The University of Manchester has launched a landmark £400m global fundraising and volunteering campaign to drive transformative change across research, student support, innovation and culture and back bold solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

“Challenge Accepted” marks a defining moment for the University as it looks ahead to its third century, building on 200 years of turning world-changing discoveries into practical impact – from splitting the atom, isolating graphene, challenging social norms, and building the first programmable computer.

Built in the world’s first modern city, The University of Manchester has always pursued new ideas, creating knowledge for public good to shape the region and the wider world. But today’s challenges demand more, which this campaign aims to address.

The launch follows the recent unveiling of the University’s Manchester 2035 strategy, which sets out an ambitious vision to become the partner of choice for those committed to excellence and turning knowledge into impact for the public good. The fundraising campaign will accelerate delivery of this strategy, channelling philanthropic giving and over a million hours of volunteering support from our alumni, students, staff and cultural institutions into four priority areas:

●        Research with purpose: Backing researchers tackling today’s most urgent problems – from quantum physics and cancer research to climate resilience and social innovation – getting breakthrough discoveries like cancer drugs out of labs and into patients more quickly.

●        Innovation and enterprise: Connecting world-leading research with our innovation ecosystem, civic networks and entrepreneurial hubs. Supporting entrepreneurial students and staff to address global challenges in green energy, health equity and digital inclusion, with the ambition to become Europe’s most impactful innovation network and drive inclusive growth for Greater Manchester and beyond.

●        Culture and community: Harnessing the University’s world-class cultural institutions – the Whitworth, Manchester Museum, the John Rylands Library and Jodrell Bank – as engines of inclusion and creativity, tackling mental health challenges, reaching 40,000 school children annually and creating spaces where marginalised communities feel welcome.

●        Student inclusion and success: Removing barriers to access and supporting leadership and career success through scholarships, mentorship, wellbeing support and paid work opportunities, preparing students from all backgrounds to become the leaders and citizens who will change the world.

The campaign reflects the University’s role as a great civic university for the 21st century in the digital age. By connecting brilliant people to work together – academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders – the University will deliver real-world change, both locally in Manchester and globally.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “At The University of Manchester, turning discovery into impact is what we do. Through this campaign, we’re mobilising our entire community to deliver real-world change. The support of academics, students, partners, alumni and civic leaders will help us deliver the next life-saving medical discovery, the next leap in sustainable technology, and support the next generation of global changemakers.

“The great universities of the 21st century are going to be the ones that get their work out into the world and make a difference, faster. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has already supported Manchester, and I warmly invite others to join us. The future won’t be shaped by those who wait. It will be shaped by those who say: ‘Challenge Accepted.'”

Through Challenge Accepted, supporters can engage directly with academic leadership, shape a meaningful legacy through named gifts and bespoke partnerships, and explore causes that reflect their passions – from discovery science to social justice.

• For more information about the Challenge Accepted campaign and to start a conversation about how your support can make a difference, visit www.manchester.ac.uk/give