Your Manchester 2017 by The University of Manchester Alumni Association

your manchester

The Magazine for Alumni and Friends November 2017

An unstoppable wave The University community runs for charity

In the vanguard of a materials revolution Renaissance man Generosity equals impact

inside...

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A global community University news In the vanguard of a materials revolution Renaissance man A real inspiration Generosity equals impact An unstoppable wave Rebuilding the city Share your music memories Get Britain breathing again The engineer through the looking glass Reach for the stars A tale of two Manchesters Women and the vote Your engagement

Welcome to the 2017 edition of Your Manchester – the magazine for alumni and friends of The University of Manchester.

t is full of news and features that will not only feed your nostalgia, but will also bring you right up to date with how and what the University is doing in 2017.

You will ﬁnd subjects ranging from the role played by alumna Alison Nimmo in the rebuilding of Manchester after the 1996 IRA bomb (pages 2223) to the story of adventurous alumnus Orlando von Einsiedel, and his route from student to professional snowboarder to multi-award-winning documentary director (page 17). And look out for the many opportunities to get involved throughout the magazine. We hope to inspire you to become a citizen scientist by contributing to our allergy study, send in your photographs of concerts and club nights you enjoyed as a student, volunteer to help today’s students become work ready, or run as part of the Purple Wave in the Manchester Great Run. We want alumni to be as much a part of the University’s present and future as you are its past. Already, thousands of you are attending events, volunteering and donating – and in ever-increasing numbers. The level of commitment shown by active alumni all over the globe never ceases to amaze me and we are truly grateful for your continued support for your University. I look forward to welcoming many more of you into this growing active community over the coming year. Claire Kilner Deputy Director (Alumni Relations) Division of Development and Alumni Relations your.manchester.ac.uk Email: alumni@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)161 306 3066

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An incredible sense of place Resilience is an essential part of the Manchester DNA. e have called on it in the past and we had to again in May this year following the atrocious events at the Manchester Arena. The city’s response was remarkable, as I’m sure you will have seen and read in the media. Here at the University we were inundated with heartwarming messages of support from our global family of alumni and friends. Indeed, I personally received some of those messages as I travelled overseas on University business and met alumni and colleagues in various countries. Thank you all for taking the time and trouble to connect with and support us.

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The University of Manchester Alumni Association

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34 contact us Your Manchester is published by the Division of Development and Alumni Relations in conjunction with the Division of Communications and Marketing, The University of Manchester. For further information concerning any of the articles in this issue: Tel: +44 (0) 161 306 3066 Email: alumni@manchester.ac.uk The articles printed here, to the best of our knowledge, were correct at the time of going to press. We cannot guarantee that all articles submitted will be printed and we reserve the right to edit material where necessary. Furthermore, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of The University of Manchester, The University of Manchester Alumni Association or the Editor. Thanks to: Kate Horton, Simon Harvey and Karen Daniel. Cover: Dr Reyna Gutierrez Rivera, a research technician in the Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, took part in the Great Manchester Run as a member of the Purple Wave (see pages 20-21). Credit: Wilkinson Photography

The spirit of the city and the region has shone through in the weeks following the attack. This spirit and incredible sense of place runs like a golden thread through this issue of Your Manchester and the interviews with key people, many of them alumni, who have shaped – and still are shaping – the future of our great metropolitan region. Sir Peter Fahy, former Chief Constable of both Cheshire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police, delivered the Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture, the main event on the calendar for our alumni. He is also one of four senior ﬁgures to accept an honorary professorship with us in recent months, alongside Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate and former Director of The University of Manchester’s Whitworth and Manchester City Galleries, Sir Howard Bernstein, former

Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, and George Osborne, Chairman of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and former Chancellor of the Exchequer. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will greatly benefit our students and staff as we realise our ambitious Manchester 2020 goal of being one of the world’s leading universities. Those of you who have been back on campus recently will know that we are at a key point in the delivery of the ten-year Campus Masterplan, and there is plenty of construction work underway simultaneously across several sites. We are already beginning to see changes to the skyline, with work progressing on the Alliance Manchester Business School and the Manchester Engineering Campus Development. Alongside these exciting developments we have also identified areas where our performance as a university needs to improve if we are to overcome significant emerging challenges, both national and international. That will mean making tough decisions about where we invest and where we make efficiencies and savings. These are challenging times in so many ways but I am heartened by the views expressed in these pages that Greater Manchester is at an exciting point in its evolution, whether that be in world-leading research here at the

University or through the people of the region grasping the opportunities arising from devolved powers from central government. We have much to look forward to. Thank you for your continuing support and interest in the University.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell President and Vice-Chancellor

AT A glANCe The University of Manchester is ranked 38th in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (6th in the UK, 8th in Europe) We have 39,700 students – the largest campus-based student community in the UK We have regular contact with more than 350,000 alumni from over 200 countries and territories More than 94% of our graduates go straight into employment or further study (HESA 2016) We have 25 Nobel Prize winners among current and former staﬀ and students The Research Excellence Framework 2014 judged 83% of our research activity to be 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' We attracted more than £342 million in research funding in 2015/16 www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/facts-ﬁgures

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

Dr Dawn Edge, Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

ver the last few years, uncertainty and concern surrounding issues of mass migration and the pressures placed on infrastructures have played a signiﬁcant part in our national and international politics. In response, the University is sending out a strong message, reasserting its global outlook alongside a renewed commitment to equality and diversity in its student and staﬀ population.

A global community We are all part of e university of manchester, wherever we come from.

As a global university at the heart of a cosmopolitan, diverse and friendly city, Manchester welcomes more international students than anywhere else in the UK – over 10,600 a year from 160 countries. The city itself is one of the most multicultural in the UK, with up to 200 languages spoken here. It also ranks among the world’s best international student cities.

There are more than 350,000 University of Manchester alumni, of whom 26 per cent are based outside the UK, including many in leading positions in business, governments and universities. International students are vital to the University and to the city region. As alumni, they return to their home countries and, such is their aﬃnity with their university experience, they act as global ambassadors for Manchester and the UK. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, University President and Vice-Chancellor, said, “Our international students bring new experiences and views, and they allow UK students to appreciate diversity and develop a global perspective. They are extremely welcome in the University and our city.” The University is unique in having social responsibility – including equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) – as one of its three core strategic goals, sitting equally alongside our commitments to world-class research and an outstanding learning and student experience, and appointing a member of academic staﬀ to take an academic perspective on seeking solutions to addressing ED&I. Dr Dawn Edge (PhD Medical and Social Science 2003) is a senior lecturer in the Division of Psychology and Mental Health. She explained, “My role is to champion ED&I in all our activities and to spearhead academic leadership, direction, advice and support to colleagues involved in the delivery of the University’s ED&I objectives.” As a former non-executive director of two NHS mental health trusts, she is actively engaged in working with communities to improve health and wellbeing – especially

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among those who are marginalised, socially excluded, or who experience inferior access to health and social care: “Considering the work I had been doing up to this point, this role seemed like a match made in heaven. I’m working with colleagues who share a common interest to ensure we not only embed ED&I in all we do, but we also celebrate it and make it much more visible, recognising it at the heart of our social responsibility work.

manchester really is a great place to experience life. “Currently, I’m focusing on examining the role ED&I plays in the student experience and, in particular, the relationship between student experience and attainment. For example, students who experience mental health problems, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) group and/or live at home versus on campus, are much less likely to leave university with a ‘good degree’ even if they started with a similar level of qualiﬁcation as white British students. As this ‘attainment gap’ is a national issue, I very much hope that some of the University’s excellent initiatives and related research aimed at improving outcomes for all students will enable us to learn lessons which can be applied more broadly across the higher education sector.” Dr Edge is one of the principal investigators in a £768,390 Higher Education Funding Council for England Catalyst Fund project led by The University of Manchester, with the University of Birmingham and Manchester Metropolitan University as partners. In collaboration with the universities’ students’ unions, the aim of the project is to develop and evaluate a Diversity and Inclusion Student

Ambassador Programme and ‘active bystander’ training. Over two years, the programme will work to improve student experience, attainment and other outcomes, such as employability for BAME students, low socio-economic groups and students who experience mental ill health. It will use a collaborative model that brings staff and students together as partners. “This project will help us to examine what we do here at Manchester and to develop new resources and means of supporting our students to maximise their potential,” Dr Edge explained. “Studying at university is a stressful time – the work, tuition fees, transition to adulthood, living away from home. Whilst very exciting, it’s also a time of increased vulnerability to the onset of mental health problems. The Catalyst Fund project will dovetail with other University activities to make students feel welcome, letting them know where they can get help and support. “We are also working to determine how we can better equip academics to support students who tell us they’re having difficulties, and engaging with those who may be reluctant to do so, to create an environment in which they feel confident enough to share that information. “Many people here at the University acknowledge that diversity is strength and there are great benefits to be gained by living in diverse communities. Every day I walk across campus and I see people from all parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and elsewhere. It’s truly remarkable. “Universities are ideal environments in which to demonstrate that it is possible to live and work alongside people who are very different from you. I’m not saying there aren’t disagreements or tensions but, by and large, we are an incredibly cohesive and peaceful community of people who are learning from and with each other. “I know it sounds clichéd but it really is a ‘global village’. When we strip away our differences we are people who care about Manchester – this really is a great place to experience life.”

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Launch of the manchester urban institute Given the signiﬁcant role that cities play in addressing many of the most important global challenges, the University has united the strengths of various research centres and groups across the campus to create the Manchester Urban Institute (MUI). Students in the Old Quad during graduation week, July 2017.

The Christie Building (left) and the Whitworth Hall.

Back to its former glory Many graduation photos have been taken in the Old Quad over the years, often with the impressive Virginia creeper on the Beyer Building as a backdrop. This year, our new alumni and their families beneﬁted from the results of a major conservation project to restore the surrounding buildings. They now look pristine, following seven phases of work carried out since 2008 and involving signiﬁcant craftsmanship on the stone masonry, stained-glass windows and lead

work. The restoration is part of the University’s Campus Masterplan, a ten-year project to create a world-class estate. The Old Quad is encircled by the John Owens Building (1873), the Beyer Building and Manchester Museum (1888), the Christie Building (1898) and the Whitworth Hall (1902). All were designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, except the Whitworth Hall, which was completed by his son, Paul.

The conservation project has included the introduction of double glazing and the installation of over 1,000 replacement windows, which are contributing to the University’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. New features include the reinstallation of a large carved ﬁnial on top of the exterior of the Whitworth Hall, which had been removed many decades ago, and the reinstallation of roof lights in the museum roof, allowing natural light into the upper ﬂoor. And the Virginia creeper has survived the works: it was detached from the wall to allow access to the masonry, was then temporarily put back in place using bolts and hessian wraps, and has now almost completely reattached itself.

The reunion included (left-right) Pam Smith, Carol Cole, Roz Rice, Di Allcock, Linden Jeffrey and Kate Kelley.

milestone for nursing degree Nurses who campaigned to create England’s first nursing degree programme in 1970 reunited at the University in November 2016 to share their experiences and talk to current students and staff. Several experienced resistance in their early careers for being among the first nurses in the country with degrees, but they slowly eroded that conservative culture to gain acceptance in a wide range of roles in health care. Professor Dame Nicky Cullum, Head of the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, commented, “These women are all trailblazers and I’m proud that this happened here in Manchester. The students we have now share the same determination and desire to improve the lives of others.”

Association President Dr Elizabeth Healey (PhD Archaeology 2001), who was Warden from 1989 to 2006, said, “Our reunions are good opportunities to tell Ashburnians about changes to hall life. 2017 also marks the retirement of Norman Gillson as Warden of Ashburne after eight years, and a total of almost 40 years in the University administration. It’s a long time since the warden ceased to be head of residence, and in fact the title is now ‘Residential Life Oﬃcer’. The days when halls were virtually autonomous are long gone, but the upside

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www.mui.manchester.ac.uk

major cancer investment

Floreat Ashburnia The 2017 reunion of the Ashburne Association was a particularly special event as it marked the outstanding contribution by two members, Sheila Griﬃths (née Chapman) (BA History 1957) and Sylvia Crummett (née Millington) (BA History 1957), to the Association’s success over the last 50 years. They both attended their ﬁrst reunion at Ashburne Hall in 1967, when Sheila took on the Association’s organisation and Sylvia became editor of the magazine, Yggdrasill, and both have continued to be involved ever since.

The vision of the MUI is to realise more inclusive and just cities that are both environmentally and socially sustainable through world-leading research, engagement and impact, and training activities. Themes of inquiry include urban governance and politics, smart and sustainable cities, and spatial inequalities and poverty.

An announcement was made in December 2016 that Cancer Research UK plans to invest around £39 million over the next ﬁve years into the MCRC. The grant will fund ground-breaking work as part of the development of a unique chain of cutting-edge research hubs around the UK focusing on translational research. Ashburne Hall

Professor Rob Bristow

is that the University has now integrated hall life into the wider student experience.” Ashburne Hall traces its history back to 1899 when it opened as the ﬁrst University women’s hall of residence. A mixed selfcatered wing, Sheavyn House (named after a former warden), was opened in 1994. Ashburne itself also began to take in male postgraduates at about this time and now admits some male undergraduates. The next Ashburne Association reunion will take place during its 120th anniversary in 2019.

new cancer research director

Sylvia Crummett (left) and Sheila Griffiths

fb.com/ashburnehallalumni

Professor Rob Bristow, one of the world’s top prostate cancer experts and formerly of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Canada, has joined the University to lead the cancer research strategy and become the Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC). This is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, said, “Rob Bristow is joining Manchester at a pivotal time and, as an internationally renowned clinician-scientist, he combines excellent laboratory research with deep clinical understanding that will signiﬁcantly beneﬁt patients.”

A further £2.75 million investment is planned for the Manchester Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, from Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health Research. Funding will also support training of the next generation of cancer researchers – including 45 PhD students – to ensure the brightest scientists are attracted and supported in their careers in cancer research.

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Promoting ecological knowledge

Diversity in the law sector Lemn Sissay MBE (Hon LittD 2015), the Chancellor of The University of Manchester, has launched a new bursary designed to increase the number of black males embarking on careers in the law and the criminal justice sector.

Credit: Scott Salt/From The Fields

The Duke of Cambridge experiences the BAC Mono single-seat supercar.

The Lovell Telescope illuminated during the Bluedot festival.

A summer of celebration It has been a summer of celebration at the University’s Jodrell Bank Observatory. On 2 August 2017, the 60th anniversary of when the Lovell Telescope was ﬁrst used to collect radio signals from the universe, it was announced that six structures on the site have been listed on the advice of Historic England. The Mark II Telescope is listed at Grade I (joining the Lovell Telescope, which achieved this accolade in 1988); the Park Royal building, Electrical Workshop, Link Hut, Control Building and the remains of the 71MHz Searchlight Aerial are listed at Grade II. Professor Teresa Anderson, Director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said, “Jodrell Bank has welcomed millions of visitors, drawn by its landmark scientiﬁc structures. Science is a hugely important part of our cultural heritage and we are very pleased to see that recognised and protected with these new designations.”

The announcement came just weeks after thousands of visitors attended Jodrell Bank’s family friendly, award-winning festival of discovery, Bluedot, which took place over three days in July. They enjoyed the stellar line-up of music combined with a groundbreaking programme of live science experiments and exhibits, expert talks and immersive artworks. One of the highlights was the Star Field – a space packed with scientists from the University showcasing their research.

Visit www.jodrellbank.net for the latest news from the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, and www.discoverthebluedot.com for details of Bluedot 2018.

Visit of the Duke and Duchess of cambridge

Professor Richard Bardgett

One of the UK’s leading ecologists, Professor Richard Bardgett, of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, has been elected President of the British Ecological Society, the oldest ecological society in the world. Established in 1913, the Society, which is based at Charles Darwin House in London, has almost 5,000 members from 92 countries. He said, “The world faces many environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and diminishing natural resources. The science of ecology couldn’t be more relevant to meeting these challenges. Not only can ecology help us to better understand how the world is changing, and how to mitigate these changes, but also how we can work with practitioners and policy makers to help to build a more sustainable and resilient society.”

The Duke and Duchess visited the National Graphene Institute at the University on 14 October 2016. The Duke admired the BAC Mono single-seat supercar, the world's first car to use graphene in the production process. The British-built BAC Mono has graphene composite rear-wheel arches, which notably reduces the weight of the car and provides a performance benefit to the driver. The royal couple were also shown an array of other revolutionary graphene applications including energy-efficient lighting, membranes for improved desalination technology and a graphene-skinned aircraft. Personalised 3Dprinted toy cars incorporating graphene were presented as gifts for Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The tour continued to the site of the Manchester Engineering Campus Development. Due to open in 2020, it is one of the largest

www.britishecologicalsociety.org

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Since completing his studies, Gulwali has written for newspapers and Harper Collins has published his memoir, The Lightless Sky. He hopes to go on to work with charities who are supporting and empowering refugees, and to work with the UN Refugee Agency, using his experiences and studies to inﬂuence policy makers on their response to the refugee crisis. Eventually, he would like to return to Afghanistan and play a part in rebuilding his country.

gulwalipassarlay.wordpress.com

Gulwali Passarlay

Sir Howard Bernstein

Working with community organisations, schools, regulators and legal and criminal justice professionals, the project aims to address black and minority ethnic under-representation in higher education and the professions – as well as to promote the relationship between the University and Manchester's African and Caribbean communities.

construction projects ever undertaken by a higher education institution in the UK. The Duke and Duchess sealed a time capsule that will be displayed within the building. They also unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. See pages 10-13 for an insight into advanced materials research at the University.

Sir Howard Bernstein, the former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, has joined the University as a part-time adviser on government interactions, health care delivery, devolution, culture and international links. Sir Howard, who will also continue as Chair of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor in Politics.

Relay. He received a scholarship funded by the Ross Warburton Charitable Trust and graduated in 2016.

Credit: David Gennard

We reported on the inspirational story of Gulwali Passarlay in Your Manchester 2014. He had started his degree in Politics and Philosophy at the University after staff from the Manchester Access Programme had spotted his potential when visiting Bolton Sixth Form College. When Gulwali was just 12 years old he had travelled through eight countries – on his own – to reach the UK from war-torn Afghanistan, enduring tremendous hardship. While he was a student at the University, he hosted his own TEDx talk, spoke at many schools about refugee rights, was on a Department for Education panel that scrutinised how policy affects young people, and was the first Afghan to take part in the Olympic Torch

The Duke and Duchess seal the time capsule with the President and Vice-Chancellor.

university role for sir howard

graduation success

The Lemn Sissay Law Bursaries take into account applicants’ race, gender and socio-economic background. The School of Law’s Black Lawyers Matter project was set up in 2016 by a group of academics, community leaders and legal practitioners on discovery that out of some 1,200 undergraduates, only 14 UK-based black males of African and Caribbean heritage were registered on law and criminology courses, and of these none were from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

See page 14 for an interview with Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and page 22 for the story of how Alison Nimmo led the regeneration of Manchester city centre in the late 1990s.

Lemn Sissay MBE

The Lemn Sissay Bursaries specifically aim to address the obstacles faced by male students of African and Caribbean heritage who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme offers eligible applicants an annual grant of £3,000, funded by the School of Law. The Chancellor said, “I am immensely proud to have these bursaries named after me, as I fully understand how difficult it can be for people from my background to advance in life. The University does an awful lot to inform communities who may feel higher education isn’t for them that the opposite is true, through public engagement work and schemes like this one.” @lemnsissay

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RESEARCH BEACON

dvanced materials is a science that is fundamental to all industrial sectors and the national economy. Nothing in this world works without it. Cutting-edge work is being carried out in Manchester-based centres of excellence such as the BP International Centre for Advanced Materials, the National Graphene Institute, the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (due to open in 2018) and the prestigious new Henry Royce Institute (the UK’s leading centre for advanced materials research and commercialisation). The diversity of research and industry links are internationally recognised and help give the University its advantage.

The University’s expertise in materials science was highlighted in 2016 by the award of a Regius Professorship of Materials, a rare title bestowed by the Sovereign to recognise exceptionally high-quality research and teaching at an institution. The inaugural holder of this prestigious title is Professor Phil Withers, who is the Chief Scientist for the Henry Royce Institute, and is leading the strategic development and implementation of its initial core research areas.

“Materials shape the world in which we live and deﬁne the boundaries to our achievements,” said Professor Withers. “You can design lots of exciting things but often you don’t have the materials to meet those designs. But this is beginning to change and it’s what makes it such an exciting time. What we can do now is expanding rapidly due to a combination of three things. We can make materials with a much higher degree of control; so, at the atomic level we can build two- or threedimensional materials with a high degree of speciﬁcation and complexity, which we didn’t have before. At the grosser scale, we can print materials so we can model to design and understand materials. And then our ability to see the behaviour of materials, to analyse and characterise them, in operando is world leading. Put these three things together and suddenly you can advance things quite quickly.

“For example, we can look forward to metals that actively inhibit rusting; materials that help our bodies repair themselves; materials able to withstand the harshest environments; ‘super-batteries’ that last much, much longer; more eﬃcient devices and transportation able to operate for much longer on a single charge; and smart clothing that responds to the environment.

“Because these materials are part of our everyday lives it’s easy to take them for granted – but a new generation of advanced materials designed by computer and ‘printed’ to order will meet the biggest challenges of our world.

“We’ll be involving a wide range of colleagues and industry. Collaborating with our satellite Royce partners will be like putting together a fantasy football team of scientists with complementary skills. Materials science is very diverse – we’ve got to have mathematicians and computer modellers, materials scientists and engineers, chemists, physicists and chemical engineers.”

“The Henry Royce Institute will be a focal point for our work. It’s absolutely Manchester. It’s right in the centre of the Faculty but it’s also outward looking because it’s about bringing people in. It’s been designed in such a way that it can be a focal point for the UK, somewhere people will want to come to, spend some time at, and get involved in and engage with. I hope it will be innovative and collaborative – a melting pot of ideas and new experiments.

CONTINUED

Phil Withers, Regius Professor of Materials

in the vanguard of a materials revolution

The University has identified five research beacons where we have a unique concentration of high-quality research activity characterised by pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships. In this issue, we investigate advanced materials – a research field where Manchester is at the forefront of the search for solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the planet.

A new generation of advanced materials will meet the biggest challenges of our world. An artist’s impression of graphene membranes.

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RESEARCH BEACON

Research in action: solving the global water crisis “Graphene is a new material but the real value comes when you can incorporate it into new materials systems, whether that’s a screen for a device or a membrane. Integrating new materials into systems is fundamentally important.” Phil Withers, Regius Professor of Materials he global water shortage is having a devastating impact on human life across the planet. In developing countries, about 80 per cent of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. By 2025, the United Nations expects that 14 per cent of the world’s population will encounter water scarcity.

An artist’s impression of the Henry Royce Institute.

So how does this all differ from the experience of alumni working in metallurgy or materials science 50 years ago? “The most noticeable difference is the amount of data available and the pace at which we develop things, both of which have massively increased,” Professor Withers reflected. “If you look at the automotive engine, it’s not massively different from 30 years ago yet it performs totally differently – we now have a degree of control, through the use of sensors, which means we can monitor and run the engine in an optimal way. Before, you simply put your foot on the accelerator and hoped enough petrol was supplied to the engine to make it go forwards.” Professor Withers’ own interest in science was sparked as a child: “I’m always very concerned about encouraging young people to get involved in the subject. I learned how things worked by taking them apart and I worry now that as we throw more things away, fewer kids get the opportunity to take things apart, see how they work and put them back together again. “In my youth, the things that really spurred people on were the big challenges like going into space.

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They weren’t trivial – the outcomes and developments, in terms of computing and materials that were developed for us to go into space, have changed the world, but man stepping on the moon hasn’t made a great deal of diﬀerence to our lifestyle. “The questions we have today are really signiﬁcant, like energy, clean water, travel and an ageing population, all of which have materials science at their core. It’s absolutely critical that people understand that science changes people’s lives, sometimes negatively but, in general, in an immensely positive way. It helps us get out of the corners we’re heading towards. “The new technologies are clear but we need to decide how we want to use them – to understand how we want to grow old, how old we want to become, and what kind of life we want to live. These are challenges beyond materials – but materials will help us pose some of those questions. “I look back to the early 1900s, a time when we were unpicking the atom. We had Rutherford, Moseley, Chadwick, Bragg and Bohr; they were uncovering what went on inside the atom, and why the nature of atoms means they pack together in the way they do, in the kinds of materials they make. “Manchester must have been a very exciting place at that time. And I look at what we have now with our graphene research and the Royce Institute and I believe we have a real opportunity to be at the heart of an evolving materials map. It is once again an exhilarating time at the University – we’ve got some big challenges and some exciting research to come.”

The Henry Royce Institute Manchester has a strong tradition of stimulating economic growth and industrial innovation. The University is the hub of the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, which brings together the brightest scientiﬁc minds from across the UK: world experts in energy, engineering, and functional and soft materials from the other founding partners – the Universities of Sheﬃeld, Leeds, Liverpool, Cambridge and Oxford, Imperial College London, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. The landmark building is set to open in 2019; it will be located next to the Alan Turing Building on Upper Brook Street, near the Schools of Physics and Chemistry, the National Graphene Institute and the Manchester Engineering Campus Development, which is also currently under construction.

“I think this is a problem you can solve – but you have to do it simply, reliably and cheaply,” said Seb Leaper (MEng Materials Science and Engineering 2015), who is currently undertaking his PhD at the University. The winner of the Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award 2016, he is researching the use of graphene membranes in water desalination – essentially the removal of salt and impurities from undrinkable water, usually seawater, to make it drinkable. Graphene membranes have already been demonstrated to have the potential of ﬁltering out small nanoparticles, organic molecules and even large salts, and research is now progressing at Manchester to remove even smaller impurities. As Seb explained, “Graphene has the potential to unlock the door to low-cost, sustainable desalination technology. A graphene-oxide membrane can allow water vapour to permeate through it at a rate that is equivalent to the membrane not being there.”

Fine-tuning a graphene membrane’s properties can overcome some of the challenges associated with desalination as it can allow water to permeate through it with hardly any resistance. This uses less energy and is not susceptible to clogging. Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor who led the judging panel of the Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award, said, “Once again we are seeing breakthrough ideas for the commercialisation of graphene coming from our brightest young minds here in Manchester, enabled by the generosity of the Harari Award. It is particularly satisfying to see the potential combination of social good and business opportunity that this year’s winner brings us.” The £50,000 prize fund was established by alumnus Eli Harari (BSc Physics 1969), the founder of SanDisk, and his wife, Britt. It is awarded annually to a researcher at the University seeking to apply some use of graphene in a commercially viable way. Seb commented, “Charitable giving can enable a technology to reach its fruition. The award has given me funds to invest in pieces of equipment which I simply wouldn’t have had with just my PhD funding.”

Watch a video about Seb at man.ac.uk/F50pga

Manchester is leading the world in the development of new and existing materials for extreme environments. We are also world-leaders in the characterisation of materials – measuring and exploring materials to help us fully understand their properties and potential. Current breakthrough research at Manchester includes: • biomaterials that will help regenerate tissue and bone in our bodies, giving a better quality of life into older age; • energy-storage materials that will power greener electric transportation and enable us to store sustainable energy; • porous materials for applications in energy, catalysis, separation and puriﬁcation; • materials that can survive hostile environments to power aero engines that operate at much higher temperatures – or to build power plants that can contain the fusion reactions similar to those that power the Sun; • materials for the new revolution in manufacturing, such as advanced 3D printing technology, that will enable the next phase of the technology-driven economies of the future; • resilient and smart materials to build the next generation of nuclear power reactors, providing low carbon energy; • two-dimensional materials such as graphene, which was isolated in Manchester and is revolutionising the design of new applications.

The research work of the Institute will be split into nine core areas across the partners, with Manchester leading four of them: materials for demanding environments (such as for aerospace, oil and gas); biomedical materials and devices; 2D materials, including graphene; and nuclear materials, which will explore safer and more eﬃcient fuels.

www.royce.ac.uk

Advanced materials

Find out more about the advanced materials research beacon at man.ac.uk/mFtu84

Seb Leaper is researching the use of graphene membranes in water desalination.

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EAMONN BOYLAN

renaissance man In a post-Brexit Britain with a fragile national government, Greater Manchester has more control of its own destiny than ever before. It’s a pivotal moment in the history of the region and the man at the helm, charged with overseeing a genuine, sustainable economic renaissance, is Eamonn Boylan (BA English and American Literature 1982).

Bury

Rochdale

Bolton Oldham

Wigan

Salford Manchester

Credit: Rebecca Lupton

manchester has been my passion for the last 35 years. Eamonn Boylan

he fact that we’re leading the devolution agenda makes me very proud. But, given the scale of the challenge, it also makes me lie awake at night,” commented the ﬁrst full-time Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), who is understandably both excited and daunted by the role. But he is more than qualiﬁed for the job.

“

Eamonn began his career in the housing sector, rising to Assistant Director at Manchester Housing before taking up the post of Executive Director of Housing and Operational Services with Sheﬃeld City Council under Bob (now Lord) Kerslake. He returned to Manchester City Council, rising to Deputy Chief Executive and latterly Chief Executive of Stockport Borough Council, before his current promotion in the spring of 2017 to the role described by the Manchester Evening News as ‘the most powerful civil servant in the north of England’.

Tameside

Traﬀord Stockport

Greater Manchester is home to more than 2.7 million people.

He said, “I had the privilege of working for a decade with Sir Howard Bernstein, former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, who – alumni will know – has been the leader of the regeneration of the city that we love and, along with Sir Richard Leese, has made an absolutely unique contribution to the rebirth of a city that, when I ﬁrst arrived, felt like a large northern town. Now, it’s been transformed into a genuinely metropolitan and cosmopolitan city, which reﬂects the global reach of many of its institutions, most notably the University itself. “Howard is irreplaceable. He had his own style and way of doing things. He developed networks to die for and his little black book would be a world-dominating force! So I don’t replace him. What I hope that I can help to do, working in partnership with the chief executives of the ten boroughs, is to build on what Howard created. The challenges that we face in delivering our ambition within that agenda are enormous. But we now have a

platform which makes it possible to dream about how we can deliver those ambitions.” Born in Cumbria to Irish parents, Eamonn spent his formative years in the north-west and north-east, but it was the University that first brought him to Manchester, attracted by the quality of an English and American literature degree (his go-to-book is James Joyce’s Ulysses and his favourite poem is In Parenthesis by David Jones). “If I’m honest, it was the best decision I took in my entire life,” Eamonn reflected. “My wife says marrying her should be higher but I keep telling her that if I hadn’t come to Manchester we would never have met. “I’ve worked in Sheffield, London and across the northern regions but we’ve never moved from Manchester. It’s been my home and my passion for the last 35 years – a gift I owe to the University. Had they not offered me a place I wouldn’t be here now.

“My student days were great. I lived on the top ﬂoor of Owens Park – some of the friends I met on the 18th ﬂoor are still some of my closest friends today, which is fantastic. If you asked my lecturers if I was the most assiduous of students, they’d say, ‘No, he turns up when he feels like it and just about scrapes through’, but I got a good degree and I’m very proud and grateful.”

place to live and work, and it’s got a unique spirit of collaboration and cooperation.”

“It’s easy to talk ‘motherhood and apple pie’ about a place you love. But what you saw, after the IRA bomb and the atrocious acts committed against young people and their families at the Manchester Arena in May, was the genuine spirit of the city,” he said.

Devo Manc is the dawn of a new era, with political power now resting with the region’s ﬁrst directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, the former Labour Health Secretary and Leigh MP, Andy Burnham. But it will be Eamonn who implements the policies of the political leadership and attempts to cohere the leaders and chief executives across the ten boroughs, which make up the GMCA. He explained, “The advent of the oﬃce of Mayor is a logical progression. It changes where we are and provides a focus for leadership, which puts us on the same platform with some of the great cities of the world with which we’ve been partners and competitors.

“It’s a place that engenders deep-seated loyalty because of the welcome of its people, because it’s just an ordinary working place. It’s not a beautiful city but it’s a fantastic

“Long ago we stopped thinking about competing with Liverpool or Leeds – the Northern Powerhouse is an example of how we will do more by working collectively with

What is it about Greater Manchester that engenders Eamonn’s long-standing commitment?

those cities. Our competition now is Chicago, Singapore, Melbourne, Hong Kong – and we need to be able to play on that stage and have the proﬁle that some of the great mayors have given to their cities. “We have a more complex leadership structure here – the leaders of Stockport, Wigan or Tameside Councils reﬂect the intense pride and sovereignty of those places and that’s right. Devolution in Manchester is based on the principle of subsidiarity. We collaborate on things which we agree as partners we will collaborate on so that we’re not following a government agenda.

CONTINUED

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EAMONN BOYLAN

THE DIRECTOR

i’ve got the best job in local government.

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With a 17-year life-expectancy gap between the most aﬄuent and deprived neighbourhoods of the city, is there a danger that we build a shiny new Manchester from which many people are still excluded? “There is always a sense of that division in major cities,” Eamonn agreed. “Walking half-a-mile north out of Manchester you meet young people in Collyhurst who look at the city centre and say, ‘That’s nothing to do with me,’ and that’s an unacceptable divide. It’s absolutely essential that we create the conditions that will enable people, wherever they live in the city, to take advantage of the kind of opportunities that are being created and then they themselves create opportunities.”

If it is successful, can Devo Manc be rolled out as a national model? Eamonn said, “One of the messages we’re giving out very powerfully and simply to government is that unless you allow ‘place’ to become the determinant of the way in which you deploy policy and resources, then you’ll wind up doing what we’ve always done, which is to try to manage public service through national programmes and targets. This actually produces diﬀerent outcomes in diﬀerent places. Postcode lottery comes from trying to do the same thing everywhere. “I am uniquely privileged to have this role, partly because of the platform built by those who came before me, but we are at a unique point in the history of this great city. The fact that we’re bringing together all of our public services working collaboratively as part of the same family is unparalleled in the UK. It’s challenging but it’s massively exciting and I think I’ve got the best job in local government and probably one of the best jobs in public service in the country.”

Orlando von Einsiedel, winner of the Best Documentary Short Subject for The White Helmets at the 89th Annual Academy Awards.

Credit: Dan MacMedan/Getty Images

Credit: Rebecca Lupton

“The interaction between the Mayor and the leaders who now form his cabinet is an essential part of the leadership challenge that I face; I need to make sure that we cohere so that we drive forward with things that are signiﬁcant to us on an international stage. And I’ll do that with the President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, the Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University and the leaders of our other great institutions. But I also have to ensure that our devolutionary journey, which is about growth and the reform of public services, is relevant to the citizens of Bolton, Bury, Wigan and Rochdale. That’s at the heart of our strategy – it’s fundamentally about places and people.”

One of the greatest challenges facing a devolved Greater Manchester is control of a £6 billion health and social care budget, which Eamonn estimates is £1.5 billion short of what’s needed unless fundamental change is achieved by 2020: “Health and social care needs to be front and centre of what we’re trying to achieve. We regard it as the absolute necessary challenge to step up and ensure that with the resources available to us – and we will continue to lobby for more – we can create a sustainable and eﬀective health and social care system. It must be much more focused on health and wellbeing and the prevention of illness rather than the remedy of illness.”

A real inspiration

Darkness, silence, then explosions, people running, screaming, tears and a baby is pulled from the rubble – alumnus Orlando von Einsiedel’s Academy Award-winning documentary, The White Helmets, is a powerful and challenging watch. he universality of the ﬁlm’s portrayal of ordinary people living in extraordinary circumstances – the title’s helmets belong to volunteer rescue workers in Syria – caught Hollywood’s attention and industry acclaim.

From student to professional snowboarder to multi-award-winning documentary director, Orlando’s route from Manchester (he graduated with a degree in Social Anthropology in 2002) to Oscar winner has been anything but conventional. A professional snowboarder in his early 20s, he learned his craft through making snowboard movies and earning extra money from sponsors by featuring in films and magazines. He went on to make several short films, including Skateistan about skateboarders in Afghanistan, before his first feature-length documentary, Virunga, which was Oscar nominated in 2015. This is a film about the conflicts between conservationists, militia men, poachers and oil companies in a Congolese national park. It was executiveproduced by Leonardo DiCaprio and won an Emmy, a Peabody, a Grierson and a duPontColumbia Award for outstanding journalism.

Released in 2016, The White Helmets follows the Syrian Civil Defence forces rescuing those caught in the crossfire of the country’s civil war. In the five years since the conflict began, more than 250,000 Syrians have died – but thanks to the White Helmets, over 60,000 lives have been saved. Orlando was moved when he discovered that they were regular citizens, including blacksmiths, accountants, teachers and students: “Every now and again, you come across individuals or groups of people that absolutely reignite your faith in humanity. I would say that the majority of projects we’ve worked on as a film team have tended to be when we’ve found people like that.” The University of Manchester’s Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology, established in 1987, is widely recognised as a leading centre for courses combining anthropology with training in filmmaking, editing, photography and sound. “Orlando is a real inspiration to our current students in terms of what they can go on to achieve,” said Andrew Irving, the Centre’s Director.

“A mark of his commitment to future filmmakers is that he still finds time to return to Manchester to run workshops on the MA Visual Anthropology course, which are hugely appreciated by students.” In response, Orlando said, “I really enjoy doing workshops with the MA students. I believe anthropology can bring a unique perspective to filmmaking, one that helps build empathy between audiences and subjects divided socially, economically or geographically. “It’s always inspiring listening to the diverse projects the students are working on each year and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the anthropology department in the future."

Orlando is a co-founder of production company Grain Media – visit www.grainmedia.co.uk for details of his latest projects.

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NEW SKILLS

equity and merit scholars have a commitment to the economic and social development of their home regions. vailable for students to undertake master’s degrees at the University that are not available in their own home countries, the scholarships are also intended to help ﬁll particular skills gaps. The successful candidates are individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to the economic and social development of their home regions. Our Equity and Merit Scholars have taken a wide range of courses, from Power Engineering to Environmental Governance, from Public Health to Global Urban Development and Planning.

generosity equals impact Celebrating a decade of equity and Merit Scholarships

Preventing malaria

Talent knows no economic or social boundaries. However, alongside determination and hard work, there must be opportunity. Since 2006, the University’s Equity and Merit Scholarships programme has assisted more than 200 academically gifted but economically disadvantaged students from overseas.

Ann Auma

The scholarships are jointly funded by the University and our donors: the University covers tuition fees in full; while the generosity of our donors covers living costs, flights to the UK and visas. We also offer awards for online learning to support students, particularly women, who need to combine study with work, family and other commitments. The programme is not a one-way street. With significant work and life experience, the Equity and Merit Scholars also enhance the learning experience of other students

and provide new opportunities for cultural and educational exchange. They bring possibilities for exciting new partnerships and long-lasting bonds between their home countries and our teaching staﬀ, their fellow students and the wider University community. Widening opportunities for higher education, ensuring we recruit excellent students no matter what their background, is a crucial mission for the University – and the Equity and Merit Scholarships programme helps to extend that commitment internationally.

Fighting climate change Valentin Olyang’iri

(MSc environmental governance 2016)

(MSc Immunology and Immunogenetics 2013) Sear Equity and Merit Scholarship Now working at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda, Ann Auma is a researcher who is using education and medicine to protect people from the serious threat of infectious disease. “In Uganda, malaria is the second deadliest disease among children under ﬁve,” she said. “It’s a major global problem, but it’s particularly problematic in African countries because poverty interferes with us providing quality health care. It also has a huge impact on our economic development. It’s a burden on our country. “We need to create new vaccines against malaria and improve the treatments that we have right now. Currently, there are very few African scientists who are leading vaccine research globally. Research is about collaboration and networking, but I also believe that the research agenda in Africa should be led by Africans. Because of this, I was inspired to apply for an Equity and Merit Scholarship to study at The University of Manchester.

Ann Auma with one of her colleagues.

“When I found out I’d been chosen for a scholarship I was ecstatic. I love adventure and was excited about moving to a new country and meeting new people. Going to Manchester opened my mind in so many ways. It was extremely challenging, but I gained valuable skills and knowledge in immunology, and as an individual. “Before I went to Manchester I was shy and not very conﬁdent. But the University

shaped me into who I am now, not just professionally but as a person. I no longer think within the boundaries of Uganda. I look at the global picture and how I can make a diﬀerence globally. “I want to spend the rest of my life helping to solve the puzzle of vaccine research and eradicating infectious disease in Africa.”

Rowland Equity and Merit Scholarship Valentin Olyang’iri knows about the pressures climate change is exerting on people in rural Tanzania – he grew up herding livestock there. In recent times rainfall has become less predictable in East Africa. Prolonged droughts and degrading farmland have a serious effect on local farmers and pastoralists who herd livestock for a living. Each group needs access to land and this shrinking resource often brings the two groups into conflict. With his understanding of the issues, and with the right skills, Valentin felt that he would be able to change things for the better. However, there wasn’t a suitable course available in Tanzania. So, he applied to study for an MSc in Environmental Governance through The University of Manchester’s Equity and Merit Scholarship Programme. Recognising his talent, drive and potential, the University awarded him a donor-funded Rowland Equity and Merit Scholarship. The master’s degree has been a vital step for Valentin to accomplish his goals to benefit his family and community. He said,

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equity and Merit Scholar becomes Rwandan Minister Valentin Olyang’iri

“The programme I took at Manchester is not found in my country or even elsewhere in Africa. In the future I see myself as a world changer and an asset to my country. My ambition is to ﬁll the gaps that exist between communities and policy makers by raising public awareness of environmental governance issues.” He continued, “I also want to be a policy analyst, advising the government to harmonise existing policies to protect the environment and local communities. I hope to disseminate the knowledge I gained in Manchester to the community through

media programmes, as well as through formal and informal networking sessions with community leaders, decision makers and NGOs. “The Rowland Equity and Merit Scholarship has shown me that my dreams are achievable. Without it, I would not have challenged myself intellectually and I would still have the same limited understanding of the environmental issues my country faces. My year in Manchester has taught me to be the change I want to see in the world. And thanks to my scholarship, I can start making that change a reality.”

President Paul Kagame (left) with Jean de Dieu ‘Jado’ Uwihanganye.

Visit www.manchester.ac.uk/ equity-merit to ﬁnd out more about the programme.

Jean de Dieu ‘Jado’ Uwihanganye (MSc Construction Project Management 2013), a recipient of an Equity and Merit Scholarship supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, has been appointed Minister for Transport in Rwanda. At 30, he is the youngest ever minister in the country. Following his graduation, Jado managed some of Rwanda’s most high-proﬁle infrastructure projects,

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including stadia for the 2016 African Cup of Nations and extensive road-building programmes. Joanne Jacobs, Senior International Oﬃcer at The University of Manchester, said, “Jado was a really exceptional student and cares deeply about making a diﬀerence in his home country. Our Equity and Merit Scholars are forming an extensive network across Africa, all contributing to development in the region.”

See overleaf for details of how alumni, students and staﬀ came together to raise funds for Equity and Merit Scholarships by taking part in the Great Manchester Run 2017.

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PURPLE WAVE

Emmanuel Turatsinze

An unstoppable wave “Seeing myself among the crowds of hundreds of alumni, students and staff from The University of Manchester, all in purple, was one of my most awesome memories of all time.” aw student Emmanuel Turatsinze will not forget the 2017 Great Manchester Run in a hurry. He was one of over 2,400 runners that formed the Purple Wave on 28 May, an initiative led by SPORT Manchester to inspire our campus community to try running, get fit and raise money for charity. The University group was so large that the organisers gave them their own start point – at the junction of Portland Street and Oxford Street – for the run that took them through Manchester, Trafford and Salford. They also featured heavily on the BBC’s live coverage of the event.

A total of 1,300 Purple Wave entrants were new to running, joining in the event which attracted over 40,000 participants and tens of thousands more spectators to cheer them on. The turnout was all the more impressive as the run took place less than one week after the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. A huge round of applause for the emergency services followed a minute's silence for the victims and casualties.

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With a 10km run, mini race and half-marathon, the Great Manchester Run is now the largest event of its kind in Europe. The fastest University entrant was PhD student Christopher Thomas who ran the 10km in 34.48; the fastest alumnus was Chris Hunt (BA Modern Language and Business and Management (Spanish) 2013) in 36.42; and the fastest alumna was Kathryn Pugsley (MA English Studies 2003) in 52.59.

Emmanuel Turatsinze dreamed of studying abroad and gaining academic skills which would enable him to have an impact on his community in Rwanda. Thanks to an Equity and Merit Scholarship, supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, he is currently achieving that dream, living outside Rwanda for the ﬁrst time in his life and studying for a master’s degree in International Business and Commercial Law at the University.

it was hard not to feel emotional as you ran through the finish line.

His scholarship is allowing him to fulfill his ambitions while also volunteering at the University’s Legal Advice Centre, and making the most of the cultural, social and sporting opportunities available in Manchester. He was one of a number of Equity and Merit Scholars who took part in the run. “Aside from casual jogging, the Great Manchester Run was the first race of that kind for me,” said Emmanuel. “I had never run in any marathon before. It was a good experience and I enjoyed the whole race from the beginning to the finish line. I wanted to take part because it was an opportunity to raise funds for charities including Equity and Merit Scholarships, the programme which brought me to Manchester.”

Another first-time participant was Tom Fern, Senior Communications Officer for Development and Alumni Relations at the University. He said, “It was hard not to feel emotional as you ran through the finish line to the cheers of the crowd of thousands, especially as it was only a few days after the Arena bombing – and to do it with thousands of Manchester students, staff and alumni made it extra-special. “I’d only run about two kilometres a couple of months before the race, so I’d encourage any alumni who are thinking about joining in next year to get involved and run with the University. I never thought I’d say this, but I enjoyed every minute of it.”

The Purple Wave entrants raised almost £59,000 for two charities this year – Equity and Merit Scholarships and Big Change, a project to help end homelessness in Manchester. Vicky Foster-Lloyd, Head of Sport and Active Lifestyles at the University, said, “We were completely blown away by the response of our alumni, staﬀ and students this year. It shows what a fabulous community we belong to at the University, and in Manchester. A huge thank you to all our runners, the Great Run Company, and all those involved in organising this fantastic event.”

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HEART OF THE CITY

What can i do to help?

Exchange Square, Manchester

Credit: The Crown Estate

Alison Nimmo CBE

Today, Alison Nimmo is the Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, and she has received a CBE for services to urban regeneration and a Royal Town Planning Institute Gold Medal. The University of Manchester honoured her with an Outstanding Alumni Award in 2016. Returning for the ceremony gave her a chance to reﬂect on her contribution to the city’s regeneration.

“The one big idea in the masterplan was moving the Shambles pubs to create New Cathedral Street, linking St Ann’s Square with the Cathedral Quarter. That decision, combined with the demolition of the 1960s concrete Shambles Square, unlocked a whole new wave of development which continued for many years, long after we’d wound up the taskforce.

“I remember meeting Howard Bernstein for the ﬁrst time and persuading him that I had the skills, vision and commitment to help him get the city back on its feet,” she said. “It was a seminal moment for me in my life as well as my career, to be part of a small team rebuilding my adopted home city after such a terrible thing had happened. It was the ﬁrst time I’d done something in my career that I felt had a real purpose to it.

“Relocating the pubs was a genius idea but almost impossibly complex to deliver. Owned by diﬀerent breweries, both were listed buildings and one was a scheduled ancient monument, and we relocated them close to the cathedral, which was a conservation area. In the normal course of city planning, people would just have said that it couldn’t be done. But Howard encouraged us to never give up, to ﬁnd a way of solving every problem and to never take ‘no’ for an answer.

“I was very good at getting money out of government – grants and European money, so we put together a ﬁnancial bid, launched an international design competition for a masterplan, and set up Manchester Millennium. Our challenge was to turn the adversity of the bomb into something that was a real opportunity.

rebuilding the city

anchester changed 21 years ago when a white Transit van packed with 3,300lb of explosives blew up on Corporation Street. The IRA atrocity of 15 June 1996 left a deep crater in the heart of the city as it tore apart Marks and Spencer, the Arndale Centre and the Corn Exchange.

As Project Director of Manchester Millennium – the public/private taskforce set up to lead the regeneration of the city following the IRA bomb – Alison Nimmo CBE (BA Town and Country Planning 1985, BPI Planning 1986) was one of a small, tight-knit group that came together in 1996 to rebuild a broken city and transform its future.

When she rode the tram from Whiteﬁeld into her oﬃce in the city centre and saw the scale of the damage, Alison was upset and angry. Her second reaction was to ask herself: “What can I do to help?” Armed with a town planning degree from the University and ten years’ experience, she persuaded her boss at KPMG to ‘loan’ her to Sir Howard Bernstein at Manchester City Council to help set up Manchester Millennium.

“The bit of the city centre that was destroyed involved only a small number of important landowners like P&O, Prudential, Frogmore Estates, Marks and Spencer and the city council, but bringing all those key people together to sign up to a single masterplan was a major achievement – they knew none of them could do it on their own but they all came together to do their bit.” What did Manchester get right? “Ambition and vision. It wasn’t just a question of rebuilding what was there before. We had to stand back, think big and create something really special. We had to be brave, not just ﬁxing and repairing, but thinking about what the real opportunity was to create a new heart for a 21stcentury city.

“Another important aspect is partnership – the city council didn’t try and do it all on its own. It worked with landowners, businesses and the community to create a single vision to get diﬀerent people to deliver diﬀerent elements of the masterplan. We got real consensus and a pragmatic approach to public/private partnership, which was (and still is) the best I’ve ever seen.

“I still have a sense of real pride in what was accomplished. We were a small team and at our reunions you hear people say it transformed their lives and their careers and it was the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done. Like a stick of rock, cut us down the middle and we’ve got ‘Manchester’ written through us.” Our interview with Alison Nimmo took place before the terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017. Here are her thoughts on the atrocity: “So many lives lost; it broke our hearts. Back in 1996 there was a warning and it meant that nobody died, although many were injured. Yet once again the people of this great city came together showing unspeakable bravery, resilience and kindness. But lives are just so much harder to rebuild than buildings.”

Alison Nimmo CBe Key dates 1985 BA Town and Country Planning, The University of Manchester 1986 Planner at Westminster City Council

“People didn’t over-negotiate their hand because they wanted to be a part of the success story; everyone put the city ﬁrst. The only comparable experience I can think of is when people talk about the blitz spirit.

1989 Consultant, Drivers Jonas, London

“The longevity of civic leadership provided by people like Howard Bernstein shapes cities that are right, not just for today, but for many generations to come. They may evolve and change over time but there’s that sense of quality and design for everyone alongside ﬂexibility of use – bringing residential development into the heart of the city was a fundamental part of what was achieved in the rebuilding.

1996 Project Director, Manchester Millennium

1995 Consultant, KPMG, Manchester

2000 Chief Executive, Sheﬃeld One 2004 Awarded a CBE for services to urban regeneration 2006 Director of Design and Regeneration, Olympic Delivery Authority 2012 Chief Executive, The Crown Estate

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MUSIC MEMORIES

Mike Sax and the Idols (1964) Credit: Mike Sacks

c i s u m r u o y e shar s 2000 s e i r o m me

Manchester Digital Music Archive has launched a digital exhibition, created in partnership

with The University of Manchester Students’ Union. Manchester Academy Memories documents the history of concerts and club life at the Students’ Union from 1963 to the present day. It features hundreds of digitised artefacts relating to artists such as Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Slits, Daft Punk, Björk, Nirvana, The Kinks, Adele, Prince and Led Zeppelin. Many of these items, which include tickets, photos, press articles and videos, have been uploaded by members of the public – and the search is on for further items.

1960

Cream (1967) Credit: Ben Ward UMSU

Moloko (2003) Credit: MDMArchive

1970

1980

25th anniversary poster (2015) Credit: Manchester Academy

The Who (1970) Credit: Tony Walsh

February Festival (1980) Credit: Ben Ward UMSU

2010

led Zeppelin (1971) Credit: Jason Cornthwaite at tracks.co.uk

The Darkness (2003) Credit: Emma Gibbs

1990

Toots and the Maytals (2016) Credit: UMSU

It's not just about the big names that have passed through the University’s venues. The exhibition explores the social and political histories that are inextricably linked to the music. These are particularly evident in the cuttings that are included from student newspapers The Manchester Independent and The Mancunion. Fascinating stories include that of The Squat – a groundbreaking 'art lab'-cummusic venue held in the building of the University's former music college on Devas Street, in which The Fall, Warsaw (Joy Division) and Rock Against Racism staged early gigs. The Squat, as the name implies, was born out of a student occupation in the early 1970s. Manchester Academy Memories is curated by Abigail Ward and Rod Connolly. It was conceived as a way of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of Academy 1 in 1990 (Manchester punk icons Buzzcocks was the ﬁrst band to take to the stage), while exploring the cultural legacy of all the University’s venues since 1963. “We welcome alumni sending in material for inclusion in the exhibition – and memories from pre-1963 are also welcome. Our new website also allows anyone to set up their own mini-exhibition site – so you can upload your own music memorabilia from concerts in Manchester,” Abigail said. What a great way to share a snapshot of your time at the University! How to get involved

Suede (1993) Credit: Rod Connolly

The Human league (1980) Credit: Graham Massey Blur (1993) Credit: Steve Manford

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Visit www.mdmarchive.co.uk (email info@mdmarchive.co.uk) to ﬁnd out more about Manchester Academy Memories and how to upload your music memories. Manchester Digital Music Archive is an online community archive established in 2003 to celebrate Greater Manchester music and its social history.

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CITIZEN SCIENCE

The #BritainBreathing team were highly commended in the Outstanding Public Engagement Initiative category of the University’s Making a Difference Awards 2017. Dr Lamiece Hassan and Dr Sheena Cruickshank (right) received the commendation.

get Britain breathing again Another summer come and gone. Happy times... unless you are one of those people aﬀected by a ticklish throat, itching eyes or streaming nose.

r perhaps you have experienced diﬃculties breathing or tightness in the chest. You may even be one of those people who suﬀer severe symptoms and a potentially life-threatening attack.

One in four people in the UK suﬀer from seasonal allergies and 5.4 million people in the country have asthma. Every day, the lives of three families are devastated by a death caused by an asthma attack. Summer pollen spikes highlight a yearround problem for more people than ever before – and researchers are struggling to understand why the numbers are rising. This is a problem exacerbated by a lack of data. But scientists at The University of Manchester are working with colleagues from the British Society for Immunology

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and the Royal Society of Biology in a remarkable example of citizen science that is beginning to tackle the problem. The #BritainBreathing app is a groundbreaking project launched last year to better understand when the symptoms of seasonal allergies (such as hay fever or asthma) occur, what factors aﬀect this and why seasonal allergies are on the rise. Using a downloadable app on their mobile phone, users can track their seasonal allergies and play an integral part in this unique research. In its ﬁrst year, 1,500 users aged between 18 and 70 from all over the UK downloaded the app and collectively contributed 20,278 separate data observations. But the project team need more people to take part, and so last summer a new and improved version of the app was launched on Android and iOS.

“We know that we have a very large community of alumni living throughout the UK and I’d like to urge anyone who’s interested to get involved in citizen science and help us collect data,” said Dr Sheena Cruickshank, the University’s Academic Lead for Public Engagement, a member of the Manchester Immunology Group and a hay fever suﬀerer herself. “More people than ever are suﬀering from seasonal allergies, but we don’t understand why this is. It could be pollution, super pollens, increased cleanliness or a combination of factors. “For our second year, with the help of the public, we hope to gain a better picture of the forces driving this rise in seasonal allergies.”

our alumni can help us collect data. It is a very easy app to use. Simply share your data, whether you are suﬀering symptoms or feeling ﬁne (knowledge of wellness is just as useful), and you can record and track your allergic responses in real time. This data is then shared anonymously with the researchers, allowing them to pinpoint allergy hotspots in the UK and times of the year that allergies are at their most severe, and to correlate this with environmental data. It also allows you to keep a record of your own allergy spikes.

“Gathering this type of information via an app from a large cross-section of the public hasn’t been done before, so our first move was to establish how valid our data was,” Dr Cruickshank added. “We were pleased to find that the #BritainBreathing app provides strong data that we can use to see patterns of allergy and really unpick how they are caused. “I was diagnosed with hay fever when I was eight, but I haven’t been to the doctor since I was 14 and I pick up meds for my hay fever from the supermarket. So, although for people like me we have a diagnosis, we don’t have prescription data or flare data from a hospital admission. So, we know very little about when symptoms start, when they get worse and what was occurring at the time to drive that for someone like me.

“We’re a multi-disciplinary team and so when we’ve collected the data by spring/summer 2018 we’ll look at how we can link this information to understand how the diﬀerent factors, diﬀerent pollutants, pollen, fungal particles, microbes and the weather are all combining together to create the problem. Perhaps we can then gain a better understanding so that ultimately we can start to test some of these theories in the lab.”

Want to help? Find out more about the project and download the free app at www.britainbreathing.org Those who already have the 2016 Android version of the app are encouraged to delete and replace it with this updated version as data recorded in older versions will not be sent to the research team.

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WORLD CHANGERS

eric Laithwaite was special – such enthusiasm.

Credit: Ron Case/Keystone/Getty Images

Genius, pioneer, maverick – alumnus and academic Professor Eric Roberts Laithwaite (1921-97) was one of the great science communicators of his day.

Professor Laithwaite became something of a household name in the 1960s, with numerous radio and television appearances including the first of his two Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 1966, The Engineer in Wonderland, which was the first time the lectures had been fully televised (he delivered the Christmas Lectures again in 1974, this time entitled The Engineer Through the Looking Glass). Perhaps the most widely viewed application of his work came in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, where the genius inventor ‘Q’ demonstrates a levitating tea tray, which speeds along to decapitate a dummy. The stunt used Professor Laithwaite’s self-stable magnetic levitation system, patented in 1956 and known as a ‘magnetic river’, to achieve the motion.

Professor Eric Laithwaite takes part in a test of an air cushion train at British Rail's Gorton works in Manchester, on 14 November 1962.

the engineer through the looking glass your mAnchester mAgAzine

When Lancashire-born Eric Laithwaite was demobbed in 1946, he came to Manchester to study electrical engineering, graduating in 1949. His work on the Ferranti Mark I computer earned him his master's degree and he went on to teach at the University from 1950 to1964 (he gained his PhD in 1956). It was while a student that he developed his fascination with linear motors – machines with a moving part which travels in a line, rather than revolving on an axis. He continued his research when appointed Professor of Heavy Electrical Engineering at Imperial College London in 1964. The history of the linear motor dates back to the mid-19th century and he was always keen to point out that he had nurtured the idea rather than invented it.

e is known as the ‘Father of Maglev’ for his development of the linear induction motor and maglev rail system – a system of transportation that uses magnetic levitation transport to move vehicles without making contact with the ground. He also shared his enthusiasm for engineering and his wonder at science at every opportunity – and many of his demonstrations and lectures can still be found online today.

His passion struck a chord with Manchester alumni who named him as one of their most popular World Changers, following our 2016 campaign that asked for nominations for the most inﬂuential people encountered at the University. Franklyn Hall (BSc Civil Engineering 1960) used a single word to describe his former lecturer: “Inspirational!” “In my ﬁrst year I found Professor Laithwaite to be so enthusiastic in getting students – especially me – to gain insight

and full understanding of his subject,” added Robin Dawe (BSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering 1960). “He was also very approachable and down to earth.” Dr Thomas Kelsey (BSc Electrical Engineering 1964) remembered, “Eric Laithwaite was special – such enthusiasm – but also realism – about the limits of traditional theory. Some fellow students couldn’t cope with his challenges, but some of his outlook I have never forgotten.” And George Hulbert (BSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1963) wrote, “His work on the development of a practical linear induction motor paved the way for multiple applications in industry and transport: the future of train travel may well be revolutionary because of his groundwork at Manchester in the Dover Street basement in the 50s and 60s, where I did lab work as a student.”

Having expanded his original designs of the linear motor – with support from a government grant of £5 million – he provided the drive for the world’s ﬁrst linear motor driven train. Early trials looked promising, yet in 1973 the government cancelled the project, blaming high costs for little return. However, the potential of the invention quickly gained international recognition. Within three years, linearinduction motors were driving a new generation of Japanese and German trains: today, the Transrapid 09 is designed for a cruising speed of over 300mph. However, the world's ﬁrst commercial maglev system was a low-speed maglev shuttle running between Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham Airport for 11 years from 1984. Although maglev is economically unsuited to long distances, its ability to accelerate and decelerate quickly has led to the suggestion that it could be used for city-to-city short hauls such as Manchester to Leeds. From 1974, Professor Laithwaite’s open-mindedness, willingness to challenge orthodoxy, love of analogy and enthusiasm led him into heretical waters when he believed that new theories were needed to explain some of the behaviours of

gyroscopes. He retired from Imperial College London in 1986; in the same year, he received the Tesla Award of the (American) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ‘for contributions to the development and understanding of electric machines and especially of the linear induction motor’. In 1990, he accepted an invitation to become a visiting professor at Sussex University. Six years later, two NASA scientists arrived at his laboratory seeking a new way, using linear motors, of propelling spacecraft into the Earth’s orbit. He was oﬀered a contract and was working on the project when he died suddenly at the laboratory in Brighton. As well as publishing numerous scholarly papers and books on aspects of electrical engineering, Professor Laithwaite was also a keen entomologist and the co-author of The Dictionary of Butterﬂies and Moths. He told one of the many documentary makers who interviewed him: “I’d just like to live to be 200 because one lifetime isn’t enough.”

World Changers at The University of Manchester Here is a selection of other World Changers nominated by our alumni: Professor Margot Brazier (School of Law): “Scared us every week but an inspiration to women in the law – girl power for lawyers!” Jessima Sweeney (LLB Law 1989) Anna Ford (broadcaster, alumna, the first woman to serve a full year as President of the Students’ Union, former Chancellor of The University of Manchester): “A trail-blazer for women – very well done.” Barbara Wallis (BA English 1966) Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (alumnus, composer and conductor, former Master of the Queen’s Music): “His challenges to academic tradition and established compositional practice left this fellow student looking and hearing in awe.” Dr Anthony Walker (BMus Music 1958) Professors Freddie Williams (alumnus) and Tom Kilburn (inventors of the first stored-program computer): “They inspired me to embark on a lifelong career in the computer industry.” Malcolm Noble (BSc Electrical Engineering 1963) Unknown Admissions Officer: “The one offer I got – from Manchester – changed my life – so thank you to that unknown person who took a chance on me.” Michael South (BDS Dentistry 1987)

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR

BEN

KELLY

AISWARYA

JENNY

LUCIA

JASON

reach for the stars Ben stepped up to found a student society that promotes medical careers to school children; Kelly co-ordinated TEDx talks for hundreds of students and enhanced her business skills; Aiswarya volunteered with the Refugee Conversation Club; and Jenny passed her minibus driving test to take disadvantaged children to Chester Zoo. eanwhile, after a placement with the Big Change homelessness initiative, Lucia helped to set up the Big Change Students’ Union Society so that fellow students might better understand the problem, and Jason juggled his PhD studies with inspiring more people to take up badminton.

They are all Manchester students who ‘stelliﬁed’ themselves at the University. They took on extra challenges, met and worked with a wide range of people and perspectives, contributed to local and global communities, tackled issues of global importance and gained new skills through hands-on activities in order to become the best graduate they could be. Of course, as alumni, many of you will have done something similar during your own student days at Manchester. But now, the University wants to encourage more of its students to get something extra out of

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their student life by promoting Stellify as a means of articulating the distinctiveness of the Manchester student experience and the unique attributes of our graduates.

growth, consider their place in the world and how they can make a diﬀerence to others, and develop the distinctive attributes of a Manchester graduate.”

“Stellify is a way of explaining to prospective and current students what we mean by our strategic goals; in other words, what is the real-world impact of what we do,” said Peter Morris, Student Communications and Marketing Manager. “It’s a way of showcasing speciﬁc activities, and telling our prospective and current students that these are the things which are going to enhance their experience at Manchester. It’s also a way of talking about the eﬀect of these kinds of activities, both locally and globally.

Stellify activities are grouped around ﬁve points of action:

“We want our students to get more than a world-class degree. We want them to do more and be more. We want them to experience true personal and professional

• learn without boundaries • understand the issues that matter • make a diﬀerence • step up to leadership • create your future Peter continued, “This includes everything from entrepreneurship, student leadership and community action to global connections and multicultural perspectives. Combined with interdisciplinary opportunities and collaborations, it all comes together to create valuable and diverse opportunities for our students.

“It’s not something students have to sign up to or complete in full. But we are asking them to act, to do something. You can complete a number of veriﬁed activities and work towards a new award, called the Manchester Leadership Award, our most prestigious extra-curricular accolade and proof that you know what it means to do more and be more. It’s evidence that students are ready to take on the next challenge and shape their future. “But Stellify is about much more than that. Each student journey will be unique and one student might only choose to engage in one of the main points of action. But, through any of the activities the students undertake, they will have a basis and a grounding that means they will graduate as someone who understands the issues that matter – and can implement those skills in a way that will make a diﬀerence.”

Many of our alumni are already involved in generously giving their time to contribute to the student experience at the University. This can take the form of volunteering on a careers panel or taking part in a Meet the Professionals event, sharing a career or experience proﬁle, or by mentoring or oﬀering an internship or placement. Now, every time a student takes part in one of these activities they know the experience is part of their Stellify path towards a distinctive University of Manchester degree.

We want our students to get more than a world-class degree. Visit www.stellify.manchester.ac.uk to explore how our students are engaging with Stellify. Visit your.manchester.ac.uk/ get-involved to ﬁnd out more about the volunteering opportunities available to our alumni that can contribute to the ‘stelliﬁcation’ of our students.

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A GREAT CHALLENGE

our schools and universities are producing quite remarkable young people.

The audience gathers for the Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture.

A tale of two manchesters growing gap between the shiny buildings and diﬃcult estates

Professor Sir Peter Fahy

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” In the Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture 2017, Professor Sir Peter Fahy, who spent 13 years as Chief Constable of Cheshire and then Greater Manchester Police, considered the question: why do we give so many children such a poor start in life? police oﬃcer for 34 years, serving in ﬁve forces, he held national responsibilities for workforce development and race and diversity, and was the national police lead for the Prevent counter-terrorism programme. Since his retirement in 2015 from Greater Manchester Police, he has been on a mission to value every child, and to give them the best start in life as the Chief Executive of children’s charity Retrak. “It’s

been a privilege to be Chief Constable,” he commented. “It’s a unique position and it’s given me strength. I’ve had a view of Greater Manchester that no one else gets. I’ve met the richest and the poorest, seen the reality of life in diﬃcult areas, and met disturbed, deprived and at-risk people.” In this tale of two cities, Sir Peter is concerned about the growing alienation and gaps between neighbourhoods, and he

urges a greater sense of realism about the life beyond and outside the rise of a shiny new Manchester. Sir Peter, now an Honorary Professor of Criminal Justice in the University’s School of Law, believes our problems begin early. In his lecture, he drew on experience and his work with Retrak to highlight the impact that poor early years’ parenting, inequality and globalisation are having on many children in the world.

Sir Peter is also Chair of the Plus Dane Housing Association, Chair of Greater Manchester Citizens and President of Manchester East Scouts. He said, “I could have shut myself off and done the gardening but I’m just not that kind of person. I’ve always had a big interest in local community life and was a champion of neighbourhood policing. And I’ve always been struck by the fact most people are not bothered about the greater city or region, they’re bothered about their local streets, their parade of shops and where their kids go to school. “The gap in the difference between the shiny buildings and the difficult estates is getting greater, so there’s a bigger group of people who don’t feel involved in democracy or community life. It seemed to me that organisations like universities, the BBC and the criminal justice system are all completely irrelevant to these people’s lives and that the people who work in those organisations have no connection or understanding of the people on those difficult estates. “I think that’s a serious issue and a big threat to us.”

New models are needed at a local level Sir Peter believes the solution lies in placebased intervention – targeting a community and addressing the variety of issues that happen at a neighbourhood level. Devo Manc gives us a unique opportunity to address these issues. “We’ve got the NHS in the devolution agreement and we’ve got a level of cohesiveness in our political structure that is absent almost anywhere else. This is a great opportunity and a great challenge, with our economic and inequality issues, but we have to be committed to involving local people, and generating a sense of ownership and citizenship,” he explained. “What you see in Greater Manchester is a particular group of families and individuals that ﬁnd life very hard, have a complex set of needs and are caught in a cycle of deprivation and poor parenting but, when you go back to the beginning, you ﬁnd it started with poor parenting and poor attachment.” A “bit of a lefty” Sir Peter took part in demonstrations while studying at the University of Hull and famously got carried out of one sit-in, and admits that he was a “bit of a lefty” at that time.

He continued, “I’m enjoying engaging with the young students at Manchester University. Despite having been a police oﬃcer, I do think that protest is really important, I think that young people today should be pretty angry and vocal, and I think we all should be worried about the level of political participation among young people who no longer feel relevant, and about the way they were totally ignored in the Brexit debate. “We all need to take the local education picture more seriously. But I’m optimistic. Our schools and institutions like this are producing quite remarkable young people – they’re more articulate, better problemsolvers and, even with all the issues around social media, they have much better relationships, they’re more caring, engaged, communicative and more passionate, and that gives me a huge amount of hope. “Ultimately it goes back to the child and recognising that every child is unique. Many of the issues we struggle with in our society come back to those early years and child development, the importance of relationships and families. I think if we always keep that child in the forefront of our policy, and recognise that every child is special and unique, it is the best thing that can drive us forward.”

Watch Professor Sir Peter Fahy’s Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture at man.ac.uk/F4ohi7

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YOUR ENGAGEMENT

Credit: LSE Library

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE Our alumni: MPs elected in June 2017 Rt Hon Dame Margaret Beckett (HND Metallurgy 1964) Derby South (Labour) Rt Hon Nicholas Brown (BA Arts 1971) Newcastle upon Tyne East (Labour) Mrs Fiona Bruce (LLB Law 1978) Congleton (Conservative) Rt Hon Liam Byrne (BA Politics and Modern History 1992) Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Labour) Mr James Cartlidge (BA Economics 1996) South Suﬀolk (Conservative) Mrs Ann Coﬀey (MSc Psychiatric Social Work 1980) Stockport (Labour) Mr Mark Hendrick (MSc Computer Science 1985) Preston (Labour)

Putting you in the picture Alumni and supporters help The University of Manchester create a better world. You volunteer to support our students as they forge their path in life, and fund scholarships, projects and research programmes that change lives. We have regular contact with more than 350,000 alumni from over 200 countries and territories. Our alumni community welcomed more than 10,000 new graduates in July 2017.

Mr Tony Lloyd (Dip Business Administration 1976) Rochdale (Labour) Mr John Mann (BA Economics 1982) Bassetlaw (Labour)

In 2016/17

Ms Chi Onwurah (MBA 2002) Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Labour) Mr Jonathan Reynolds (BA Politics and Modern History 2001) Stalybridge and Hyde (Labour (Co-op)) Mr Jeﬀ Smith (BA Economics 1984) Manchester, Withington (Labour)

Women and the vote

Christabel Pankhurst in academic dress. This photograph was taken in 1905 or 1906.

Ms Jo Stevens (LLB Law 1988) Cardiﬀ Central (Labour) Miss Maggie Throup (BSc Biology 1978) Erewash (Conservative) Mr Chuka Umunna (LLB English Law with French Law 2001) Streatham (Labour) Mr William Wragg (BA History 2010) Hazel Grove (Conservative)

A record number of female MPs entered the House of Commons after 208 women were elected in June’s General Election, including six University of Manchester alumnae. or one researcher, this was a timely reminder about the courageous women who, 100 years earlier, fought a long and hard campaign to ensure that women could be allowed to vote, and the place that Manchester had in this struggle. “2017 marks the centenary of the Conference on Electoral Reform – a crossparty, parliamentary committee, which met over six months to discuss a number of electoral issues, including women’s suﬀrage,” explained political historian Dr Clare Debenham (PhD Politics 2010).

The 1917 conference led to the Representation of the People Act 1918, which allowed women to vote if they were over 30 years old, householders or wives of householders, occupiers of property with an annual rent of £5 or more, or graduates of British universities. The change in legislation led Nancy Astor to become the ﬁrst woman to take her seat in parliament in 1919, but it would be a decade later that the Equal Franchise Act gave women equal voting rights to men in 1928.

