The Manchester Urban Institute (MUI) is home to The University of Manchester’s world-leading urban research. The MUI aims to realise more inclusive and just cities that are environmentally and socially sustainable for current and future generations. More information on the MUI’s research and current projects can be found on their website.

In recent weeks, MUI researchers have written a series of blog posts on ‘Pandemics and the city’, commenting on and analysing the effect of COVID-19 on urban areas by looking at different aspects of the pandemic and the lockdown through the lens of their research.

Using urban data, researchers are examining how the coronavirus has changed cities with regard to the movement of people and air pollution levels; the importance of incorporating spatial modelling along with local knowledge when trying to understand the virus; and how temporary changes in the use of urban space can help when dealing with the pandemic.

Researchers also examine the issue of social distancing in parks and green spaces and how the virus is affecting those living in towns and cities in the Global South.

Volume One of the ‘Pandemics and the city’ series is also available in PDF form with Volume Two set to be published soon.