Through shared research and a knowledge exchange agenda, Creative Manchester’s Beyond the Creative City network brings together international academics from across disciplines including economics, urban planning, geography, sociology, cultural policy and creative practice. Together, the network is identifying challenges, producing peer-reviewed research, policy engagement and creative digital outputs for places and communities that have been previously left behind by national policy and investment.

At the University’s Productivity Institute, world-leading experts work directly with policymakers and businesses to better understand, measure and enable improvements in productivity across the UK, including living standards and wellbeing.

Manchester researchers Martie Van Tongeren and Hua Wei are examining the impact of gig working on health and wellbeing in the UK and China. With 84 million gig workers in China and 7.25 million in the UK (as of the end of 2022), the sector makes up a significant percentage of the total workforce in both countries. The stress and pressure of working at speed, along with the emphasis and importance of customer feedback, could lead to mental health problems and burnout. This is further compounded by worries over pay and the rising cost of living.

The research looks at whether there is something unique about the app-based technology associated with gig work that increases the risk of stress and burnout. As the scale of the work continues to expand, the intention is to develop interventions to help gig workers combat the negative impact of their jobs on their health.

Every year we host a Sustainability Careers Fair at the University, helping students explore career paths that align with environmental sustainability. Alongside our own Careers Service and Environmental Sustainability Team, we welcome a fantastic range of exhibitors to offer advice and guidance. For example, in 2025, we invited Cushman & Wakefield, Kenny Waste Management, Manchester City Council, Net Zero Group | B Corp Certified, Windō, and the Environment Agency. 

The University’s Faculty of Humanities has partnered with The Access Project, an organisation that supports young people from under-resourced backgrounds to raise their aspirations, access top universities and achieve social mobility.

The University has launched a capability, Unit M, to rethink how it supports the region’s innovation economy. With a mandate to drive the University’s new approach to innovation, Unit M will connect and catalyse the innovation ecosystem in Manchester and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth.

Each year we throw open our doors for our local friends and neighbours to discover the variety of work we do here at the University. This free day is jam-packed with fun activities for all the family, including interactive demonstrations, musical and drama performances, and behind the scenes tours.   

Our Universally Manchester Festival offers an inviting, informal space for visitors to meet our staff and students and community partners, and for us to take part in conversations that connect and inspire. 

In 2024 were proud to create 200 meaningful employment opportunities for members of our local community. This initiative, led by the University in partnership with Aspire Recruitment, successfully reached and supported candidates from a wide range of underrepresented backgrounds. Of those engaged, 76.4% identified as BAME, 60.4% as female, 23.4% as LGBTQ+, and 12.4% declared a disability. 

The Bicentenary inclusive recruitment campaign is an initiative contributing to our social responsibility objectives by diversifying the talent pools we recruit from. Designed to reduce unemployment and promote regional socio-economic development, this initiative reflects our commitment to creating a meaningful and lasting impact within Greater Manchester.