Making a Difference Awards 2021 – annual Awards open for entries

This year has seen University life challenged in ways previously unthinkable. The impact of COVID-19 continues to reverberate, yet in face of this our staff, our students, our alumni and external partners have pulled together and achieved remarkable things. We want to hear about these things for our annual Making a Difference Awards.

Enter or nominate now for a Making a Difference Award!

In what has been an unprecedented year, our annual Making a Difference Awards are back and open for entries and we’re ready to celebrate even more of the feats our staff, students, alumni and external partners have achieved. The nine award categories acknowledge the differences people are making in their communities and beyond, covering many different types of social responsibility projects and activities.

The Awards are open for our staff, students, alumni and external partners to enter now, the deadline for entries is 18 January 2021.

Last year’s winners include projects engaging farmers in South East Asia with bioenergy development to improve agricultural livelihoods; creating conservation clubs to teach refugees and asylum seekers English; helping increase survival rates among children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; pharmacy undergraduates working to close the enrolment and attainment gap between black and white students and many more.

Take a look at our previous winners and highly commended recipients over the past six years to see how receiving a Making a Difference Award has given them a boost to continue tackling issues they feel passionate about, shone a spotlight on the impact of their work and inspired further funding opportunities.

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to a high-profile awards ceremony in May 2021 to receive their Award and celebrate their commitment and dedication. The ceremony offers a platform for entrants to raise awareness of their work and celebrate their impressive achievements.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility said: “It’s incredible how many of our staff, students and alumni are pulling together, showing resilience and making a huge difference to the lives of others in such difficult times. Through the Making a Difference Awards, we want to recognise and celebrate all their hard work.”

“I would encourage anyone who is making a positive contribution to society to enter our Awards and take the opportunity to highlight the significant impact their work is having, and provide them with a platform to showcase their hard work and commitment. I would also encourage people to nominate colleagues and students who they feel are making a real difference to the lives of others.”

Important Information:

  • The Awards are open to University of Manchester staff, students, alumni and external partners.
  • Entries to be submitted through the social responsibility website.
  • Deadline for entries is 18 January 2021.
  • Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party.
  • Individuals or teams can enter.
  • If you do not have to an online entry form please email socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk or telephone 0161-306-3044

For further information see the Awards website or contact the Office for Social Responsibility at: socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk