Research
Deforestation is the second leading cause of climate change after fossil fuels, accounting for almost a fifth of planet-warming emissions.
Our researchers led an international and interdisciplinary team of ecologists, economists and political scientists in the largest ever study of community forestry.
Studying 18,000 community-led forest initiatives in Nepal we found that community-forest management led to a 37% relative reduction in deforestation and a 4.3% relative reduction in poverty.
Our African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as part of UK Aid, will tackle complex problems in some of Africa’s fastest growing urban areas.
Over six years, our research will generate new evidence to catalyse integrated, sustainable, inclusive approaches to urban development in partnership with frontline humanitarian responders, effective policy influencers, local government networks and deeply rooted civil society groups.
Energy is one of our five research beacons and we have more than 600 academics addressing sustainable energy challenges.
Our On Energy publication is a collection of thought-leadership pieces from a selection of our staff, bringing together expert commentary, analysis and policy recommendations on issues such as climate change, fuel poverty, energy storage, and the economic viability of nuclear power and multi-energy systems.
Learning and students
We recognise there are barriers for some of our students in accessing appropriate work experience.
We offer financial support for full-time undergraduates of all years to undertake career-enhancing work experience for those who otherwise couldn’t have afforded it.
With half a billion people worldwide having poor water supplies and two billion with poor sanitation facilities, our two free MOOCs open up access for citizens and leaders around the world to explore what can be done to solve this complex global issue.
Public engagement
Our researchers have established a framework to explain how domestic energy deprivation affects households and communities.
Through a prolific programme of European-wide engagement – 100 events, 200 high-level presentations, ten policy briefs, two sets of EU member state energy poverty reports, and three pan-EU energy poverty reports – our research shaped the policy direction of the European Commission’s Vulnerable Consumer Working Group, the body responsible for developing EU energy policy.
Our academics are exploring the impact of austerity on reproduction.
The project uses a range of creative activities and interviews with women from areas in the north-east, where there are significant socio-economic barriers.
This project is providing new insights into contemporary austerity and how this may affect childbearing.
Operations
We’ve worked with our Students’ Union and current Women’s Officer to initiate and fund a new scheme providing free period products for our students, helping to combat period poverty and ensure sanitation for all.
A significant proportion of our students are from families that fall below the national poverty line.
We offer a range of support to ensure that financial issues don’t present an obstacle for learners, including:
- The Manchester Bursary
- The Manchester Master’s Bursary
- The Undergraduate Access Scholarship
- The Living Cost Support Fund
- The ‘Helpmegetonline’ scheme