Are you making a difference to society or the environment? Or do you know someone who is? Our annual Making a Difference Awards are now open for entries and nominations.  

The Making a Difference Awards recognise the impact our staff, students, alumni and external partners are having on the social wellbeing of our communities and wider society and offer the opportunity to share best practice and encourage others to get involved. 

You have a chance to be recognized in nine categories including outstanding contributions to society through research, teaching innovation, public engagement and entrepreneurship. 

Our commitment to social responsibility captures our unique Manchester spirit and heritage as England’s first civic university and we hope that you can share some ways in which you are part of this. Why not be part of this legacy during our Bicentenary year and showcase your commitment to creating positive change? 

From communities in Ardwick to the far reaches of Asia, from addressing cancer to reducing carbon emissions, and from preserving biodiversity to championing neurodiversity, the Making a Difference Awards encompass a wide range of impactful initiatives. We want to celebrate your efforts in creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable society.  

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility said: “It’s incredible how many of our staff are making a huge difference. Through the Making a Difference Awards, we want to recognize and celebrate all their hard work. I would encourage anyone who is making a positive contribution to society to enter the 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.” 

All shortlisted nominees will be invited to a high-profile awards ceremony in May 2024 to receive their Award and celebrate their commitment and dedication. This ceremony also serves as a platform to raise awareness of your work and highlight your remarkable achievements. 

Take a look at our previous winners and highly commended recipients 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.  

The entries for the 2024 Making a Difference Awards are now open, and we encourage you to be part of this legacy.

Showcase your dedication to creating a positive change or nominate fellow colleagues who are making a difference. 

Important information

• Enter via the social responsibility website.
• Deadline for entries is 16 January 2024.
• Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party.
• Individuals or teams can enter. 
• For more information, visit the Making a Difference Awards webpage.
• If you do not have access to an online entry form, please email socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk or telephone 0161-306-3044.