Newsroom University of Manchester

Contributions invited for Getting Serious about Sustainability Symposium

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:23:37 +0000

Where: The University of Manchester (rooms/building TBC)

When: Thursday 22 ��Ƶ� Friday, 23 May 2025

Contact: Heather Alberro, Lecturer in sustainability, Global Development Institute, School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), The University of Manchester

Call for contributors: Please send a brief title and description of your intervention, a bio and contact details to heather.alberro@manchester.ac.uk by EOP Friday 14 February.

Sustainability is a contested concept that can mean different things to different people, and in different contexts (Vos 2007). Moreover, ��Ƶ�sustainability��Ƶ� is not inherently desirable- i.e. if what one is sustaining is a system or process that is antithetical to mutual flourishing. If one recalls the etymological roots of the word, connotations include the ability of something- i.e. an activity, process, system- to be maintained without exhausting its own conditions of possibility. In the context of sustainable development, development is sustainable if it meets the needs of present generations without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. However, with only 17% of SDG targets on track and over one-third actually regressing (SDG Report 2024), six of the earth��Ƶ�s nine planetary boundaries breached (Richardson et al 2023), global biodiversity abundance in freefall (WWF 2024), the world on track to reach 3C of warming by 2100 (Carrington 2024), and mounting extreme socioeconomic inequality (Watts and Ambrose 2024), it��Ƶ�s clear that we are rushing headlong down radically unsustainable trajectories.

Averting the unravelling of the very fabric of life (Ripple et al 2024) will require profound structural, political, socioeconomic and cultural transformations. We need to start asking some difficult questions, such as whether global socioeconomic systems predicated on endless economic expansion and material extractivism can in fact be reconciled with biospheric integrity (Ward et al 2016; Hickel 2020). We urgently need to think outside the confines of ��Ƶ�business as usual��Ƶ�, which is leading us towards socio-ecological catastrophe. All of us, no matter our discipline or sector, have a stake in this, because all earthlings need a habitable planet on which to subsist. In this two-day symposium, we seek contributions from diverse actors within and beyond the University of Manchester community on how we might ��Ƶ�get serious��Ƶ� about sustainability in our research, teaching, advocacy and daily lives. What might ��Ƶ�transformative��Ƶ� change look like? How can we build meaningful collaborations between diverse stakeholders for moving beyond ��Ƶ�sustaining��Ƶ� the status quo, and towards improving planetary conditions for more just and sustainable futures for all earthlings?

Contributions can be oral, visual or written, and can include, but need not be limited to, such topics as:

Academic-activist collaborations for climate justice
Transdisciplinary perspectives/approaches to sustainability
Student-led sustainability initiatives
Degrowth/post-growth
Just energy transitions
Multispecies justice
Living cities/urban rewilding
Fair food systems (i.e. agroecology)
Sustainable, accessible and inclusive transport
Eco-pedagogies and embedding sustainability into curricula
Ecological values
Creative visions for sustainable futures
Decolonial & feminist approaches to sustainability

Symposium registration will open in due course. A plant-based lunch, teas/coffees and pastries will be provided on both days.

Future of UK peatlands under threat due to climate change

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:01:00 +0000

Peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, containing more carbon than all the world's forests despite covering just 3% of the global land surface ��Ƶ� but new research has revealed that vast areas of the UK��Ƶ�s peatlands, including the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, are likely to be unsuitable for peat accumulation by 2061-80 due to climate change.

A group of researchers including Dr Jonathan Ritson from the University of Manchester are calling for a shift in conservation strategies in their new study published in the , and their findings highlight significant regional differences - Western Scotland emerges as a stronghold for peatlands, making it an urgent priority area for conservation efforts.

Using advanced bioclimatic models, the study projects substantial reductions in areas suitable for peat accumulation across the UK, with the Flow Country, Dartmoor and the Peak District being particularly at risk. Even under moderate emissions reductions, many of these landscapes may no longer sustain the conditions necessary for peat formation.

However, western Scotland is projected to retain areas that remain suitable for peatlands, underscoring its importance in future conservation and restoration efforts.

Lead researcher Professor Dan Bebber, from the University of Exeter, said: "Our findings reveal a stark north-south divide. While western Scotland is likely to remain suitable for peatland, much of England's peatlands - including Dartmoor and the Peak District - are projected to lose their viability.��Ƶ�

The Flow Country in northern Scotland, which contains one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in the world, is particularly vulnerable. Under a high-emissions scenario (RCP8.5), up to 97% of its peatland may become unsuitable for sustained peat formation.

The study also warns that periods of extreme drying, which can damage or kill Sphagnum moss - a critical component of peat ecosystems - could increase by 44-82%, potentially leading to widespread moss die-offs and fundamental changes in the landscape.

Professor Angela Gallego-Sala, co-author and an expert on peatland and climate interactions, said: "Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all the world��Ƶ�s forests combined. The projected losses of suitable climate in England and parts of Scotland mean that our restoration efforts must adapt and alternative strategies considered where restoration may not yield the desired effects because of climate change effects."

The study serves as a wake-up call to policymakers and conservationists about the challenges of managing peatlands in a changing climate.

The researchers stress the importance of combining global efforts to reduce emissions with localised strategies to adapt land management practices and safeguard ecosystems.

The University of Derby��Ƶ�s Dr Kirsten Lees, who is also co-author of the report, added: ��Ƶ�Peatland resilience is an important area of research, as these ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon alongside providing a range of other services. Restoration of areas which are in poor condition is key to protecting these carbon stores. Our research shows that future changes in climate are a vital consideration when planning restoration projects, to ensure that work is targeted towards areas where peatlands can thrive.��Ƶ�

Water industry using deception tactics to deflect blame for sewage pollution

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:02:56 +0000

A new study published in Nature Water has revealed that England��Ƶ�s major water and sewage companies are misleading the public and Government by using strategies which mirror those of the tobacco and fossil fuel industries.

The research - by environmental experts from The University of Manchester and the University of Portsmouth, Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) and an independent scientist - uncovered widespread use of greenwashing and disinformation tactics by England��Ƶ�s nine major water and sewage companies.

It has highlighted how the companies have misrepresented their environmental performance while facing scrutiny for discharging 12.7 million hours of untreated wastewater into English waterways between 2019 and 2023.

The researchers - including Professor Jamie Woodward from the Department of Geography at The University of Manchester - analysed their communications, including websites, social media, evidence given to Parliamentary committees and public reports, comparing their strategies to greenwashing tactics commonly used by tobacco, alcohol, fossil fuel and chemical companies.

They found evidence of use of 22 of these tactics in the water sector, including strategies to downplay environmental harm, misrepresent information, undermine scientific research, shift blame and delay action.

The study - which comes at a time of increasing public and legal pressure, with six investigations into the water companies and their regulators taking place in 2024 - suggests that the companies softened the language around raw sewage discharges by rebranding sewage treatment facilities as "water recycling centres" or describing overflows as containing ��Ƶ�heavily diluted rainwater��Ƶ�, even when untreated sewage was present and posed a threat to public health.

Many of the companies claimed the effects of sewage spills were "minimal" or "temporary", despite limited evidence and ongoing ecological harm. Of the 370,000+ storm sewage overflow discharges (CSOs) in 2020, only 11 per cent were investigated by the Environment Agency for impact, meaning no one can truly know that the impact is minimal.

Some companies even use emotive language and highlight that schools and hospitals could be flooded without the discharge from CSOs, presenting the public with a binary choice of spilling sewage into public places, or into the river.

Public campaigns also blamed customers for sewage overflows, often claiming wet wipes were the primary cause, while downplaying problems with infrastructure. Companies then exaggerated the cost of solving these issues, quoting figures as high as ��Ƶ660 billion, to manage expectations around investment and reform.

Professor Woodward��Ƶ�s research has linked the discharge of sewage and untreated wastewater with widespread microplastic contamination of UK riverbeds.

The study argues that these tactics distract from the urgent need to upgrade ageing infrastructure, much of which was built in the 20th century. The companies - 70 per cent of which are owned by foreign investors - have reportedly distributed ��Ƶ76 billion to shareholders since privatisation in 1989, while building up over ��Ƶ56 billion in debt and neglecting vital upgrades.

��Ƶ�These companies have adopted a playbook of denial, deflection, and distraction, similar to other major polluting industries, to protect profits at the expense of the environment and public health��Ƶ� added Professor Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth.

The paper calls for stricter regulation of industry communications to combat greenwashing and misinformation, and urges policymakers to prioritise transparency to safeguard water security in the face of climate change. The authors also highlight the need for greater investment in sustainable solutions, such as restoring wetlands, alongside modernising sewerage systems.

��Ƶ�The financial exploitation of water resources in England raises globally important issues around water security and environmental stewardship,��Ƶ� added Professor Woodward. ��Ƶ�There needs to be much more careful scrutiny of water company communications and of the organisations and individuals responsible for environmental management.��Ƶ�

Global water research overlooks needs of the Global South, study reveals

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

A groundbreaking study led by researchers at The University of Manchester has exposed significant gaps in global research on transboundary rivers, revealing that the water needs of people in the Global South are being disproportionately overlooked.

Rivers which flow across international borders are essential for the lives of billions of people - they supply drinking water, support agriculture and provide livelihoods. However, these rivers face increasing challenges from pollution, climate change and political tensions.

The - which examined 4713 case studies across 286 river basins - shows that while large rivers in the Global North receive significant research attention, many equally important rivers in the Global South are being neglected.

The study found that research in the Global North focuses more on technical aspects of river management and governance, while the Global South is primarily studied in the context of conflicts and resource competition.

In Asia, research is concentrated on large river basins with geopolitical significance, like the Mekong and Indus, often overlooking smaller basins where water crises are most severe. Africa faces similar challenges, with research concentrated on climate change impacts and water-sharing conflicts, but with limited infrastructure to support more comprehensive studies.

The study also reveals that small and medium-sized river basins - which are critical for local communities in the Global South, and often face the most pressing water security challenges - are being widely overlooked in research.

This lack of research has real-world implications for people living in the Global South. It means that the specific challenges they face such as water scarcity, lack of access to clean water and conflict over resources are not being adequately addressed. The people that rely on these rivers for their livelihoods are therefore at risk, and it undermines their ability to cope with climate change and other pressures on water supplies.

The research emphasises that a collaborative, inclusive approach is necessary to address these issues. It calls for more research focused on smaller river basins with participation of local communities, increased investment in research infrastructure in the Global South, and more partnerships between researchers in the Global North and South.

According to the researchers, these changes could help to promote sustainable management of transboundary rivers, ensuring that these crucial resources are managed equitably for all.

"Our analysis shows a clear need for a shift in how research is conducted on transboundary rivers," stated Dr Mehebub Sahana from The University of Manchester, one of the study��Ƶ�s authors.

New project to assess impact of smartphones and social media on young people

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:05:18 +0000

A new research project has been launched which will lay the groundwork for future studies into the impact on children of smartphone and social media use.

This is a complex and rapidly evolving issue, with both potential harms and benefits associated with smartphone use. Technology is changing by the day, and scientific evidence creation needs to evolve and innovate to keep up with new developments.

The work has been commissioned by the UK government��Ƶ�s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology after a review by the UK Chief Medical Officer in 2019 found the evidence base around the links to children��Ƶ�s mental health were insufficient to provide strong conclusions suitable to inform policy.

The project - led by a team from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with researchers including The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Dr Margarita Panayiotou - is aimed at improving policymakers��Ƶ� understanding of the relationship between children��Ƶ�s wellbeing and smartphone use, including social media and messaging. It will help direct future government action in this area.

��Ƶ�There is huge concern about the impact of smartphone use on children's health, but the evidence base remains fairly limited,��Ƶ� said project lead Dr Amy Orben. ��Ƶ�Our focus will be on deepening our causal understanding of the effects of new technologies, particularly over short timescales, to ensure that decisions are informed, timely and evidence-based.��Ƶ�

Dr Orben��Ƶ�s team will identify which research methods and data sources will be most effective at identifying potential causal relationships between social media, smartphones, and the health and development of children and young people.

The researchers will review and summarise existing research on the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people��Ƶ�s mental health, wellbeing, physical health, lifestyle and health behaviours, and educational attainment. The review will recognise the diversity of perspectives that exist in this area and consider where further research could add valuable new insights to the evidence base.

They will assess the various methods and data available to understand the causal impacts, including recognising that online habits and emerging technologies are changing at a rapid pace, and considering how the experiences of vulnerable children and young people ��Ƶ� for example, LGBTQ+ young people and those with special needs or mental health issues ��Ƶ� can be captured in future research projects.

This will allow the team to recommend and outline how future research studies could deliver robust and causal evidence on the impact of smartphones and social media on child development factors in the next two to three years.

"The online world offers immense opportunities for young people to connect and learn - ensuring they can do so in an environment which puts their safety first is my priority and will guide this government��Ƶ�s action on online safety,��Ƶ� said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. ��Ƶ�This vital research will build a trusted evidence base for future action, helping us to protect and empower the next generation towards a safer and more positive digital future."

New study reveals how bullying impacts teenage mental health

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:46:30 +0000

A major new study by experts from The University of Manchester has found that bullying has a significant negative impact on the mental health of teenagers - particularly for boys - and has highlighted the need for more effective prevention strategies in schools.

The research, which utilised #BeeWell data from over 26000 young people who were followed from age 12/13 to 14/15, shows that bullying has a profound impact on mental health and is a major factor contributing to internalising symptoms such as anxiety and depression in adolescents. This highlights the importance of addressing bullying to safeguard young people's wellbeing.

There are clear differences in how bullying affects boys and girls. For boys, mental health issues like anxiety and depression led to an increased likelihood of being bullied later on. For girls, being bullied led to later reductions in friendship and social support.

The findings emphasise the importance of positive peer relationships - particularly for girls - as a protective factor against mental health problems. The study suggests that social support can help reduce internalising symptoms.

Bullying is a difficult issue to resolve, and the research highlights that this requires a whole-school approach which includes children, parents and teachers. Schools need to implement comprehensive anti-bullying programmes which address the specific needs of both boys and girls, focus on building positive peer relationships and provide support for those experiencing mental health issues.

This study emphasises that it is essential for education, health and government agencies to allocate sufficient resources to make these prevention programmes widespread and effective. By understanding these complex relationships, safer and more supportive environments for adolescents can be created.

According to the researchers, parents should also be aware of the impact of bullying on their children��Ƶ�s mental health and be proactive in supporting their children's friendships.

The study was published by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, and is available to view .

Manchester researchers win Bezos Earth Fund prize for climate innovation

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:52:53 +0000

A research team led by The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Dr Jonathan Ritson has been awarded a prestigious Bezos Earth Fund Greenhouse Gas Removal Ideation Prize for their research into enhancing carbon capture and reducing methane emissions through the strategic use of Sphagnum moss in peatland restoration.

Peatlands are vital ecosystems that store more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. Central to this carbon storage is Sphagnum moss, which aids in peat formation as well as supporting bacteria that consume methane - a potent greenhouse gas. However, human activities have led to the decline of Sphagnum in many peatlands, diminishing their capacity to sequester carbon and mitigate methane emissions.

Dr Ritson's team aims to reverse this trend by identifying and cultivating 'super' strains of Sphagnum moss. These optimised mosses are selected for their ability to thrive in wet environments, rapidly absorb carbon dioxide, and effectively reduce methane emissions. By reintroducing these superior strains into degraded peatlands, the project seeks to enhance the natural greenhouse gas removal capabilities of these ecosystems.

The project involves constructing innovative bubble column test rigs to simulate natural conditions and measure the effectiveness of different Sphagnum species in capturing carbon and removing methane. The most efficient strains will be propagated and deployed in peatland restoration efforts, targeting areas that are significant sources of methane emissions.

"I��Ƶ�m absolutely thrilled that we��Ƶ�ve been awarded this prize. It��Ƶ�s a valuable recognition of the critical role peatland restoration plays in greenhouse gas removal," said Dr Ritson.

The Bezos Earth Fund - established by Amazon��Ƶ�s founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos in 2020 - is dedicated to supporting efforts that combat climate change and protect nature. With a $10 billion commitment, the fund seeks to drive innovative solutions, catalyse new technologies and promote systemic change to preserve the planet for future generations.

The Bezos Earth Fund announced the $1m Ideation Prize to Accelerate Greenhouse Gas Removal Technology in January 2024, as part of the Fund��Ƶ�s broader Greenhouse Gas Removal initiative. The Prize, as managed by the Experiment Foundation, received more than 700 submissions from around the world. The University of Manchester's project ��Ƶ� was chosen as one of the 13 winning proposals.

For more information, please visit the .

#BeeWell wins BERA award for public engagement and impact

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:37:07 +0000

The British Educational Research Association (BERA) is a leading authority on educational research. Their annual Public Engagement and Impact Award celebrates a team of researchers whose work has had significant impact and has been delivered in collaboration with their community. #BeeWell is delighted to have been the recipient of this year��Ƶ�s award!

The #BeeWell programme combines academic research with youth-led change to drive collective action and support young people��Ƶ�s wellbeing. Co-designed with young people, the annual #BeeWell survey focuses on the domains and drivers of wellbeing among 12-15 year-olds and has recently been delivered for its fourth consecutive year.

The judges were impressed by #BeeWell��Ƶ�s approach for youth-centred engagement, empowering young people to lead research and decision-making through the youth steering group and young researchers��Ƶ� programme. The findings from the survey drive collective change, influencing the policies and practices of schools, local authorities, partner organisations, and innovative youth-led community projects and social prescribing programmes.

Research insights from #BeeWell have informed key local and national decision-making, advancing the youth wellbeing agenda across the #BeeWell regions. These include the impact of participating in arts, culture and entertainment activities (), the scale and determinants of inequalities across young people of different genders and sexualities (; ), and how targeted interventions can improve the wellbeing of at-risk young people ().

Read the

GDI climate justice experts awarded ��Ƶ1.3m to study land rights impact

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 11:25:55 +0000

Researchers at the Global Development Institute (GDI) have been awarded c��Ƶ1.3 million by the to establish a research observatory studying the role land rights play in a just transition to a decarbonised future.

A team of GDI researchers will lead the observatory��Ƶ�s activities alongside co-investigators at the University of Ghana, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the Federal University of Pará in Brazil.

Teams at the respective institutions will explore if, how, and under what socioeconomic and political conditions land rights reduce inequalities experienced by communities. They will also examine the environmental benefits in forest landscapes affected by decarbonisation processes. The observatory will specifically address a lack of knowledge surrounding the role of land rights in simultaneously conserving forests, securing livelihood benefits, and advancing decarbonisation agendas.

Dr Johan Oldekop, Reader in Environment and Development, and Dr Charis Enns, Presidential Fellow in Socio-Environmental Systems, will act as joint principal investigators for the project. Dr Oldekop explains: ��Ƶ�We are seeing increasing competition for land to support rights for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), nature conservation and restoration, as well as mining linked to the green energy transition. Understanding how these demands intersect, and how communities can benefit while forests are protected and restored is essential to support more just environmental futures.��Ƶ�

GDI��Ƶ�s team will build on a sustained and world-leading record of environment and development research within the Institute. Most notably, the ongoing project that is exploring the effects of reforestation drivers on both forests and rural poverty, while the recently launched project is interrogating the social risks and benefits of increased use of data in conservation. Members of these project teams have already published impactful research, including a recent Nature Ecology and Evolution assessing the ecological and social impacts of Indigenous territories in Brazil.

Taking place over 3.5 years, the observatory team will combine large-scale geospatial and socioeconomic analyses with in-depth qualitative case studies in Mexico, Brazil and Ghana. A separate stream of work will aim to identify evidence gaps, expanding the thematic and geographical remit of the observatory to regions such as Indonesia or South Africa.

The award will also support Ghana-based researchers exploring the relationship between political settlements and the Just Energy Transition in Africa. Project lead Dr Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Ghana Business School and Honorary Research Fellow at GDI, explains: ��Ƶ�The observatory represents a significant opportunity to develop our understanding the contested forests of Ghana, while strengthening ties between GDI and the University of Ghana. Bringing together big data, which will highlight changes in forest cover, land rights and socioeconomic indicators, together with an in-depth political economy analysis of what is driving these changes will help us to identify and champion approaches that benefit both people and the environment.��Ƶ�

Read more about research covering within GDI.

Global Scholars gather at Lingnan University (Hong Kong) to explore the future of Chinese Higher Education

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:50:26 +0000

The China and Higher Education / ChinaHE network��Ƶ�s seventh annual conference, hosted this year by Lingnan University in Hong Kong in November, brought together over 400 scholars and students from around the globe under the theme ��Ƶ�Collaboration and Change: Unleashing the Possibilities for Chinese Higher Education Ahead.��Ƶ�

This dynamic event showcased the collective insights and innovative ideas of participants from diverse regions, including Finland, Ghana, Mainland China, Mexico, Norway, Taiwan, the UK, the US, and Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

The conference marked a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration, featuring both in-person and virtual engagement. Since 2018, the ChinaHE network��Ƶ�led by a team at the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE)��Ƶ�has provided a platform to examine China��Ƶ�s evolving role in global higher education.

The team, of MIE colleagues (Cheon Yin Chan, Heather Cockayne, Rui He, Miguel Lim and Jenna Mittelmeier) are delighted to see the ChinaHE network continue to grow, fostering a rich exchange of ideas that can shape the future of education in and beyond China.

This year��Ƶ�s partnership with Lingnan University and their academic team led by Lucy Baohua Wu and Anne Tang has been especially impactful, reflecting years of collaboration and mutual commitment to advancing research and understanding.

The visit to Hong Kong also included collaborative activities with Hang Seng University, The Education University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, to enrich the conference experience with diverse perspectives and local expertise.

For additional insights and highlights from the conference, visit Lingnan University��Ƶ�s or the Hang Seng University��Ƶ�s .

About ChinaHE

is a global network dedicated to exploring China��Ƶ�s growing influence in higher education through annual conferences, research collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The network, based at the Manchester Institute of Education, has become a central hub for academics and practitioners committed to addressing the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education in China and the world.

Celebrating Entrepreneurship: A Successful Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:35:45 +0000

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) successfully hosted Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 at The University of Manchester. From November 18 to 24, MEC offered a diverse program of speaker sessions, interactive workshops, and its first-ever Startup Weekend.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual event that celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs worldwide. The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre offered events throughout the week, catering to individuals at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from newcomers to those ready to scale their ideas. The events drew 263 students and delivered over 32 hours of programming.

The week began with the inspiring Startup Spotlight with Dr. Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja, the visionary Founder of Metofico. He generously shared deep, invaluable insights from his entrepreneurial journey from a PhD student to a Venture Further Awards winner, captivating the audience with stories of challenges he overcame.

Throughout the week, participants had access to a comprehensive series of professional development workshops and learning opportunities:

💡 A strategic AI Marketing masterclass conducted by Peter Dickinson, focusing on advanced methodologies for business development

🎯 An executive Personal Branding 101 workshop facilitated by Jessica Lewis-Tatton, designed to enhance participants' professional presence

🎤 The Ready, Set, Pitch! competition, providing emerging entrepreneurs with a platform to present their business ideas

📚 An essential 'Introduction to Starting a Business' seminar by Jessica Lewis-Tatton delivering strategic business fundamentals

🧠 An insightful Neurodivergence & Entrepreneurship session facilitated by Matilda Page and Dr. Rob Martin, examining diverse entrepreneurial perspectives

The week concluded with the inaugural Startup Weekend, a three-day intensive program where 140 participants collaborated to develop their business concepts into viable ventures. The level of innovation and professional dedication demonstrated was exemplary.

The Masood Entrepreneurship Centre extends its gratitude to the speakers, mentors, and participants who contributed to the success of #GEW2024. The professional excellence and collaborative approach exhibited throughout the event reinforces Manchester's status as a premier destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.

MEC looks forward to seeing the exciting ventures and connections that emerge from this incredible week.

Critical youth movement research launched in Africa, with support of Social Responsibility funding

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:04:28 +0000

from the is leading on the African Youth and Intergenerational Movement Building project, exploring youth and inter-generational dynamics within urban social movements in Africa, in collaboration with the global network of .

Following a participatory action research (PAR) process involving co-researchers in Nairobi, Kenya, and Harare, Zimbabwe, the project will co-produce knowledge that can inform and enhance the agency of these movements, and of African youth.

��Ƶ�Stemming from an epistemic justice perspective that values multiple types of knowledge beyond academia, this deep collaboration ��Ƶ� including joint design of research questions, methods, analysis of findings, and validating results with broader communities, is central to the process" comments Daniela.

SEED Social Responsibility Catalyst Funding

Catalyst funding from the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) proved instrumental in enabling Daniela to conduct the preparatory work for the project between January and May 2024. The fund is available to staff and students in SEED to support projects aimed at making a difference in teaching, research or operations.

What does Social Responsibility mean?

In the context of Daniela's PhD project within SEED and GDI, she describes Social Responsibility as meaning ��Ƶ�conscious, reflective, and sustainable engagement with communities who represent non- and counter-hegemonic forms of knowledge production. It means honouring my commitment with epistemic justice and decolonization of research by supporting collaborative examination of the elements that hinder or support people and communities��Ƶ� full participation in decision-making. This is a key underpinning of my work, as I believe the best solutions stem from collectively identified challenges."

Visit the partner websites:

Unleash Your Potential with Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:14:37 +0000

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is here to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs! Join the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) for a week of exciting events, whether you're just starting out or ready to take your idea to the next level.

Join inspiring speaker sessions and workshops, with highlights including AI marketing, personal branding, pitch competitions, and neurodivergence in entrepreneurship. Conclude the week with MEC��Ƶ�s first-ever Startup Weekend, where you'll pitch ideas, form teams, and gain hands-on startup experience in just over two days. Learn, network, and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey!

Discover MEC��Ƶ�s Global Entrepreneurship Week events:

Monday 18 November: Startup Spotlight with Dr Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja

17:00 - 18:30 | 2.008, AMBS |

Join MEC's Startup Spotlight with Dr. Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja, VFA23 Technology winner and Metofico Founder and CEO, in partnership with UoM Management Society.

Tuesday 19 November: AI as Your Marketing Partner: Driving Growth and Efficiency for Startups

11:00 - 13:30 | 3.013a/3.013b, AMBS |

Elevate your startup marketing in Peter Dickinson's AI workshop, blending 40+ years of expertise with cutting-edge tools for success.

Tuesday 19 November: Personal Branding 101

15:00 - 16:30 | 2A.012, Nancy Rothwell Building |

Boost your career with this workshop on crafting your personal brand, enhancing networking skills, and curating a strong digital presence.

Wednesday 20 November: Ready, Set, Pitch!

14:00 - 16:00 | 2.007, AMBS |

Join the audience for Ready, Set, Pitch! to watch early-stage student entrepreneurs pitch for prizes.

Thursday 21 November: Intro to Starting a Business - Steps to Starting

13:00 - 15:00 | Enterprise Zone (2.039), AMBS |

Gain the foundational knowledge to start your business or side hustle with this workshop on business models, customer focus, and defining your unique value.

Thursday 21 November: Neurodivergence & Entrepreneurship Workshop

14:00 - 15:30 | 3.2, Roscoe Building |

Hear from neurodiverse role models, gain insights for university success, and enhance your skills in this empowering workshop.

Friday 22 Nov, Saturday 23 Nov & Sunday 24 Nov: Startup Weekend

Starts 18:30 on Friday 22 Nov | The Hive Space, 3rd Floor, AMBS |

Join Startup Weekend to network, collaborate and turn ideas into reality, fast-tracking your entrepreneurial journey!

Head to our to find out more!

The is the focal point for enterprise and entrepreneurship teaching, learning and startup support at The University of Manchester, supporting all University of Manchester students, staff and recent graduates, across all subject disciplines.

Manchester to lead new ��Ƶ8m research centre on equitable low carbon living

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:00:40 +0000

Following an ��Ƶ8m investment over five years, The University of Manchester is set to lead an innovative centre funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and UKRI as part of its strategic focus on building a green future. The Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) will accelerate the understanding of a just transition by coordinating research into action at all levels of society.

Launching in February 2025, the JUST Centre will work closely with communities in five regions of the North of England (West Yorkshire, West Cumbria, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Tyneside) while also generating comparative research in other regions of the UK. It will collaborate with partners across local, regional, and national government, business, and civil society to co-produce joined-up solutions to meet climate goals while improving citizens��Ƶ� quality of life.

It will use an innovative mix of data science and participatory methods to research and map existing low-carbon living initiatives and generate evidence about what works where, why, and for whom. This will enable researchers to support better government decision-making and demonstrate to all people and communities the real improvements in quality of life that are possible if we link decarbonisation with regeneration.

The Centre brings together a team of interdisciplinary social scientists at the Universities of Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster and Newcastle. The Institute for Community Studies at the not-for-profit organisation is the core partner.

Additional partners are Citizens UK, the Local Government Associations for England and Wales, the Scottish Sustainability Network, the British Chambers of Commerce, the NHS Confederation, the Runnymede Trust and the Institute for Government.

Commenting on the announcement, JUST Centre Director and Principal Investigator, Professor Sherilyn MacGregor said: ��Ƶ�To meet the challenge of the climate crisis and the UK��Ƶ�s net zero targets, we need to decarbonise our economy and do so quickly, but without leaving whole regions or communities behind. ��Ƶ�Joined-up��Ƶ� means bridging the gaps between myriad but presently disconnected, evidence-based interventions and policies focused on sustainability and net zero transitions.

ESRC Executive Chair Stian Westlake said: ��Ƶ�Our centres carry out interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research in the social sciences that seeks to change the world for the better. They allow ESRC to make sustained investments in strategically important areas, giving researchers the freedom to research topics in depth.

��Ƶ�The climate crisis is one of the most serious challenges the world faces. To successfully transition to a zero-carbon economy, we need to make sure no one is left behind. The JUST Centre will show us how to include everyone as we transform our country and economy, finding new opportunities and putting power in the hands of local communities.��Ƶ�

Stephen Aldridge, Director, Analysis and Data at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), adds: ��Ƶ�Net zero poses both huge economic, social, and other challenges and offers no less huge opportunities for the UK - nationally and sub-nationally. To tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities, policymakers and others need evidence ��Ƶ� especially evidence on what works and what works most cost-effectively.

��Ƶ�The Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) is precisely the institutional innovation we need and one I, my team and my department will work closely with across all policy areas. I look forward immensely to engaging with the Centre.��Ƶ�

Professor Paul Monks FRMetS, FRSC, FInstP, Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said: ��Ƶ�Achieving net zero by 2050 requires a wide-reaching transformation of the UK economy and offers an incredible opportunity for jobs, secure energy and growth all across the country. It will improve our health, our quality of life and our overall prosperity. We must support and empower people to participate in the transition. I welcome the establishment of this research centre and its work to ensure a fair, inclusive pathway to net zero.��Ƶ�

Daily life in homeless shelters and the importance of support structures for vulnerable populations

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:22:00 +0000

On 31 October 2024 Sotiria Kyriakidou and Cristina Temenos in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, Greece, co-organised an event as part of the UKRI funded Future Leaders Fellowship,

The event "Everyday Life in Homeless Shelters for Drug Users -The Importance of Support Services for Vulnerable Populations" took place at the Melina Mercouri Cultural Centre in Athens and was supported by four key Greek key organizations: the Municipality of Athens, KYADA (Center for Homeless Reception and Solidarity), OKANA (National Organization Against Drugs), and KETHEA (Greek Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals), which work together to address homelessness and drug use in Athens. The focus of the event was to highlight the challenges faced by homeless individuals, those living in shelters, particularly in relation to substance use, social reintegration, and their subsequent trajectory. Over 60 policymakers, professionals, members of the general public, and shelter residents were in attendance.

��Ƶ�MyAthens��Ƶ�, a homeless shelter for active substance users in the city centre of Athens, provides a unique holistic model for integrated supportive housing and healthcare in Greece, with the Municipality of Athens, KYADA, OKANA, and KETHEA working together to ensure the shelter's success. a Reader in Human Geography and co-lead for the poverty and deprivation research platform noted: ��Ƶ�MyAthens is the first of its kind in Greece, and it provides an important integrated model of care for people who have, traditionally, been hard to reach." Drawing on the ongoing research by , discussions ranged across the role of homeless shelters and support structures, as well as the social that often accompanies the individuals who make use of these centres.

Sotiria Kyriakidou, PhD researcher on the explained, ��Ƶ�Homeless shelters should not just be places that provide temporary accommodation. The people residing in these spaces need more than just a bed to spend the night��Ƶ�they need opportunities to rebuild their self-esteem and develop independent living skills. Therefore, I would like to emphasize how important it is to have shelters that target specific population groups and focus on their needs, so that individuals feel they belong to a supportive and appropriately designed environment."

Dr Cristina Temenos is investigating the ways in which public health systems across Europe and Latin America are responding to challenging economic and social change.

Learn more about

New research uncovers environmental crisis in Isle of Wight estuary

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:26:31 +0000

A study undertaken by a student at The University of Manchester has revealed a severe level of microplastic pollution within the Medina Estuary on the Isle of Wight.

An alarming level of microplastic fragments were found to be present throughout the intertidal mudflat sediments within the Medina Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Microplastics are particles which measure less than five millimetres, and exist in an array of shapes and forms. They cause pollution by entering natural ecosystems from a variety of sources, including run-off from land-based sources and wastewater discharge from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

Liberty Turrell, who works as a volunteer for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, collected mudflat sediment from 16 sample sites during low tides for her BA (Hons) Geography dissertation. Analysis of the mud under laboratory conditions discovered three different microplastic shapes: fibres, fragments and beads. Microfibre was the most frequent occurring microplastic shape (99% of all microplastics were microfibres) occurring at all 16 sites.

Microplastics pollution occurs in estuarine sediments around the world - however, the results from the Isle of Wight are particularly alarming. For comparison, the median value of microplastic concentrations found in the Medina Estuary exceeds the values of estuaries studied in China and India by more than two-fold.

Jamie Marsh, director of nature recovery (Wilder Wight, Solent & Seas) at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: ��Ƶ�The estuary��Ƶ�s mudflats are of significant ecological importance. They support a diverse variety of wildlife providing habitats and breeding areas for a huge array of species including wading birds, crustacea, invertebrates and fish, all of which thrive within the Medina��Ƶ�s intertidal mudflats.

��Ƶ�The discovery of the high level of microplastics, and of microfibres in particular, in this precious environment is truly staggering. Microfibres cause a significant risk to wildlife as they can easily bundle together. The entangled fibres form a clump and pose a great threat to marine species as the bundles act in the same way as larger plastic items by blocking feeding passageways in the gastrointestinal tract. This can obstruct the movement of food, disrupt the digestive process and cause eventual death.��Ƶ�

The study also reveals that wastewater discharge from two CSOs with high annual spill rates is a major source of microplastic release into the aquatic environment, and are likely responsible for the immense quantities of fibres reported throughout the Medina Estuary. Dodnor Lane and Fairlee CSO��Ƶ�s together discharged wastewater into the upper estuary for 2,932 hours in 2023 (over 225 total spill events) according to Event Duration Monitoring datasets published by the Environment Agency.

Professor of Physical Geography said: ��Ƶ�Research at the University of Manchester has shown that the microplastic contamination of riverbeds is a clear signal that wastewater treatment is not taking place as it should. Effective treatment can remove up to 95% of the microplastic load in wastewater.

��Ƶ�Microplastic contamination of the Medina Estuary is a concern because it is an area of ecological importance. The Medina Estuary receives high volumes of untreated wastewater from Southern Water assets and the presence of primary microplastic particles provides a clear link to the wastewater system."

"This research helps to resolve a global critical gap in the current studies of microplastics in estuaries," said report author Liberty Turrell. ��Ƶ�Unfortunately, the results are shocking. The severe contamination of estuarine environments affected by wastewater discharge takes place across the world and sadly this includes the Isle of Wight. The results clearly show that the prevalence and abundance of microplastics found in the intertidal mudflat sediments highlights a severe contamination issue of the Medina Estuary.��Ƶ�

According to data published by the Environment Agency (2024), there were 464,056 monitored ��Ƶ�spill��Ƶ� events into waterways by water companies in England during 2023, a 54% increase from 2022. The 29,494 spills into waterways in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by Southern Water lasted a total duration of 317,285 hours (Environment Agency, 2024). Spill events are responsible for the release of huge quantities of microplastics into our waterways.

BA Architecture field trip along the Manchester Ship Canal

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:16:31 +0100

In October 2024, a group of students from BA Architecture went on a field trip along Manchester Ship Canal, walking from Salford to central Manchester.

Walking along the final 5-mile stretch of the canal, and viewing its intersection with earlier 19th century infrastructure like the Bridgewater Canal, the visit was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about the legacy of industrial architecture and heritage in person along a significant route in Manchester.

Constructed in 1893, the Manchester Ship Canal is one of the monumental pieces of global infrastructure that led the city to become a major port in the 20th century. New types of economic activity and building typologies emerged around the canal, including the first planned industrial estate at Trafford Park which still contains engineering, telecommunications and food processing firms.

While in the 21st century the regeneration of Salford Quays has taken on different guises from cultural anchor projects like the Lowry and IWM North to the creative industries housed in Media City.

The fieldtrip was a part of the students' BA3 Humanities module, where one option is an elective about the architecture of Victorian Manchester led by Dr Matthew Wells.

BeePart Project Enhances International Students' Engagement with Manchester Communities

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:06:59 +0100

The initiative responds to concerns that these students often feel disconnected from the broader community during their one-year programs.

What was the motivation behind your project and how did the SEED SR Catalyst Fund support your project?

[He and Baratta] The motivation for the study was to address the concerns of international master��Ƶ�s students, who often feel less connected to the beyond-academic context during their one-year studies than their undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate taught (PGT) counterparts.

This project harnessed the practices of a Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) PGT course unit, of which He is the Course Unit Director, which involves international students experiencing work placement with Manchester local communities. As a result of this, our international students gain workplace experience, develop their English skills and enhance their socio-cultural engagement beyond campus, while also being able to share their own language and cultural practices.

The fund allowed us to host a one-day workshop, where students and representatives from the local communities discussed their experiences in front of both students and other organisation representatives, allowing for additional takeaways such as developing confidence in speaking and community and partnership building with our external partners for better supporting our international students��Ƶ� acculturation experiences.

What does Social Responsibility (SR) mean to you in your teaching, research or working in SEED?

[He and Baratta] For us, SR means building together and supporting each other with what we have in everyone��Ƶ�s hands for a better society and environment for all. This support is not unidirectional but multidirectional enhancement between teachers, students, universities, local communities, etc. SR also means reaching out to those less fortunate, helping them to be included in the work we're doing at a major university.

Participants expressed positive feedback, with one student noting, ��Ƶ�Everyone was so caring, everyone was so inclusive,��Ƶ� highlighting the supportive environment created through the initiative. Another student added, ��Ƶ�Having opportunities like this is really positive because it provides the space and an avenue to connect to the local community.��Ƶ�

For He and Baratta, Social Responsibility (SR) embodies collaborative efforts to build a better society, emphasizing mutual support among students, faculty, and local communities. Their research and teaching focus on equality and diversity, exemplifying the project's commitment to inclusive engagement.

For more information, visit .

SEED Students Engage with Community-Led Solutions for Urban Challenges

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:06:20 +0100

In 2023, Dr Maria Rusca, Lecturer in Global Development, and her students at The University of Manchester participated in a project aimed at exposing students to citizen-led sustainable solutions for urban issues.

In collaboration with , funding from the SEED Social Responsibility Catalyst Funds and local community groups, the initiative focused on fostering long-term community wellbeing and encouraging students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

What was the motivation behind your project?

[Rusca] The project was implemented in partnership with Community Led Action and Savings Support (CLASS), Aquarius Community Savers (Hulme tenants group), and the Miles Platting Community and Age-Friendly Network with the aim to provide students with firsthand insights into the strategies and practices of community activists who are fighting for more inclusive urban development in Manchester.

This was achieved through a combined citizen-led lecture and field visit in Hulme and Miles Platting, areas where local communities are actively working to improve access to basic rights and services and are fighting against gentrification.

The field trip offered an opportunity to explore citizen-led development and to compare these everyday practices of resistance with those of urban dwellers in the global South, focusing on how, why, and by whom certain development pathways are contested and resisted.

Additionally, the students were able to witness firsthand what co-producing knowledge means, both in research and in teaching.

What does Social Responsibility mean to you in your teaching, research or working in SEED?

[Rusca] In my teaching, fostering a sense of community in the classroom is a key goal. I believe that being part of and contributing to a community is essential to address contemporary developing challenges (and to be happy). Engaging students with the work of CLASS is a way to highlight the importance of building networks and community. I aim to show them the power of collaboration in creating more equitable urban environments. This approach not only deepens their understanding of social issues and the importance of citizen-led initiatives but also instils a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope.

The field trip not only enriched students' educational experiences but also instilled a sense of belonging and hope for future engagement in their communities. Plans are underway to potentially continue this initiative next year, with a focus on further empowering students and fostering connections within urban settings.

#Assessmentforgood: Launching an innovative assessment initiative in SEED

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:05:30 +0100

Running from October 2023 to June 2024, the initiative aims to enhance the impact of student assessments related to sustainability by transforming traditional assignments into accessible podcasts.

What was the motivation behind your project?

�ڰ��Ƶ�B��Ա� Across the University much assessment communicates important messages to external audiences... but sits on Blackboard gathering dust (pixels?!).

This was the case for SEED��Ƶ�s UCIL course, ��Ƶ�Creating a Sustainable World��Ƶ�, where students communicate a sustainability problem and solution. These were often key societal interests such as fast fashion, energy poverty, and water pollution, that never moved beyond Blackboard.

To maximise the impact of existing assignments, and to facilitate discussion with our communities about issues that concerned them, Hilson researched good practice to turn the assessments into podcasts. We consulted with undergraduate and postgraduate taught students and we soon learned why this isn��Ƶ�t done.

Student feedback included ��Ƶ�if we were to make a podcast we��Ƶ�d benefit from reaching out to external guest speakers, as the world of podcasts is already so saturated.��Ƶ� Significant work was required to translate assessments into podcasts, many of which had specialist listenership. As an interim ��Ƶ�solution,��Ƶ� we piloted hosting student assessment on our website linked to our Instagram.

How did the SEED SR Catalyst Fund support your research?

�ڰ��Ƶ�B��Ա� Student feedback was staggering. Students said they felt ��Ƶ�proud��Ƶ�, ��Ƶ�motivated��Ƶ�, and ��Ƶ�valued��Ƶ� through their assignments being publicly available. Many wished for other opportunities to make a difference through assessment.

With SEED funding, we presented #Assessmentforgood at AdvanceHE��Ƶ�s and the Institute of Teaching and Learning��Ƶ�s summer conferences. Cardiff University have already integrated #Assessmentforgood into their staff development toolkit.

Any SEED colleagues are most welcome to host students��Ƶ� work related to sustainable development on our University Living Lab platform. Through this work we are collating examples of assessment that make a difference to share through the Institute of Teaching and Learning to inspire further change.

The project aligns with O��Ƶ�Brien and Mutungamiri's broader commitment to socially responsible education, aiming to inspire other institutions to adopt similar practices. The initiative underscores a collective effort to cultivate a more sustainable and engaged academic community.

For more information, visit .

Zine-Making Workshop Empowers Participants to Tackle Imposter Syndrome

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:04:35 +0100

The interactive event encouraged attendees to explore their feelings through creative expression, using zines as a grassroots tool for sharing personal stories and strategies.

What was the motivation behind your project and how did the SEED SR Catalyst Fund support your research?

[Budworth and Hall] On Wednesday, 31 January 2024, we held a zine-making workshop focused on tackling Imposter Syndrome. The zine-making workshop was co-designed and facilitated by Selina, Mary-Anne and Carrie-Ann of , as well as researchers, Poppy and Sarah, from the project.

During the zine-making workshop we talked together about Imposter Syndrome, what it is, and how to tackle it. The interactive session aimed to empower and uplift participants, and through the practice of zine-making we explored different techniques to express our thoughts and experiences.

By sharing stories, strategies, and creative insights, we created a supportive and inclusive environment where attendees could connect, learn, and grow together as a SEED (School of Environment, Education, and Development) community.

The workshop provided space to work alongside and learn from the brilliant Inspire Women, and since this event the relationship between Inspire and our team has continued to flourish with more creative methods-related events in the pipeline.

How has your project impacted the community?

[Budworth and Hall] We received positive feedback during our session, with many participants reflecting on the cathartic, connective, and creative space we created together. In addition, participants reflected that the workshop encouraged them to feel ��Ƶ�less alone��Ƶ�, which shows the importance of creating safe spaces at work to share together, tackle loneliness, and improve wellbeing.

Furthermore, the workshop in January later informed a talk by Selina and Carrie-Ann at an online Urban Studies Foundation event held in May 2024, which focused on ; Selina reflected on her experiences of co-facilitating the zine-making workshop and discussed some of the conversations she��Ƶ�d had with participants about confidence building.

What does Social Responsibility mean to you in your teaching, research or working in SEED?

[Budworth and Hall] Social responsibility, care, and collectivity is at the core of both Inspire Women Oldham and the Austerity and Altered Life-Courses project, with both amplifying people��Ƶ�s voices and experiences and through creating spaces for meaningful connections, creativity, and knowledge sharing.

Social responsibility and public engagement are also important to both Poppy and Sarah, personally and professionally. For example, Poppy's work explores social difference, marginalisation, and everyday life, with a focus on youth and disability. Poppy is interested in exploring the ways that academic researchers can collaborate and partner with community-researchers, experts by experience, and non-HEI organisations in meaningful and enduring ways; drawing on creative and non-traditional ways of sharing.

For Sarah these are also key concerns, with a focus on lived experiences and inequalities of economic change for people, places and relationships. Exploring these interests through long-term, sustained and embedded collaborations, creative participatory methods and praxis, and deep listening techniques, social responsibility permeates all elements of her research practice. Building on the learnings and collaborations from the Imposter Syndrome zine-making workshop, we hosted a zine-making workshop as part of the Austerity and Altered Life-Courses International Online Symposium, on the theme of ��Ƶ�Future Lives and Austerity,��Ƶ� on Wednesday 16th October 2024.

The zines created during the workshop have been to encourage continued conversations about tackling Imposter Syndrome together and to celebrate the participants��Ƶ� creativity in addressing personal and communal challenges.

More information about zine-making as a creative and collaborative method can be found in our ��Ƶ��Ƶ�, which was co-produced by Inspire and the Austerity and Altered Life-Courses project, as part of the project. To keep in touch with the project, please follow on X or email austerityalters@manchester.ac.uk.

SEED Stitch Socials Promote Wellbeing and ��Ƶion at The University of Manchester

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:03:20 +0100

Running from December 2023 to June 2024, these monthly gatherings invite participants to engage in craft projects while discussing their research and building community ties.

What was the motivation behind your project and how did the SEED SR Catalyst Fund support your research?

[Stitch Socials] There have been calls from researchers within the School for more opportunities to get to know one another, and we are aware that contract researchers and newly joining staff in particular are at risk of feeling isolated and disconnected from colleagues. Responding to these concerns, our aim was to create regular, safe, and relaxed spaces that facilitate familiarity and feelings of connection with a supportive ��Ƶ�SEED��Ƶ� community.

We hosted five monthly Stitch Socials at a variety of locations across the University of Manchester and the local area including Christie��Ƶ�s Bistro, Manchester Poetry Library, Hulme Garden Centre, and the Firs Environmental Research Station. We also held a final celebration event supported by the Humanities Wellbeing Fund in June 2024. The sessions were primarily aimed at SEED PGRs and ECRs (but open to all), inviting people to an informal and friendly meet-up where we learnt more about each other's research while working creatively in a variety of ways.

Over fifty people joined one or more sessions, and this included researchers from across faculties and at all career stages, as well as artists and colleagues from MMU. People brought existing projects (stitching, knitting, mending, or something completely different) or used the free, sustainably sourced stitching materials provided in the sessions. This gave us all an opportunity to slow down and chat about things in our work and personal lives, as well as taking time to sit quietly together.

At one of the Stitch Socials, we also invited two local artists whose work explores themes of social responsibility and sustainability to share their beautiful work with the group: Nell Smith, an artist who works with textiles and print, and Simone Trumpet, a portrait photographer with an interest in photographing people, places and plants.

What impact did Stitch Socials have on the researcher community in SEED?

[Stitch Socials] Participants who attended the Stitch Socials said they enjoyed the ��Ƶ�gentle socialising��Ƶ� of the sessions and liked having something practical to do while talking with colleagues. They valued opportunities to chat but also to spend time together quietly, and sometimes even in silence.

One noted that they found it ��Ƶ�rewarding to share craft hours together, bond with people, and calm down��Ƶ�. Having a reason to visit new places and lesser-known parts of the University was also something many saw as a benefit of taking part, with one participant commenting ��Ƶ�I really love the idea of having a session and discovering different locations, especially as a newcomer to the city.��Ƶ�

How does this project relate to our wide research and/or teaching at the University?

[Stitch Socials] As Early Career Researchers in SEED, our individual work engages with Social Responsibility issues in a variety of ways. For example, Xin is interested in caring relations between bodily experience and urban infrastructure, particularly in how to develop care-oriented approaches in urban spaces through community and social engagements.

Laura is interested in the idea of so-called ��Ƶ�slow scholarship��Ƶ� and how we might create gentler, more ethical and inclusive ways of working with research participants, communities and with fellow academic researchers. In her current research, Making Slow Colour, she is interested in how researchers might resist the urgency and competitiveness that often characterises academic work.

Poppy��Ƶ�s work explores social difference, marginalisation, and everyday life, with a focus on youth and disability. Poppy is interested in exploring the multiple ways that academic researchers can collaborate and partner with non-HEI organisations and experts in meaningful and enduring ways; which draw on creative and non-traditional methods of sharing. We are each experimenting with creative methods to research, respond to and communicate these challenges.

Through these socials, Pottinger, Budworth, and Li aim to nurture relationships with local artists and strengthen future collaborative opportunities, aligning with their individual research interests in social responsibility and community engagement.

For more information about the SEED Stitch Socials, contact Laura Pottinger at laura.pottinger@manchester.ac.uk.

Stand out from the crowd: sharpen your skills with Key 5!

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:00:05 +0100

"Entrepreneurship" may sound like something only future business founders need to care about, but entrepreneurial skills aren��Ƶ�t just for launching companies. They can help you navigate any job and stand out from the crowd.

That��Ƶ�s why Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) created ��Ƶ�Key 5��Ƶ��Ƶ�a new flexible, interactive learning experience designed to equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills for any career path, whether you're interested in starting your own business or excelling within an organisation.

Key 5 delivers valuable, real-world skills in an interactive and flexible format. Even if you don��Ƶ�t yet know the career you want, you��Ƶ�ll gain skills you can use right now - from acing your next interview to leading group projects like a boss.

What is ��Ƶ�Key 5��Ƶ�?

Key 5 is an innovative microlearning suite - five bite-sized modules you can finish in just 10-15 minutes each:

Effective and Powerful Communication: Learn how to express ideas clearly and persuasively.
Networking: Discover how to build connections that can open doors to new opportunities.
Market Awareness: Understand the environment you��Ƶ�re operating in and how to respond to it.
Opportunity Recognition: Develop the ability to spot potential and act on it.
Building Confidence: Strengthen your ability to lead, present, and excel in group settings.

What Makes It Fun?

What sets Key 5 apart is its scenario-based learning design. You'll engage in dynamic, interactive challenges - negotiating with aliens, slaying dragons, and inventing world-changing products in a futuristic multiverse ��Ƶ� all while boosting your skills.

Learn in Your Own Time, No Pressure

You can do it all on your own schedule, wherever you are. Do you have 15 minutes between lectures? Perhaps you��Ƶ�re waiting for the bus? You can access Key 5 anywhere, anytime, on any device. And it��Ƶ�s risk-free ��Ƶ� no need to worry about assessments or grades, learn without pressure.

Who Should Try It?

Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or a seasoned pro, Key 5 will help you sharpen your skills, but we expect first- and second-year undergraduates will benefit most.

See what it's like! Find out more about Key 5 with our short video:

Ready to Start?

Are you ready to start your journey? Jump into Key 5 and start building the skills that will make you stand out in any career.

Let us know what you think! Leaving feedback at the end of each module helps us know what works for you so we can design future learning experiences.

Find out more about the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) .

In despair about Earth��Ƶ�s future? Look for green shoots

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:36:34 +0100

As and a habitable climate teeters, it��Ƶ�s understandable to feel despair.

Some of the world��Ƶ�s top climate scientists at the prospect of reaching 3°C by 2100. This hellish scenario, well in excess of the 1.5°C countries agreed to aim for when they signed the 2015 , would indeed spell disaster for much of life on Earth.

As a lecturer in sustainability, I often hear my anxious students bemoan the impossibility of building a way out of ecological collapse. However, the greatest danger is fatalism, and assuming, as claimed, that ��Ƶ�there is no alternative��Ƶ�.

There is a vast ocean of possibility for transforming the planet. Increasingly, cities are in the vanguard of forging more sustainable worlds.

Car-free futures

Since the , the car has afforded a sense of freedom while infringing on the freedoms of .

Cars, particularly , are a major source of air pollution and . Motorways and have transformed Earth��Ƶ�s terrain and monopolised public space. For those of us in industrialised societies, it is difficult to .

Global sales of electric vehicles are projected to . Yet even these supposed solutions to an unsustainable transport sector require a lot of space and materials to make and maintain.

With cities set to host nearly by 2050, space and livability are key concerns. As such, and are beginning to reclaim their streets.

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of low-emissions zones, areas that regulate the most polluting vehicles in order to improve air quality and help to protect public health, in European cities. Research suggests that policies to such as congestion charges and raised parking fees can further discourage their use. However, providing viable and accessible alternatives is also crucial: as such, many cities are also widening walkways, building bike lanes and making public transport cheaper and easier to access.

An estimated 80,000 cars used to pass daily through the centre of , a city in north-west Spain. Mayor Miguel Anxo Fernandez Lores instituted a ban on cars in 1999 and removed on-street parking spaces. The city has since drastically reduced air pollution and hasn��Ƶ�t had a vehicular death in over a decade.

Living cities

Cement and concrete are to make major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings and dams. The cement industry accounts for up to . Moreover, the open-pit quarrying of limestone, a key ingredient in cement, involves removing topsoil and vegetation which and increases flooding risks.

A burgeoning ��Ƶ��Ƶ� movement originated in in 2008 and has removed concrete and asphalt from cities including , and several cities , replacing it with plants and soil.

Depaving is an example of the wider movement which aims to restore natural habitats and expand green spaces in cities for social and ecological wellbeing.

Multispecies coexistence

A new by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has documented in the abundance of monitored wildlife populations globally since 1970. Despite such unfathomable losses, many cities are being transformed into .

Prized for their fur, beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK by the 16th century. Their create homes for other species such as birds and invertebrates and help prevent flooding. Eurasian beavers have been since their reintroduction in the 1920s and 1960s, respectively.

In 2022, beavers were designated a in England. , London saw its first baby beaver in over 400 years.

Melbourne has launched a project to create in the city by 2028, with at least 20 local plant species for each square metre. An 8-kilometre long is also being created to allow wildlife to travel between 200 interconnected gardens and further help local pollinators flourish.

Living alongside larger predators brings unique challenges. However, as with any functional relationship, respect is key for coexistence. Los Angeles and Mumbai are two major cities that are mountain lions and leopards. Local officials have launched public education initiatives urging people to, for instance, maintain a safe distance from the animals and not walk alone outside at night. In cases where wildlife conflicts occur, such as who have lost livestock, non-lethal methods such as wolf-proof fences and guard dogs have been found to be than culls.

Environmental justice now

Cities, particularly in wealthy countries, are only a small part of the story.

At just over 500 years old, the modern capitalist system, imposed globally through , is a relatively recent development. Despite its influence, the visionary author Ursula K. Le Guin that ��Ƶ�any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings��Ƶ�.

numbering 476 million across 90 countries represent thousands of distinct cultures that persist as living proof of the enduring possibilities of radically different ways of living.

tracks 4,189 worldwide. From keeping illegal miners at bay, to countless local communities and resisting the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure. Over the last few years, these place-based struggles have either stopped, stalled or forced the suspension of at least .

These examples demonstrate hope in action, and suggest that the radical changes required to avert climate and ecological breakdown are often a simple question of will and collective resolve.

Reality, like the future, is never fixed. Whether the world is depends on actions taken today. The terrain ahead will be full of challenges. But, glimmers of a better world are already here.

, Lecturer in Sustainability,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

University wins global climate award in recognition of its commitment to sustainability

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:13:02 +0100

The University of Manchester has won a prestigious in recognition of its ambitious decarbonisation plans.

The ��Ƶ�Zero Carbon Without a Net��Ƶ� initiative is part of the University��Ƶ�s Environmental Sustainability strategy which was launched last July, and subsequently won the 2023 . Now, the University is being honoured for its dedication to sustainability on an international scale.

The awards featured 95 finalists from 28 countries, with the University coming first in the ��Ƶ��Ƶ� category, which focuses on assessing the steps that institutions are taking - or are planning to take - to reach their sustainability targets.

Recognising the innovative and pioneering initiatives in sustainability, the celebrate the projects undertaken by further and higher education institutions who are striving for a sustainable future.

The University��Ƶ�s initiative focuses on decarbonising its operations to secure a zero-carbon future by 2038. Progress already made includes:

The landmark deal signed in May 2024 that will see up to 65% of the University��Ƶ�s electricity demand supplied through a brand-new renewables project.
Completion of the first phase of building decarbonisation projects including the newly refurbished building which now has the infrastructure to support zero emissions.
A further ��Ƶ25m pledged to decarbonise the University, taking the zero-carbon budget to ��Ƶ175m.

The Green Gown Award judges commented: ��Ƶ�The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s ��Ƶ�Zero Carbon Without a Net��Ƶ� initiative is candid and ambitious. The approach of clearly assessing reality in relation to ambitions is very important and ensures that the approach taken is sincere, going beyond intentions to focus on transformation. Its scientific approach, detailed planning. And substantial internal funding demonstrates a deep institutional commitment to sustainability.��Ƶ�

The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Environmental Sustainability strategy builds on the University��Ƶ�s core goals of Teaching and Learning, Research and Discovery and Social Responsibility and stresses the need to embed sustainable practises into all University plans, policies and processes.

The strategy also highlights six priority operational areas, all linking back to the United Nations Sustainability Goals: Construction and Refurbishment; Risk and Climate Resilience; Responsible Procurement; Resource Management; Valuing Nature; Travel and Transport.

��Ƶ�We are incredibly delighted to be recognised internationally for our decarbonisation plans, which are firmly grounded in science, with our zero-carbon target set in collaboration with experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research��Ƶ� said Julia Durkan, The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Head of Environmental Sustainability. ��Ƶ�This award not only acknowledges our ambitious plans but also celebrates the collective efforts of our colleagues who have made this initiative a reality. We��Ƶ�re proud to be part of the international effort to tackle climate change, and we know achieving these goals requires continuous, urgent action and global collaboration.��Ƶ�

Madagascar��Ƶ�s mining rush has caused no more deforestation than farming

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:54:01 +0100

If tens of thousands of miners turned up in the middle of a protected rainforest to mine for sapphires, you might expect that to cause lots of deforestation and harm local wildlife.

Mining has a very bad reputation. It is often assumed to be one of the worse land uses ��Ƶ� destroying and polluting the environment and creating barren, moon-like landscapes. Where mining occurs in areas of high biodiversity, it is considered a serious threat.

But in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, over 10,000 people mining for sapphires didn��Ƶ�t cause more damage to the forest than farmers clearing land for agriculture, which remains the most important driver of deforestation in this area.

focuses on quantifying the effects of sapphire mining on the forests of Madagascar. My discoveries challenge some of the preconceptions about the impacts of small-scale mining. I show that, despite being attention-grabbing, some forms of mining can be surprisingly low-impact and less damaging than other land uses.

In October 2016, a valuable deposit of sapphires was discovered by people searching for gold within the protected rainforests of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena corridor in eastern Madagascar. These rainforests are really important for biodiversity as they are home to many unique species , including lemurs such as the indri and black and white ruffed lemur. Word of the sapphire discovery quickly spread. Within weeks from across the island were illegally mining in the Bemainty valley deep within the forest.

Miners used shovels to dig pits between 1m and 3m deep in the valley floor to extract river sediments. They used handmade sieves and water from the stream to sieve the sediment and search for gems. The work was hard, living conditions in the hastily constructed settlements were poor, and the rewards were uncertain.

Unlucky miners left the site poorer than they arrived. Some struck it rich, while others made enough money to survive and perhaps save a little extra to invest in education, land or businesses. This type of mining, termed artisanal and small-scale mining, is not unique to Madagascar. It is widespread, supporting an estimated people around the world.

The mining rush at Bemainty attracted international media attention due to fears over its environmental impacts, with it was causing substantial deforestation and threatening endangered lemur populations. This caused amongst conservationists.

aimed to evaluate the deforestation claims. To properly assess the impact of something, an essential step is to estimate what would have happened without it: the counterfactual. To roughly calculate how much deforestation would have happened at Bemainty without mining, my colleagues and I used the average area of deforestation within a set of control forest areas, chosen to be as similar as possible to Bemainty but crucially, without mining. We then compared deforestation at Bemainty to this counterfactual.

We found that mining at Bemainty did not cause more deforestation than we estimate would have happened anyway from other causes. In this area, the biggest driver of deforestation is shifting agriculture, where people cut and burn patches of forest on slopes to grow rice for a few years in a rotational cycle. We showed that more than 10,000 people mining in the area did not cause more deforestation than several hundred people clearing forest for farming. The impacts of the artisanal gem rush need to be considered within this broader context.

Limited negative effects of mining on deforestation at Bemainty could be for several reasons. First, the sapphires were found within river sediments, confining mining to the valley floor.

Second, much of this area had been cleared for farming decades before when the first settlers arrived. Third, the miners did not use heavy machinery, and sapphire mining does not use toxic chemicals (like the ).

The variability of small-scale mining

More broadly, these results highlight that the environmental impacts of artisanal mining are very variable. They depend on the scale, methods, machinery and chemicals used, and the environmental impact of alternative land uses that people might be doing otherwise, like farming or cutting down trees to make charcoal. Although in some places artisanal and small-scale mining is causing major environmental problems, where mining is small-scale and doesn��Ƶ�t use heavy machinery or chemicals, environmental effects may be similarly limited.

However, in many countries this variability is not considered in policies towards artisanal mining. Policies tend to or otherwise stopping artisanal mining, but often have . I believe that these one-size-fits-all policies are strongly influenced by negative preconceptions about mining and the worst case scenarios, and not necessarily specific evidence, which is lacking for many countries.

Treating all mining as the same needs to stop. Artisanal mining provides income for millions of poor people around the world who, despite the challenges, decide it is their best ��Ƶ� and perhaps only ��Ƶ� option. Given its importance, policymakers need to rethink their preconceptions. Where mining has a low environmental impact, more open-minded, flexible policies are needed to regulate it in a way which balances the needs of poor communities with biodiversity conservation.

, Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Land Use,
This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

New book challenges notion that English only belongs to native speakers

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:17:34 +0100

A groundbreaking new book has further revealed that English is a global language which comes in multiple varieties, and challenges the idea that there is only one correct way to speak and write English in higher education.

The global spread of English means that there are now more non-native speakers than native speakers. This has naturally led to the development of new vocabulary and grammatical structures in different regions. For example, in Indian English, you might hear the word "prepone" (meaning to reschedule a meeting earlier) or the phrase ��Ƶ�Are you wanting something?��Ƶ�.

Emerging Englishes: China English in Academic Writing by Drs Alex Baratta, Rui He & Paul Vincent Smith encourages readers to rethink how English is used around the world. The focus of the authors��Ƶ� research is on a specific type of English known as ��Ƶ�China English,��Ƶ� which is of course used by Chinese individuals, here comprising Chinese students studying at The University of Manchester. The book is one of the few studies of China English to analyse naturally occurring written data produced in an academic context.

The book emphasises that ��Ƶ�China English��Ƶ� is not a version of English filled with mistakes - as is often implied by the term ��Ƶ�Chinglish��Ƶ� - but is a legitimate variety of the language. By analysing the academic writing of Chinese students, the authors have demonstrated that ��Ƶ�China English��Ƶ� follows its own predictable patterns in grammar and vocabulary, much like other recognised types of English spoken globally.

As well as essays written by Chinese students in a university Master��Ƶ�s Degree programme, the research is based on data from online surveys of the students themselves. The findings suggest that ��Ƶ�China English��Ƶ� is not random or chaotic - instead, it has a system of rules that makes it a valid form of the language.

In the book, the authors also raise important questions about how English is taught, especially in academic settings. Should we keep insisting on ��Ƶ�Standard English,��Ƶ� or should we start accepting other varieties of English as well? The book investigates how these changes are reflected in the way Chinese students write academic essays, and encourages readers to think about how different forms of English might affect teaching, grading, and even a student��Ƶ�s identity and their acculturation experiences abroad.

��Ƶ�We have discovered robust evidence for grammatical constructions such as ��Ƶ�researches��Ƶ�, expressions such as ��Ƶ�mute English��Ƶ�, and a deferential style of emailing (��Ƶ�My Dear Professor��Ƶ�),��Ƶ� said Dr Baratta.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of the English language and its many forms around the world.

Emerging Englishes: China English in Academic Writing can be purchased at the following link:

Study shows links between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and teenage wellbeing

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

A new study from The University of Manchester has highlighted a link between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and wellbeing in young people, with those with the healthiest lifestyles experiencing the highest wellbeing.

The research, led by Dr Chris Knowles and a team of experts from the Manchester Institute of Education, as part of the programme, analysed the habits of nearly 18,500 Year 8 students from Greater Manchester. Findings showed that teenagers who use social media more frequently tended to have less healthy lifestyles.

The study aimed to understand the connection between different health habits (being physically active, getting enough sleep, and having a healthy diet) and young people��Ƶ�s mental wellbeing. It identified three groups based on these habits: the "Green and Dream Team" (the most active group, most likely to get enough sleep, and with the highest intake of fruit and vegetables), the "Balanced Bunch" (a group with more moderate scores on all these factors), and the "Wellness Weary" (those with the least healthy habits).

About 45% of teenagers fell into the healthiest group, 40% were in the moderately healthy group, and 15% were in the least healthy category. The study found that those who were part of the "Green and Dream Team" reported better mental wellbeing a year later than the other groups.

Social media use was one of several key factors that affected which group a young person fell into. Compared to the ��Ƶ�Green and Dream Team��Ƶ�, teenagers who spent more time on social media were more likely to belong to less healthy groups (namely the ��Ƶ�Balanced Bunch��Ƶ� and the "Wellness Weary"). In contrast, those who used social media less were more active, had better sleep, and ate more fruit and vegetables.

The research also uncovered that socio-economic deprivation played a big role in determining a young person's health habits. Teenagers from disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester were substantially less likely to be ��Ƶ�Green and Dream Team��Ƶ� members. In fact, of all indicators, deprivation was the strongest predictor of health lifestyle, highlighting the ongoing importance of tackling social inequality to reduce public health disparities.

Interestingly, the study found that Black and Asian teenagers were more likely to have poor health habits (like less physical activity and sleep), yet previous research has shown Black and Asian young people often report better mental health outcomes than their White peers. This presents a complex picture of how different social and lifestyle factors affect health and mental wellbeing of various ethnic groups.

The research supports ongoing efforts by the NHS and government to improve the physical and mental health of young people, and it calls for further action to address the impact of social media and social inequalities on day-to-day life.

��Ƶ�Our findings have important implications for the health and wellbeing of young people,��Ƶ� said Dr Chris Knowles. ��Ƶ�There is a long-term need to address deep societal issues, such as inequality, which we��Ƶ�ve shown has strong links to unhealthy behaviour. Until then, reducing social media use is a more immediately implementable change that has potential to help adoption of healthier lifestyles in the shorter-term. We also recognise that young people have previously reported social media can benefit their wellbeing, so prospective changes should aim to strike a balance.��Ƶ�

Grenfell-style shortcuts by architects ��Ƶ�still fairly common��Ƶ�, study finds

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:17 +0100

A new study has found that architects often take shortcuts by copying previous designs, and by relying too much on others to handle complex tasks without double-checking. The recent Grenfell Tower Inquiry found that a similar approach was taken at the London tower block which tragically caught fire in 2017, resulting in 70 deaths.

Dr Diana Osmólska and Dr Alan Lewis from The University of Manchester have studied how architects make decisions - they have discovered that architects often rely on their instincts when deciding which information to use and how to solve design problems.

Unlike maths or science, where solutions are more straightforward, design problems depend on the architect��Ƶ�s understanding and ideas. The researchers used a theory from psychology to look at these decisions more closely.

Their findings show that architects can sometimes make mistakes without realising it, by using what worked in previous projects without checking if it is still the best approach. This shortcut is called ��Ƶ�intuitive substitution.��Ƶ�

Instead of carefully analysing a new problem, architects may just reuse an old solution, which can be risky. For example, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry found an architect on that building had assumed that cladding panels used on other projects were suitable without checking them properly beforehand.

Another shortcut is ��Ƶ�intuitive outsourcing��Ƶ�, which happens when architects rely on other professionals for information and don��Ƶ�t check it themselves. In the Grenfell Inquiry, it was found that architects trusted subcontractors to provide the right materials without verifying them. This kind of outsourcing can create a false sense of security, making architects feel they have all the needed information even when they don��Ƶ�t.

Dr Osmólska explains that these shortcuts can make architects overlook important details:

The researchers are now developing a new framework that will help architects assess their design choices more thoroughly. They plan to test this framework by working with architects to see how it can improve their decision-making in future.

Manchester expert appointed as Chair of UK2070 Commission

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:30:21 +0100

The - an independent inquiry into city and regional inequalities in the United Kingdom - has announced the appointment of Professor Cecilia Wong as its new Chair. Professor Wong brings a wealth of expertise and an exceptional track record in urban and regional development to the prestigious role.

Professor Cecilia Wong is a distinguished academic and a Professor of Spatial Planning and Co-Director of Policy@Manchester at The University of Manchester. She is a Fellow of both the Academy of Social Sciences and the Royal Town Planning Institute, highlighting her significant contributions to the field. In addition to her academic achievements, Professor Wong has served different assessment roles for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), including as the Chair of the Research Approvals and Data Acquisition Committees of the Urban Big Data Centre and the UK Research Excellence Framework assessments.

Her extensive experience extends beyond academia, having worked closely with various UK government bodies, the ESRC, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Homes and Communities Agency, and the Lyons Independent Housing Review. Her advisory roles to the European Commission on the Urban Audit II and to UN-Habitat on the City Prosperity Index underscore her global influence and commitment to sustainable urban development.

Currently, Professor Wong is engaged in a 5-year UK Preventive Research Partnership funded project of tackling the root cause of health inequalities and urban planning decision-making. She was also the Principal Investigator of a joint ESRC and the China Natural Science Foundation project on eco-urbanisation, promoting sustainable development. Her work continues to shape policies and practices, driving forward the agenda of creating sustainable, prosperous urban environments.

Professor Wong's appointment as Chair of the UK2070 Commission marks a significant milestone for the organisation. Her leadership and vision are expected to further the Commission��Ƶ�s goals of addressing regional inequalities and promoting a more balanced and equitable development across the UK.

The Commission says it looks forward to the strategic direction and innovative approaches that Professor Wong will bring to the role, building on its existing work and expanding its impact.

Student teachers earn National Primary Science Enhancement Award

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:37:10 +0100

Eleven student teachers from The University of Manchester received the on 20 August 2024.

This award was developed by the . The scheme, now in its third consecutive year, is supported by the , the and .

The PSEA scheme enables student teachers to increase their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science. The scheme draws on rationale, processes and resources developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Primary Science Quality Mark, and by in Belfast. It supports the student teacher to develop additional reflective practice development in primary science during the initial teacher education phase. After receiving the PSEA, student teachers are able to start their careers with increased competence and confidence when teaching science and are equipped to take up future school leadership positions in science.

The eleven student teachers, overseen by Adrian Bowden and Primary PGCE Course Leader (Science), Jon Board at The University of Manchester, gained new strengths ranging from making cross-curricular links between science and additional subjects to developing scientific enquiry skills in pupils during the PSEA scheme.

106 student teachers from across the UK have been awarded the PSEA for ITE this year. These new teachers are encouraged to develop their skills with the support of the Primary Science Teaching Trust, while expanding their work in primary science education.

Further information on how the Primary Science Teaching Trust supports initial teacher education can be found on their website:

Zhuo Sun (MIE) has written a blog for BERA blog

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:34:53 +0100

This examines the impact of AI on learning development in HE, focusing on international students in the UK.

It concludes by calling for a collective effort from institutions and learning programme developers to balance AI's benefits with its potential drawbacks, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders the educational experience of international students in the UK.

A recent study reveals the complex impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on international students in UK universities. While AI tools like ChatGPT offer personalised learning and help overcome language barriers, they also raise significant concerns.

The research, based on interviews with students from China, South Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Austria, highlights how AI assists in navigating academic challenges. One student remarked, "AI makes my life so much easier... I just pop the question in ChatGPT, and I will have all the answers!"

However, the study uncovers worrying trends. Many students are unaware of data privacy risks, and there's a growing tendency to rely on AI over human tutors. Experts warn this could impact students' cultural integration and overall well-being.

The findings call for urgent action to enhance digital literacy and carefully manage AI integration in higher education, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders international students' experiences.

The blog post is available to read .

Jack Benton Awarded Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:15:01 +0100

This project aims to develop new tools and insights for understanding how changes in urban environments impact people��Ƶ�s wellbeing.

He will create innovative camera-based observation methods to assess wellbeing behaviours in urban environments and develop a novel theoretical framework to determine which environmental interventions are most effective in different urban contexts.

These methods and theories will be applied to a real-world environmental intervention in Manchester, which will be evaluated through a ��Ƶ�natural experiment.��Ƶ�

This highly interdisciplinary project will deliver a step change in generating a robust evidence base for urban policies and practices that enhance population wellbeing and reduce inequalities.

The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship is a highly competitive grant awarded annually by the Leverhulme Trust to support the work of emerging scholars. The fellowship provides 36 months of full-time research funding, including support for research expenses.

will conduct his research at The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s , under the mentorship of , starting in October 2024.

Since completing his PhD in 2017, Jack has been based in the School of Health Sciences at The University of Manchester. He previously received a Wellcome Trust pump-priming fellowship in 2021. His work bridges public health, behavioural science, and urban research, with a focus on improving policy and decision-making for healthier cities.

Call for papers: St Helena Research & Innovation online conference

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:53:43 +0100

The was officially launched in November 2019. To celebrate its fifth anniversary an online conference will take place on Wednesday 20 November 2024 in collaboration with The University of Manchester. If there is enough interest, this may extend to a second day or half-day on 21st November.

Exploiting the improved internet access made possible by the Equiano undersea cable, this will be our first globally-accessible and multi-disciplinary research conference with a singular focus on St Helena.

We aim to bring together researchers and other key stakeholders based on the island; those who are based off-island but have done research on, or around, St Helena; or research that has been part of wider regional studies that includes St Helena and those who have an interest in finding out more about the research work undertaken to date in this fascinating, historically and environmentally significant location.

Why get involved?

This is an excellent opportunity for those who have conducted research on, or about, St Helena to network with others, and explore the impact of their work and its possible application.

The event will be free to all attendees, and widely publicised on-island and to interested parties and organisations off-island including other British Overseas Territories; institutions, development and other NGOs with a particular interest in St Helena and small island states.

Themes

The conference will be organised around the following broad themes. Each will feature a keynote speaker and then a number of short (15-20 minute) presentations:

Natural sciences, including ecology, earth sciences, biology (terrestrial and marine) and agriculture
St Helena is internationally recognised as a biodiverse landscape of significant value. Yet it faces significant challenges in this regard, battling to sustain its endemic flora and fauna in the face of threats posed by invasive species and possible climate change. Energy, food and water security are also issues of crucial importance.
Humanities, anthropological, historical, and archaeological studies
The island��Ƶ�s colonial history, first under the East India Company, then under British Government rule, is a microcosm of the colonial experience, including its role in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean slave trade.
Contemporary social science, culture and economy
Small island states face distinct economic and social challenges, including declining populations; how to integrate into digitally-driven 21st century economics and business practices; how to leverage new educational opportunities based around distance learning; and so on.
Medical science, health and telemedicine
St Helena has an ageing population, isolated from many medical resources: yet the improvements in communications also open up opportunities in telemedicine and research into the mental and physical health of small, rural communities.

Submissions that may cross different themes are encouraged. The themes are also open to revision: in the you can suggest an alternative theme.

Plenary discussion

A key outcome of the conference is to explore opportunities for interdisciplinary synergies that can create benefits for the sustainable economic and social development of the island. We seek to identify research needs and gaps, and produce a preliminary list of research priorities for St Helena. Each theme, and then the conference as a whole, will therefore conclude with a plenary discussion focused on this agenda.

Submission

Interested presenters, please submit a 250-word abstract using the before Monday, 16 September 2024. Presentations should be around 15 minutes long.

For more information

Contact Rebecca Cairns-Wicks on rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.edu.sh or Drew Whitworth on drew.whitworth@manchester.ac.uk, telephone +44 7501 963630.

Cumbria coal mine shows planning is next battleground in UK climate policy

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:06:10 +0100

The UK��Ƶ�s new Labour government has made a bold decision. The new minister for local government, Angela Rayner, has announced that the government would for a new coal mine near Whitehaven in Cumbria, which had been approved two years ago by the then Conservative government.

Rayner��Ƶ�s intervention follows a recent making it harder for new sites of fossil fuel extraction to be approved. Pointing to the implications of the court��Ƶ�s decision, she argued that there had been an ��Ƶ�error in law��Ƶ� when Michael Gove, the minister at the time, had given the coal mine the go ahead in 2022.

The mine��Ƶ�s developers still want to go ahead, and a legal challenge by environmental campaigners is being , with a ruling expected later this summer. But, with its decision to withdraw its defence, the government has confirmed that it understands the need to decisively turn away from new fossil fuel extraction. This is good news.

But to rise to the challenge, the government must do much more. It must now show it understands what it means to decisively put the UK on a path towards clean energy while still recognising the importance of economic and social justice.

One of Keir Starmer��Ƶ�s pledges prior to becoming prime minister was to reform planning. He used eye-catching language, promising to the existing planning system to take out (those who say: ��Ƶ�not in my back yard��Ƶ�) ostensibly standing in the way of progress.

In Cumbria, the nimbys have a point

But there is an unfortunate irony in how Starmer��Ƶ�s position relates to the Cumbria mine. In Cumbria the ostensible were environmental campaigners pointing out that the mine would add into the atmosphere a year if it got the go ahead. They rightly argued that this would be indefensible in the middle of a climate crisis caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Without their intervention, the mine might already be in operation.

The planning system doesn��Ƶ�t need destroying, as Starmer��Ƶ�s language would suggest. As one of us (Gareth Fearn) , the challenge centres instead on revitalising planning as a public service, such that a new lease of life can be breathed into it.

In recent years, the UK��Ƶ�s planning system has been hollowed out due to austerity. Funding for local government fell by and planning departments shrunk as their work was to private-sector consultants. Meanwhile, the amount of work these departments have been expected to do has, if anything, increased.

This is an untenable situation. To achieve a rapid, just transition the planning system needs to be properly supported so that it can proactively steer the net zero transition, and communities can have a real say on development in their areas.

The alternative is that local areas are left at the mercy of speculative developers who will invest in what is most profitable, rather than what most effectively meets public needs. In a context where green industry often offers less return on capital than or high-end real estate, a deregulatory approach risks forcing local areas to choose between high-carbon speculative development or no development at all, as had happened in Cumbria.

Green policies, resources and community power

We want to see Labour take three steps to get the country on the right path. First, the new government must draw a much clearer connection between decarbonisation and planning policy when it this summer. This would remove ambiguities about new fossil fuel extraction and would mean putting in place strong policies for new, green industries like the government has already done with .

Second, Labour desperately needs to provide more resources to local government so councils and regional mayors can use in house planning expertise, rather than relying on expensive, private-sector consultants. This is at odds with chancellor Rachel Reeves��Ƶ� approach, which seems to covertly embrace and is reliant on the finance and preferences of the assembled to deliver infrastructure with little public control or ownership.

Third, and most importantly, communities need to be empowered to make genuine choices between alternatives. This is especially important for areas like Cumbria, with its long history of coal mining, or Aberdeen with its offshore oil, where green alternatives are as not as culturally embedded as carbon-intensive industries.

Coal in Cumbria has more than economic value. As one of us (Pancho Lewis) argued in , coal is folded into the area��Ƶ�s history and continues to signal a desirable future for many people. This isn��Ƶ�t because people aren��Ƶ�t concerned about climate change. They are. It��Ƶ�s because coal is a familiar industry which delivered ��Ƶ�proper��Ƶ�, reliable jobs in the past and, in the context of proposals for a new mine, promised to continue to do so in the years ahead.

The government must respond by working hand in glove with communities to shape a net zero future that is meaningful to them. This is about delivering reliable jobs that people need and rolling out industry which can provide continuity with the past. Doing this requires forward planning and creative thinking, so that the net zero transition .

The new Labour government��Ƶ�s decision to oppose the mine is good news. But for the energy transition to be successful there need to be opportunities in new industries around the country. This requires a public planning system which is back on its feet and for the public to have meaningful stakes in new projects from local to national government. Labour must rise to the moment.

, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, and , Researcher, Lancaster Environment Centre,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Winners of the National Trust's first 'Sky Gardening Challenge' in Manchester announced

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:30:25 +0100

The winning entries to the National Trust��Ƶ�s first ever Sky Gardening Challenge were announced on Thursday 25 July at a private garden party hosted at Castlefield Viaduct.

The pilot competition was open to residents of five neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester: First Choice Homes Oldham Eldon Street and Barker Street (Oldham); Angel Gardens (Manchester); Bentley House Estate (Hulme), and Middlewood Locks and New Maker Yards (Salford). Over 100 residents signed up to take part in the Challenge this summer, which aimed to get people greening up their balconies and window boxes in the hope of improving people��Ƶ�s connection to nature.

The challenge was themed around five categories:

Celebrate cultural heritage;
In the shade;
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle;
Wild about Wildlife;
Urban Farming.

People who signed up in April and May received freebies including seeds, peat-free compost, access to free workshops and socials and invaluable advice from the judges and National Trust gardeners along the way. Contestants shared their gardening journey with the National Trust in June, before a special panel of judges visited the homes of shortlisted entrants to review their progress, and select the four winners, and four runners up.

Residents were also offered the opportunity to take part in a study carried out by researchers in the Department of Geography at The University of Manchester (, Andy Speak, , and ) which aims to understand the impact of balcony greening on people��Ƶ�s health and wellbeing, and on nature. As well as surveying contestants before and after greening their balconies, the University offered some residents the chance to install air quality and temperature sensors on their balconies, to monitor the environmental impact of balcony greening.

There were four top-prize winners:

Jo Magee in the ��Ƶ�Celebrate Cultural Heritage��Ƶ� category
Dean Jackson in the ��Ƶ�In the Shade��Ƶ� category
Lauren Sheasby in the ��Ƶ�Urban Farming��Ƶ� category and
Jack Selman in the ��Ƶ�Wild about Wildlife��Ƶ� category.

Winners each received ��Ƶ200 of gardening goodies as donated by Blue Diamond Garden Centres and CJ Wildlife.

Chloe Parker, customer of First Choice Homes Oldham, said: ��Ƶ�Me and my 5 year old son Clayne joined the challenge as he loves nature and wanted to get involved, we��Ƶ�ve planted a number of seeds over 5/6 planters which are on our balcony wall. We��Ƶ�re both very new to this so there has been a lot of trial and error and we��Ƶ�ve realised nasturtiums and cornflower grows best in our space.��Ƶ�

Not only has this pilot encouraged people to green up their balconies, there has been evidence that it has helped to improve mental health too. One entrant commented: ��Ƶ�The workshops and socials helped me get started and motivated me to do it as I have had lots of health problems and I had lost the will to do it. I felt very tired at first but now I can spend an hour or so everyday day and I love sitting in my garden listening the birds or even just the wind blowing through the trees.��Ƶ� Another said; ��Ƶ�It��Ƶ�s like a pocket of peace in a busy town centre, a little piece of the countryside.��Ƶ�

The Sky Gardening Challenge was judged by gardening experts including Cloud Gardener, whose work featured in the RHS Urban Show; Victoria Holden, founder of Northern Lily, a social enterprise based in Oldham that promotes wildlife friendly gardening; Liz Dalby-Webb, Head Gardener at social enterprise Plant MCR; Kath Gavin, Sustainability Coordinator at Hulme Community Garden Centre; and Robyn Booth, National Trust gardener and author of balcony gardening book GROW.

An ancient lake supported human life in the Namib Sand Sea, say experts

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:22:07 +0100

, and ,

Desert regions in and the have been well studied by archaeologists as the and as routes of along ��Ƶ��Ƶ�. The archaeology of southern Africa��Ƶ�s west coast desert belt has not received the same attention.

The Namib Sand Sea, part of the Namib Desert, is on the west coast of Namibia. It is a hyperarid landscape of towering dunes, occupying about 34,000km² between the towns of Lüderitz in the south and Walvis Bay in the north. However, there are clues that this environment was not always so dry and inhospitable, suggesting that there is more to be learnt about ancient human life here.

We are part of an interdisciplinary research team of physical geographers, archaeologists and geospatial scientists, interested in the long-term history of deserts and human-environmental interactions.

Our provides a timeframe for the presence of a small freshwater lake that once existed in the Namib Sand Sea. This lake was fed by an ancient river and is surrounded by a rich record of stone tools from the (made between about 300,000 years ago and 20,000 years ago), indicating that people ventured into this landscape and used this occasional water source.

Dating the former lake site, Narabeb, makes it clearer when ancient humans would have been able to live here. It draws attention to the Namib Sand Sea as a place archaeologists should study to learn more about far-reaching and deep human connections across southern Africa.

An ancient lake and shifting sand dunes

Today, Narabeb is a landscape dominated by long sand dunes that tower more than 100 metres high over the former lake site. There is no standing water here and the landscape receives little to no rain most years. However, that��Ƶ�s probably not what our ancient ancestors would have seen here. Away from the lake, they might have seen a relatively flat plain, seasonally covered by grasses, beside a river.

The clue is in sediments at the site: mud layers that were laid down by water. To find out how long ago the lake was at Narabeb, we needed to date these layers.

We used a technique called ��Ƶ� basically, making sand glow to tell the time. Sand grains release a trapped signal that builds up when sand is buried underground, and is reset when sand is exposed to sunlight. Using this technique, we can date when different layers were last on the surface before they got buried. We dated the sand beneath and above layers of mud that were deposited by water. Our results show that the lake was present at Narabeb at some point between 231,000 ± 20,000 and 223,000 ± 19,000 years ago and again about 135,000 ± 11,000 years ago.

Another clue is the shape of the landscape east of Narabeb. It is dune free, reminding us that ancient humans were not the only things migrating in the Namib Sand Sea. Have the dunes been on the move? For how long? And how quickly?

Drilling to the centre of these dunes to work that out remains logistically impossible. Instead, we used .

The modelling suggests that it would have taken around 210,000 years to accumulate the amount of sand around Narabeb (those 110m high dunes). This number is remarkably close to the oldest age for the lake. This suggests that the dunes may only just have been starting to form and that a river was supplying the lake with fresh water, supporting animals and attracting people. The sediments at Narabeb also clearly tell us that a river once flowed where there are now dunes.

The winds have pushed dunes from the south and west to north and east, creating barriers for the river and hindering movement of people and animals along the water course.

Ancient human presence

At we have found tools from an earlier species of the Homo genus. This is part of a growing body of evidence, adding to research in the Kalahari desert in the centre of southern Africa, that suggests to the story of human evolution and technological innovation than has been supposed.

The artefacts from Narabeb fit into the Middle Stone Age type of stone tool technology. Narabeb is a particularly rich site for stone tools, suggesting people made tools here for a long time and perhaps visited the site over many generations.

This research illustrates the need for a comprehensive study of areas that have not been on the map of the major routes of human and animal migration. These might reveal exciting records of diffusion, innovation and adaptation to marginal and changing environments.

Our results also make us think about the dynamic nature of environmental conditions in one of Earth��Ƶ�s oldest desert regions. It has long been thought that the Namib has been consistently very and not a place capable of containing ��Ƶ�green corridors��Ƶ� at the times of interest for archaeologists. Now we can challenge that idea.

Future steps

Recent funding from the will allow us to extend our fieldwork, documenting archaeological sites and dating these ��Ƶ�green corridors��Ƶ� across more of this landscape. along the ancient river course has revealed an expansive artefact-littered landscape. We also need to know more about where ancient populations found the materials they used to make stone tools.

This will allow us to piece together a network of archaeological sites and show where human migration might have been possible in this part of southern Africa. Up to now, it��Ƶ�s been a gap in the archaeological map.

More work is also needed to understand the shifts in climate that allowed the rivers to flow into the Namib. This Southern Hemisphere, west coast desert has a very different setting to north Africa and Arabia, which have for understanding their periodic ��Ƶ�green corridors��Ƶ�. Ongoing work with the wider scientific community, including climate modellers, may create a clearer picture of the Namib��Ƶ�s ��Ƶ�green corridors��Ƶ�.

, Reader in Physical Geography, and , Professor of Archaeology,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Restoring eroded peatlands reduces flood risk for communities downstream

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:53:56 +0100

Scientists from The University of Manchester, The University of Aberdeen and Newcastle University have found that the restoration of upland peatlands is a highly effective strategy for reducing downstream flooding.

New modelling approaches combined with long-term data collection on the peatlands of Kinder Scout where restoration work has taken place have allowed the experts to demonstrate that meaningful flood protection can be delivered during large storms, and has the potential to offer significant protection to communities at risk of flooding in locations where traditional hard engineering may not be economically viable.

The model was built using data from a field experiment conducted with Moors for the Future Partnership looking at the impact of restoration on runoff on Kinder Scout in the south Pennines. In 2022, the Kinder Scout National Nature reserve managed by National Trust was extended ��Ƶ� partly in recognition of the importance of the scientific research that was taking place there. The new findings further emphasise the value of controlled long-term landscape experiments in understanding the impact of peatland restoration work.

Using new methods of modelling flood levels in the town of Glossop, which lies below the moorland peaks of Bleaklow and Kinder Scout in the Peak District, the team have demonstrated that fully restoring 41% of the upstream catchment via re-vegetation, gully blocking and sphagnum planting makes it more than 90% likely that the magnitude of a 100-year flood event would be reduced by more than 20%. If only 20% of the catchment is restored, they found that this would be 66% likely to reduce it by 10%.

Re-vegetating peatlands reduces downstream runoff because increased roughness of the vegetated surface slows the flow of water across the peatland. During a storm, a delay of some of this runoff means that the river peaks later and lower than it would have in an unrestored situation.

The peatlands of northern England are unusual as they have a limited presence of sphagnum moss, which is a mainstay of most peatland vegetation worldwide - but atmospheric pollution from the chimneys of northern England during the Industrial Revolution and other pressures on the landscape led to widespread loss of this moss cover. The experts have demonstrated that replanting this moss is a highly effective mechanism for slowing the flow of water across the peatland surface. Planting sphagnum into restored peatlands is a win-win strategy, as it also enhances carbon storage and biodiversity.

��Ƶ�This study is conducted using the latest hydrological modelling science but what really sets it apart is the quality of the observations behind it - the empirical data from Kinder Scout has been a real privilege to work with��Ƶ� said The University of Aberdeen��Ƶ�s Salim Goudarzi, lead author of the study. ��Ƶ�In many ways our study is as concrete of a proof-of-concept as possible. We hope our modelling study will underpin expansion of ongoing peatlands restoration across northern England which will deliver a wide range of ecosystem benefits alongside flood protection".

��Ƶ�We��Ƶ�ve been working to restore the moorlands of the Peak District and South Pennines for the last 21 years,��Ƶ� said Tom Spencer, Senior Research and Monitoring Officer at Moors for the Future Partnership. ��Ƶ�This restoration work is based on scientific evidence and the research with The University of Manchester and the University of Newcastle shows the natural flood management benefits of planting sphagnum and the opportunities for upscaling to extend these benefits, especially considering the increased risk of extreme weather events.��Ƶ�

"This study is exciting because it shows that small changes over large areas really can stack up to make a big difference,��Ƶ� said Newcastle University��Ƶ�s Dave Milledge, who also worked on the study. ��Ƶ�It also demonstrates that it is possible to make changes that are good for carbon storage, for ecosystems and for people downstream, as well as showing that changes in the hills can make a difference further downstream. But we need to remember that different places and different interventions will behave differently - not all peatland restoration will deliver flood risk benefit, nor should it be expected to."

��Ƶ�These findings are very promising in terms of the potential flood risk reductions that can be achieved by using upstream Natural Flood Management interventions in the peatland headwaters of the catchment,��Ƶ� said David Brown from the Environment Agency. ��Ƶ�Utilising detailed plot-scale observations and upscaling using the modelling approach has demonstrated what could be possible - the trick now is to continue with the upland restoration.��Ƶ�

The new Labour government plans to build 1.5 million homes ��Ƶ� here��Ƶ�s what��Ƶ�s needed to make it happen

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:30:23 +0100

Written by , Professor, Urban and Environmental Planning, , Professor of Urban Economics & Real Estate, and , Professor of Urban Planning and GISc.

The UK��Ƶ�s new Labour government has set itself the bold target of in five years to deal with the critical shortage of housing.

To achieve this, it will have to deliver 50% more than the previous government managed over the same period.

Can it be done, and if so, what obstacles need to be overcome?

Labour has made it clear that reform of the planning system is an important element of plans to foster growth in the economy, and at the same time deal with issues that have been slowing down the pace of new development.

The party also made , including re-introducing local housing targets, recruiting more planners to local government, promoting social housing, prioritising brownfield sites and allowing development on so-called ��Ƶ�grey belt��Ƶ� areas, such as wasteland or disused car parks, within the green belt, including a new generation of new towns.

This week��Ƶ�s king��Ƶ�s speech is expected to contain proposed legislation to enable these policies.

As planning and property professors at the University of Manchester we applaud the ambition to boost housing supply that has been lower than ; however, we urge caution about looking for quick wins by reducing planning powers and reforming planning in a rushed way.

For a start, this scale of development is pretty much unprecedented, so there are questions about whether it is achievable without recruiting many more skilled construction workers, building inspectors and local authority planners, as the government recognises.

Many infrastructure pinch points need to be resolved, too, not least upgrading the electricity grid, but also in transport and flood protection.

There are dangers, too, in giving the impression that large-scale proposals for new housing will automatically be looked favourably upon without adequate scrutiny around housing quality and neighbourhood design, flood-risk reduction and biodiversity.

New towns in particular must not be rushed. Instead, they need to be phased in over decades so they can grow organically rather than create townscapes that reflect a particular era of building styles.

While there is something to be said for releasing grey-belt land in the green belt, there is a danger that, if poorly devised, this proposal could create a perverse incentive for those farming productively in the green belt to allow their lands to convert to scrub so it can be sold off at higher prices.

The UK needs to build more houses quickly, but must address the known risks of future climate change. As we know from , increased temperatures, more extreme weather and rising sea levels will affect the how and where of house building in the UK. It will require choosing building materials and designs that withstand changing conditions, avoiding areas of heightened flood risk while using durable materials and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Poorly conceived reforms to bulldoze planning regulations in order to expedite new development, could result in poorly designed communities and poor-quality homes not fit to meet the UK��Ƶ�s net zero ambitions, passing on the costs to future generations, and specifically to home owners needing to .

Getting high-quality developments put forward in the first place should reduce public opposition and the need to engage in months of negotiating. Arguably then, more and better planning regulations are needed, not least to create high-quality, sustainable communities.

Building blocks needed first

For planning reforms to work well, other building blocks are needed first, such as expanding training for construction workers, building inspectors and planners. Reform of building regulations to address climate change, particularly energy performance in new buildings, is required as well as ensuring adequate water and sewerage infrastructure is in place, and improving electricity distribution networks.

The danger of not getting these building blocks in place early is that the scale of proposed house building will derail other policy goals, such as controlling inflation, reducing energy costs and achieving net zero targets.

For instance, if in the next two years, homes are built at the rapid pace as proposed, it might contribute to diverting skills from other growth sectors (such as vital retrofit work for heat pump or solar installation). It could also potentially fuel labour shortages and some regional and national wage inflation, mainly in the south-east where the gap between housing demand and supply is severe, and affordability are such serious issues.

While some increase in wages would be welcome after several years of stagnation, it is important to avoid returning to earlier periods of regional skill shortages and wage costs, especially now it is no longer possible to rely so much on attracting labour from EU countries.

Training enough new construction workers, re-training existing workers and attracting back those who have either left the labour market or moved into other sectors, will be key.

Finally, in creating new solutions to the under-delivery of new housing, it is important to acknowledge the value of public consultation on new plans and development proposals. So let��Ƶ�s focus first on getting the necessary building blocks in place and reform planning by making it efficient and better for all.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

Land protection initiatives reduced Amazon deforestation by up to 83%, research finds

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:12:08 +0100

A new analysis shows that land protection initiatives in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) reduced deforestation by up to 83% between 2000 and 2010. Such impressive results highlight the vital role of land protection policies in achieving ambitious goals, including the UN biodiversity target to .

Reversing biodiversity loss in the Amazon while combatting climate change is recognised by Brazil and the international community as a key priority, but more ambitious solutions are required in coming years. Although deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon have recently declined, the region still lost 5,000 square kilometres of rainforest in 2023 ��Ƶ� equivalent to three times the size of greater London.

Yet the research, published in , highlights that for Indigenous communities in the Amazon, land protection may come with hidden socio-economic costs. The study revealed that incomes in Indigenous Territories were up to 36% lower compared to other land uses, shining a light on the trade-offs decisionmakers must navigate when establishing and expanding forest conservation projects.

Researchers from the UK, Brazil, Sweden and the USA looked at three types of protection arrangements to uncover such trade-offs ��Ƶ� Indigenous Territories (ITs) that return ancestral land and resources to Indigenous peoples, strict protected areas (SPAs) that protected from everything apart from light human disturbance, and sustainable use protected areas (SUPAs) that allow sustainable use of natural resources while protecting the area from widescale industrial production. By comparing both environmental and socioeconomic outcomes across protected and unprotected areas, used for agriculture and mining, the analysis provides a more holistic analysis of policy impacts on both people and the environment.

Indigenous people are the most disadvantaged group in Brazil, with 33% living below the poverty line. As the researchers emphasise in a based on the study, we must not leave Indigenous peoples behind due to a lack of social protection or alternative support programmes. Efforts to secure land rights must be accompanied by additional initiatives to ensure these communities are not socioeconomically disadvantaged, such as removing access barriers to existing social protection programmes and other forms of support.

Dr Johan Oldekop, at The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Global Development Institute, said: ��Ƶ�Our research demonstrates that rights to land and resources for Indigenous people are necessary but perhaps insufficient mechanisms to bridge conservation and development.��Ƶ�

Recent scholarship asserts that ITs can prevent deforestation and other ecologically destructive practices. However, as lead author Dr Bowy den Braber explains: ��Ƶ�Carefully weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of different land use options can help policymakers maximise progress towards both conservation and development goals.��Ƶ�

Co-author Dr Marina Schmoeller, who recently completed her PhD at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said: ��Ƶ�We highlight the importance of indigenous territories for protecting biodiversity, which is timely considering the ongoing debates in the Brazilian Supreme Court that could potentially limit Indigenous people��Ƶ�s claim for lands not only in the Amazon, but in the whole of the country."

Dr Karl Evans, University of Sheffield, remarked that: ��Ƶ�Protected areas and Indigenous Territories are highly effective at reducing deforestation in the Amazon. Protecting forests does more to support local people��Ƶ�s livelihoods and well-being than opening them up to large agri-business and mining, while also addressing the climate and biodiversity emergencies.��Ƶ�

·&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Read the full, open access paper in
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Leading education academic from The University of Manchester receives major award

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:08:51 +0100

A leading academic from The University of Manchester has received a major award in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to educational knowledge, leadership and management throughout his career.

Professor Steven Courtney was given a Distinguished Service Award - the society��Ƶ�s highest accolade ��Ƶ� by BELMAS, the leading global independent voice in education leadership. Winners of the award receive a lifetime membership, and are invited to join the Distinguished Service Award Advisory Board which meets twice a year to provide the society with insight and feedback in relation to their work.

Steven is Professor of Sociology of Education and Director of Research at the Manchester Institute of Education, based at The University of Manchester. His research explores areas including education policy, system leadership, charisma, structural reform, depoliticisation and education privatisation, particularly in relation to the identities and practices of those constructed as educational leaders.

He is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Critical Studies in Education and co-convenor of the Manchester Institute of Education research group, Critical Education Leadership and Policy. His most recent book is ��Ƶ��Ƶ�, a reference, learning and teaching tool designed to assist students, educators and researchers. He is currently investigating former school leaders��Ƶ� experiences of leaving the vocation.

During his career, he has produced a large body of work that has contributed significantly to the development of fields of educational leadership, governance and policy, of all which have been published in international peer-reviewed journals such as the British Journal of Educational Studies, Journal of Educational Administration and History, Oxford Review of Education, Journal of Education Policy and British Journal of Sociology of Education - among many others.

��Ƶ�We strongly endorse Professor Courtney��Ƶ�s nomination on the basis of his academic standing within the community and his unwavering commitment to the development of professional colleagues, early career researchers and students within our field,��Ƶ� said Dr Paul Armstrong, on behalf of the Critical Educational Leadership and Policy research group. ��Ƶ�His influence on our group - and through this, the wider field of educational leadership, management and administration - cannot be overstated.��Ƶ�

��Ƶ�I unreservedly endorse Professor Courtney for this award - his steadfast dedication, active involvement and exemplary contributions have significantly enriched the BELMAS community, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honour,��Ƶ� said Dr Ruth McGinity from University College London. ��Ƶ�He has been a dedicated member of BELMAS for many years, and has made a profound and sustained commitment to the society's mission to enhance knowledge and scholarship in the field of Educational Leadership, Management and Administration and to create a space for research and practice to meet.��Ƶ�

��Ƶ�Professor Courtney is an exemplary colleague, an inspiration to many of us, and a go-to source for knowledge, support and wise advice - I recommend him without reservation for the BELMAS Distinguished Service Award,��Ƶ� said Professor Steven Jones from The University of Manchester. ��Ƶ�As well as being an excellent mentor to his students, his experience and insight is often in demand from junior colleagues, and his feedback is sought for all kinds of scholarly writing. Unlike some eminent professors, he is approachable and thoughtful, providing guidance that is robust but always fair.��Ƶ�

��Ƶ�Steven deserves this award due to his commitment and passion for BELMAS and educational leadership ��Ƶ� he is a true leader in every sense,��Ƶ� said Dr Victoria Showunmi from University College London. ��Ƶ�His contribution to social justice and leadership is something that also must be celebrated - being a high-profile male leader who is from the LGBTQ+ community makes him a great role model for others entering the field.��Ƶ�

Listening to young voices: Labour��Ƶ�s victory and the role of wellbeing data in delivering manifesto promises

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:10:49 +0100

The Labour Party has won the UK general election in a landslide victory, marking the most significant change in government in over 14 years. This transition brings with it a welcome commitment to the wellbeing of children and young people (CYP), highlighted by several key aimed at addressing critical areas of concern. But the Labour Party will need more than a majority in the House of Commons to successfully deliver on these promises.

As we look forward to how the new government will deliver its commitments to CYP��Ƶ�s wellbeing, the #BeeWell research team shares why large-scale, granular data will be instrumental in achieving a number of manifesto goals. Such data will enable government bodies and allied professional services to accurately pinpoint areas of need and understand both what is driving the decline in young people��Ƶ�s mental health and wellbeing in the UK and, crucially, which factors in their lives are most important for promoting wellbeing.

Programmes like have emerged in response to , and are a way of understanding how young people feel about their wellbeing by surveying them directly. Co-created with young people, schools and education and mental health experts, the #BeeWell survey has been designed as a gold standard survey for the measurement of adolescent wellbeing across England. We publish results privately to schools and publicly by . Armed with bespoke data, schools, local government and health, and voluntary sector partners can prioritise actions in areas where the greatest improvements can be made. To date we have heard the voices of more than 85,000 young people aged 12-15 years from almost 300 secondary schools in , . Our mission is to see this approach implemented nationally by 2030. With large-scale, descriptive data such as this at their fingertips, incoming ministers would be in a strong position to deliver on promises made and improve the wellbeing of young people across the country.

Commitment to youth mental health and future prospects

Mental health difficulties are becoming more prevalent among young people. data shows that one in five young people have a probable mental disorder with certain groups disproportionately affected. There are clearly major hurdles to overcome in the wake of perpetual cuts to public health spending and the new government must prioritise resource allocation to the most disenfranchised groups in society if it is to have a meaningful impact.

Specifically, Labour��Ƶ�s pledge should prioritise opportunities for gender and sexuality minoritised youth as these groups are consistently reported as the most in need. The showed that 45% of those identifying as bisexual or pansexual and 41% of those who are gay or lesbian experience high levels of emotional difficulties compared to just 12% of heterosexual young people. 22% of cisgender girls experience significant emotional difficulties compared to 6% of cisgender boys, rising to 34% of trans and gender diverse young people, and 21% for those questioning their gender identity. Responding to this issue and using #BeeWell insights, the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership established a youth-led commissioning pot dedicated to promoting activities to support the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. In Hampshire, , a charity offering group-based support for LGBTQ+ children and young people, are collaborating with #BeeWell to support young people to interpret and contextualise the specific #BeeWell findings for LGBTQ+, and make recommendations to improve the wellbeing of gender and sexual minoritised groups in the surrounding area. More work is needed to address these inequalities across the country.

There are concerns surrounding the uptake, awareness, availability, and effectiveness of current mental health support in schools. #BeeWell data showed that one in five young people in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton accessed mental health and wellbeing support at their school in 2023. However, fewer than half of young people felt they could access support when needed; just over half understood how to access help, and only one in three found that help useful.

The pledge to offer specialist support in every school is both commendable and, according to our data, necessary. We propose advancement of school-based service provision may best be achieved by: raising awareness of the support available; offering said support in a timely fashion and critically; ensuring that support is effective and appropriate for the needs of a diverse body of young people. In tandem, using #BeeWell as an example, we encourage greater surveillance of both mental health and help-seeking behaviours across all schools to monitor the extent to which support offered meets demand, and to track effectiveness when delivered. With insights gathered from their own pupils, mental health professionals in schools can more easily identify specific needs and create bespoke support strategies, in turn helping to ease the burden on vastly overstretched Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Enhancing community safety and wellbeing

Beyond school, children and young people also spend a lot of time in their local community. Feeling safe and having good places to go in your local area can be crucial for wellbeing. Labour��Ƶ�s manifesto includes robust measures to enhance community safety and address antisocial behaviour by increasing neighbourhood police presence and implementing strategies to reduce knife crime. In 2023 the non-partisan indicating that over the past decade, incidences of knife crime increased by 170%.

Whilst a harrowing statistic, and rightly a focus area for the new government, prevalence rates differ substantially across the UK. Some less affected neighbourhoods may be better served by improvements to other services and provision such as access to community facilities. Indeed, #BeeWell data shows that around , but only . An approach to improving community neighbourhoods needs to go beyond addressing crime and safety, and .

The proposed network of youth hubs established through the could also play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and community, addressing issues of loneliness, and providing safe places for young people to gather. If done well, this network could provide comprehensive support for mental health and future prospects in areas where it is most needed. In #BeeWell areas, local policy-makers can already compare statistics across 14 local authorities and 110 neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester and Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. Expanding this level of granularity across the UK could enable government to strategically locate hubs in the areas they may have the greatest impact.

Promoting physical activity and access to sport

The manifesto��Ƶ�s emphasis on protecting time for physical education resonates strongly with #BeeWell��Ƶ�s findings. , making the need to encourage activity in youth apparent. Unfortunately, national statistics suggest in the UK, and that activity tends to decrease with age. Our data also depicts a widening gender gap (with boys more active than girls). Using these insights, GM Moving developed a youth-led campaign to support the mental wellbeing of girls who are less likely to take part in physical activity. Co-produced with 11-16-year-olds, hopes to show young people moving more is achievable, social, and a valuable tool for their mental wellbeing; with girls (cis and trans) and feminine presenting non-binary young people feeling inspired, represented, and supported. #BeeWell data also indicates that sports-based social-emotional learning programmes like . With this in mind, protecting time for PE and promoting participation in inclusive movement and sports led by trusted adults could make a real difference for young people experiencing lower wellbeing.

Supporting creative education

#BeeWell data shows a clear link between outcomes for young people, and some of our partners are already working with schools to explore how creative arts can be used to address locally specific wellbeing issues. But, the data also shows that those from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds are less likely to take part in these activities. By promoting creative hobbies such as singing, reading for pleasure, arts and crafts, or youth club organised activities, Labour��Ƶ�s policies could help foster a more holistic educational experience that enriches both mental and physical health, especially for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making

Labour��Ƶ�s pledge to improve data sharing across services with a single unique identifier is a significant step towards more informed decision-making. This enables schools and local authorities to tailor their responses to the specific needs of their communities. , ensuring that support is targeted and effective. However, to really understand and improve young people��Ƶ�s wellbeing, we need to listen to their voices and what they tell us about factors that affect their lives. Educational settings are an ideal place to regularly and consistently measure the wellbeing of young people. By supporting schools to do this, the insights this type of data can provide are huge, both for schools that have bespoke data made readily available, as well as local government and civil society partners working in this area. This level of granularity would also support the Labour government to make informed decisions regarding the rollout and prioritisation of its manifesto pledges to deliver the greatest benefit for young people.

This article was originally published on

Education inspection finds trainee teachers flourish at The University of Manchester

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:46:47 +0100

Initial Teacher Education (ITE) at The University of Manchester has once again been recognised as a high-quality route for diverse and committed primary and secondary teachers joining the profession.

Ofsted carried out an inspection in May 2024, through face-to-face meetings, online meetings and on-site visits to partner schools.

The highlights ��Ƶ�the provider��Ƶ�s vision for excellence, which encompasses values such as inclusion, tolerance, respect and social justice��Ƶ� and how ��Ƶ�trainees throughout the partnership are extremely well prepared to confidently begin their teaching careers��Ƶ�.

takes great pride in the skilful practice and deep, principled commitment brought to the teacher education partnership by university staff and school-based mentors, and is delighted to see these qualities recognised by Ofsted in their most recent report.

However, MIE has decided not to focus on the single-word judgement given by Ofsted, in recognition that the wellbeing of teachers and educators remains a critical issue, and is calling for fundamental change to the inspection process.

Manchester Institute of Education's second Teacher Education and Professional Learning (TEPL) annual conference

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:18:00 +0100

The second TEPL annual conference was held on Thursday, 13 June at The University of Manchester. The event facilitated creative collaboration and showcased exceptional research and scholarly activity, with contributions from staff and students from Manchester Institute of Education (MIE), as well as from highly esteemed colleagues from other universities.

MIE's Teacher Education and Professional Learning (TEPL) research and scholarship group designed the day around a core vision to provide a stimulating, supportive and inclusive environment. The diversity of research and scholarly activity was reflected through four central programme themes:

Teaching and Assessment Practices
Teacher Education and Policy
Relationships between Students and Universities
AI and Other Technologies

The conference began with a keynote address from Linda Evans, Professor of Education and Deputy Head of the School of Environment, Education and Development at The University of Manchester. 'Where next with research and scholarship in teacher education and professional learning? A critical agenda for augmenting the field��Ƶ�s knowledge base', set the tone for the day, and was followed by four parallel presentations which prompted lively, thought-provoking discussions and debates on the central themes.

The final plenary session was led by Dr Richard Holmes from the University of Dundee, who skilfully synthesised the key learning from the conference and provided an entertaining (and tongue-in-cheek) MIE political ��Ƶ�manifesto��Ƶ� in light of the upcoming general election.

Reflections from conference participants:

With thanks

Special thanks to all the contributors on the day as well as Beatrice (Maud) Halstead��Ƶ�s excellent administrative and organisational efforts. Particular thanks and recognition goes to Professor Lisa Murtagh, Head of Manchester Institute of Education, who has been TEPL convener since the group's inception in 2022, and has steered many of the group's successes, with this her final TEPL activity in this capacity.

Royal Town Planning Institute speed networking event links students and industry

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:05:50 +0100

As part of an ongoing programme of activity by the department of to increase student exposure to industry voices and employment prospects, the department hosted members of the for an afternoon of speed networking.

The popular event, on the 5 June, co-designed by RTPI and PPEM welcomed national and local employers across real estate, planning, and environmental management sectors to The University of Manchester to talk with students on a one-to-one level.

In contrast to more traditional career fair events, the afternoon took a more innovative and interactive approach to recruitment, with the speed networking format facilitating interaction between all attendees, on a ten minute rotation between tables. This encouraged students to consider additional career opportunities and employers to those that they might have expected.

The approach was welcomed by students, with feedback on the day that the event was ��Ƶ�a fresh approach to targeting students��Ƶ�, allowed ��Ƶ�real engagement and interaction��Ƶ�, and ��Ƶ�was fun��Ƶ�. Industry attendees were equally enthused, both by the format and by the calibre of students, with two offers of short-term placements secured immediately after the event, and valuable connections made for others.

Following the success of this event, the second in a series, it is now hoped that similar events will be held in both the autumn and easter period of the 2024/2025 academic year.

The department is grateful to Beverley Watson and Ben Teague of the RTPI for co-ordinating this event, alongside University colleagues Ushma Khadir, Bertie Dockerill, and Ian Mell.

Sportswashing is still highly effective despite more awareness among fans

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:07:55 +0100

As the European football championships continue in Germany, new research has revealed that ��Ƶ�sportswashing��Ƶ� - the practice of using sporting events or teams to improve a country's reputation - is still highly effective, despite increased awareness of the issue among fans.

Dr Vitaly Kazakov of the School of Environment, Education and Development is currently undertaking a research project in Iceland, the nation with the same population as Stoke-on-Trent which surprised everyone by beating England and reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2016. He has conducted in-depth interviews with a range of football stakeholders there including fans, sport and international affairs journalists, sports club administrators and academics.

He has found that people are very keenly aware of the many problematic issues surrounding sporting events or which are revealed by the spotlight being shone upon host nations ��Ƶ� for example, he found that the majority of people interviewed wouldn��Ƶ�t really be aware of or care deeply about worker��Ƶ�s rights in Qatar if the country had not hosted the 2022 World Cup.

Yet, because of the ��Ƶ�feel good factor��Ƶ� which surrounds sporting events like football tournaments, sporting events can still achieve the envisioned political goals of illiberal host states despite any negative publicity. Many Icelandic fans travelled to Russia for the first time because of their team��Ƶ�s participation in the 2018 World Cup, and reported having good impressions of the country despite years of critical coverage relating to its aggressive foreign policy, LGBTQ+ rights and political persecution.

Fans reported feeling conflicted on how to feel about the events, and how to react to accusations of sportswashing. Fans and journalists are also keenly aware that it is not just the host states that are part of the problem ��Ƶ� they also blame the organisers, for example pointing to FIFA for enabling Russia��Ƶ�s geopolitical actions because they awarded the 2018 World Cup to Moscow despite the annexation of Crimea just a few years previously.

In general, fans and journalists realise that sports events could be problematic at the same time as helping to expose some wider social, political, economic, environmental problems and inequalities. Even in Iceland itself, after the feel-good stories of the 2016 and 2018 tournaments, the sexual violence scandals associated with some of the squad��Ƶ�s players dampened the enthusiasm around their sporting achievements. No notable Icelandic player was ultimately convicted, but the legacies of their successes in both tournaments in France and Russia are also placed into the new context of former heroes��Ƶ� reputations being significantly affected.

��Ƶ�More research is needed to examine both how sporting events impact people��Ƶ�s understanding of and engagement with political issues. Ultimately, we need to be figuring out how to channel the power of sport in productive ways.��Ƶ�

UKRI award The University of Manchester ��Ƶ1.7m to investigate gendered energy inequalities

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:36:07 +0100

The ��Ƶ1.7m award will fund an ambitious 5-year programme, led by Dr Saska Petrova, Professor in Human Geography at The University of Manchester. GENERATE aims to offer original insights into the social, spatial, and political inequalities that drive energy-related injustices, and the struggles linked to the growth of new low-carbon energy production in disadvantaged regions and communities.

Supported by UK Research and Innovation via the Horizon Europe guarantee scheme, GENERATE is a European Research Council Consolidator grant, and will involve research across six countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) in Southeast Europe.

The project will undertake in-depth case studies involving range of rural and urban locations that have experienced rapid investment in renewable energy and housing retrofits. The knowledge gained from this region will be extended and applied globally, through a series of collaborations with practitioner and academic organisations in Asia, Africa, North America and Europe.

Social media bans don��Ƶ�t address youth mental health problems, say experts

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:10:38 +0100

As politicians in the US, France and other countries begin introducing legislation banning the free use of social media by young people, new research has found that these bans do not address youth mental health problems ��Ƶ� and could actually cause more harm than good.

Recent months have seen increased discussions of the impact of social media on youth mental health after the publication of a book by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and the new ban on social media use for people under 14 enacted by Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Over 20 new online child safety laws have been passed by 13 states since last year, with many more in the pipeline.

Experts from the ��Ƶ� which is being led by The University of Manchester��Ƶ�s Institute of Education ��Ƶ� say our understanding of the impact of social media is still in its early stages, and any action from politicians must be based on solid evidence. They say a swathe of recent research has found no concrete confirmation that social media has negative effects on the mental health of most young people, which contrasts with some popular science accounts which are not grounded in fact.

While social media apps and their push alerts can cause people to use them heavily, bans like the recent Florida example are reminiscent of what experts in this research area call ��Ƶ�technology panics��Ƶ� which have occurred throughout recent history. Similar bans were proposed for the radio, the TV, computers, and smartphones, with a 1941 paper bemoaning that over half of the young people studied were ��Ƶ�severely addicted��Ƶ� to radio.

The researchers highlight that it is easy to fall into the trap on blaming young people��Ƶ�s mental health difficulties on one single factor, but adolescent development and mental health are highly complex and influenced by many biological, social and broader societal factors.

They say it is unrealistic to conclude that social media is the culprit of young people��Ƶ�s mental health problems, or that a ban would have a substantial impact. A study with thousands of young people actually found that other factors - including lack of family support - may in fact be much more important than social media.

This means that a social media ban would be ineffective and create a false sense of security, as well as diverting attention from root causes of mental health problems in young people such as childhood adversity, deprivation, discrimination, gender and sexual inequality, and concerns about the ecological future. There are also some groups - LGBTQ+ young people in particular ��Ƶ� for whom social media is a vital means to find solace and connection, which a ban would take away.

��Ƶ�Young people feel that adults might have a different opinion about social media because they did not grow up with it, and they ask for trust and agency,��Ƶ� said Dr Margarita Panayiotou, Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Methods at The University of Manchester. ��Ƶ�Legislation must take into account the voices and experiences of the people it will affect the most - Florida��Ƶ�s ban fails to do so.��Ƶ�

��Ƶ�A ban would cause young people to find alternatives to existing social media platforms that may be harder for parents, educators, researchers and legislators to study and monitor,��Ƶ� said Dr Eiko Fried, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at Leiden University. ��Ƶ�Rather than imposing restrictions, efforts should be directed towards educating young people, their guardians and educators on navigating the digital landscape safely, and on regulations which ensure that social media companies design age-appropriate features and algorithms.��Ƶ�

Professor Jamie Woodward named one of UK��Ƶ�s top environmental professionals

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:47:17 +0100

Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography at The University of Manchester has been named one of the most impactful environmental professionals in the UK in The ENDS Report Power List 2024.

The names 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years, with Professor Woodward one of the 10 academics identified as shaping the science on environmental issues.

Through his work on microplastic pollution in Manchester's rivers, Jamie Woodward was one of the earliest academics to raise awareness about the issue of widespread discharges of untreated sewage into UK rivers and waterways. His research group demonstrated that the build-up of microplastics was directly linked to untreated sewage discharges outside periods of exceptional rainfall.

Professor Woodward has since worked tirelessly to expose this sewage scandal, and engage policymakers across Parliament and local government, to ensure water companies are held to account for their illegal practices.

He has appeared in documentaries, including Paul Whitehouse��Ƶ�s ��Ƶ� on the BBC, has been interviewed for both local and national TV and radio news and addressed attendees at the during a panel on sewage pollution.

On Saturday, 8 June, Professor Woodward will talk at the Universally Manchester Festival, joined by Matt Staniek, founder of Save Windermere. The free event, ��Ƶ�Exposing the sewage scandal��Ƶ� will wade into a discussion on the why sewage is being dumped into our precious rivers, lakes and coastal waters, and the impacts on nature, wildlife and public health ��Ƶ� and the link to microplastic pollution ��Ƶ� and how we can all get involved to do something about it.

Register for free tickets at

SEED student success at the University's Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024

Mon, 20 May 2024 14:02:01 +0100

The University Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony took place in the University's Whitworth Hall on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, with students from the School of Environment, Education and Development taking home a 2nd place award, one highly commended award and two commendations, and a number of Students' Union groups were also recognised.

The annual event celebrates undergraduate and postgraduate student volunteers at The University of Manchester for their skills, commitment and tens of thousands of volunteer hours given either here in Manchester, or nationally or internationally.

A judging panel of staff and partners from community organisations considered nominations for students who volunteer in the wider community, students who volunteer to support other students and student groups.

Thanks go to all our students who continue to make a difference through their volunteering activity, with congratulations to our award recipients:

Award category: Students supporting other students

Natalie Flinn - 2nd place. As President of UoM Tennis, Natalie has expanded inclusion, participation and community outreach through pioneering new offerings like paddel tennis and pickleball. She has also used their sport as a basis for a number of charity events, mobilising and motivating their members around meaningful causes.
Anna Thulbeck - highly commended. Anna led the team who ran the School��Ƶ�s two-day PGR conference, she also organised an alumni event to support discussions on career options and lobbied for better support for overseas fieldwork.
Rory Oscar Robinson - commended. Rory is President of The University of Manchester Sailing Club and has worked hard behind the scenes to rebuild the club post-pandemic, building a more integrated club that everyone feels part of.

Award category: Students supporting the wider community

Luman Zhou - commended. Luman supports the organisation, Eastern Blossoms Manchester, to provide networking opportunities to students and professionals, provide support for international students to adapt to British culture, and to share Asian culture.

Additionally, the awards recognise student groups that are making a difference through volunteering, which are open to any University of Manchester students, this year's top awards went to The Chilean Society (1st place), The First Language Project (2nd place), and Student Angels (3rd place). You can find out more about Student Groups and Societies on the .

Videos on the 2024 winners can be found on the .

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