The conversation, led by , Head of Collections, Teaching and Research at the John Rylands Library, offered students and attendees unique insight into the designer’s creative process, his career journey, and what it means to see the BRITs come to his home city.

Williamson’s design draws deeply from 91ֱ��’s identity. Crafted in amber-toned resin reminiscent of the golden honey of the worker bee, the city’s enduring symbol of resilience, the trophy sits atop a globe representing the global reach and influence of British music.

Heather Cole from the John Rylands Research Institute and Library added: “It was a privilege to host Matthew Williamson and introduce our students to the creative thinking behind this year’s BRITs trophy.

At the John Rylands Library, and through the British Pop Archive, we are committed to preserving and celebrating the cultural movements that shape British identity. Seeing a 91ֱ��-born designer lead this new chapter of the BRIT Awards resonates strongly with our mission, and it was inspiring to give students direct access to such an influential figure.”

, taking place on Saturday 28th February at 91ֱ��’s , marks the first time the ceremony will be hosted outside London. This year’s trophy places 91ֱ�� and the University, firmly at the centre of the BRITs’ new era.

Matthew Williamson joins a distinguished list of creatives who have shaped the BRITs trophy, including , , , , , , , . Each year, the BRITs commission a leading artist to reinterpret the iconic statue, ensuring it remains a dynamic symbol of British creativity.

As the BRIT Awards begin their first-ever chapter in 91ֱ��, the University’s involvement underscores its commitment to celebrating and fostering the city’s rich cultural landscape while offering transformative experiences for its students.

Scientists learn to see the hidden world beneath our feet - from the sky

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000

A new study by Dr Angela Harris from The University of Manchester and Professor Richard Bardgett from Lancaster University has revealed that scientists can now detect the hidden world of microbes living in the soil - from the air.

Published in , the research shows that detailed airborne images capturing many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used to predict the abundance and diversity of microbes that live in the soil beneath plant canopies. This offers a new way to monitor soil health and biodiversity.

Soil is the most biodiverse and complex habitat on Earth, and the microbes that live in it - tiny bacteria and fungi that recycle nutrients, store carbon, and keep ecosystems healthy - are fundamental to a healthy planet. Yet, because they live underground, they are notoriously difficult and expensive to measure across large areas.

Recent research shows that the types of plants growing in an area and their traits - such as how fast they grow or what their leaves are made of - can strongly influence soil microbes. What was not known until now was whether these relationships hold up to predict the abundance and diversity of microbes across different ecosystems.

In this study, researchers used airborne sensors that record light far beyond what the human eye can see. Because these sensors capture hundreds of narrow wavelength bands, they reveal fine details about plant leaves and canopies, such as their chemistry, structure, and overall health.

By combining this rich spectral information with field measurements of soil microbes and plant traits collected across the continental United States through the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), the team found strong links between plant canopy reflectance and the types and diversity of microbes living in soil.

“The chemistry and structure of plant leaves, which determine how they reflect light, are tightly linked to the conditions of the soil they grow in,” said Dr Harris. “Because plants and microbes often respond to the same environmental factors - like soil nutrients or climate - we can use what’s happening above ground to predict what is happening below.”

Importantly, the study showed that full-spectrum hyperspectral data - which captures far more detail than traditional satellite imagery - performed far better than simpler vegetation indices such as NDVI. This suggests that upcoming hyperspectral satellites, including the European Space Agency’s CHIME and NASA’s Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) missions, could transform how we monitor soil health on a global scale.

Beyond advancing ecological science, the research could provide vital tools for tracking soil carbon storage, monitoring land degradation, and supporting sustainable land management in the face of climate change.

“This research opens up a powerful new window into Earth’s hidden biodiversity, providing a way to map and monitor soil biodiversity at large scales in a cost-effective way,” said Professor Bardgett.

New study questions the success of town’s billionaire-led revival

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:11:00 +0000

Once known to locals as “Bish Vegas” for its bustling pubs, bars and nightlife, Bishop Auckland in County Durham is now at the centre of a very different story.

New research from Dr Saskia Warren at The University of Manchester has revealed how the town’s economic decline and cultural transformation have been shaped by an unusual form of philanthropy - and why this raises pressing questions about power, accountability and fairness.

Dr Warren’s study, published in the journal, investigates the multimillion-pound regeneration led by City of London financier Jonathan Ruffer. Through his charities The Auckland Project and 11 Arches, Ruffer has poured private wealth into the town, launching attractions including the Spanish Gallery, the Faith Museum and the large-scale historical pageant Kynren. His vision is to reinvent Bishop Auckland as a heritage-driven tourist destination.

But Dr Warren’s findings suggest this approach, while headline-grabbing, has not solved the deep problems faced by local people. Bishop Auckland’s town centre remains in visible decline, with shuttered shops and limited job opportunities.

Young residents told local consultations they wanted affordable restaurants, music festivals and free access to Auckland Castle. Instead, much of the investment has been directed into cultural assets that charge entry fees and appeal to visitors from outside the region.

The research highlights a critical tension - philanthropy can bring money and attention to struggling towns, but it also risks concentrating power in the hands of wealthy individuals whose interests may not align with community needs. In Bishop Auckland, Ruffer owns or controls many central buildings, from pubs to heritage sites, effectively reshaping not only the landscape but also the town’s identity.

This model - described by Dr Warren as “evangelical philanthrocapitalism” - mixes religious values with capitalist investment. While it promises moral renewal and economic revival, it echoes a Victorian-style paternalism where elites decide what is “good” for society.

Residents are encouraged to volunteer in cultural projects, but in an area facing poverty and unemployment, unpaid labour can deepen inequalities rather than resolve them.

Dr Warren also points to risks of instability. Disputes between Ruffer and Durham County Council over control of government “levelling up” funds have made headlines, with the philanthropist even threatening to withdraw his estimated £50,000 a day of financial support. This raises fears about what happens if such private investment is suddenly pulled from a town that has come to rely on it.

Her research challenges the idea that philanthrocapitalism alone can fix the social and economic damage caused by austerity and industrial decline. Instead, it calls for more democratic decision-making, fairer regional distribution of cultural funding, and careful scrutiny of how wealthy donors shape public life.

New commissioned report calls for national strategy for older prisoners as numbers reach record high

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

A major , in partnership with , is calling for an urgent national strategy to support the rapidly expanding population of older prisoners in England and Wales. With people aged 50 and over now representing 24% of the prison population according to the most recent report of the Chief Medical Officer (), and four times as many people over 60 in custody compared with 2002, the report highlights the vital need for age-responsive practice across the prison estate.

These findings come as growing evidence shows that older prisoners are often assigned unsuitable activities or excluded from them altogether, resulting in disengagement from the prison community and long periods spent in their cells. As sentencing patterns mean more people are ageing behind bars, the report emphasises that the structure and purpose of daily activities have become central to maintaining wellbeing, dignity, and a sense of meaning to the time spent in prison.

The report stresses that improved staff awareness and training with respect to older prisoners must underpin any system-wide response. With a greater understanding of age-related health conditions, mobility limitations, and psychosocial challenges, prison staff can play a crucial role in enabling access to what the report emphasises as ‘meaningful’ activities. The report includes a practical toolkit designed to support officers and managers in adapting to the distinct needs of an ageing population.

Drawing on diaries, interviews, and ethnographic research with prisoners aged 50 and over across Category A, C, and D prisons, report co-authors, , , and , of the , The University of 91ֱ��, explore what makes activities meaningful to older people in custody. The report sets out practical, evidence-based recommendations for prisons nationwide.

Across the study, participants highlighted that learning new skills and activities supporting autonomy would foster personal growth and a sense of control. Exercise, especially spaces dedicated to ages 50+, would benefit physical and emotional well-being. Being given responsibility through meaningful roles would add to a sense of value, and supportive peer conversations were seen to be crucial to countering isolation and maintaining community. Many participants also expressed concerns about reduced interaction with staff as a result of high turnover and increasing administrative pressures.

Building on these findings, the report outlines recommendations across five core principles:

Recognition: Develop regular forums for older prisoners to share insights, and create structured pathways, such as peer mentoring, skills banks, and volunteering programmes, allowing them to contribute to prison life in meaningful ways.
Responsibility: Expand opportunities that build autonomy and purpose, including gardening schemes, animal-assisted programmes, self-catering initiatives, and facilitated group cooking sessions.
Recreation: Reframe social and recreational engagement as essential to a healthy prison regime. This includes establishing designated age-friendly spaces, weekly clubs, shared memory activities, and carefully designed intergenerational events.
Stimulation: Provide more opportunities that foster curiosity and dialogue, such as guest speaker events, prisoner-led seminars, and reading groups.
“Staying in the Game”: Equip older prisoners to remain connected to the modern world through IT literacy training, budgeting workshops, and tailored exercise programmes that promote long-term wellbeing.

These findings make clear that meaningful activity is not a luxury for older prisoners; it is a lifeline and something essential for reintegration and resocialisation upon release. By embedding recognition, responsibility, recreation, stimulation, and connection at the heart of prison regimes and interactions, the system can ensure that growing old in custody does not mean growing invisible. These changes are essential because they offer not just a novel perspective on old age, that is not just linked to health and vulnerabilities, but also gives emphasis to the importance of nourishing those features which are so essential to reintegration into society, thus building continuity rather than rupture between the time spent in prison and release.

This study is part of funded by the .

Access the full report:

Voices Beyond Borders: connecting students in 91ֱ�� and Gaza

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:57:25 +0000

After overcoming significant challenges, such as accessing a reliable internet connection in a warzone, students in Gaza and 91ֱ�� have been learning together, and supporting each other through an intercultural exchange project run by The University of Manchester.

The Voices Beyond Borders project provides mutual academic and professional learning for Chinese students studying on our MA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in 91ֱ�� and for younger female students learning English (English for Academic Purposes) in Gaza.

The two cohorts met initially over Teams, before being paired up for weekly one-to-one catch-ups via messaging or video calls, with group-to-group meetings every few weeks. These communications not only allow both parties to support each other’s English language development, they also allow both parties to connect on a human level through intercultural interactions.

As part of the programme, students are carrying out discussion and writing tasks, including considering communication in a changing world. Reflecting how the students are connecting on a human level and gaining a deep understanding of each other's experiences, one of the 91ֱ��-based students, Leo, wrote following his conversation with his Palestinian partner, Iman:

Voices Beyond Borders builds on a history of collaboration between the 91ֱ�� Institute of Education and alumni based in Palestine going back over twenty years. To ensure the programme is culturally sensitive, it has been co-produced with input from Palestinian and Chinese alumni alongside British academics.

Taghreed Al-Masry, who graduated from our MA TESOL degree in 2008, lives in Gaza and has worked through the war to coordinate ongoing learning opportunities for young women in Gaza who are missing out on education due to the conflict. Shaimaa Samara is a refugee teacher from Gaza now living in 91ֱ��. She was a student on the MA TESOL degree in 2024/25 and is helping to deliver the project in 91ֱ�� alongside Jing Wang, a Chinese graduate who completed her interculturally-focused PhD at the University this summer. The project is led by Richard Fay, Reader in Education, and Susan Dawson, Lecturer in Education, who are both based in the .

After the first project session, Richard said:

“Seeing the photos from the classroom in Gaza as students gathered for the first Teams call, we get a real sense of the student excitement for the project. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in the value of intercultural collaboration. We can already see how this project can build on the great resilience of our counterparts in Gaza, and their desire to create a future for themselves.

“We can also see the high levels of interest and commitment from our TESOL students as they take on roles and responsibilities additional to, but feeding off, their studies. Understanding and being able to respond and be sensitive to different cultural backgrounds through pedagogy is an important part of advanced teaching practice. This programme gives our students hands-on experience with a culture that is different both to that of their home country and of the country they are studying in.”

Voices Beyond Borders has been supported with funding from the Faculty of Humanities and School of Environment, Education and Development Social Responsibility programmes. It will continue through the 2025-26 academic year.

Stronger communities linked to better health, new study finds

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:30:00 +0000

New research from The University of Manchester has found that areas with higher community resilience experience better health - including lower rates of drugs, alcohol and suicide deaths - even when those areas face significant deprivation.

The study tested a new “Community Resilience Index” which measures how well local areas can withstand long-term pressures such as economic hardship, poor housing and inequality. Unlike traditional deprivation scores, it focuses on the strengths of a community - things like local infrastructure, social connection, opportunities and stability.

The team analysed data from 307 local authorities across England. They looked at five health measures - deaths of despair (including alcohol-specific deaths, drug-related deaths and suicide), cardiovascular disease, COVID-19 mortality, excess deaths during the pandemic and people’s self-rated general health.

Their findings, published in the , showed that areas with higher resilience scores had lower rates of deaths of despair, lower cardiovascular disease mortality and more residents reporting good health. These patterns remain even after accounting for deprivation, meaning that resilience offers extra insight into why some communities stay healthier than others.

One of the most striking discoveries was how resilience interacts with deprivation. In the poorest areas, resilience appeared to make the biggest difference. For deaths of despair in particular, communities with higher resilience had lower rates compared to equally deprived areas that lacked the same local strengths.

Interestingly, the index did not predict COVID-19 mortality or pandemic-related excess deaths - the researchers say this may reflect that some aspects of resilience – such as good transport links, mobility and strong social connectedness – can increase exposure risk during fast-moving infectious disease outbreaks.

The team believes their findings could help shape future public health policy. While deprivation measures like the Index of Multiple Deprivation will remain key tools, resilience-based measures may help councils and national bodies identify communities that need support - not just because of what they lack, but because of the assets they can build upon.

The researchers hope the index will be used alongside deprivation indices to guide investment in social infrastructure, voluntary sector capacity, community spaces and local connectivity.

The arts can transform young people’s wellbeing and deliver big economic returns, study finds

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:50:25 +0000

A new study led by The University of Manchester’s #BeeWell team and PBE (formerly Pro Bono Economics) has found that artistic activities can dramatically improve young people’s wellbeing - with effects equivalent to the happiness boost that unemployed adults experience when moving into work.

, based on the Factory International Schools Programme (FISP), compared students who took part in a creative intervention with a control group who did not. It found that creative pursuits like poetry, photography and music composition can help teenagers express themselves, build confidence and reconnect with learning - all while offering significant value for money.

The findings come at a critical time. The UK has the lowest levels of youth wellbeing in Europe, with one in four young people reporting mental health difficulties by the age of 19. However, school funding for arts subjects continues to decline, leaving many children - especially those in disadvantaged areas - without any access to creative opportunities.

FISP, run by Factory International, worked with 181 pupils across five Greater 91ֱ�� schools, including those facing barriers such as low attendance or financial hardship. Over ten months, professional artists led workshops in schools, using different art forms to help pupils explore big themes. Examples include collaging to examine 'What is power?' and photography to explore 'My stomping ground.'

The results speak for themselves - the study found that taking part improved young people’s life satisfaction scores by 0.6 points on a 10-point scale, a change comparable to one of the most powerful wellbeing boosts possible – a move from unemployment to employment. Using Treasury-approved methods to put a monetary value on wellbeing, this is worth almost £10,000 per young person.

The programme delivered an estimated £7 in benefits for every £1 spent, which shows that arts engagement is as good for the economy as it is for the mind.

Behind these figures are some powerful personal stories. Alexa, a Year 9 student who moved to the UK recently, used to shy away from sharing her ideas. Through the programme, she found her voice - writing poetry, mentoring younger students and dreaming of becoming a writer.

Brian, another participant, faced a turbulent year after his mother’s illness. Through music, photography and collage, he found a safe space to express emotion and rebuild confidence. He’s now on a scholarship studying Sports Science, and is determined to use his creativity to help others.

With arts subjects continuing to decrease in school timetables, the research provides compelling evidence for policymakers to rethink how creativity is valued.

“This analysis meaningfully contributes to the body of evidence on investing in arts and culture as an investment in young people’s future,” said Dr Maliha Rahanaz, author of the report. “Every young person deserves the chance to imagine, create and belong.”

Supporting the academic journey with the launch of The Fellowship Academy

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:26:24 +0000

Over 30 new research fellows gathered at 91ֱ�� Museum to take part in the launch of The Fellowship Academy within the Faculty of Humanities. Designed to provide wrap-around support to our exceptional intake of research fellows, the Fellowship Academy offers an annual Humanities focused programme of development for the first time.

The Faculty has a broad range of fellowships including those of the University’s own , the and . The aim is to ensure that new fellows are well settled into the University and can engage with all of the support available as well as contribute fully to our research culture.

Associate Vice Dean of Research and Professor of Geography comments: “The Fellowship Academy provides a fantastic opportunity to ensure that every fellow has a fantastic experience and provide them with pathways in terms of engagement across our centres, institutes and research groups, as well as build a community to enhance the sharing of good practice and experiences.

, Vice Dean for Research added: “This is a brilliant innovation that has been developed by listening to our previous cohorts and ensuring that we co-design support that is relevant and applicable to their needs. I’m really delighted to have one of the largest cohorts of humanities fellows in recent years. I’m looking forward to spending time with our fellows across the next three years.”

To apply for fellowships or learn about the Faculty of Humanities funding opportunities please visit our Funding & Fellowships webpage.

New report calls for comprehensive overhaul of UK counter-terrorism policies

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:06:22 +0000

The University’s is among 14 experts who compiled the of the Independent Commission on Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, which was published today by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law.

The report is based on extensive research and evidence from over 200 experts, practitioners, policymakers, academics and community representatives.

Professor Pilkington’s remit was to scrutinise the evidence around the Government’s Prevent programme - which aims to identify and rehabilitate people at risk of radicalisation - drawing on her research expertise in youth engagement and the societal drivers of extremism.

Referrals to Prevent increased markedly after 2015, when it became a legal duty for teachers, social workers, nurses and other frontline professionals to report people they believed to be at risk of being drawn into terrorism or extremism. Referrals jumped from a few hundred a year before 2015, to an average of 6,458 per year since 2015 and to a record number of 8,517 in 2024-25.

More than two thirds of these referrals were for concerns that had no - or no clear - ideological dimension, meaning that a counter-terrorism intervention was not an appropriate response. Almost half of referrals were for children aged 11-17, and a third had at least one mental health or neurodivergence condition.

“It should constitute one element of a broader, more holistic and better resourced multi-agency safeguarding approach that addresses diverse drivers of violence and to which individuals are referred via a ‘big front door’,” Hilary added.

The Commission sets out 113 recommendations to modernise the UK’s counter-terrorism framework and strengthen its fairness, focus and accountability.

The report concludes that while the UK’s counter-terrorism system remains world-leading, it has grown complex and overbroad. Key reforms are needed to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and rooted in democratic values. As well as the recommendations concerning the Prevent programme, it also recommends that the government:

Narrow the legal definition of terrorism, ensuring clarity and proportionality.
Reform proscription powers, introducing time-limited reviews and stronger parliamentary and judicial oversight.
Tighten terrorism offences, ensuring prosecutions are fair, proportionate, and grounded in clear intent.
Restore equality in citizenship law, limiting deprivation powers and ensuring fair treatment under the law.
Invest in social cohesion, recognising that inclusion and trust are vital to long-term security.

New study shows AI enhances teacher development

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:01:00 +0000

Research from the offers vital early insights into how AI tools can be responsibly and effectively embedded into teacher training. The preliminary findings from year 1 of the three-year longitudinal pioneering research project explore the integration of generative AI in primary teacher education, centred on the use of (TMAI) within the University of Manchester’s Primary PGCE programme.

Despite early concerns about over-reliance on AI, initial findings indicate that trainee teachers demonstrated a critical, creative, and context-aware use of the technology. The study revealed that AI can actually enhance, not diminish, professional judgement, resourcefulness, and contextual sensitivity when supported by clear guidance and reflective practice.

Building on the University of Manchester’s ‘Outstanding’ -rated PGCE programmes - 2011, 2018, and 2024 -, teacher training at the 91ֱ�� Institute of Education continues to lead innovation in the field. With AI becoming deeply embedded in young people’s lives, it’s essential to prepare future teachers to navigate and shape its role in education and society.

Most trainees used AI to generate lesson materials, such as activities, model texts, prompts, and visual resources, rather than relying on it for full lesson planning. Importantly, many trainees demonstrated strong contextual judgement, adapting AI-generated content to suit the specific needs of their pupils, and used the tools to extend their creative capabilities rather than replace them.

Emerging themes from this early stage of the project include the importance of context awareness, the potential for AI to support workload management, and the need for strong professional judgment in evaluating and adapting AI outputs. The research also identified the development of prompt engineering skills and critical fact-checking as essential components of effective AI use in teacher education.

The next phase of this research will involve the collection of AI-generated prompts and outputs, enabling researchers to track usage trends and assess the long-term impact of AI on teacher development. The research team – Liz Birchinall, , , , , , and - also see a key opportunity for universities to collaborate with schools to help bridge the gap between innovative research and everyday classroom practice.

Embedding AI into teacher training at The University of Manchester is already delivering real benefits for the local community. Each year, approximately 8,400 children across Greater 91ֱ�� are taught by PGCE trainees on placement, bringing high-quality, AI-informed teaching into local classrooms. On average, 80% of our graduates secure teaching roles within 20 miles of the University, making the programme’s impact lasting, local, and growing.

This work also contributes to a broader national and international conversation about how education systems can respond to and shape the rapid evolution of generative AI. As the research continues, The University of Manchester remains committed to helping shape a future in which AI enhances the quality, ethics, and creativity of teacher education.

This study was funded by the Flexible Learning Programme at The University of Manchester.

Access the report on FigShare:

Call for Interest opens for 2026 Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:24:42 +0000

The University of Manchester has announced the Call for Interest for lightning talks and research posters for its upcoming international conference, , taking place 9 - 10 June 2026.

Hosted by the , this hybrid event will bring together educators, researchers, students, policymakers, and technology specialists from around the world to explore the intersection of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), equity, and accessibility in higher education.

As AI technologies transform the way universities teach, assess, and collaborate, the conference will provide a critical forum to examine who benefits from these changes and who risks being left behind.

“Generative AI is reshaping higher education in powerful ways, but the real challenge is ensuring it supports all learners,” said , Principal Investigator and Lead Conference Organiser.“This event will focus on how we can design, use, and govern AI systems to make higher education more equitable and inclusive.”

Exploring the future of inclusive AI in education

Through keynotes, interactive discussions, lightning talks, and poster presentations, the conference will address questions at the heart of educational transformation:

How can AI be designed to support diverse learners and reduce digital divides?
What ethical and policy challenges must institutions confront?
How can collaboration between educators, technologists, and students ensure GenAI promotes inclusion rather than inequality?

The conference themes include:

Stakeholder perspectives on GenAI for equality and inclusion
Inclusive design and implementation of AI tools
Pedagogical innovation for diverse learners
Policy studies on GenAI for inclusive education
Student and staff voices on AI and equity

Call for Lightning Talks and Posters now open

The organising committee is inviting proposals for:

Lightning Talks (in-person): Short 5 - 7-minute presentations reflecting on practice, policy, or research around GenAI in higher education. Proposals may highlight best practices or share honest accounts of challenges and lessons learned.
Research Posters (online or in-person): Posters exploring the relationship between AI, accessibility, and inclusion in higher education. Submissions are welcome from all disciplines and especially encouraged from students, early-career researchers, and those foregrounding underrepresented perspectives.

Submission information

Deadline for submissions: 20 December 2025, 23:59 (GMT)
Notification of decisions: 31 January 2026
Submission form:
For further information, please contact: , Email: skye.zhao@manchester.ac.uk
Organising team: Dr Skye Zhao, , , and
Further details: (PDF, 143KB)

About the Conference

As part of the University’s commitment to equitable innovation, will create a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration across research, policy, and practice.

The event will highlight both opportunities and challenges presented by the rapid rise of GenAI in higher education, addressing issues of ethics, accessibility, data governance, and inclusion.

“We want to open space for creative and critical conversations about AI’s role in shaping the future of learning,” added Dr Zhao. “This conference is about ensuring that innovation goes hand-in-hand with equity.”

The conference will take place in person at the , University of Manchester, with online participation available for global accessibility.

Social gender norms deepen elderly care burdens for Thai women

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:45:08 +0000

As Thailand has experienced a rapid increase in its elderly population, a new study published in has found that “social gender norms” - shared beliefs about how “altruistic” women or men should be in society - are overburdening women in the country with elderly care.

Alongside Dr Minh Tam Bui from Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand and Professor Ivo Vlaev from the National University of Singapore, The University of Manchester’s Dr Katsushi Imai analysed national time-use survey data covering over 70,000 Thai adults to see how men and women care for their elderly family members. The study shows that women offering elderly care spend 2 to 2.5 hours on unpaid elder care each day - far more than men.

This imbalance is partly due to the social norm about how “altruistic” women or men should be in society. In many communities in Thailand - particularly in rural areas - this social norm often forces women to be more altruistic than men as caregivers, because men are supposed to work outside. In areas with stronger gender norms, men spend much less time on elderly care than women do. Dr Bui emphasised the importance of digging deeper into the roots of caregiving inequality:

“We all know that there is a persistent gender care gap - women carry more of the burden in childcare, elder care and household work nearly everywhere in the world - but the underlying reasons for this are often understudied. We wanted to find out why and how this happens by looking at social gender norms around altruistic behaviour.”

“We found that women swap paid work for elderly caregiving, but men do not. This unequal division of care responsibilities can lead to gender gaps in employment and wellbeing, and is worrying in terms of achieving both equality and efficiency in Thailand,” she added.

The research team urges policymakers to recognise the value of unpaid elderly care, allocate more budget for long-term care insurance, and introduce nationwide campaigns to encourage men to engage in family care duties. This would help the country achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality by offering critical insights for building more equitable care systems and behavioural change in ageing societies.

The study informs a process that takes place in many countries worldwide where women are overburdened with care responsibilities. As populations age and family structures change, how societies value and share care work may become one of the defining social issues of the century.

The authors also raise concerns over the discontinuation of the Thai national time-use survey by the National Statistical Office. They advocate for its urgent resumption, stressing that time-use data is critical for understanding gender inequality, strengthening the care economy, and helping the government monitor its progress toward the SDGs. Without such data, key dimensions of unpaid care work remain invisible in policy design and economic planning.

Buddhist spirituality could transform modern mental health care, study finds

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:06:46 +0000

A new study from an expert at The University of Manchester has found that ancient Buddhist wisdom could help address growing social and emotional challenges created by modern life and the pressures of today’s mental health systems.

The research by trainee counselling psychologist Minwoo Kang, which has been published in , calls for a re-thinking of how spirituality can be understood and used in psychotherapy.

Kang’s work suggests that Buddhism offers much more than meditation or mindfulness - it provides an ethical and spiritual framework that can help counter the individualism and stress often driven by neoliberalism.

“Mindfulness has become popular in workplaces and therapy rooms, but it is often stripped of its deeper spiritual roots,” Kang explains. “When used only as a productivity tool, it risks becoming part of the very system that causes people distress. Buddhism, in its full context, reminds us of compassion, interconnection and humility - qualities that modern mental health care needs more than ever.”

Kang’s paper proposes a new approach he calls “Buddhism as method.” This framework uses Buddhist teachings such as impermanence, conditionality and relativity to critically examine the ways mental-health practice can unintentionally reinforce social injustice and individual blame.

Drawing on his own experiences of growing up in South Korea and training in the UK, Kang explores how spirituality can serve as both a personal and social force for change.

“Spiritual growth isn’t just about inner peace,” he says. “It can also inspire collective action - challenging racism, materialism and the climate crisis by helping people recognise their deep connection with others and with the natural world.”

The study highlights that Buddhist principles - like the understanding that everything is interconnected and constantly changing - can encourage psychological therapists and researchers to adopt greater self-awareness, compassion and ethical reflection in their work.

It also argues that spirituality can empower individuals to resist the sense of isolation and competition fostered by consumer culture.

Kang hopes his research will inspire future psychologists and psychotherapists to look beyond Western, medicalised approaches to therapy and to embrace more holistic, inclusive perspectives.

The University of Manchester is globally renowned for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. We are a truly international university – ranking in the top 50 in a range of global rankings – with a diverse community of more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries. Sign up for our e-news to hear first-hand about our international partnerships and activities across the globe.

NGOs can serve communities better by listening more, researchers say

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:15:00 +0000

A new study has shed light on how international charities and non-governmental organisations can better serve some of the most marginalised people in the world - by learning to truly listen to them.

Dr Sofia Yasmin from The University of Manchester’s Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School and Professor Chaudhry Ghafran from Durham University looked at how a major international NGO delivered a clean water and sanitation project in two of Pakistan’s poorest urban communities - one Christian, and one Muslim.

The team spent time on the ground, talking with local residents, community leaders and NGO staff. Their aim was to understand how accountability - the idea that organisations should answer to the people they serve - works in practice in places where poverty, religion, gender and social class all intersect.

“What we found was that even within poor communities, people don’t experience aid in the same way,” said Dr Yasmin. “A Christian minority neighbourhood, for example, faced a deeper level of exclusion and was grateful simply to be seen, while another Muslim community - though still poor - felt able to challenge and question the project. These differences really matter if we want development to be fair and inclusive.”

The study - published in the - revealed that while NGOs often talk about “community participation,” decision-making can remain tightly controlled by donors and distant managers. Projects are frequently governed by strict budgets and performance targets, leaving little room for flexibility or for local people to shape outcomes.

Yet the study also uncovered moments of hope. In one community, trust between residents and NGO workers grew not through slogans or workshops, but through the visible arrival of clean water systems and working infrastructure. “People believed what they could see,” said Dr Yasmin. “Trust was built when promises turned into pipes.”

The paper introduces the idea of “fluid responsiveness” - a call for NGOs to treat accountability not as a tick-box exercise, but as a living, evolving relationship with the communities they serve.

Dr Yasmin hopes the findings will encourage international charities, donors and governments to rethink how they design and monitor conservation projects. “If we want sustainable development,” she said, “we have to stop speaking for people and start listening to them - especially those who are most often ignored.”

Outdated Westminster rules undermine democracy by excluding smaller parties

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:48:26 +0000

The 2024 General Election was one of the most dramatic in British history, as voters turned away from the two traditional giants - Labour and the Conservatives - in record numbers. Thirteen different parties and six independents won seats in the House of Commons, making this the most fragmented Parliament ever.

This trend has continued in the recent Caerphilly byelection, where the Labour and Conservative votes collapsed - but while the ballot box is reflecting a new era of multi-party politics, inside Westminster it is still business as usual for the main parties.

New research published in by Dr Louise Thompson from The University of Manchester shows how outdated rules in the House of Commons shut smaller parties out of key decisions, leaving millions of voters effectively unheard.

“Parliament is still operating as if it were the 1950s, when two big parties dominated,” Dr Thompson explains. “Smaller parties are treated unfairly in parliament’s rules, even though their MPs represent a growing share of the electorate. That creates a real democratic deficit.”

Currently, only the government, the official opposition and the third-largest party enjoy guaranteed speaking time, committee chairs and opportunities to hold the government to account. Everyone else - from the Greens and Reform UK to Plaid Cymru and the DUP - has no such rights.

That means these MPs often spend hours waiting in the chamber for a chance to speak, sometimes never being called at all. Even when they represent national movements like the Greens, or entire regions like Northern Ireland parties, they remain sidelined.

The problem isn’t just symbolic. Without a seat on select committees, smaller parties cannot properly scrutinise new laws. Without guaranteed debate slots, they cannot speak to issues that matter to them. In Dr Thompson’s words, “All MPs are elected equally, but inside Westminster, some are definitely more equal than others.”

At present, smaller parties rely on handshakes and goodwill to be heard. The Speaker sometimes makes space for their questions, and on rare occasions, bigger parties share their committee or debate time - but these arrangements are inconsistent and can be withdrawn at any moment. This patchwork system also favours parties that have good relationships with the big players, while leaving others with nothing. It is, Dr Thompson argues, no way to run a modern democracy.

Her study recommends that Westminster should modernise its rulebook to reflect today’s multi-party politics. She calls for formal guarantees in the Commons’ Standing Orders, giving smaller parties fair speaking rights, seats on committees and access to debates.

She also suggests borrowing ideas from devolved parliaments, such as minimum thresholds for party rights, and promoting more guesting” on committees so small party MPs can contribute where they have expertise. These reforms, she stresses, wouldn’t overhaul the system but would make it more transparent, consistent and fair for all MPs - regardless of their party.

Public invited to open discussion on migration at John Rylands Library

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:20:56 +0000

The Migration, Refugees and Asylum Research Group at the University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute (GDI) is inviting the public to take part in an open and honest conversation about migration.

The event - which will be held at 91ֱ��’s historic John Rylands Library on Friday 14 November from 2-4pm - aims to challenge harmful myths and misunderstandings about migrants and refugees in the UK and the wider world.

At a time when discussions around migration can often be divisive, this event seeks to bring people together. It offers a welcoming space for anyone with questions or concerns about migration to hear from experts, share their views and take part in respectful discussion. The goal is simple - to replace fear and misinformation with understanding and fact-based dialogue.

The event forms part of the , a global initiative that promotes truth, solidarity and the defence of academic freedom. The event will highlight the many ways migrants contribute to the city of Manchester and to communities across the UK and the wider world - from building businesses and supporting public services, to enriching culture and everyday life.

The panel will feature leading voices on migration and social justice including Dr Tess Hartland (The University of Manchester), Professor Anandi Ramamurthy (Sheffield Hallam University) and Professor Jan Nederveen Pieterse (University of California, Santa Barbara). The discussion will be accompanied by live music from Richard Fay and Intercultural Musicking and poetry from Balraj Samrai, adding creative energy to the afternoon’s exchange of ideas.

The event is inspired by the tradition of the “teach-in”, which began in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. These gatherings were created by university communities as spaces to question official narratives, learn from one another, and promote social awareness. The 91ֱ�� event will expand this format into a “teach-in/out”, inviting not just students and staff, but the wider public - ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

While the political climate may have changed since the 1960s, the challenge of misinformation remains. In today’s UK, migrants are too often portrayed as a threat rather than a source of strength and renewal. This event aims to correct falsehoods by offering evidence-based insights and real stories of migration - celebrating diversity and community rather than division.

“Migration is one of the most debated topics in the world today, including in the UK, and is clearly shaping our national dialogue more than ever before,” said Tanja Bastia, Professor of Migration and Development. “This event is about providing a calm and engaging environment where anyone can come to learn, listen and ask questions about migration.”

Everyone is welcome to join the conversation, whether you are a resident, visitor, student, or simply curious about the realities of migration.

To reserve your place, please register on .

School isolation rooms are damaging pupil wellbeing, new study warns

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:43:46 +0100

Children placed in school ‘isolation rooms’ are losing learning time, feeling cut off from their peers and suffering damage to their wellbeing, according to new research from The University of Manchester.

The study, published in the , is the first large-scale investigation into internal exclusion in England and reveals that the practice is far more common - and harmful - than many parents or school leaders may realise. The researchers hope their findings will spark urgent debate among teachers, policymakers and parents about how schools can support pupils to achieve and flourish using alternative approaches to managing their behaviour.

Among their recommendations are methods that are restorative (focusing on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than solely on exclusion) and trauma-informed (recognising that some disruptive behaviour may stem from underlying trauma or adverse experiences). The research recognises the challenges of managing behaviour but calls for the development of alternative approaches.

The team of experts analysed survey data from the #BeeWell programme which included more than 34,000 pupils at 121 mainstream secondary schools across Greater 91ֱ��. They found that one in 12 pupils (8.3%) reported being placed in isolation at least once a week, often spending more than a full school day there.

Isolation - also known as internal exclusion - involves removing a pupil from class for disruptive behaviour and making them work alone or in silence in a separate room. Unlike suspensions or permanent exclusions, there are no national rules on how isolation should be used, or for how long.

Key findings from the research:

One in 12 pupils (8.3%) reported being placed in isolation at least once a week
The average time spent in isolation was 8.5 hours a week – more than a full school day
Even after accounting for behavioural difficulties:
-    Children with recognised special educational needs (an Education, Health and Care plan) were more than twice as likely to be in isolation
-    Children on Free School Meals were more than one and a half times more likely to be in isolation
-    Children who identified as LGBTQ+ were nearly twice as likely to be in isolation
-    Black, Asian and mixed heritage children were more likely to be in isolation than their White British peers
Isolated pupils reported reduced belonging, poorer relationships with teachers, and (for girls) lower levels of mental wellbeing than a very closely matched sample of their non-isolated peers.
Schools with higher rates of suspensions also tended to isolate more pupils, undermining the idea that internal exclusion prevents more serious sanctions.

“Internal exclusion is happening every day in classrooms across England, yet it is largely hidden from view,” said lead author Dr Emma Thornton. “We know that it can provide an effective short-term solution for teachers dealing with disruption in their class, who want to create the conditions for all pupils to thrive. But our findings show that it is disproportionately applied to young people most in need of support, and leads to lost learning, weaker connections with teachers, and in some cases poorer mental health.”

#BeeWell is one of 40 organisations calling for a government definition of inclusion as measurable through data on the amount of lost learning - time spent away from the classroom through isolation, suspension and absence - and through pupil experience data, such as the #BeeWell data used in this study. The Inclusion for All campaign asks that the upcoming Schools White Paper should provide guidance and support schools to continuously improve and reduce the amount of time spent away from classrooms and peers.

“What’s needed is more research and practice-sharing on effective ways to set up internal spaces that are diagnostic, supportive and get children back to class as soon as possible,” said Kiran Gill, CEO of charity The Difference charity. “That’s why The Difference is working with schools across the country to better measure inclusion, and to set up spaces internally to support young people in crisis before their challenges escalate. We’re excited to bring some of those school leaders together with #BeeWell and others at our annual conference IncludED in January to share strategies that are working, as measured by pupils’ own experiences.”

The research is part of the , a major study of young people’s wellbeing in Greater 91ֱ��, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, funded by The University of Manchester and partners including The National Lottery Community Fund.

91ֱ�� hosts leading experts to explore the power of dangerous writings

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:20:52 +0100

Led by The University of Manchester’s in partnership with the the (30 September 2025) brought together leading academics, archivists, and curators to examine how texts - from prisoners’ letters, politicians’ and military men’s diaries during wars, missionaries’ photographic pictures and reports, blogs and tweets, and anatomy controversial books - can empower, unsettle, and endanger in equal measure.

By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, the symposium, co-organised by , and , encouraged participants to share diverse perspectives, uncover new insights, and explore the ethical responsibilities of engaging with these powerful writings.

Across panels and performances, participants grappled with questions of care, responsibility, and solidarity: How do we preserve and share texts that are powerful but can be painful? What duties do researchers and curators hold towards their participants? What about audiences and the broader community – can they be traumatised by what they read too? And how can the voices of the marginalised be honoured without causing further harm?

The programme ranged from suppressed memoirs to protest theatre, to prison blogging and the fragile preservation of refugee diaries. Presentations by and (University of Manchester) explored prisoners’ diaries and the ethical complexities of engaging with them, while international contributors highlighted struggles faced by writers across Europe.

Emphasising the ethical challenges at the heart of the discussions, event organiser, Dr Marion Vannier, Senior Lecturer in , shared:

University of Manchester Modern Languages Academic wins 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prize

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:01:04 +0100

(SALC) at the University of Manchester, has been awarded the in the Languages and Literatures category. The Leverhulme Trust administered awards commemorate the work undertaken by Philip, Third Viscount Leverhulme and grandson of William Lever, founder of the Trust.

The prize recognises the celebrates the achievements of outstanding researchers whose work has already attracted international recognition.

Dr Pulford, who has been awarded £100,000, was selected for his multilingually-grounded ethnographic and historical research in East Asia and the former-Soviet Union. Building on degrees in both modern languages and anthropology, Ed’s work has explored everyday experiences of socialism and empire across national and ethnic borders in different parts of Eurasia. He has published extensively on China-Russia relations and cross-cultural understandings of time, ethnicity and 'friendship', including in two books entitled Mirrorlands (2019) and Past Progress (2024).

Professor Maggie Gale, Vice-Dean of Research, Faculty of Humanities added: “We are extremely proud of Ed and his achievement and look forward to the advancement of his research and impact.”

Professor Anna Vignoles, Director of the Leverhulme Trust, said: “We continue our centenary celebrations with the announcement of this year’s prize winners. The Trust is delighted to support them through the next stage of their careers.

The breadth of topics covered by their research is impressive, from landscape archaeology to biomolecular mass spectrometry, applied microeconomics to adaptable wearable robotics, and pyrogeography to critical applied linguistics. Selecting the winners becomes increasingly challenging year-on-year due to the extraordinarily high calibre of those nominated.

We are immensely grateful to the reviewers and panel members who help us in our decision-making.”

Research shows that land can’t buy security for young Kenyans

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:30:12 +0100

An anthropologist from The University of Manchester has uncovered the hidden struggles of young men on the edges of Nairobi, who inherit land but lack the means to turn it into the financial security they desperately need.

Published in , Dr Peter Lockwood’s research reveals how land ownership in Kenya’s booming peri-urban areas provides young men with a vital safety net - but also traps them in a cycle of dependence and uncertainty.

Through long-term fieldwork in Kiambu County, Dr Lockwood followed the lives of men like Cash, a 28-year-old who inherited three acres after his father’s death. Cash dreams of becoming a landlord, imagining apartment blocks rising from his family land. Yet without money to build, he admits: “I have the land, but it’s not money.”

The research highlights a dilemma faced by many young Kenyans. On one side, inherited land offers security - a place to live, a potential asset and a symbol of adulthood. On the other, without access to credit or investment, it becomes what Dr Lockwood calls a “dead asset” - valuable on paper, but unusable in practice.

Some young men choose to break away from their family land altogether, pursuing work in Nairobi’s informal economy as a way of proving independence. Others remain at home, clinging to their inheritance in the hope it will one day transform their lives. Both paths are fraught with difficulty.

The study also reflects a global concern. As house prices rise faster than wages in cities across the world, young people from 91ֱ�� to Nairobi are being told that property is their route to security. Yet many find themselves excluded from ownership or holding assets they cannot make use of.

“This research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap,” Dr Lockwood added. “It offers the illusion of escape from precarious work - but for many young people, it never delivers.”

The findings shed new light on how land, property and housing shape the futures of young people in rapidly urbanising regions, and they raise urgent questions about inequality, opportunity and the future of work worldwide.

91ֱ�� examines why a third of new teachers quit within five years

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:58:12 +0100

As the government continues to grapple with the challenge of recruiting and retaining new teachers, a new study from The University of Manchester has shed light on why some flourish in the classroom, while others struggle and even leave the profession within just a few years.

The research, which has been published in the , comes at a critical time. England faces a teacher shortage, with pupil numbers rising and more than one in three teachers leaving within five years of starting their careers.

The team, led by Joanne Taberner and Dr Sarah MacQuarrie at the 91ֱ�� Institute of Education, investigated whether personality traits could help explain why some early career teachers (those with fewer than two years of experience) manage the intense pressures of the job, while others burn out.

Surveying 130 new primary and secondary teachers across England - mostly aged between 21 and 30 - the study examined links between personality and “mental toughness,” a skill that reflects how well people cope with stress, setbacks and pressure.

The results were striking. Teachers who scored higher in extraversion (being outgoing and confident) and conscientiousness (being organised and diligent) also scored higher in mental toughness. In other words, those who felt more comfortable socially and were naturally more structured in their approach were better able to withstand the demands of the classroom.

More specifically, one element stood out - social self-esteem, a facet of extraversion. Teachers who felt comfortable in their own skin and believed they were liked by others were far more likely to display mental toughness. This finding, the researchers say, could explain why some teachers adapt quickly to classroom challenges like disruptive behaviour, heavy workloads and accountability pressures.

The study also explored whether “narcissism” may have hidden benefits for teachers. While some previous research has suggested that traits like self-confidence linked to narcissism could help people cope with stress, this 91ֱ�� study found otherwise - the apparent benefits disappeared once social self-esteem was taken into account, indicating the trait offers no real benefit for teachers.

“We often focus on workload and policy pressures when discussing why teachers leave, but our findings show personal characteristics - particularly social self-esteem - play a crucial role in how teachers experience those pressures,” said Dr MacQuarrie.

The implications for teacher training are clear. Helping new teachers build confidence in their abilities and develop strong professional identities could boost their resilience and improve retention. Techniques such as structured self-reflection, mentoring and clear goal-setting may help foster the social self-esteem linked to staying power in the profession.

New model helps supermarkets keep shelves stocked during crises - and go greener

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:06:23 +0100

Supermarket shoppers across the UK are all too familiar with empty shelves when disruption strikes. Whether it was the panic buying of COVID-19, floods affecting deliveries or strikes in distribution centres, the fragility of supply chains has affected most of us in recent years.

In response to this, a team of researchers has developed a new way to help retailers keep goods moving during crises – at the same time as reducing their costs and lowering their carbon footprint.

The study, led by Dr Arijit De from The University of Manchester’s Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School, looked at how distribution networks can adapt when part of the system goes down. Retail supply chains rely on a mix of highly reliable but expensive distribution centres, and cheaper, more vulnerable ones that are more likely to suffer disruption. When one of these vulnerable hubs fails, the impact can cascade through the network, causing shortages, emergency transport costs and spikes in carbon emissions.

To tackle this, the team created a two-stage analytical model. First, they used game theory to understand when warehouses are likely to cooperate and share stock with one another during a disruption. Then, they built an optimisation model that works out how to move goods most efficiently across the network, not only saving money but also cutting fuel use and carbon emissions.

The model was then tested with real-world data from a UK retailer. The results showed that smarter “goods sharing” strategies - where reliable warehouses temporarily cover for disrupted ones - can significantly lower costs while keeping customer demand satisfied. When environmental factors such as fuel consumption and emissions are included, the savings are even greater.

“Events like COVID, floods or strikes show just how vulnerable supply chains are to disruption, said Dr De. “Our model gives companies a practical way to plan ahead, ensuring business continuity during crises while reducing their environmental impact. It’s about designing supply chains that are both resilient and sustainable.”

The research also found that greener, optimised redistribution strategies could reduce fuel costs by up to 30% in disruption scenarios compared to traditional approaches. That means lower emissions, lower costs for retailers, and ultimately fewer shortages for shoppers.

The study highlights practical lessons for UK supermarkets and other retailers facing uncertain times. With climate change expected to increase extreme weather events and global supply chains still under strain, building networks that can flex under pressure will be vital.

The paper, Proactive Logistics-Redistribution Strategic Planning in Response to Facility Disruptions under Contingencies, was co-authored with colleagues from the Indian Institute of Management, National Taiwan University and the University of Liverpool, and is published in the .

Experts from three major cities gather to tackle homelessness

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:39:33 +0100

Local governments from three major cities in Europe and Latin America gathered in Athens last week for a three-day policy exchange tackling one of the most pressing urban challenges of our time: homelessness.

Hosted by the University of Manchester’s Urban Crisis project team in partnership with the Municipality of Athens, the Homelessness Outreach Policy Exchange brought together more than 70 delegates from the Athens Metropolitan Region (Greece), Greater 91ֱ�� (UK), and the Santiago Metropolitan Region (Chile).

The event formed part of a UKRI-funded Future Leaders Research Fellowship based in the Department of Geography at the University of Manchester, titled Participants included representatives from 91ֱ�� and Salford City Councils, Estación Central and Nuestra Casa in Santiago de Chile, and 11 services across the Municipality of Athens. The exchange featured field visits, policy workshops, and collaborative sessions aimed at sharing effective outreach strategies to support homeless populations in rapidly changing urban environments.

Ellie Atkins, Safeguarding Lead & Manager for 91ֱ�� City Council’s Entrenched Rough Sleeper Social Work team showcased their innovative social-work led approach to outreach, while Colin Morrison, Principal Officer for Salford City Council’s Rough Sleeper Initiative, demonstrated the work of their Dual Diagnosis partnership and Out of Hospital Care Model. From Chile, Isabel LaCalle, Executive Director of Nuestra Casa, discussed their people-first approach to outreach, and Camila Ramierz of Estanción Central highlighted the work they do with families experiencing homelessness in the Santiago Metro region.

Maria Stratigaki, Vice-Mayor for Social Solidarity, Welfare and Equality in Athens, opened the public session on 26 September, stressing the need for international cooperation on shared social challenges. The event also welcomed a representative from the British Embassy in Athens and directors of major homelessness accommodation services in the city.

“This exchange is about learning from each other, sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how cities can respond to homelessness in a way that’s both compassionate and effective,” said Dr Cristina Temenos, Principal Investigator on the Urban Crisis Fellowship at the University of Manchester.

“This symposium is an excellent opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience, but also to lay the foundation for an international network of professionals and organizations, one that will continue to communicate, collaborate, and empower one another. The concept of policy mobility, the transfer and adaptation of policies and practices across different contexts, is at the heart of this effort.”
Sotiria Kyriakidou, research associate on the Urban Crisis project and co-organiser of the policy exchange.

The event highlights the University of Manchester’s commitment to global impact through socially engaged research, fostering meaningful partnerships across regions and disciplines.

Life through a lens - how photos unlock the stories behind places

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:30:09 +0100

Research from The University of Manchester has uncovered how something as simple as walking and taking photographs can reveal powerful stories about people’s lives and the places they live.

Published in The Royal Geographical Society’s , the study worked with older residents of Prestwich, Greater 91ֱ�� to explore the memories, emotions and experiences tied to local spaces - from leafy parks to busy high streets. Participants took the researcher with them on journeys, snapping photos along the way and sharing what these places meant to them.

For 67-year-old Paul, a walk through Prestwich Clough brought back vivid childhood memories of exploring ponds, catching tadpoles, and playing games with friends. For others, like Ben and Reg, a trip up a church tower became an opportunity to share stories about community, heritage, and family life. And for George, a wheelchair user, taking the tram into 91ֱ�� highlighted the challenges of accessibility - but also the importance of places like the Central Library café, where he felt welcome and connected.

Dr Amy Barron, from the Department of Geography, led the project. She said: “Places are never just bricks, paths or buildings. They hold memories, feelings, and connections that shape who we are. By walking with people, listening to their stories, and looking at the photos they chose to take, we were able to see how deeply personal and emotional these everyday spaces really are.”

The project was carried out at a time when Greater 91ֱ�� was first starting to work towards becoming the world’s first ‘age-friendly’ city-region, a global initiative designed to make cities better places to grow old. The research highlights why it’s important to listen to the voices of older people - not just through surveys and statistics, but by taking the time to share in their experiences.

The findings show that places carry people’s histories with them. Memories of childhood, family traditions, and community connections live on in familiar landscapes. At the same time, small everyday routines — like visiting a library, volunteering at a church, or walking the dog — show how places help create a sense of belonging and identity.

The research also points to wider benefits. City planners, museums, and community groups could use similar methods to understand how people use local spaces, collect living memories, and bring different voices into conversations about the future of towns and cities.

Focusing on the voices of older people highlights the importance of everyday places and the rich, personal stories they hold. It shows that the places we pass through each day - the park, the market, the church, the tram stop - are much more than just backdrops. They are living parts of our personal and collective stories.

What you study in school can shape your politics, study finds

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:30:46 +0100

Groundbreaking new research led by The University of Manchester has uncovered a significant and lasting link between the subjects young people study in secondary school and their political preferences.

The study, led by Dr Nicole Martin from The University of Manchester alongside Dr Ralph Scott from the University of Bristol and Dr Roland Kappe from University College London, uniquely tracked thousands of English students from adolescence into adulthood.

It revealed that studying arts and humanities subjects such as History, Art and Drama during their GCSEs makes students more likely to support socially liberal and economically left-wing parties like the Green Party or Liberal Democrats.

In contrast, students who studied Business Studies or Economics at GCSE level showed increased support for economically right-wing parties like the Conservative Party. Technical subjects also influenced views, leading to greater support for socially conservative and economically right-wing parties.

Crucially, these relationships between subjects and political support were found to persist into adulthood.

Published in the journal , the research marks the first time such effects have been observed within compulsory secondary schooling, moving beyond studies that traditionally focus on university education.

By combining English administrative school records with a unique panel of adolescents, the study provides compelling evidence on the importance of secondary school subjects for political socialisation during the 'impressionable years' of adolescence.

“Our research demonstrates that education’s influence on our political beliefs is far more nuanced than simply the level of education attained,” said Dr Martin. “The specific subjects that young people take in school - particularly at GCSE - plays a profound role in shaping their political compass. This might be because of the content, or because of different peer groups or role models.”

Madeleine Rees OBE delivers powerful 40th International Peace Lecture at The University of Manchester

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:27:59 +0100

, Secretary General of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, addressed a packed Roscoe Theatre and online audience with a lecture titled The Continuous Struggle: Women’s Rights in the Last Four Decades and the Backlash Against Progress. Drawing on her work with women from Argentina, Bosnia, Syria, and Ukraine, Rees explored how gender justice has evolved in conflict-affected regions and how progress is increasingly threatened by rising authoritarianism, legal rollbacks, and cultural resistance.

Her talk highlighted the urgent need to protect hard-won rights, confront structural violence, and reimagine peacebuilding through a feminist lens. Rees’s reflections were rooted in decades of frontline advocacy, legal reform, and international diplomacy, “We insert ourselves into what we see and learn from existing structures. Male and female binary. History matters, but it’s biased; it’s mainly not women’s views. It’s not that women were written out of history but it’s that women were never written in.”

The lecture examined the pushback against gender and its negative impact on accessing justice, understanding conflict, and addressing its consequences. Rees argued that binary approaches, especially regarding gender, hinder the structural changes needed to end exclusion, inequality, and violence.

The lecture explored what interdisciplinary research is required to shift from a Hobbesian dystopia characterised by perpetual competitiveness and individualism, and to rebuild or establish a shared human connection.

The event marked forty years since former Psychology lecturer formally launched the lecture series. Inspired by staff protests against nuclear weapons at Greenham Common, the series was founded to create space for public dialogue on peace and the future.

, Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies and organiser of this year’s lecture, said:

The lecture was followed by a Q&A and networking reception, bringing together students, researchers, activists, and members of the public.

The International Peace Lecture is hosted annually by the Department of Politics in the School of Social Sciences. It remains a vital space for critical reflection, civic engagement, and global dialogue.

Cheaper, fresher, greener - new research promises lower prices for local food

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:12:38 +0100

A team of researchers has found new ways to make it cheaper - and greener - for small food producers to get their goods to customers.

The study, led by Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School’s Dr Arijit De and published in the journal, looked at how local food hubs can work more efficiently. These hubs act like a central marketplace: farmers and small food businesses bring products to one place, where they are packed and delivered to shoppers.

While this sounds simple, the reality can be costly and environmentally damaging. Many producers operate alone, driving long distances to drop off small loads. This creates more van journeys, higher costs, and - despite being “local” - surprisingly high carbon emissions. Rural farms and food businesses face especially high distribution costs, as longer travel distances and fewer delivery points make transport less efficient.

The research team worked with Food and Drink North East (FADNE), a community business in Newcastle, which launched the ‘Local Heroes’ hub during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. The hub helped over 150 producers - from dairy farmers to craft brewers - sell directly to households.

Using real delivery data, the researchers created a model to test scenarios. The results show that if producers share transport more effectively, they can cut delivery costs and fuel use. Even better, replacing diesel vans with electric vehicles could reduce costs by nearly one-third and slash carbon emissions by up to 70%.

The findings also matter for families struggling with the cost of living. Delivery costs can push up food prices. By making transport more efficient, hubs like Local Heroes can keep food affordable while still supporting small businesses. This is especially important in rural regions, where high logistics costs have long limited farmer incomes and consumer access.

“The North East has some of England’s highest child poverty levels, but also a growing demand for healthy, locally produced food,” said co-authors Dr Barbara Tocco and Professor Matthew Gorton from , Newcastle University. “This work shows how smarter logistics can help more people access it without harming the environment.”

The study also highlights resilience. During Covid-19, when supermarkets ran low on supplies, food hubs were vital to connect farmers directly with households. Strengthening those networks will help communities to withstand future shocks from pandemics, rising fuel prices or climate change.

The researchers hope their model can be used by food hubs across the UK and Europe. With farming under pressure from economic and environmental challenges, small changes in delivery routes and vehicle choices could make a big difference.

The findings build on the team’s previous research which has been shared on the EU’s business advice platform , as well as being raised in UK Parliament questions about and .

New research sheds light on Britain’s forgotten role in the French Resistance

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:25:56 +0100

New research by Dr Laure Humbert from The University of Manchester and Dr Raphaële Balu from Sorbonne University has revealed how Britain’s vital contribution to the French Resistance during the Second World War was largely forgotten in France - and why this silence lasted for decades.

The study, published in French journal as part of a special issue on ‘Les invisibles de la Résistance’ [the invisibles in the Resistance] edited by Professor Claire Andrieu, highlights the many ways British men and women supported the Resistance - from sending secret agents behind enemy lines to working side by side with Free French forces in mobile hospitals - and explores why this contribution was not officially celebrated in the aftermath of war.

One striking example is the story of the Hadfield Spears hospital, a Franco-British medical unit set up in 1940 by American philanthropist Mary Spears and Lady Hadfield, with support from the Free French in London. Staffed by British nurses and doctors alongside Free French medics, the hospital followed the troops across campaigns in the Middle East, North Africa, Italy, and finally France. It treated thousands of wounded soldiers and became a symbol of cooperation between the two nations. But in 1945, just after the victory parades in Paris, the unit was suddenly dissolved. Official recognition never came, and its story slipped into obscurity.

Another case examined is that of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the British service that parachuted around 1,800 agents into occupied France. These men and women risked their lives to arm and advise Resistance fighters, often building strong friendships with local groups. But as liberation came, Charles de Gaulle, keen to re-establish France’s independence, dismissed several of these agents in person. Their contribution, once celebrated in Britain, was gradually erased from French accounts of the Resistance.

The study shows that this sudden “falling-out” in 1944-45 was not only about personalities, but also about sovereignty and post-war politics - the result was a long-lasting “invisibility” of Britain’s role in French collective memory.

While in the UK the exploits of SOE agents became the stuff of books, films and television dramas, and while the Hadfield Spears unit appeared at the BBC, in France these same stories were largely absent from official commemorations.

The Lost Decade: why Australia is playing climate catch-up

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:12:21 +0100

For ten long years, Australia earned an unenviable reputation as one of the world’s climate change ‘laggards’. From 2013 to 2022 its governments weakened environmental rules, cut renewable energy funding and fought against international climate agreements - climate scientists and activists dubbed it the nation’s ‘Lost Decade’.

Now, new research by a group of experts from The University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne has revealed how Australia went from that era of inaction to passing its most ambitious climate law in a generation - and why its transformation still hangs in the balance.

The study published in the tracks how the election of a centre-left government in 2022 sparked big changes. Within months, Australia passed the Climate Change Act, promising to cut emissions by 43% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and reach net zero by 2050.

The government launched plans for 82% renewable electricity by 2030, and pitched Australia as a ‘Renewable Energy Superpower’ thanks to its rich reserves of minerals like lithium and cobalt, which are essential for electric cars and solar panels.

But the researchers warn that this transformation is far from complete. Australia, they argue, is stuck on a ‘dual track’: expanding green energy on one hand, while doubling down on fossil fuel exports on the other. In fact, in 2024 the government unveiled a new ‘Future Gas Strategy’, signalling plans to keep supplying global gas markets well past 2050.

The research highlights that rather than setting bold new directions, the country copies climate policies from elsewhere (like the UK and New Zealand) and has to accept the prices set by bigger economies for its critical minerals. By waiting so long to act, Australia missed the chance to shape the global market.

It also demonstrates the human cost - experts interviewed described how climate scientists and renewable energy experts left the country in frustration, a ‘brain drain’ that left Australia short of skilled workers just as the green economy began to boom.

“Australia’s story is a warning for all countries, especially those heavily tied to fossil fuels,” said co-author Dr Paul Tobin. “Delay now means paying the price later, not only in rising climate impacts like bushfires and floods, but also in lost opportunities for jobs, innovation and global influence.”

“If countries want to shape the future rather than scramble to catch up, they need to act boldly and early. Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about economic competitiveness, national identity and fairness to the next generation.”

The University of Manchester signs Memorandum of Understanding with University of Washington

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:38:59 +0100

The University of Manchester has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the in the US.

The strategic partnership will help to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations in areas such as demography, smart cities planning, business, quantum science, biotechnology, advanced materials, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence. In addition to research projects, the partnership will pave the way for faculty exchanges and support for early career scholars.

The agreement was formally signed by Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International at The University of Manchester and Dr Ahmad Ezzeddine, Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Washington.

Dr Ezzeddine said: “We at the University of Washington are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with The University of Manchester.

“This collaboration between two globally recognized institutions will open new avenues for our faculty and students to engage in innovative research and educational programs that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. It also strengthens the bonds between our universities and communities, helping foster a deeper academic and cultural exchange.”

The University of Washington in Seattle is a leading research institution in the US and ranks 17^th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It is also 25^th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 16^th in the Top US Public Universities and 8^th in the US News & World Report’s Best Global Universities.

Earlier this year, The University of Manchester strengthened its ties to North America by signing a similar MoU with the University of Texas at Austin.

You can read more about The University of Manchester’s global partnerships here.

Research shows cities must do more to support older residents

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:17:13 +0100

To mark the upcoming , a new study from The University of Manchester is calling for cities to do more to support older people who want to stay in their own homes and communities as they age.

The research published in the looks at the idea of ‘ageing in place’ - the policy focus on enabling older adults to live well in their own home and neighbourhood of choice for as long as they wish. While this approach is often seen as positive, the study highlights that many urban areas do not provide the necessary supports to make this a reality.

According to the research team, the pressures of rising inequality, cuts to public services, and the privatisation of spaces in cities mean many older people struggle to access the support they need. Poorer neighbourhoods in particular face declining facilities such as libraries, community centres and affordable housing – resources that are crucial for wellbeing in later life.

“Most people want to stay in their homes as they grow older, but this is only possible if the communities around them are supportive,” said lead author Dr Tine Buffel. “At the moment, too many older residents are left isolated or feel invisible in their own neighbourhoods. We need new ways of organising community life so people can rely on each other, rather than just on families and/or overstretched services.”

The study looked at innovative examples from around the world that could help tackle the problem. These include:

The Village model – neighbourhood organisations run by older people themselves, pooling resources to provide services like transport, home repairs and social activities.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities – areas where large numbers of older people already live, supported by tailored health and community services.
Cohousing – intentionally created communities where residents share spaces and provide mutual support.
Compassionate Communities – grassroots networks that help people facing illness, end of life or bereavement.

Each model has benefits, from reducing hospital admissions to strengthening social ties, but also face challenges such as funding pressures and a tendency to leave out more disadvantaged groups.

The researchers argue that the next step is to think about ageing in place as a collaborative venture – something built on collective action, shared resources and planning with the direct involvement of older people themselves. They also call for urban planning to be less ageist, pointing out that too many urban regeneration projects prioritise young professionals over older residents.

The study concludes that ageing in place can only succeed if communities, councils, charities and older residents work together. Without this, many people risk not being able to live independently, or being “stuck in place” in unsuitable housing and unsupported communities.

Tackling Extremist Misogyny in the Digital Age

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0100

As misogynistic ideologies gain traction online, , Philosophy lecturer at The University of Manchester, is calling for UK policymakers to recognise gender-based ideological violence as a form of extremism under the the UK’s counter-extremism policy.

Dr Popa-Wyatt, who contributed key evidence to the advocating for gender as a protected characteristic, warns that dangerous gaps remain. Her research shows extremist misogyny is not only harmful but organised, aiming to reverse gender equality through coercion, violence, and radicalisation of disaffected young men.

In , Popa-Wyatt defines misogynistic extremism as “content, acts, and practices that enforce patriarchal control through male supremacy, often via dehumanisation, intimidation, and violence.” Her findings distinguish this from everyday misogyny, emphasising the ideological, systematic nature of male supremacy, which uses the rhetoric of domination and coercion to reassert patriarchal control.

Online platforms, particularly incel forums, the manosphere, and influencer ecosystems, were found to have amplified this extremism. Recommender algorithms and generative AI enable the spread of hate content, while figures like Elliot Rodger and Andrew Tate shape a dangerous narrative of male dominance.

To counter this, Dr Popa-Wyatt urges reform of the Prevent strategy to address radicalisation in digital spaces, invest in interventions that offer positive alternatives, and support young people with empowering narratives. This involves developing digital infrastructure and partnerships capable of tackling radicalisation in less-visible online environments.

“When misogyny becomes ideological and appeals to violence, it qualifies as a form of extremism,” states Dr Mihaela Popa-Wyatt. “Failing to address the rise of extreme misogyny with a holistic approach could risk further alienating men and boys into incel spaces.

These recommendations arrive ahead of ’s October 2025 review, which will consider new obligations for tech companies. Dr Popa-Wyatt stresses that gender-based violence must be central to those discussions.

Read more about Dr Mihaela Popa-Wyatt’s and recent research, .

Humanities researchers recognised at 2025 Research Staff Excellence Awards

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0100

Opening the ceremony, , Associate Vice-President for Research, praised the “dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit” of this year’s winners, highlighting their role in driving forward research that resonates both within academia and across wider society.

Research Staff of the Year

From the , was named Research Staff of the Year. A leading voice in urban feminist geographies, Kapsali’s work has introduced new frameworks such as transversal solidarities and critically examined philanthrocapitalism’s role in urban governance. Alongside securing major research grants and publishing in top journals, Kapsali has nurtured a thriving research culture by founding a Feminist Reading Group and mentoring colleagues through collaborative workshops.

Best outstanding contribution to research impact

from the received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Research Impact. Doran’s leadership in organising the brought together over 300 policymakers, practitioners, activists, and researchers from 20 countries. Their work has strengthened links between research and public policy, advancing global debates on age-friendly cities.

Reflecting on the award, Doran shared:

Best outstanding interdisciplinary research

School of Environment, Education, and Development researcher, was recognised for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research for their innovative work on green infrastructure. Li’s NERC-funded project, ‘’, has been cited over 700 times and shaped urban greenspace policy through collaborations with local councils and international partners.

Speaking on the award, Dr Lei Li, noted:

Best outstanding output

Also, from the School of Environment, Education, and Development, received the Outstanding Output award for his publication record and contributions to urban health research. With 21 peer-reviewed articles in just four years, Benton’s work has informed both academic debate and policy, including the ’s evaluation framework for health interventions.

Benton credited 91ֱ��’s collaborative research environment for his success:

From advancing feminist geography to shaping age-friendly policies, influencing urban health frameworks, and integrating ecology with planning, the Faculty of Humanities awardees demonstrated the breadth and societal relevance of Manchester research.

University of Manchester awarded £3m to transform irrigation monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:14:06 +0100

The (MERI) at The University of Manchester has launched a new four-year programme that will transform how irrigation is monitored across Sub-Saharan Africa, boosting food security and climate resilience in the region.

The project, supported by a £3 million grant from the Gates Foundation, will develop national-scale irrigation mapping data and capacity in three countries – Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria – between September 2025 and August 2029.

Expanding and improving irrigation access is vital for climate adaptation and food security across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, most SSA countries lack up to date or reliable information about existing irrigation systems, leaving governments and development actors limited in their ability to target interventions to improve irrigation access, evaluate outcomes of investments, and ensure development is both sustainable and equitable.

The new project – IrrEO: Irrigated Area Mapping Tool Development and Deployment – will leverage advances in Earth Observation (EO) imagery and artificial intelligence algorithms, working with national partners in the three focal countries to co-develop a set of data products, algorithms, and software that enable high-resolution mapping of irrigated croplands both now and into the future.

The project will also work with local research teams to use new irrigation mapping data and tools to understand the barriers and opportunities for irrigation development, highlighting investment strategies that deliver better results for small-scale farmers.

Another key goal is to strengthen the capacity of government agencies and development partners across Sub-Saharan Africa to apply advanced mapping approaches in national irrigation planning. Over four years, the team will conduct training workshops and participatory design session to help overcome barriers to adopt of EO methods and tools in irrigation decision-making and policy.

The University team brings together interdisciplinary expertise in remote sensing, agricultural sustainability, rural development, and data justice. Alongside , the other 91ֱ�� team members include , Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography from the School of Environment Education and Development (SEED) and co-lead of MERI’s newly launched Land and Resource Futures Initiative – and , Senior Lecturer in Socio-Environmental Systems in the Global Development Institute (GDI).

Data privacy push sparks tech surge in US banks

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:54:20 +0100

A new study led by Dr Sarah Zhang from Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School has uncovered how small banks in the United States are reacting to growing concerns about data privacy.

The research published in the shows that when US states announce plans for stronger data privacy laws, small banks quickly boost their investment in IT before such laws are even passed. On average, banks increased their IT spending by more than a third in the year following such announcements.

The study examined 7,251 small banks across the US, using data from 2010 to 2021. The findings reveal that banks are not simply preparing to follow new rules but are also responding to market pressure - in other words, competition from rival banks and the fear of losing customers drive much of the investment.

This shows that banks are aware of how seriously the public takes data security. High-profile cases of data breaches in recent years have damaged trust in financial institutions. When banks move quickly to strengthen their systems, it reflects growing pressure to protect personal information such as names, addresses and account details.

This research also highlights that new rules can change behaviour even before they officially come into force. The effect is particularly strong for smaller banks, which face greater challenges because they have fewer resources. While big banks often already have advanced IT systems in place, small banks are forced to catch up quickly, which can be costly.

Interestingly, the study found that although banks are spending more on IT, the benefits are not immediate. Profitability often dips because of the high costs, and there is little clear evidence that the extra spending reduces cyberattacks in the short term. However, the long-term hope is that stronger systems will reduce risks and build trust with customers.

Although the study focuses on the United States, its findings are highly relevant worldwide. In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has already transformed how businesses handle personal data. The study suggests that even the early discussion of new laws can spark major changes in how companies prepare for the future.

As more countries and regions introduce stronger privacy protections, the study raises questions about how smaller financial institutions will cope with the cost of compliance. While consumers may benefit from improved protection, the financial burden may be felt most by smaller banks, which could in turn affect the services they provide.

The research provides valuable insights for policymakers, banks and the public. It underlines that the debate over data privacy is not only about regulation but also about competition, trust and the future of banking in the digital age.

Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust Combine Support

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:09:58 +0100

and combine support for the Humanitarian Archive Emergency (HAE) project based at the at The University of Manchester in partnership with .

This co-funded initiative responds to a critical shortfall in the digital infrastructure underpinning humanitarian and global health research. With a combined investment of £608k, this 12-month scoping and research programme will mobilise international partnerships, develop rescue mechanisms for endangered datasets, and conduct vital inquiry to establish ethical triage frameworks to safeguard records.

A Unified Response to a Growing Crisis

Recent funding shifts have triggered sharp declines in , including the recent disbanding of , the abolition of , and cuts to Sweden’s , which were essential supporters of the knowledge infrastructure of humanitarian aid.

These funding cuts threaten access to essential records and archives, such as:

Demographic health surveys covering 763 million people most at risk
Records of attacks on healthcare and education
Food security and other essential health-related datasets

Without urgent intervention, decades of digital archives and records that should be held and protected by UN agencies, NGOs, and faith-based organisations risk permanent erasure. This will not only significantly undermine the possibility of conducting future research but also threaten evidence-based operational decision-making and accountability.

Over the next year, HAE will deploy a global coalition of archives and essential records stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive scoping exercise of at-risk archives, records, and datasets. The team will also develop a crowdsourcing tool that serves as a resilient early-warning system using technical processes for digital recovery and preservation.

The research agenda will consider how to address colonial power dynamics in the politics of humanitarian archiving. Their aim is for these activities to culminate in a roadmap for sustainable research infrastructure to ensure long-term preservation and protection beyond this initial phase.

“Preserving Memory Is Preserving Humanity”

, Principal Investigator and co-founder of the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at The University of Manchester, commented:

Collaborative Expertise and Global Reach

The HAE consortium draws expertise from key international stakeholders, from leaders in the academic, NGO, digital preservation and humanitarian sectors. The group will collaborate via a coalition board to ensure the perspectives and expertise of all are reflected in the activities of the initiative.

These stakeholders include:

(storage and redundancy)
and (technical guidance)
, and regional specialists (consultancy and field networks)
(curation and ethics)
(data rescue and access).

For further details on the project, please contact:

Professor Bertrand Taithe, Principal Investigator, HAE, Director of Research, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of Manchester
Dr Stephanie Rinald, Coalition Coordinator, HAE, Research Programmes Manager, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, University of Manchester

91ֱ�� finds no extra benefit from children’s mental health programme

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:30:00 +0100

A new study from The University of Manchester has found that a well-known mental health intervention for children may be no more effective than the usual social and emotional learning (SEL) programmes already being taught in primary schools.

The research, published in the , was led by experts from the 91ֱ�� Institute of Education working alongside colleagues from the University of Dundee and Necmettin Erbakan University in Turkey. After looking at whether Passport: Skills for Life helped to improve children's mental wellbeing, they found that it appeared to make little difference compared to what schools were already doing.

Passport is designed to help children aged 9 to 11 manage their emotions, cope with stress and build good relationships. It includes 18 weekly lessons covering topics like feelings, friendships and handling change.

Teachers who were trained in the programme delivered these lessons in class - the idea was that by helping children to build strong emotional and social skills, it could prevent mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

The study involved over 2,400 children from 62 primary schools across Greater 91ֱ�� and nearby areas. Some schools used the Passport programme, while others continued with their usual teaching.

After closely studying the results, researchers found that the Passport lessons didn’t appear to lead to better outcomes for the children. There was no significant improvement in mental health symptoms, such as internalising symptoms, or in other areas like emotional regulation, wellbeing or bullying. This means that children who took part in the programme were no better off than those who followed the normal school curriculum.

The research team looked into several possible reasons for the lack of results. One idea was that the programme wasn’t different enough from what schools were already doing - many schools in the study were already using other SEL programmes. In fact, almost two-thirds of teachers said they used some kind of SEL teaching before the study even started, and about 60% of the Passport content overlapped with these existing lessons.

“The quality of universal SEL education has significantly improved over the last two decades, meaning new programmes face a higher bar for showing additional impact. This highlights the excellent work already being done in schools to nurture children's mental health," Neil added.

The research also raises questions about whether programmes developed in one country - like Passport, which was originally from Canada - will work the same way in another. Cultural differences may affect how well these interventions work.

The researchers plan to keep studying the data, and looking into whether the programme has any long-term benefits, works better for certain groups of children or is good value for money.

Eviction is a ‘deliberate feature’ of the housing system, says new book

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

A new book by Dr Jessica Field from The University of Manchester has revealed that eviction is a ‘deliberate and enduring feature’ of Britain’s housing system, rather than simply being a consequence of a housing crisis.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent, published by Verso, is a detailed look at the complex history of rented housing in the UK, tracing policy evolutions from the late 19^th century to the contemporary private rental sector. It examines how rental policies and housing structures have historically positioned low-income tenants as vulnerable to displacement, showing that the threat of eviction has long been woven into the design of the housing market rather than arising from occasional crises.

The book offers a compelling and often unsettling look at the persistent reality of housing insecurity for low-income tenants in Britain over the past century and a half. It argues that eviction is not an aberration, but is fundamentally ingrained in the nation's housing system, often masked as progress.

Dr Field uses her own family’s story as the heart of the book, focusing on a housing estate in south Leeds nicknamed “Cardboard City.” This neighbourhood, which was built in the 1950s by the National Coal Board (NCB) to house miners and their families, became home to generations of working-class tenants. It was a close-knit community where neighbours supported one another, socialised as close friends, and raised families.

Eviction charts the path of these homes from state-owned worker housing to privately rented properties, detailing cycles of neglect and financialisation. Despite promises of security, NCB properties - like many council houses - suffered from inadequate maintenance, and were eventually sold off to private speculators for a pittance.

In 2017, the property company that now owned the estate announced plans to demolish the homes and build ‘executive’ houses in their place. This would mean evicting seventy households, many of whom had lived there for at least a decade, including Dr Field’s parents. The residents formed a campaign group, Save Our Homes LS26, and fought hard to save their homes - but despite their efforts, most were eventually forced to leave. Dr Field’s parents were evicted in 2022.

In the book, Dr Field shares how the fight to stop the eviction affected her mother’s health and well-being, and how the loss of their home shattered a once-thriving community. She situates those personal experiences in the long history of renting in Britain, showing how renters have always had fewer rights than homeowners and how evictions have often been treated as inevitable or even for the good of the tenants.

Through a mix of personal storytelling and historical research, Eviction challenges the idea that private renting has ever been a secure or fair option for families – even during the apparent post-war golden era of council house expansion. It also highlights the importance of community, neighbourly support and tenant-led activism and celebrates the achievements of many women-led activist movements over the decades.

"My parents fought for five years to save their community from a mass eviction. They lost, but their story reveals a brutal truth about Britain's housing system. For working-class families, the housing crisis isn't new – it's the enduring status quo”, says Dr Field.

Eviction: A Social History of Rent is available now from .

New research finds that ‘Levelling Up’ left many southern areas behind

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:18:44 +0100

Communities in the South of England were systematically underfunded in the government’s flagship ‘Levelling Up’ programme, according to new research using a Community Resilience Index (CRI) developed at The University of Manchester.

The study, published in , analysed how £8.64 billion of Levelling Up funding was distributed across 307 local authority districts in England. Using a new Community Resilience Index (CRI) to measure need, researchers discovered that while many northern and coastal areas received more than their “fair share” of investment, the South of England was consistently underfunded.

The findings challenge the dominant narrative of a simple “north-south divide” and reveal that southern communities - particularly in inland areas - were frequently left behind in funding allocations.

Only 36.2% of local authorities received support proportionate to their need - the research shows that 30% of Levelling Up funding would have needed to be reallocated to ensure an equitable distribution across the country

“Levelling Up was designed to help all places build on their strengths and reach their potential - yet our resilience-based analysis shows that many southern communities were overlooked in funding allocations,” said Dr Christine Camacho, lead author of the study. “These areas face significant challenges but did not receive the support needed to strengthen their resilience.”

Among the starkest cases was Havant, in the South East, which received just £12.45 per person in Levelling Up support - 94% less than the £200 per person it would have received under a fair allocation model.

By contrast, several northern districts received far more than their modelled “fair share”. Redcar and Cleveland, for example, secured £469.70 per person - more than double its needs-based allocation. The researchers argue that this unevenness highlights deep flaws in the competitive, ministerial-driven allocation process.

The study emphasises that competitive bidding and ministerial discretion meant funding often flowed to areas with stronger institutional capacity, rather than those with the greatest social and economic need.

The researchers argue that without systematic, needs-driven allocation of investment, future regional policies risk repeating the mistakes of Levelling Up - leaving vulnerable communities in both the North and the South behind.

The authors stress that as the new Labour government moves beyond the Levelling Up brand, future place-based policies must adopt transparent, needs-based criteria. The Community Resilience Index, they argue, offers a robust tool for ensuring resources go where they are most needed.

From pubs to plates: 91ֱ�� research shows Britain’s social life is shifting

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:13:07 +0100

A new study by experts from The University of Manchester has revealed a major shift in Britain’s social life, as the number of bars and pubs has dropped sharply in recent years while restaurants have expanded.

The research, published in , examined more than 1100 neighbourhoods across Greater 91ֱ�� and Nottingham between 2002 and 2019. The team found that bar numbers fell by around 35%, while restaurant numbers grew by a similar percentage over the same period

This trend is part of a nationwide pattern. Across the UK, thousands of pubs have closed their doors in the past two decades, with closures accelerating in recent years as rising costs, changing habits and the Covid-19 pandemic hit the industry hard.

The researchers say the shift is driven by younger generations who are drinking less alcohol and increasingly socialising around food rather than drink. “Our findings show a clear generational move away from alcohol-centred venues,” said lead author Jonathan Wood. “Bars are disappearing from many neighbourhoods, while restaurants are spreading into new areas.”

While bars and pubs once dominated high streets and local centres, the study found that many have vanished altogether from large parts of both 91ֱ�� and Nottingham. In 2002, around 43% of Manchester neighbourhoods and 47% of Nottingham neighbourhoods had no bars at all. By 2019, the number of “bar deserts” had increased nearly twenty-fold.

In contrast, restaurants – once concentrated almost entirely in city centres – have grown and spread into suburbs and residential areas. The study shows the likelihood of a neighbourhood having no restaurants fell by at least five-fold during the period

The research also reveals how geography plays a role. Venues are increasingly clustering in central, well-connected areas, often close to retail hubs and good public transport. 91ֱ��’s nightlife, for example, has become more centralised, with popular spots like the Northern Quarter and Deansgate thriving while local bars in outlying neighbourhoods struggle to survive.

By contrast, restaurants have been able to expand further afield, offering more choice in suburban areas. The team suggests this reflects the way people now prefer to spend their leisure time, with eating out seen as a more inclusive and family-friendly activity than drinking.

The decline of pubs and bars has long worried campaigners who see them as vital community spaces. The new research underlines how closures are reshaping neighbourhoods – especially in deprived areas, where pubs once offered affordable social outlets. At the same time, the growth of restaurants may bring new opportunities for local economies, but it also highlights the need for planners and policymakers to adapt to changing consumer habits.

Bad reviews push Airbnb hosts to rethink their positioning, study finds

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:10:15 +0100

A new study from The University of Manchester has revealed that bad reviews often push Airbnb hosts to change the way they position their properties, sometimes with surprising results.

The research, carried out with colleagues from the University of Oxford and the University of Alberta, looked at more than 80,000 Airbnb hosts across major US cities. It found that when guests left negative reviews, hosts were much more likely to switch the category of their property - for example, moving a listing from “loft” to “apartment,” or from “tiny house” to “cottage.”

The study shows that these changes often happen not because hosts are constantly fine-tuning their positioning, but because they are reacting to complaints - in other words, hosts don’t usually rethink how their properties are categorised unless something goes wrong.

“Negative reviews are powerful - they don’t just influence potential guests, but they also make hosts question whether they’ve positioned their property in the right category,” said Dr Karl Taeuscher from Alliance 91ֱ�� Business School, the lead author of the research. “If customers say a listing isn’t what they expected, hosts often switch category in the hope of avoiding more complaints.”

The research found that the effect is strongest in categories where customers have diverse and sometimes conflicting expectations. For example, a “villa” or “loft” may mean very different things to different people, while a “houseboat” or “tent” comes with more obvious expectations. In these ambiguous categories, hosts were particularly likely to reposition their property after receiving poor feedback.

Interestingly, when hosts did make a switch, they usually chose categories that were close to their original one. Few hosts took the risk of moving their property into a completely different type. Instead, they tended to opt for categories that accommodate a wider range of features.

The study highlights how small businesses and individuals, like most Airbnb hosts, often don’t have the time or resources to constantly rethink their positioning strategies - instead, they tend to act only when problems arise.

The findings matter beyond Airbnb. Many online platforms, from Amazon to Etsy, rely on categories to help customers navigate. If businesses use categories that don’t quite fit, it can create mismatches between what buyers expect and what they get. This study suggests that finding the right category requires businesses to be receptive to customer feedback and open to revising their initial choice.

The research, titled Right on Cue? Category-Switching in Online Marketplaces, is published in the .

Professor Gerard Hodgkinson receives lifetime achievement award from British Academy of Management

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:24:08 +0100

Gerard P. Hodgkinson, Professor of Strategic Management and Behavioural Science at AMBS, has been awarded the Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Academy of Management (BAM) in recognition of his various contributions to the field and management research.

About the Richard Whipp Lifetime Achievement Award

The Award is made in memory of Professor Richard Whipp, an outstanding scholar in the field of business and management and former Chair of BAM. It specifically recognises a career within the management field where the beneficiary will have done one or more of the following: enhanced a field of study, founded or effectively led a major national/international academic initiative, or provided unusually effective service to a major professional institution and/or the Academy.

Professor Hodgkinson’s Reflections

Said Professor Hodgkinson: “I’m delighted and humbled in equal measure, to have received this prestigious award, in recognition of my various contributions to research, BAM, and the wider management research community, over the course of the past 40 plus years.”

A Legacy of Achievement

Professor Hodgkinson was made a Fellow of BAM in 2001 and received the BAM Medal for Research in 2021. He is pictured receiving the Richard Whipp Award from Richard’s widow Anne Whipp.

Mentoring programme gives big mental health boost to LGBTQIA+ teens

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:04:37 +0100

A mentoring programme for LGBTQIA+ young people is making a real difference to their mental health, according to new research from The University of Manchester.

The programme delivered by pairs young people aged 13 and over with trained mentors who understand the challenges LGBTQIA+ teens can face. Over regular one-to-one sessions, the mentors offer a safe space to talk, practical advice and support to help build confidence, reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall wellbeing.

LGBTQIA+ young people are more likely to struggle with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression compared to their heterosexual or cisgender peers. Many of these struggles are linked to experiences of discrimination, prejudice or feeling unable to be themselves.

Despite this, there’s been little solid evidence about which support services actually work - until now.

Researchers at The University of Manchester compared the mental health of young people taking part with thousands of other teens from a large wellbeing study. The results were clear: those in Free2B's programme saw a strong and noticeable improvement in their mental wellbeing, much higher than what’s usually seen in similar support programmes.

“Free2B;s programme isn’t just helpful - it’s making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives,” said lead researcher Qiqi Cheng. “We saw real changes in how the participants felt about themselves and their future. Many started the programme feeling isolated, anxious, or unsure of how to cope with the challenges they were facing. By the end, they reported feeling more confident, supported, and hopeful. Programmes like this show that when young people have someone in their corner who understands them, it can completely shift their outlook.”

”The evidence is strong, and it should be part of the conversation on how we help vulnerable young people not just survive, but thrive," Neil added.

The experts say the next step is to study the programme in more detail, looking at whether the benefits last long term and whether it can also help reduce loneliness.

The study was funded by PBE, with wider support from the , The National Lottery Community Fund, and the Greater 91ֱ�� Combined Authority.