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“1917 was a very important milestone,” said Dr Debenham, “coming as it did after years of mass demonstrations, raids, arrests, imprisonment and brutal force-feeding. When we went to the polls in June, voters would have done well to remember with gratitude that women were imprisoned and died for women’s right to vote.” In the 1970s, Dr Debenham joined her local Women’s Liberation Group and was active in the movement, which contributed to her enduring interest in women’s politics. Her PhD thesis led to the book Birth Control and the Rights of Women. Manchester has a rich history of women’s activism. The Women’s Social and Political Union was founded at a meeting convened by Emmeline Pankhurst held at 62 Nelson Street on 10 October 1903; this building, opposite Manchester Royal Inﬁrmary, is now the Pankhurst Centre and bears a blue plaque recording its most famous residents, Emmeline and her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia. In July 1906, Christabel gained a

5,000

3,382

beneﬁtted from alumni volunteering, including 4,412 who attended Meet the Professionals and Career Panel events – after which 97% felt more motivated to act regarding their career

volunteered their time and expertise – of whom 89 gave lectures, talks or seminars, 136 hosted or met our Global Graduates and 590 volunteered as school governors

students

First-Class Honours degree in Law from the University. However, as a woman she was unable to practise law professionally as a solicitor or barrister, and this remained the case until the passage of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919. Dr Debenham commented, “In 1918, Christabel satisfied the criteria set out and it would have been fitting for her to have been elected the country’s first woman MP. In that year’s General Election, she stood as the parliamentary candidate for the Women’s Party in Smethwick, with the support of the coalition government. However, she lost by 775 votes. When the Women’s Party folded, it was the end of Christabel’s parliamentary political ambitions and her energy turned elsewhere.”

1,903

alumni

alumni mentors used the Manchester Network to connect with students and alumni and oﬀer career advice via email, CV review, formal mentoring and work experience

6,389

£19

1,086 students

crowdfunding projects

to fund pioneering research and life-changing scholarships

was donated by alumni and supporters of the University

received donor-funded scholarships or travel grants

received support, helping students and researchers to raise over £18,000 for projects they’re passionate about

alumni donated

million

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YOUR ENGAGEMENT

outstanding Alumni Awards Outstanding Alumni Awards are presented to alumni who have achieved distinction: in their profession; through exemplary service to the University or the wider community; or through outstanding service of a personal or humanitarian nature.

outstanding and inspirational

The two recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Awards presented at the December 2016 graduation ceremonies are involved in humanitarian aid and emergency response:

Many students, alumni and staﬀ give their personal time and energy helping undertake public engagement work or volunteering with disadvantaged groups in the community locally, nationally and overseas. As part of its strategic vision, the University encourages greater social responsibility. To help realise this ambition, the Volunteer of the Year Awards scheme was launched in 2010. ‘Alumni of the Year’ is one of the award categories.

Gareth Owen with (left) Professor Martin Schröder, Dean of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Professor Bertrand Taithe, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Conflict Response Institute.

Gareth Owen OBE (Beng Civil engineering 1990) Gareth has spent the last 20 years working in humanitarian aid, most recently as Humanitarian Director at Save the Children UK, a post he has held since 2007. He is also a co-founder of the international Humanitarian Leadership Academy. He has led operational responses in many major emergencies, including the Iraq conﬂict, the Asian tsunami and Cyclone Nargis. He has played a pivotal role in the strategic growth of Save the Children's humanitarian activities and heads a diverse department of more than 150 humanitarian staﬀ. He was awarded an OBE in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to emergency crisis response abroad.

Karen O’Neill

Volunteer of the year Awards 2017

Awards were made in July 2017 to two co-founders of Skyscanner, a leading travel search site:

Karen O’Neill (BNurs Nursing 2003, MA Humanitarianism and Conﬂict Response 2012) Karen divides her time between emergency departments across Greater Manchester and providing humanitarian aid and disaster response overseas. She has travelled to Uganda several times to teach nurses, support the treatment of children with chronic illnesses, and work as a volunteer nurse at Gulu Hospital (also see page 38). She has delivered emergency care to people on remote islands devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, trained health care workers in Mumbai’s inner-city slums, been a medical adviser on the National Ebola Response Programme, and helped prepare on-call emergency medical teams to respond to humanitarian disasters around the world.

Bonamy Grimes MBE (BSc Computer Science 1992) and Gareth Williams (BSc Computer Science and Mathematics 1992) Bonamy and Gareth met within hours of arriving at the University, sharing accommodation in Oak House. They kept in touch following graduation and co-founded Skyscanner in 2001. The company started life as a spreadsheet to collect and compare commercial flight data worldwide and today it is a travel search engine available in more than 30 languages. An average of 60 million people visit the site every month, and its mobile apps have been downloaded more than 60 million times. The company employs more than 800 staff in ten global offices. It was sold in 2016 to Ctrip, China’s biggest online travel company. Gareth has remained as the company’s CEO, and Bonamy has stepped down from day-to-day involvement. He now works with several start-up businesses, a range of charity projects, including the 1moreChild orphanage in Jinja, Uganda, and has recently taken a position on the advisory board of the Alzheimer’s Society. He received an MBE in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to technology and travel.

The judging panel is made up of representatives from University staﬀ and alumni, the Students’ Union and community organisations. The overall winners in each category also receive the University Medal for Social Responsibility, part of the suite of President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards. First, second and third places receive a donation to support the organisations where they volunteer.

Alumni award winner

Hannah Paterson receives her award from the President and Vice-Chancellor.

Alumni award 2nd place Susan Acton Campbell (BSc Computation 1978) Susan has been Chair of the Friends of Troopers Hill, a nature reserve in Bristol, since 2003. Under her leadership, the Friends have raised thousands of pounds to improve the site for both people and wildlife. She also organises regular work parties and acts as walk leader for a walking for health group. She recently led a project to raise funding for a new play area, which has had a signiﬁcant impact locally. Susan is also the champion of the Wellbeing Panel of the St George Neighbourhood Partnership, which provides grants for local groups, and she manages the partnership’s website.

Alumni award joint 3rd place Amy Lewis (MA Applied Theatre 2010) Amy is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Victoria Baths Trust, working to raise funds for the Restoration Phase 2 campaign for ‘Manchester’s Water Palace’. She has written a fundraising strategy, researched and applied to charitable trusts and foundations, and acts as the director of the trading company that ensures the bath’s commercial activities are profitable. Sarah Miguel (BSocSci Sociology 2010) Sarah has been a volunteer at MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) since 2010. She is part of the team that offers advice and support to sex workers and vulnerable women on a range of issues, including housing and drug rehabilitation. She is also on the board of trustees at Lifeshare, a homeless support charity in Manchester. Her role is to support the development of programmes and manage the finances. Elizabeth Spencer (BA Town Planning and Architecture 1985) Libby started as a volunteer for Withington Assist, an organisation that provides assistance to older people experiencing loneliness and isolation, when she was a student. Thirty-two years later, she is still volunteering and is currently Chair of the Board. Her work includes walking a dog for a resident with mobility issues, helping staff in the office, and providing home visits and weekly phone calls.

Hannah Paterson (MSc Clinical and Health Psychology 2010) Hannah is a trustee and Vice-Chair of the Nightline Association, the national charity that supports, promotes and develops a confidential listening service, run by students for students. Having been a listening volunteer as a student and a co-coordinator of the Greater Manchester service – which covers The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford and the Royal Northern College of Music, Hannah also worked hard to secure the financial stability of the service, which has resulted in the recruitment of a paid member of staff. She has led work on the development of a strategic framework that has allowed the national organisation to provide direction and clarity to 36 university helplines, with over 2,000 volunteers, through relevant policies and resources and thorough volunteer training.

Volunteer of the year Awards 2018 The awards are organised by the Student Development and Community Engagement Division, which is part of the Directorate for the Student Experience. For full details of the awards and eligibility criteria visit: man.ac.uk/Kt8mgR

Bonamy Grimes and (inset) Gareth Williams.

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YOUR ENGAGEMENT

crowdfunding supports bees in Peru The Golden Honey project is giving students the chance to share their skills and knowledge, and make a sustainable impact, on farmers’ rural businesses in San Ignacio, Peru. Part of Enactus Manchester, the student volunteering society, the project is in its ﬁfth year and the aim in 2017 is to build and maintain machinery required for eﬃcient honey farming.

Global Graduates Alan Chambers, Alex Herbert, Danielle Godolphin and Thomas Casey visit alumnus Jon Ball (right) at Twitter.

Team Gulu 2016 in Uganda.

An international perspective A firm foundation for life F

or over a decade, the Global Impact Awards, funded by donations from alumni, have provided ﬁnancial backing for students who wish to undertake volunteering opportunities around the world. The ethos of the awards is for the students – and there are some 40 applications each year with around a quarter being successful – to make a tangible diﬀerence to marginalised or neglected communities and so advance their own personal development. Each participant receives £250, with a £500 Gold Award given to the most successful candidates; there is also the potential of the allocation of a £500 Group Award.

Alumni Association Advisory Board member Paul Sutherland (BSc Polymer Chemistry 1970) has been involved with the awards since 2008, taking over from Alan Randall Jones (AMCT Textile Technology and Management 1954) and Roy Wood (C&G Photographic Technology 1953) who ran the awards at UMIST until the merger with the Victoria University of Manchester in 2004. Together with David Hargreaves, Assistant Alumni and Faculty Oﬃcer (Information Management) and manager of the awards

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since 2014, he selects the successful candidates from a short list put forward by the Global Impact Awards’ committee.

“All Advisory Board members give their time freely,” Paul commented. “I contribute from a feeling of altruism as well as being able to maintain a formal link with my University. I’m proud of the obvious success that the Global Impact Awards nurture in terms of both the candidates and the projects that benefit. I believe that our students immerse themselves in a confidence-building, lifeenhancing experience – and come out with a firm foundation for life.” One focus for the awards in 2016 was the Northern Uganda Village Health Outreach Project (NUV-HOP), organised by medical students from Manchester (as Team Gulu 2016), Uganda and Belgium. NUV-HOP conducted six outreach days over a twoweek period, travelling to six health clinics with a team composed of local and international students, local doctors and partner organisations. The students observed and assisted local staff as they provided outpatient consultations and basic medications,

conducted safe circumcisions, and performed Hepatitis B screening and vaccination. They also delivered talks on health education to local communities and schools, and shadowed staff in the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. They managed to see 2,000 patients during their stay. “The project has exposed me to a completely different set of diseases not usually encountered in a UK setting,” said Elizabeth Ogilvie, project co-ordinator. “It was also enlightening to observe doctors and medical students in a different clinical setting, allowing me to reflect and improve on my own professional style. “I now count Gulu as my second home and will continue to travel there long after I hand over Team Gulu to another set of students. The trip was completely funded through grants and fundraising, and the alumni support enabled us to travel and directly impact on communities in need. Thank you.” In 2018, the Global Impact Awards will invite applications from students volunteering in the UK as well as international projects.

To raise funds for materials and transport costs, the team used the University’s crowdfunding platform, a website designed to showcase projects that need the support of donations. They raised £2,000 from alumni, friends, family members and supporters, with which they designed, constructed and then transported a ﬂow hive and beeswax foundation press to Peru. The volunteers also delivered a series of basic ﬁnancial and marketing workshops to the participating farmers.

An insight into working culture “P

ositivity is contagious.” This is how law student Danielle Godolphin reacted to her trip to San Francisco as part of the Global Graduates 2017 travel programme. Thanks to generous funding from donations and support from the University, 29 students visited one of seven cities – Hong Kong, London and Paris, New York, San Francisco, Singapore and Toronto. They were hosted by 120 alumni working in a variety of organisations, including Google, Twitter, The Financial Times and Deloitte. The programme provides the perfect opportunity for participants to start building their professional networks and increase their understanding of employability. Danielle was impressed by her time in the US: “Whilst very intense and challenging at times, we all learned so much and came away from the experience with a host of

new skills… Kelly Fish (LLB Law 2006), a lawyer at NCC Group, explained her own career path, which included becoming a dual-qualiﬁed lawyer in the US and the UK. This was particularly relevant for me as someone who wishes to take my legal career to another country at some point; hearing how possible it is to do this from a fellow Manchester graduate was inspiring.” We would like to thank all our alumni who support Global Graduates, either ﬁnancially or by hosting our students. Your involvement has a huge impact on their University experience.

Visit man.ac.uk/b9zOzv for details of how to become a host to our Global Graduates.

The Golden Honey team in San Ignacio, Peru.

