Throughout February and March we’re asking our staff and research students to share their thoughts on how well we engage the public in our research, teaching and cultural activities. The University of Manchester currently holds a Gold Engage Watermark, which recognises our commitment to and the ways in which we engage the public in our research, teaching and social responsibility activities. The Watermark is granted by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) – it is now time for us to renew our award and we need your support. If you are a member of staff or a research student, please take part in this survey to share how well you think we support public engagement.

On social inclusion, we’ve been rated 30th of all employers in the country in the latest Stonewall Top 100 Employers list, which is compiled from the Workplace Equality Index – the UK’s leading benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. Supporting Sino-British cultural exchange, our Manchester-China Friendship Programme has been enriching the campus experience of both Chinese and non-Chinese students. And Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, has welcomed a report by experts from The University of Manchester highlighting racial bias in the justice system, after a meeting to discuss the findings with the academics and co-authors who compiled it.

On prosperous communities, local policymakers have recently attended one of our seminars on transport austerity. The event led to a lively discussion about the many facets of transport, the economic austerity it causes, and potential policies solutions. Fundamental to the many takeaways from the seminar was that policymakers need to build a consideration of transport into to their poverty strategies and poverty into their transport policies. And local leaders, universities, donors and a surprise video message from Peter Kay came together to support the launch of IntoUniversity Salford – a new learning centre in Salford to advance social mobility.

On better health, we have been sharing how we’re committed to promoting good health and wellbeing for our staff, students and communities, both locally and globally. Dr Abigail Langton, Lecturer in Ethnic Skin in the Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences at the University, is shining a light on STEM opportunities within the beauty industry.

On environmental sustainability, our Sustainable Materials Innovation (SMI) Hub has been working with the Environmental Services Unit to produce compost used on campus grounds. This has dramatically decreased the carbon footprint associated with sourcing compost and has facilitated a positive relationship between academics who are at the forefront of sustainability research and the invaluable work of those making the University a greener place.

Finally, on cultural engagement, our re-opening of Manchester Museum has caught the attention of the local, national and international press. Manchester Museum has also announced plans to recruit a new Social Justice Manager, who will drive forward work on family poverty, inclusion and social mobility over the next four years. We are challenging racial exclusion through a Cultures of Anti-Racism in Latin America art project. Manchester University Press (MUP) are delighted to announce the launch of their new podcast, One Book at a Time. And The Manchester China Institute and Creative Manchester have launched their Fifth International Photography Competition.

During March, the University will be celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) with a number of events taking place across the University. Don’t forget to take your chance to nominate someone for our Volunteer of the Year Awards 2023 before Monday, 6 March. And we hope to see as many of you as possible at one of our many upcoming exhibitions, conferences, lectures and performances – so check out our vibrant events programme.

 Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility