And now an upgraded version of the programme called Thumos,  involving small group workshops and a follow-up 1:1 phone or video call with the workshop facilitator afterwards, who is a psychological therapist, is being  trailed. 

The programme aims to equip medical students  with psychological strategies which some people find helpful. 

As the study is a trial, 50% of participants will be allocated to receive the intervention, 50% will not receive the intervention, but all participants can continue to access all other support services as usual. 

All participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and will be reimbursed for their time in completing follow up questionnaires (those which come after the first set/the baseline measurement). 

The 115 students, from medical schools across the UK, completed the original Reboot  coaching programme as part of a study to assess whether it would improve their psychological resilience, depression, burnout and confidence in their ability to cope with stressful work-related events. 

Before, during and after the coaching, the students were assessed in each of these areas.  found that taking part in Reboot was linked with significant improvements in all areas, with fewer students experiencing depression symptoms after they had completed the coaching. 

It was originally designed by Clinical Psychologist Dr Judith Johnson, formerly from the University of Leeds but now from ÿ�մ�����. 

Dr Johnson adapted the programme to fit the needs of medical students. Globally, one in two report high burnout, while one in three experience elevated depression. 

She said: “Until now, most evaluations of supportive interventions for medical students have focused on generic interventions such as mindfulness, stress management training and yoga. These lack relevance for medical students and professionals and there is no clear evidence for such interventions improving depression or burnout among this group. 

“Poor mental health in medical students is a significant problem globally and there is evidence that a significant proportion of medical students intend to leave the profession as soon as they qualify.

“There is also a workforce crisis, with projections indicating a global shortage of around 10 million healthcare professionals by 2030. Anything which can help retain healthcare professionals in their professions is sorely needed. 

“We found reboot supported medical students with work-related stressors, normalising the anxiety which is inherent to training, providing peer-support and also helping medical students develop skills and solutions for the challenges they face and will continue to face as qualified doctors. 

• If you are a medical student in a year involving clinical placements, such as Y4 or Y5 you are eligible to take part in a new study evaluating a supportive programme designed to help students cope with the challenges placements can present. To express interest visit
• For more information, email ThumosTrial@manchester.ac.uk or the Principal Investigator Dr Judith Johnson,Judith.johnson@manchester.ac.uk

This new strategy to 2035 is rooted in Manchester and the North, creating knowledge, innovation and solutions that bring local benefits and scale globally.  

Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of ÿ�մ�����, said: “ÿ�մ����� was born as an answer to a question posed amid the Industrial Revolution: what kind of new knowledge and citizens do we need for our city to thrive in a world undergoing profound change?     

“As we enter our third century, we stand at a similarly pivotal moment. From Manchester for the world means working with our city and region deeply, to develop the ideas and solutions our communities and the world urgently need.” 

Focused priorities for the next decade 

The University’s strategy to 2035 focuses on five areas to go further and faster, driving innovation, skills and good jobs in the region and country, while also addressing global challenges from climate change and growing political polarisation, to social inequalities.  

They are: 

• Flexible, personalised and digitally enabled learning – more personalised, applied and digitally enabled study that fits diverse lives.
• Accelerating the path from research excellence to impact – faster routes from discovery to policy, practice and industry.
• A powerhouse of innovation– translating strengths into start-ups and scale-ups to create inclusive growth.
• The university to partner with – easier routes for partners to work with the University on collaborations that focus on making a difference.
• Digital inside and out – modern, data-driven and AI-enabled services and systems that make studying and collaborating with Manchester simpler. 

These priorities build on firm foundations – the University will remain committed to excellence in teaching and research, values-led social responsibility, its deep civic roots with global reach, and a culture with equity, diversity and inclusion at its heart. 

A preview of what's to come 

The future the University wants to build is already becoming real through key initiatives.  

launched in October 2024 to accelerate Manchester’s innovation ecosystem. The UK needs cities like Manchester to grow faster in socially inclusive ways and Unit M is reshaping innovation at Manchester – integrating expertise and partnerships across the University and transforming how it collaborates with startups, scale-ups, industry, community and government. It is already working with entrepreneurs, industry and civic partners, to tackle challenges in productivity, innovation and growth. 

Through Manchester Online, the University is developing a new platform to deliver teaching beyond the campus. It will help students locally and globally to access a University of Manchester education, building new skills through CPD, short courses, community and employer-responsive programmes, and collaborative projects that strengthen the region and global impact. 

The University is also beginning to build a student experience for the future – more flexible, personal and connected. In partnership with the Students’ Union (SU), the University is making support more inclusive, learning more applied, and university life more responsive.   

The University is also launching its first major fundraising and volunteering campaign to turn strategy into action for the communities it serves by supporting the next generation of students and researchers to tackle the major challenges of our time.  

Leading with purpose 

Professor Ivison added: “Manchester must lead – setting out a clear vision that strengthens our city and region and tackling global challenges. To succeed, we need to face the future together, not as individuals, or isolated teams, but as a community.  

“That is manifested in how we built this strategy: thousands of our students, staff, alumni and partners contributed to the creation of From Manchester for the world. It is not a fixed map for the future, but a framework that allows us to respond to this time of change, while also creating faster paths from discovery to impact, simpler ways to work with us, and benefits felt across Greater Manchester and beyond.” 

Find out more about From Manchester for the world on the University website. 

The report models the potential effectiveness of the Government’s ‘Getting Britain Working’ programmes, showing these savings could be made by the end of this Parliament in 2029 if just 5% of out-of-work people in receipt of Universal Credit returned to work.

