As we end the month, we’re sharing five social responsibility highlights from our latest newsletter.  

Firstly, we are proud to announce that the University has won a prestigious International Green Gown Award in recognition of its ambitious decarbonisation plans. The ‘Zero Carbon Without a Net’ initiative is part of our Environmental Sustainability strategy which was launched last July, and subsequently won the 2023 UK and Ireland Green Gown Award. Now, we are being honoured for our dedication to sustainability on an international scale. 

Manchester’s new £1.7bn innovation district and neighbourhood opens the doors to its first building, while unveiling its new name as Sister. Previously known as ID Manchester, Sister is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech. 

During October, we recognised and celebrated Black History Month through a range of inspiring activities and events across campus. The theme this year is Reclaiming Narratives which serves as an invitation for us our Bicentenary year to acknowledge our past, present and future. 

The University has launched a new capability, Unit M, to rethink how it supports the region’s innovation economy. With a mandate to drive the University’s new approach to innovation, Unit M will connect and catalyse the innovation ecosystem in Manchester and the wider region to accelerate inclusive growth. 

Finally, we have published a new comprehensive report which highlights how we are addressing key issues facing humanity as set-out by the United Nations. The report shows that The University of Manchester published over 22,000 pieces of research on the SDGs, which is 4% of the UK’s entire share of publications. 

Read our October newsletter for more social responsibility stories.  

Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic and Engagement