Celebrating people who make an impact 

Staff, students, alumni, and external partners, are you making a difference to society or the environment, or do you know someone who is? If the answer is yes, then why not enter the University’s annual Making a Difference Awards for social responsibility. 

The Making a Difference Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our staff, students, alumni, and external partners who have accepted the challenge of making a difference, whether that’s improving lives, supporting communities, or driving positive change locally and globally. This is a chance to be recognised for your exceptional efforts in social responsibility, share best practices and inspire others. The Awards celebrate the dedication and impact of colleagues as they strive for a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future. 

There are nine categories you can enter, each covering a different aspect of social responsibility. Previous winners have included those creating safer, greener routes for local communities in Ardwick; empowering young women in Indonesia to become entrepreneurs; pioneering work to reduce carbon emissions through a major solar power initiative; and conducting research that improves asthma diagnosis and patient care in underserved areas, all tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. 

Take inspiration from previous winners, who found the recognition a powerful motivation to keep tackling the issues they care deeply about, while gaining increased attention and additional support for their projects.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility said: “It’s incredible to see how our students, staff, alumni and external partners are turning ideas into action and making a real difference every day. The Making a Difference Awards shine a light on their achievements and celebrate the lasting impact of their work within our University and beyond. I hope more colleagues will share their stories and inspire others to do the same.” 

Michael Platt, Talent Acquisition Manager and one of the 2025 winners, said: “Winning a Making a Difference Award has made me incredibly proud of what we achieved. This work being recognised and rewarded by the University fills me with hope about the impact both I and the University can have on real people and real lives in our communities now and in the future. It also makes the University truly feel like a place where I want to work as it aligns so closely with my own personal values about making a difference.”   

All shortlisted award entrants will be invited to a high-profile awards ceremony on 6 May 2026 to receive their Award and celebrate their commitment and dedication. This event is a powerful platform to raise awareness of your work and highlight the challenges you’ve accepted and the change you’ve created.

Enter the Making a Difference Awards now and showcase your dedication to positive change or nominate colleagues who are making a difference.

Important Information:  

If you are interested in entering or nominating someone for a Making a Difference Award why not attend our online briefing session on Monday 1 December at 2pm for some top tips and advice on how to submit a great entry. Please email Grace Bartholomew to sign-up to the session.

• Enter via the social responsibility website.  
• Deadline for entries is 14 January 2026.  
• Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party. 
• Individuals or teams can enter.  
• For more information, visit the Making a Difference Awards webpage.  
• If you cannot access to an online entry form, please email socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk or telephone 0161-306-3044 to request a hard copy. 
• To attend the briefing session on Monday 1 December, 2pm please email Grace Bartholomew  
• For more information, visit the Making a Difference Awards webpage.