On 6 May we hosted our annual Making a Difference Awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the inspiring social responsibility achievements of our colleagues, 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 access and student success and equality, diversity and inclusion.  

Over 140 entries were submitted this year, with judges recognising 14 winners and 20 highly commended. Winners included a project which pioneers a proactive digital approach to reduce relapse risk and improve outcomes for people experiencing psychosis, and an initiative that re-imagined the traditional graduation ceremony to create an accessible and inclusive event for graduates and their families who may have otherwise been unable to attend. 

Winning student-led initiatives included projects ranging from an initiative to grow organic produce using low-waste methods and donating fresh food to community groups across Manchester, to an outreach project bringing practical dental advice to expectant parents across Greater Manchester. 

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 The Bee Cup Scheme, a scheme reducing disposable cup use on campus through a free, app-based reusable cup system; and alumna Hannah Broughton for transforming support for young people and families through early communication programmes and therapeutic outdoor sessions. 

During the event, a special Making a Difference Award was presented to the Manchester Access Programme. The Award recognises 20 years of the University’s flagship widening access scheme, which supports local Year 12 students across Greater Manchester to access higher education. 

Speaking after the Award ceremony Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Attending the Making a Difference Awards was inspiring. It was a chance to pause and reflect on the extraordinary work happening across our University. What stood out most for me was seeing our strategy brought to life and how our research, teaching and partnerships are making a difference in people’s lives and the communities we serve. You could feel how deeply social responsibility runs through everything we do, brought to life through the passion and dedication of our colleagues.” 

He went on to say, “I left feeling proud and grateful to everyone whose work – often quietly and without fanfare – is helping to deliver positive outcomes every day across our campus, our city, and our global partnerships.” 

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, said: “These Awards shine a light on the collective commitment of our University community to make a positive difference. Social Responsibility sits at the heart of From Manchester for the world as one of our five foundations, shaping how we teach, research and engage. From student projects to long-standing partnerships, this work shows the real difference universities can make in addressing social and environmental challenges.” 

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, concluded: “The Making a Difference Awards celebrate the people and projects that bring our values to life across the University. They recognise not only outstanding achievement, but the care, creativity and collaboration that underpin meaningful social responsibility. Together, these awards reflect the ambition of our Manchester 2035 strategy: to use our research, teaching and civic role to create positive change for our communities and across the world.” 

• See the full list of all our winners and highly commended here 

• Watch our winners’ films 

• Watch the awards ceremony