On 8 May we hosted our annual Making a Difference Awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the inspiring social responsibility achievements of our staff, students, alumni and external partners. Our social responsibility activity spans right across the University from our research, teaching, to our public engagement activities and our University operations.  

The Awards highlight the extensive range of social responsibility initiatives across the University community and include categories such as environmental sustainability, alumni contribution, widening participation and equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Over 130 entries were submitted this year with judges recognising 14 winners and 23 highly commended. Winners include a recruitment initiative providing meaningful employment opportunities for members of our local community; an initiative that aims to inspire underrepresented students to pursue a career in research; and a project addressing asthma diagnosis, improving access and patient care. 

Winning student-led initiatives included projects ranging from a student-led initiative teaching children in Kenya about oral health, to a project promoting sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles through bicycle use. 

In addition to the Making a Difference Awards, two University Medals for Social Responsibility were presented, one to a member of staff and one to an alumnus. The recipients were Lee Barlow for The Bright Idea project, a solar solution transforming campus energy and cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions; and Charles Bakolo Mvula for a youth-led environmental movement initiative which is championing environmental sustainability in Malawi. 

During the event a special Making a Difference Award was presented to the Tyndall Centre Manchester. The Award recognises 25 years of the UK’s first interdisciplinary climate change research centre. The Tyndall Centre’s mission is to work across disciplines and academia to shape effective and evidence-based policy to create real world impact.  

Speaking at the Award ceremony Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Tonight we have seen the extraordinary gift of expertise, care and commitment that has been given by our staff, students and donors to the communities that we serve. It has been inspiring to be part of these Awards and witness this work. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all of the community groups and partners that work with us to make a difference.” 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, said: “We pride ourselves on being a pioneering institution for social responsibility, and these Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work our staff, students, alumni, and partners do each year to enhance the wellbeing of society and the environment”. 

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, concluded: “The Making a Difference Awards are a true celebration of extraordinary individuals and teams and the spirit within our University; an inspiring reminder of how passion, dedication, and vision can drive meaningful change. As we shape our strategy for 2035, our award winners illuminate the path forward, showing us the remarkable potential we have to transform lives and communities, both locally and globally”. 

• See the full list of all our  2025 winners and highly commended  
• Watch our winners’ films 
• Watch the Awards ceremony