The report estimates that:

• Getting 5% of unemployed under-25s back into work would save £903 million.
• Getting 5% of under-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £631 million.
• Getting 5% of unemployed over-25s back into work would save £6.67 billion.
• Getting 5% of over-25s workless due to sickness or disability back into work would save £11.9 billion.

The 5% estimate is based on what happened with the similar New Deal initiatives that happened in the UK in the 2000s. Savings would be made in the form of both reduced benefits spending and increases in tax and national insurance revenue.

The costs to Government of assisting this number of people back into, and helping them stay in, employment could be between £1.5 to £1.9 billion. So that within just two years, the Government could save almost £10bn, meaning every £1 invested in employment support programmes could return between £5.21 and £6.63.

Currently, more than five million people in the UK are out of work and in receipt of Universal Credit - including almost one million people aged 18-24 years who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). 1 in 5 of these young people receive health-related benefits largely for mental health conditions. Ill-health related economic inactivity accounts for over three million claims and is particularly concentrated in the most deprived and deindustrialised areas. As of May 2025, the average household on Universal Credit received £961.63 per month in England.

The report was commissioned and funded by the Work and Pensions Select Committee and produced by Health Equity North with academics from Newcastle University, ÿ�մ�����, University of Liverpool, and University of Glasgow.

The UK government has introduced several return-to-work initiatives over the last 12 months as part of its desire to ‘Get Britain Working’. This includes:

• Creating a new Jobs and Careers Service by merging Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service
• Establishing eight “Trailblazer” areas that receive funding to test local partnerships between the NHS, councils, colleges, and employers
• A Connect to Work programme providing rapid job-matching, training, and in-work coaching
• Embedding employment advisers in mental health and musculoskeletal services, with expanded Individual Placement and Support provision.
• Launching a new Primary Care pilot will enable GPs to directly refer patients for employment support.
• Launching proposals for the Employment Rights Bill and the NHS 10-Year Plan’s, which focus on prevention will further reduce ill health among working-age people.
• The Youth Guarantee for NEETS, which ensures access to apprenticeships, training, education, and tailored job support - including paid work placements for those out of work for more than 18 months.

These schemes replicate previous New Labour successes of the ‘New Deal’ return to work programmes which, between 1997 and 2010, saw a spike in employment across all age groups. This saved up to £2,500 per New Deal participant, with 46% gaining a job and 27% sustaining employment that lasted six months or more.

The report has been submitted as evidence to the Government’s Work and Pensions Select Committee, which looks into the policies and spending of the DWP, including benefits for people both in and out of work.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, said: : “After more than a decade of austerity-driven policies - further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic - levels of ill health and health inequalities have deteriorated across the UK, but particularly especially in deprived areas. As a result, the country now faces significantly higher rates of economic inactivity due to ill health compared with similar economies such as Germany, Sweden, and France. This poses a major economic challenge, contributing to stagnant growth, widening productivity gaps, and increasing poverty and health inequalities. In the past we have seen the value of supportive welfare-to-work programmes, such as the New Deal for Disabled People and New Deal for Young People, which addressed the needs of the whole person in helping them to get into work. It’s imperative that these Government ‘Trailblazer’ schemes are ramped up – if we can get even a small proportion of the out-of-work population working again, we will see extraordinary gains, not only fiscally, but for these individuals, their families and across communities, workplaces, and public services alike.”

Professor Clare Bambra, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at Newcastle University, said: “Constituencies such as East Marsh and Port, Grimsby, Central Easterhouse, Glasgow and Birkenhead Central have around 30% of the working-age population receiving ill health-related welfare benefits. In these areas, life expectancy is 12 years less than the national average. This stark inequality reflects the deep connections between health, work, and place - where decades of industrial decline and underinvestment have left communities struggling with poor health, limited opportunities, and persistent economic disadvantage.

“By embedding employment support within health services and targeting investment where ill health and unemployment overlap, we have a real opportunity to break this cycle. Helping even a small proportion of people in these areas back into good, secure work could have transformative effects - not just for the government and local economies, but for people’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.”

Dr Luke Munford, Academic Co-director of Health Equity North and Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at ÿ�մ�����, said: “When people are supported to stay healthy, skilled, and connected to good jobs, everyone benefits – be it individuals, families, businesses or the economy as a whole. This report highlights the value of investing in people’s health and employability. Even modest improvements in getting people back into the workplace could deliver billions in savings by the end of the decade. These findings show that the Government’s efforts to integrate and embed health and employment can be a huge step towards the economic recovery of the UK.”

Dr Andy Baxter, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow, said: “Employment is one of the strongest determinants of health. When people are in good, secure work, they’re less likely to experience long-term illness, more likely to engage with preventive healthcare, and more connected to their communities. Reducing economic inactivity through health-focused employment programmes provides stability, purpose, and the foundation for healthier, fairer futures. Effective back-to-work schemes are crucial in rebuilding a Britain that is healthy and prosperous, and our research shows that the return on investment potential is huge.”

Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “We’ve seen in the past that well-designed back-to-work schemes can transform lives and deliver real results for both people and the economy. But this time, it needs to be right from the very start - ensuring programmes are properly funded, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of local communities. If the Government can combine effective employment support with investment in health, skills, and opportunity, they have a genuine chance to break the cycle of long-term unemployment and ill health once and for all.”

Read the full analysis ‘Estimating the savings and financial benefits to the UK government of return-to-work for people in receipt of Universal Credit’ here:

This surprising finding also contradicts what scientists previously knew about strongly confined water. showed that confined water loses its ability to respond to an electric field, becoming "electrically dead" when measured in the direction perpendicular to surfaces. The new study reveals the complete opposite in the parallel direction – water’s electrical response rises dramatically, by an order of magnitude.

The study, published in by a team led by in collaboration with , used an advanced technique called scanning dielectric microscopy to peer into water's electrical secrets at the true nanoscale. They trapped water in channels so narrow they held only a handful of molecular layers.

The results are striking: bulk water has a dielectric constant around 80, but when thinned to just 1-2 nanometres, its in-plane dielectric constant reaches values close to 1,000 – on par with ferroelectrics used in advanced electronics. At the same time, water's conductivity increases to values approaching those of superionic liquids, materials considered highly promising for next-generation batteries.

"Think of it as if water has a split personality," explains Dr Fumagalli. "In one direction it is electrically dead, but look at it in profile and suddenly it becomes electrically super-active. Nobody expected such dramatic behaviour."

The discovery required the team to develop ultrasensitive measurement techniques capable of probing water layers much thinner than the skin of a virus and track their electrical response across frequencies from kilohertz to gigahertz – spanning six orders of magnitude.

The research also reveals that confined water exists in two distinct electrical regimes. For channels larger than several nanometres, water behaves like its bulk form, albeit with much higher conductivity. But once squeezed to atomic dimensions, it undergoes a sharp transition into a new "superionic-like" state.

This transformation occurs because extreme confinement disrupts water's hydrogen-bond network, which in bulk is a dynamic but rather ordered structure. At the molecular scale this network becomes disordered, allowing dipoles to align more easily with electric fields and enabling rapid proton transport.

"Just as graphene revealed unexpected physics when graphite was thinned down to a single atomic layer, this research shows that even water – the most studied liquid on Earth – can still surprise us when squeezed to its absolute thinnest”, notes Prof Geim, who previously won the Nobel Prize for graphene research.

The implications extend far beyond fundamental science. Insights into water’s electrical properties at the nanoscale are crucial not only for physics and chemistry but also for technologies ranging from advanced batteries and microfluidics to nanoscale electronics and biology.

“Our study changes how we should think about water," adds Dr Fumagalli. "The most ordinary substance on Earth has extraordinary talents that were hidden until now."

This research was published in the journal Nature.

Full title:

DOI:

Drs Laura Fumagalli and Andre Geim are available for interview on request.

Images and more information about water research can be found at www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk

The is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at ÿ�մ�����, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field – a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by £13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

The app-  called Cerina – uses the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) -  which affects a significant number of students, studies show.

The peer reviewed study, sponsored by IT4Anxiety-  a partnership between Cerina Health  and Ulster University and funded by the European Commission, is published in JMIR  mhealth and uhealth

A sample of 158  Ulster University students with mild to moderate GAD symptoms were randomly allocated to either an intervention group of 79 or to a wait-list control group of 79

The wait list group would still have the opportunity to complete the intervention following the study and were offered to optional on-campus wellbeing services during the study period.

The intervention group had direct access to Cerina and followed CBT-based interactive sessions for 6 weeks.

All participants completed online self-reported assessments on anxiety, depression, worry, and usability at three time points.

When they completed the intervention, they were invited to an online interview to understand the implementation of the intervention in more depth.

In the intervention group, 13% dropped out and 61 % completed 2 sessions -  the minimum required. 12% completed 6 or 7 sessions.

The students who completed 2 or more sessions, when modules on worry starts,  showed significant improvement in GAD, worry symptoms and functional impairment. The greater the engagement, the greater the impact on worry symptoms

When they  re-ran analyses for all participants including those who dropped out or were lost to follow-up, the significant improvements on GAD symptoms maintained. There was also  marginally significant improvement in worry symptoms.

Participants who completed their assessments, argue the researchers engaged better with the app, completed more sessions including the ones focusing on worry, and benefitted more.

Lead author Dr Ozlem Eylem-Van bergeijk from ÿ�մ����� said: “University students can sometimes be vulnerable to generalised anxiety disorder because the rigours of academic pressure and financial uncertainty, let alone the issues young people often go through when they leave home for the first time.

“But despite the need for treatments the availability of  psychological services is patchy for students.

“And perceived stigma, long waiting times, service availability can restrict access to treatment.”

The study was managed by Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk, and the Ulster University study team led by Prof. Gerard Leavey. ÿ�մ����� participant recruitment took place at Ulster University campuses from April 2023 until April 2024.

She added: “Our results suggest that even with limited engagement, Cerina had a meaningful impact on reducing GAD symptoms and modest impact in reducing worry symptoms among participants.

“Our study supports findings from other trials  showing that digital CBT-based interventions are effective and feasible for a wide range of age groups and populations experiencing GAD symptoms-  none the least because they are cheap, accessible and anonymous.

“However, many participants did not complete the recommended number of sessions, highlighting the importance of making the Cerina app even more engaging and user-friendly in future.

“Co-design with users might be a good way  to  test the effects of the technology-driven engagement features such as AI-based chatbot on engagement with longer follow-ups.”

CEO of Cerina Health was involved only during the conceptualization phase of the study to preserve independence. The study was conducted as part of the NWE INTERREG IT4Anxiety project in partnership between Cerina Therapeutics and Ulster University,  supported by the European Commission. The sponsor, Cerina Health, was not involved in writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit it for publication. Dr Eylem-Van bergeijk is also Research Lead at Cerina Health . However, she was then part of the wider project team from Ulster University and the project which ensured study protocols and procedures were peer reviewed and followed.

• A copy of the paper Cerina- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based mobile application for managing GAD symptoms among university students: results from a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial is available . DOI

11 student and graduate founders from across ÿ�մ����� gave compelling 4-minute pitches to an audience of investors, local ecosystem partners, stakeholders, and peers – demonstrating innovative solutions to real problems across diverse sectors. 

They each developed their products and services on the Manchester Venture Builder – MEC's 12-week programme of structured support to help entrepreneurs test and validate their idea, build an MVP and gain real traction on their journey to market-readiness. 

Mohamed Abbas (Venture Builder Manager, MEC) emphasised the importance of collaboration between organisations and individuals in supporting emerging young founders:

After the pitches, startups and guests gathered for the showcase and networking – an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and build connections. 

The ventures showcased were: 

• SpinOr – Compact superconducting quantum computers.
• PeerMatch – Building the platform where humanity's next breakthrough begins.
• AquaMinds – AI-powered early warning system for fouling in water treatment plants.
• Vesta Capsules – Offering safe sleep anytime, anywhere through stackable, weatherproof, and modular pods inspired by Japanese capsule hotels.
• ARDHANN – AI-powered next-gen composite materials for Energy, Space and Defence.
• Gynomics – Harnessing computational biology and machine learning to drive predictive and preventative care in women's reproductive health.
• Ecotrace – Plug-and-play circularity SaaS to extend the lifecycle of consumer goods, improve customer experiences, and help manufacturers meet tightening regulations.   
• Synkit – Wellness app helping employers support female staff through cycle-synced lifestyle.
• Waddle – Spontaneous small-group meetups for students seeking real-world connection.
• UniSights – Platform for Latin American schools to connect students with UK universities.
• TerraIQ – AI-powered farm optimisation platform for smallholder farms to unlock sustainability-linked revenue. 

We would like to congratulate all the startups who participated in the Demo Day for reaching this key milestone and we are excited to follow their growth and continued success. 

MEC is the University’s focal point for enterprise and entrepreneurship, offering opportunities for all current students, recent graduates and staff. Our vision is to create an ecosystem that nurtures innovators and fosters startups, driving global impact. 

You can find out more on our website . If you are interested in supporting our entrepreneurs with your expertise or investment, please get in touch with our team.

The knowledge could reduce the risk of severe bowel complications from radiotherapy, known as rectal toxicity, heralding a more personalised approach to prostate cancer treatment. 

The study, funded by Prostate Cancer UK, is published in Clinical Cancer Research today.(13/10/25). 

The study was led by PhD researcher Artemis Bouzaki from ÿ�մ�����, who is also an honorary researcher at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. 

Her approach is the first study to combine genetic data with detailed spatial maps of where radiation is delivered in the rectum. 

Though scientists have already identified the lower posterior of the rectum as significant for rectal toxicities after prostate cancer radiotherapy, the study is the first to incorporate genetic information into the framework. 

“Rectal toxicity is a significant concern for patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men and  now the most common cancer in England,” she said.

“Although dose guidelines limit the overall rate of rectal toxicity to around 10%, bowel function nevertheless often deteriorates over the course of treatment and beyond.

“Some patients experience severe, persistent complications, such as incontinence, or rectal bleeding, permanently affecting their quality of life.”

The scientists analysed data from 1,293 prostate cancer patients as part of the international REQUITE study, which collected radiotherapy outcomes from 17 hospitals in Europe and the USA between 2014 and 2016.

For each of three genetic variants linked to increased radiation sensitivity, patients were grouped based on whether they carried the variant.

They were analysed alongside dose maps over the surface of the rectum - based on a methodology developed by the team in their earlier work- which showed the risk regions were consistently in the lower posterior rectum.

 The scientists used a special way of analysing 3D image data by looking at it in tiny volume units called voxels, the 3D equivalent of a pixel.

Instead of just measuring overall dose averages in a region, Voxel Based Analysis analyses the data voxel by voxel across the entire image. This allows smaller regions of organs to be identified, where more radiation dose is linked to different treatment side-effects.

Co-author and supervisor of the study, Dr Alan McWilliam from the University of Manchester added: “Our work has revealed that patients with certain genetic variants may benefit from lower radiation doses in those specific parts of the rectum, which could make a significant difference to their recovery.

“However, these findings are preliminary, and clinical studies will be necessary to confirm their safety and effectiveness before any changes are made to standard treatment.”

One reason why the lower part of the rectum may be particularly sensitive is that the higher and lower parts of rectum have anatomical and functional differences which could influence their response to radiation.

The differences play a key role in inflammation and immune response and are likely to be affected by different genetic variants, including the ones analysed by the researchers.

Dr Hayley Luxton, Head of Research Impact and Engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “No two men’s prostate cancers will be the same, and different men will opt for different treatment. We know that radiotherapy is an extremely effective way to treat men with prostate cancer. However, it can have life changing side effects for patients.

“There are two ways to limit the side effects caused by radiotherapy – either through adjusting dosage to account for genetics or by reducing the dose to certain areas of the body.

“For the first time, thanks to Prostate Cancer UK’s funding alongside Movember, the team in Manchester have combined both methods, and can now fine-tune the delivery of radiotherapy based on a man’s genetics.

“The ability to personalise treatment in this way is exactly the direction we want prostate cancer care to head in. This study helps bring us that much closer to making sure the right men get the right treatment, at the right time.”

The paper Integration of dose surface maps and genetic data identifies the lower posterior rectum as a key region for toxicity after prostate cancer radiotherapy, DOI: xxxxxxxxxxxx is available

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 .

The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur called Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the “Sword Dragon of Dorset” is the only known example of its kind in existence and helps to fill an important gap in the evolutionary fossil record of ichthyosaurs.

Thousands of ichthyosaur fossils have been found along the UK’s Jurassic Coast since the discoveries of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning. Yet the discovery of Xiphodracon is the first described genus of an Early Jurassic ichthyosaur described from the region in over 100 years.

Discovered near Golden Cap in 2001 by Dorset fossil collector Chris Moore, the fossil is almost perfectly preserved in three dimensions. The skeleton includes a skull with enormous eye socket and a long sword-like snout. The scientists say the animal would have been about three metres long and would have dined on fish and squid. The remains even show what may be traces of its last meal. It is probably the world’s most complete prehistoric reptile from the Pliensbachian period.

The finding has been described by a trio of international palaeontologists, led by ichthyosaur expert Dr Dean Lomax, an Honorary Research Fellow at ÿ�մ����� and an 1851 Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, in the journal today.

Dr Lomax said: “I remember seeing the skeleton for the first time in 2016. Back then, I knew it was unusual, but I did not expect it to play such a pivotal role in helping to fill a gap in our understanding of a complex faunal turnover during the Pliensbachian. This time is pretty crucial for ichthyosaurs as several families went extinct and new families emerged, yet Xiphodracon is something you might call a “missing piece of the ichthyosaur puzzle”. It is more closely related to species in the later Early Jurassic (in the Toarcian), and its discovery helps pinpoint when the faunal turnover occurred, being much earlier than expected.”

After its discovery in 2001, the skeleton was acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada, where it became part of their extensive collection of ichthyosaurs but had remained unstudied.

Ichthyosaurs from the Pliensbachian (193–184 million years ago) are incredibly rare and makes Xiphodracon a vital piece of evidence for scientists studying the critical but poorly understood time in ichthyosaurian evolution.

Ichthyosaur expert and co-author, Professor Judy Massare, from the State University of NY at Brockport, USA, said: “Thousands of complete or nearly complete ichthyosaur skeletons are known from strata before and after the Pliensbachian. The two faunas are quite distinct, with no species in common, even though the overall ecology is similar. Clearly, a major change in species diversity occurred sometime in the Pliensbachian. Xiphodracon helps to determine when the change occurred, but we still don’t know why.”

Dr Erin Maxwell, a co-author and ichthyosaur expert from the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, added: “This skeleton provides critical information for understanding ichthyosaur evolution, but also contributes to our understanding of what life must have been like in the Jurassic seas of Britain. The limb bones and teeth are malformed in such a way that points to serious injury or disease while the animal was still alive, and the skull appears to have been bitten by a large predator - likely another much larger species of ichthyosaur- giving us a cause of death for this individual. Life in the Mesozoic oceans was a dangerous prospect.”

Collectively, the trio have identified several features in Xiphodracon that have never been observed in any ichthyosaur. The most peculiar is a strange and unique bone around the nostril (called a lacrimal) that has prong-like bony structures.

Dr Lomax, who is the author of the recently published book, “The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs”, said: “One of the coolest things about identifying a new species is that you get to name it! We opted for Xiphodracon because of the long, sword-like snout (xipho from Greek xiphos for sword) and dracon (Greek and Latin for dragon) in reference to ichthyosaurs being referred to as “sea dragons” for over 200 years.”

The new research has been published today in the international journal “Papers in Palaeontology”. The skeleton is planned to go on display at the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada.

Paper title:  A new long and narrow-snouted ichthyosaur illuminates a complex faunal turnover during an undersampled Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) interval

DOI:   

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) is delighted to announce the return of the Female Founders Network this semester, with a special edition celebrating Women in Social Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Women in Business Society. Taking place on Thursday 16th October 2025, the event will recognise women driving positive change through purpose-led enterprise.

The evening will begin by honouring Eve Kekeh, founder of Bundlee – the UK’s first baby clothing rental subscription service – and Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award winner. A highlight of this segment will be the unveiling of a prestigious Purple Plaque, celebrating Eve’s outstanding contributions to innovation and sustainability.

The programme continues with an interactive panel and networking session, exploring the journeys of women building ventures with social impact at their core. The panel features inspiring leaders, including Anita Frost, multi award-winning author and founder of Green Bean Studio, a Manchester-based children’s brand championing education, sustainability, and creativity. Attendees will enjoy networking activities, discussions, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

To attend please register .

You can find out more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) .

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.

The University has retained its spot as 8^th in the UK this year, while dropping three places in the overall global ranking. The university's overall score for teaching and industry also improved when compared to the 2024 ranking. 

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings measure research-intensive universities across all their core missions. 

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of ÿ�մ�����: “We are proud to see our university’s outstanding national and international reputation recognised. However, we also want to continue to improve in these and other rankings. Our new strategy is focused on driving excellence in research, teaching and innovation and for that to bring more benefit to society over the coming years.’  

THE’s World University Rankings are assessed based on 18 performance indicators, grouped into the five areas of teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry. 

ÿ�մ����� scored highest in the international outlook category, highlighting Manchester’s global draw to attracting undergraduates, postgraduates and faculty from all over the planet. A strength which makes the University and the Greater Manchester Region a culturally rich, collaborative and economically impactful partner on the world stage. 

The celebration, in partnership with the University’s music department and  organised by university alumnus James Keirle with  Professor of music Ricardo Climent and his sister Dr Sarah Keirle will take place at 12pm this Friday. 

It is part of a cultural exchange programme which highlights the significance of  grass roots banding culture in both the North of England and East of Spain. 

As part of the visit they will be carrying out a 45 minute march around campus performing instrumental pieces on route and at stopping points along the way. 

James Keirle, a professional musician now based in Valancia studied at the University’s renowned . 

He said: “I'm extremely proud to have trained and performed in the Northern banding tradition. Now we are lucky enough to bring two musical cultures together. 

“Valencia's rich history of symphonic wind band performance perfectly complements the University of Manchester's wonderful brass band.” 

Professor Climent, who is originally from Valencia, said: “The bands of the North of England and East of Spain are an enormous source of pride for local communities.

“This cultural exchange tour will foster new relationships with the Symphonic Wind band of Benimaclet, Valencia and celebrate the cultural power of international banding traditions.”

The banding traditions in the north of England and the Valencian regions share a common history.

Whereas the north's bands represented mines and factories, the Valencian equivalents fought for the rights of orange growers and workers unions.

Both are powerhouses of grass roots music making which made it to the highest professional level of performance.

And both foster rich and unique worlds of new compositions; both regions use competitions to drive their bands to even higher standards.

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 . 

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 study, published in , funded by Wellcome and the Royal Society, definitively confirm the mother’s role as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

Though other researchers have focused on isolated relationships between mother and child, this is the first study of the role that both partners may play in family mental health, both concurrently and over time.

The researchers produced a series of maps - called networks - depicting the way symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents and their children up the age of 16 connect with each other over time.

They based the analysis on data from 3,757 families from the UK Household Longitudinal ÿ�մ����� between 2009 to 2022.

Additional cross-sectional network maps of 8,795 families captured independent associations between family members’ mental health.

While fathers’ emotional state was linked to mothers’ mental health in the cross-sectional analysis, they observed an absence of associations with their children.

However, they reported that fathers’ emotional symptoms may influence children’s well-being indirectly, by affecting maternal mental health.

The longitudinal maps also identified how a mother’s feelings of being overwhelmed affected the child’s emotional state—especially worry, and that children’s feeling of worry cycled back, further affecting her own emotional health.

The influence of maternal emotional health on their children waned as they got older, reflecting how adolescents transfer their primary attachment from their parents to others.

Lead author Dr Yushi Bai from ÿ�մ����� said: “We do know that children’s mental health is formed by, and within, their family through shared genes, nurturing behaviours of caregivers, and sibling dynamics.

“Our study identified mothers, not fathers, as central to the emotional wellbeing of the family unit.

“We suspect that this can be explained by traditional division of parenting roles, where societal expectations often position mothers as the primary caregivers and organisers within families.

“Mothers are typically more involved in child-rearing and spend considerably more time with their children than do fathers, which means they are more likely to influence children’s lives and development.

“Greater exposure to maternal care might also lead children to copy their mother’s coping mechanisms and behaviours.”

Co-author Dr Matthias Pierce from ÿ�մ����� said: “Emotional disorders in young people are not only increasingly prevalent, but also present at early ages, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

“Given the family’s central role in shaping and sustaining mental health, interventions and policies should consider how the family mental health ecosystem operates.

“This study shows the potential value of interventions that aim to support mothers and reduce maternal anxiety, which may have the greatest impact on improving family dynamics and reduce the risk of poor mental health in children.

“We also suggest that the link between fathers’ and mothers’ mental health presents a further potential avenue for alleviating maternal stress.”

• The paper Quantifying cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in mental health symptoms within families: network models applied to UK cohort data  published in MBJ Open is published

• doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104829

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 ÿ�մ����� 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 ÿ�մ�����.

“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, ÿ�մ����� strengthened its ties to North America by signing a similar MoU with the University of Texas at Austin.

You can read more about ÿ�մ�����’s global partnerships here.

The high-tech hearing tests, they say, can efficiently understand human speech from the comfort of your own home, rather than at a hospital clinic, by using AI to screen out background noise.

The researchers developed and tested an AI-powered version of the Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test that combines text-to-speech (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies.

The result was a fully automated, self-administered hearing test that can be performed without clinical supervision in 10 minutes.

The study, funded by a Medical Research Council’s Doctoral Training Partnership grant, could revolutionise the way hearing tests are carried out and is published today  in the journal Trends in Hearing.

Lead author Mohsen Fatehifar from ÿ�մ����� said: “Having tested this technology, we are confident that with the help of AI it is entirely possible to automate a hearing test on a computer or smart phone so it can be done from the comfort of your own home.

“Though we still need more extensive trials and a user-friendly interface, this technology could potentially make a huge difference to patients.

“Specialised equipment in the clinic and the specially trained staff who are needed to use it are not always available to patients who need quick assessment.

“Additionally, people are slow to seek help when experiencing hearing difficulties: there is an estimated delay of 8.9 years between the time hearing aids are needed to the time of their adoption.

“That is why we are excited about the ability of this system to incorporate machine learning into the test procedure to make it less dependent on human supervisors.”

Speech-in-noise tests are commonly used to detect hearing problems by assessing how well someone can understand spoken speech over background noise.

Traditional tests typically rely on pre-recorded human speech and require a clinician to score the responses.

However, the AI-powered version replaces both with computer generated speech and automatic speech recognition, allowing the test to run entirely on its own.

In a group of 31 adults, some with normal hearing and with hearing loss, the AI-powered test was evaluated against two conventional DIN tests.

The researchers assessed both reliability - how consistent results were across multiple runs and validity - how closely results matched a reference test.

Results showed that the AI-powered test gave virtually the same results as the conventional DIN tests.

While there was slightly more variability in some cases - especially in people with a strong accent- the overall reliability and accuracy were the same, demonstrating the addition of AI did not negatively impact test performance.

And by using larger ASR systems, the researchers say the higher accuracy would make the system compatible with stronger accents.

Co-authors Professor Kevin Munro and Michael Stone are from ÿ�մ����� and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Professor Munro said: “This  study highlights how AI can make hearing tests both reliable and user-friendly, particularly for individuals who may find traditional formats—such as keyboards or touchscreens—challenging to use.

“It also marks an important step toward more personalised and accessible hearing assessments that people can complete independently at home.

“The test software will be freely available, providing a foundation for future developments using more advanced speech technologies.”

Professor Stone said: “This research highlights the potential for well-crafted and tested AI to modernise hearing care.

“Our team plans to explore extending this technology to more complex speech tests in future studies.”

We are shocked and horrified by the events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue this morning.  The thoughts of everyone at the University and Students’ Union go out to those affected and their loved ones. 

This holiest day in the Jewish calendar should be a time to come together in peaceful reflection and contemplation, but instead we know many in our community, especially our Jewish community, will be feeling worried and deeply distressed by what has happened. 

ÿ�մ����� will always support and stand with our Jewish community of staff, students and across our city. 

Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, ÿ�մ����� 

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union 

Using sunbeds causes melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly among young people, yet existing sunbed legislation is ineffective and there is little evidence that stricter rules would help protect the most vulnerable, say Professor Paul Lorigan and colleagues. 

Indoor tanning is experiencing a boom in popularity, particularly among Gen Z (born 1997-2012), with social media promoting sunbeds as integral to wellness, they explain. For example, a 2024 survey of 2,003 people in the UK by Melanoma Focus found that 43% of respondents aged 18-25 used sunbeds, half of them at least weekly, with many unaware of the associated dangers. 

And despite a ban on under 18s using sunbeds in England and Wales in 2011, a 2025 survey by Melanoma Focus of 100 UK 16-17 year olds found that 34% were still using sunbeds. 

Neither the number nor location of sunbed outlets in the UK are monitored, point out the authors. Data from websites and social media in January 2024 identified 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with density per 100,000 population highest in north west and north east England and in the most deprived areas. 

The distribution of sunbed outlets also correlates with melanoma rates in young people, with the highest rates in north England, they add. Over 2,600 new diagnoses were recorded annually in 25-49 year olds in England during 2018-20 and 146 deaths, with two thirds of cases in women. 

Regulation has also failed to prevent young people’s use of sunbeds in other countries, they note. For example, the percentage of under 18s using sunbeds in the Republic of Ireland has barely changed since stricter regulation in 2014, while Iceland’s 15-17 year olds are now the main users of sunbeds despite a ban for under 18s in 2011. 

The current situation in the UK is “a clear example of an under-regulated industry aggressively marketing a harmful product to a vulnerable population,” they write. “An immediate outright ban on commercial sunbeds alongside public education offers the most cost effective solution to reduce skin cancer, save lives, and ease the burden on the NHS.” 

To counter the economic impact of banning sunbeds on providers and communities, they suggest use of a buy-back scheme “to mitigate industry pushback and the potential effect on livelihoods.” 

They conclude: “The UK government has pledged to prioritise prevention and to reduce health inequalities. Commercial sunbeds target those who are most disadvantaged and susceptible to harm.” 

“Enhanced efforts to encourage sun safe behaviours are critically needed but will likely take a generation to have an effect. A ban on commercial sunbeds is the first step in this process. It would send a clear message and have an immediate effect on skin cancer.”

• Analysis: Commercial sunbeds should be banned in the UK  is published in the BMJ doi: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085414 and is available

Published in 1950 during Turing’s time as an academic at ÿ�մ�����, the paper was one of the first on artificial intelligence. It was in this paper that he established the Turing Test, also known as the Imitation Game, posing the question that would shape the modern world: “Can machines think?” 

Today, more than 1,600 Manchester researchers are designing and applying AI to tackle global challenges, transform industries, enhance public services, and improve lives. From advancing breast cancer treatment and improving menopause care to transforming crop productivity in Ghana and tackling online misogyny, Manchester researchers are using AI to deliver positive change for society and the environment. 

To enable this, the University has invested in a world-leading research environment, creating an AI research ecosystem that supports research excellence and accelerates the journey to real-world impact. Capabilities span from the , driving the breakthroughs of tomorrow, to two dedicated units fuelling innovation - the part of , which connect partners to the University’s world-famous talent, ideas and resources. 

Professor Jay adds: “We believe AI should deliver real benefits to business, public services and society. That’s why we’re continually investing in the people, partnerships and platforms that turn bold ideas into transformative outcomes. 

“In every thriving AI ecosystem, there’s a university at its heart. We’re proud to shape the future of AI – for Manchester, the UK and the world.” 

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• AI at Manchester
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Current treatments for asthma largely involve controlling the inflammation of lung tissue using steroid inhalers. However, 4 people die every day in the UK¹ from asthma related complications. With funding from the Medical Research Foundation and Asthma UK, a team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Manchester have investigated the scarring that occurs in lung tissue as a result of asthma and have been able to reverse these changes in animal models.

Although still in the early stages of development, this discovery paves the way for a new way to treat not only asthma, but many different diseases in which similar structural changes in tissues occur. Such diseases include conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver and account for approximately 40% of deaths worldwide.

Asthma affects more than 7 million people in the UK and severe asthma can have a hugely detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life. Even when treated, asthma can be fatal and the most recent data shows it contributed to 1,465 deaths in the UK in 2022¹ – this is despite the availability of new treatments which aim to dampen down inflammation in the lungs.

However, as well as inflammation, asthma also results in what has previously been considered to be irreversible structural lung changes. These changes include making the lungs stiffer and more scarred through increases in things like ‘extracellular matrix collagens.’

Using animal models that share features of severe asthma in people, the researchers found that preventing inflammation alone is not enough to reverse this tissue scarring. Instead, they found that blocking the action of specific protein molecules strongly associated with inflammation and tissue damage, ‘remarkably reversed’ scarring in the lungs. 

Dr Tara Sutherland, Lecturer of Immunology, who led the research at the University of Aberdeen, alongside collaborators at the University of Manchester, explains: “Drugs that inhibit inflammation in asthma are crucial for managing the disease. However, these drugs may not always be enough to prevent and reverse lung damage found in severe asthma.

“Our findings show that we also need to consider that structural lung changes occur in severe asthma and that these changes may occur independently of inflammatory pathways.

“A better understanding of these structural changes and their consequences for lung health could lead to development of new therapies that benefit people particularly with severe asthma and could potentially be used alongside drugs that stop inflammation.

“Although a first step in a long process, our study suggests avenues for new treatments that may have the potential to prevent disease progression and even reverse tissue scarring in asthma and many other diseases where fibrosis due to disorganised matrix formation is suggested to account for approximately 40% of worldwide mortality.”

James Parkinson, Research Associate from the division of Immunology and Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester who collaborated on the project added: “This work adds a new layer to our understanding of how asthma develops. It also reinforces the importance of considering all aspects of airway remodelling when evaluating future potential therapies.”

, CEO of the , said: “Asthma affects millions of people in the UK, including 1.1 million children, yet despite current treatments, too many people still die from the condition every day. Severe uncontrolled asthma can cause lasting damage to the lungs and drastically reduce quality of life. This research is a crucial step forward – showing how we might not only prevent that damage, but even reverse it, opening the door to treatments that could transform lives.

“By supporting studies like this, the Medical Research Foundation aims to generate the evidence needed to change how asthma is treated and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with the condition.”

Dr Ellen Forty, Research Networks and Partnerships Manager at Asthma + Lung UK added:

“Asthma + Lung UK is pleased to have funded this exciting research which has helped to tease apart some of the ways that damage to lung tissue occurs in severe asthma, showing potential that some aspects of the damage could actually be reversed in mice. Now we need to invest in the next stages of this research to better understand this newly discovered process, and whether it works the same way in humans.

“This study offers hope for a new avenue for future treatments for the 7.2 million people in the UK living with asthma, that could supplement existing medicines. It could also have benefits for those with other lung conditions with similar causes of damage. Funding for lung health research is on life support and urgent action is needed to increase investment.”

This research was funded by the Medical Research Foundation and the Asthma and Lung UK Fellowship with support from Medical Research Council and Wellcome.

1: 

The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked closely with the University, the Council, the local community and key stakeholders to secure Reserved Matters Planning Approval for the redevelopment.

Development can progress towards a start based on the finalised design, layout and landscaping plans. Covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, the development will deliver up to 3,300 modern, high-quality student homes, alongside amenity spaces, ancillary residential dwellings and extensive green infrastructure.

A key feature of the scheme is the creation of five distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity inspired by Manchester’s rich cultural, sporting and musical heritage. Sustainability is central to the design, with the project targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will be used to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and accelerate delivery.

Viridis Living also submitted its first application to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025, three months ahead of planning approval. This proactive step supports the consortium’s commitment to fire safety, detailed design and the accelerated delivery of much-needed student housing in the city.

GRAHAM, on behalf of the consortium, has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester, architects Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants Deloitte.

Commenting on the planning approval, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.

“The engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application. Inclusion, accessibility and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK.”

Ben Leech, Managing Director, Investments, Equitix, said: “We’re pleased to see that the next stage of planning approvals for the University of Manchester’s new student accommodation has moved forward at pace. This important project will deliver much needed, high-quality, sustainable housing that keeps student wellbeing at its heart and reflects our commitment to long-term social infrastructure investment.”

Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “Our design draws on the site’s layered history and character—from the rich parkland setting to the careful preservation and relocation of Mitzi Cunliffe’s ‘Cosmos 1’ relief sculpture. The detailed proposals establish five distinct neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of belonging through varied colours, textures, and finishes, with sustainability and wellbeing as unifying threads.

“The new social hub and additional study areas provide a variety of spaces that encourage togetherness and help reduce stress and isolation. We have increased biodiversity through new green spaces and a car-free environment, helping to rebuild the student community at Fallowfield as part of one of the world’s largest Passivhaus developments.”

Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director, Derwent Facilities Management, said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering a transformative scheme for Fallowfield and ÿ�մ�����’s students. We are proud to play a key role in this landmark contract, using our expertise to create a vibrant, sustainable community where students can truly thrive. We look forward to working closely with the University of Manchester and our partners to provide a world-class living experience that meets the evolving needs of students and the wider community.”

Enabling works are progressing ahead of the main construction programme, which will begin in early 2026. A phased handover will allow students to move into their new homes from 2026 through to 2030.

For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit here.