Visit the University’s crowdfunding website to see proﬁles of the current projects that need support: www.manchester.ac.uk/crowdfunding

equity and Merit Scholarships See pages 18-19 for news of this programme that enables international students to study a postgraduate degree at Manchester in ﬁelds relevant to their country’s development. Generous donor support makes these awards possible. www.manchester.ac.uk/equity-merit

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Donations change lives

Disasters have a devastating impact, but for countries with a large number of people living with HIV/AIDS, they can be even more deadly. The disruption to health services and people forced to leave their homes can leave people unable to access the medication and support they need. Sadly, the speciﬁc needs of people with HIV/AIDS are rarely considered a priority by the international community. I want to change this. Through my donor-funded research, I hope to identify the weaknesses in current disaster management, and advise NGOs and government on how best to support people with HIV/AIDS in disaster prone areas. As a result, I hope to help reduce the risk of rising infection rates and AIDS-related deaths following disasters around the world.

Donations to the University have a far-reaching impact – the resulting scholarships make a significant difference to students coming from a range of backgrounds. Many facilitate entry to higher education, particularly for students from low-income families. Others support PhD students as they conduct important research. These scholarships ensure that the University is open to the brightest students, regardless of their backgrounds. Donations do change lives and here we share some examples of the difference such generosity can make.

I’m the first person in my family to go to university. I come from a low-income background so university never felt like an option. I recently graduated and hope to become a lawyer. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. University hasn’t just given me an education, it’s given me confidence in my abilities. For the first time in my life I feel excited for the future.

Nicola, Research Impact PhD Scholarship student in Humanitarian and Conﬂict Response

Hamza (llM law with Criminology 2017), Alexander Scholarship holder

I had a hard time growing up and ended up falling pregnant at 15. It was this experience that gave me the drive and determination to succeed in life, no matter what. My ﬁrst year at the University was really hard, but I enjoyed every second of it. It’s given me an opportunity to show that I deserve to be here. It may be a struggle working part time, being a mother and attending one of the best universities in the world, but I’m doing it for me and my son. I want to be living proof that you can succeed, no matter where you are from or what you have been through. Hallie, BA english literature (Year 3), Hong Kong expatriate Scholarship holder

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I escaped the violence in Somalia when I was 13 and spent a year in detention when I arrived in England. I’d never really had much formal education. I’m mostly self-taught. Now I’m the ﬁrst asylum seeker to be admitted on to a PhD programme at The University of Manchester. I feel this PhD is just the start of something much bigger. I am very grateful for the chance to study photon science. It’s something I love and that I believe holds so much potential for humanity. Being a researcher at the University gives me a voice and an identity. I’m so grateful to be here. Abbas, David & Yi Buckley PhD Scholarship student in Photon Science

ank you for supporting our World changers campaign Over 40 students have now benefited from the generous donations made by alumni in response to the Manchester World Changers Campaign that we launched in autumn 2016. We asked for your support for scholarships, helping the successful applicants to take full advantage of all the opportunities available at the University. The campaign received donations from 1,300 alumni from 44 different countries, raising a total of £125,000. Gifts from the US were matched dollar for dollar by a very generous alumnus, meaning those donations went even further. “Our World Changers scholarship students come from less traditional backgrounds in Greater Manchester,” explained Rob Summers, Head of Development, “and they are often the first in their families to study for a degree. This support is essential as they embark on the degrees that will change their lives. I wish to thank all of our donors on their behalf.”

A generous gift

Your world changers

See page 42 for news of a major legacy that is funding PhD research into vaccines.

See pages 28-29 for the story of Professor Eric Laithwaite, one of the World Changers nominated by alumni.

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Credit: Jonathan Littlejohn Photography

Noreen and Kenneth Murray

Gabriel Schrecker, a Sir Kenneth Murray PhD Scholar

continuing the pursuit of knowledge A generous gift of £100,000 left in a Will is helping four PhD students at the University contribute to our understanding of the biological sciences. Their scholarships are named in honour of their donor, the distinguished molecular biologist, Professor Sir Kenneth Murray (1930–2013). ne of the earliest researchers in genetic engineering, Sir Kenneth was recognised internationally for his contribution to the development of recombinant DNA technology – the set of techniques used by molecular biologists to manipulate DNA. He developed a vaccine against the liver condition viral hepatitis B and was one of the founders of Biogen, the ﬁrst biotechnology company based in Europe. When sales of his vaccine started to generate substantial royalty income, he used his share to promote education and research in the natural sciences, particularly in molecular biology, and founded the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh.

Gabriel Schrecker is one of the recipients of a Sir Kenneth Murray PhD Scholarship at Manchester. He is researching the development of human vaccines against meningitis and malaria, based on the core protein of hepatitis B, which Sir Kenneth would have used in his own investigations. Gabriel said, “I ﬁnd it very satisfying that my research to develop new vaccines is being funded by the results of Sir Kenneth’s pioneering work. He laid the groundwork for understanding immune responses to

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the virus and my research wouldn’t be possible without his enormous contribution to our understanding of fundamental aspects of molecular biology.” The vaccine developed by Sir Kenneth has saved countless lives worldwide since it first became available in 1978. Gabriel has also chosen to concentrate on vaccines that could have a positive effect on vast numbers of sufferers – the World Wide Health Organization estimated there were 214 million cases of malaria in 2015, and in the ‘African Meningitis Belt’, which has the highest rates of this disease, over 900,000 cases were reported from 1995 to 2014. He commented, “What has made this project particularly special for me has been the potential impact it could have on global health. I am motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference to people's wellbeing, and I am immensely grateful that this funding has presented me with that opportunity.” Sir Kenneth worked closely with his wife, Noreen Murray (1935–2011), a noted microbial geneticist. Their academic careers were spent primarily at the University of Edinburgh and they were both

awarded honorary degrees by The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1995. Through the bequest in his Will, Sir Kenneth has ensured that researchers such as Gabriel continue the international drive to produce safe, effective and affordable vaccines for life-threatening diseases. A gift in your Will Making a Will is one of the single most important things you can do. It ensures that the people you love are taken care of, and reflects the causes you believe in. Your legacy will continue to have an impact long into the future. If you share our vision of a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world, please consider leaving a gift to The University of Manchester in your Will. To discuss a legacy gift, contact: Rob Summers, Head of Development Email: rob.summers@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)161 275 2129

Singapore harbour

remarkable leadership skills member of the Alumni Association Advisory Board (AAAB) and former President of The University of Manchester Alumni Association Singapore, Hian Seng Tang (BEng Electronic Engineering 1999), has been named CASE Europe Volunteer of the Year 2017. The award recognises his outstanding achievements in promoting the connection between alumni from the Asia-Paciﬁc region and their University.

Hian Seng was nominated for the award by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Kate White, Director of Development, who commented, “Hian Seng has showcased his remarkable leadership skills by fostering a new-found dynamic in the alumni group in Singapore. He is the only AAAB member based outside the UK but this has not limited his level of engagement; he often attends meetings in person as we rely on his expertise on issues that fall within his international remit.” When he learned of his award, Hian Seng said, “I'm really honoured and humbled to win the CASE Europe Volunteer of the Year Award 2017 and keeping our Manchester flag high! This award is definitely a collective team effort from Team Manchester.

Hian Seng Tang receiving his award from Sue Cunningham, President and Chief Executive Officer of CASE.

“The overseas experience in Manchester and the academic success I achieved as a student in UMIST, where I achieved a firstclass degree in Electronic Engineering and was also awarded the Course Prize and Best Project Prize and other achievements, helped shape my character and instilled self-belief and confidence to reach targets. Hence, after graduation, it had always been in my heart to want to serve and contribute back to the University for greater causes. “When the opportunity came for me to lead as President of The University of Manchester Alumni Association Singapore in 2013, I took up this calling to serve, to promote our University of Manchester brand and to create a vibrant alumni community. “Through leading the alumni association in Singapore and also making connections with our fellow alumni in the Asia-Pacific region, I made many good alumni mentors, friends and business associates who all shared the same passion and vision of enhancing and promoting our proud Manchester brand in their respective countries. My special thank you and appreciation to the Singapore alumni

committee team and advisers, our alumni association Patron, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean, and colleagues at the University.” CASE (the Council for Advancement and Support of Education) is an international association serving educational institutions. This is the second time that one of our alumni has received the Volunteer of the Year Award, the ﬁrst being Dr Rory Brooks CBE (BSc(T) Management Sciences 1975, Hon LittD 2010) in 2015. Dr Brooks, together with his wife Elizabeth, supports the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Doctoral College in the Global Development Institute at the University.

global networks Visit your.manchester.ac.uk/ get-involved/global-networks to connect with your local alumni group or to volunteer as an international contact for your area.

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Alumni Association update Thanks to our alumni family, we now have friends in every continent and in every sphere of work who are proud to say they studied at The University of Manchester, and continue to give back their time, advice and all kinds of support to young people today. Nowadays, thanks to the internet and social media, it is so much easier to be in touch and to stay connected: more important however is to be actively involved, seek out new challenges, enjoy lifelong learning and beneﬁt from contact with like-minded colleagues.

Janine Watson

Dear fellow alumni am very proud to have been Chair of the Association because The University of Manchester changed my life, ﬁrst of course through my studies here in the 70s and 80s and still today in my personal development, my ambitions and my friendships. I want the University to continue to change lives for others, so that they receive the lifelong beneﬁts that I have enjoyed.

I’m delighted to hand over to Katherine, and I look forward to the Association continuing to blossom under her chairmanship. I’d like to say thanks also to the team at the University who work so hard, often behind the scenes, to ensure that our Association flourishes and continues to give back to those who deserve the support we can offer. Although I am standing down as Chair after two three-year terms, I’m excited to have been elected to serve on the University’s General Assembly so it’s not so much ‘goodbye’ but instead ‘au revoir’, as I transition into a new and different role. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at future events. Best regards Janine Watson (BA econ 1981) Chair, The University of Manchester Alumni Association 2011-2017

Keep in touch We use online media for the majority of our communications. • Please ensure that you are invited to participate in alumni elections by registering an active email address with us. (If you receive regular e-newsletters, then we have your email address already). You can update your details online at your.manchester.ac.uk/update-your-details • If you are not able to vote online, you can request a postal vote by emailing us at alumni@manchester.ac.uk or write to: Development and Alumni Relations, The University of Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK • The Alumni Association Constitution can be found at your.manchester.ac.uk/ get-involved/governance

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the manchester network Katherine Leopold

am delighted to be writing as the incoming Chair of the Alumni Association. Having been on the Alumni Advisory Board since 2013, I have seen ﬁrst-hand the energy and enthusiasm shown by Janine Watson as Chair; I thank her wholeheartedly for her commitment throughout her term.

I have been involved with the Alumni Association since 2006 and I’ve attended many events in Manchester and London, in particular as Chair of the London Alumni Network. The Your Manchester Insights lectures (and of course the Christmas dinners, always interesting conversation and good food) have strengthened my interest in the power of alumni to support and sustain the influence of the University beyond graduation. Becoming a student in 1997, I was thrown into a diverse community covering a wide range of academic disciplines. As an arts student who also had friends studying science and engineering I could see the breadth and depth of the University. Today, the combination of ambitious research and learning targets and the ambition to make the world a better place is still inspiring. Balancing world-class research with excellent teaching is a challenge for all institutions – throw into the mix domestic political turmoil with the impact on funding, a difficult international environment and the demands of the Campus Masterplan and the voice of the University could have been lost. Instead I’ve seen it strengthen. The election of Lemn Sissay as Chancellor spoke volumes about the desire of staff, students and alumni to forge an outwardlooking, challenging institution. The commitment to engage with important debates, from world poverty to cancer research via climate change, is what I’m keen to support, forging new connections between alumni and current students and within the alumni community through a programme of interesting and enjoyable events. I am looking forward to meeting many more of you throughout my term. Katherine leopold (BA german and linguistics 2001) Chair, The University of Manchester Alumni Association

The Manchester Network is our online professional networking service that connects alumni with fellow graduates and our current students. With thousands of active users waiting to share their professional knowledge, you can join them by creating an account now or sign in with your LinkedIn login details at your.manchester.ac.uk/ manchester-network get a mentor Get ahead as you search for the perfect career with the support of over 2,000 fellow alumni who have experience, insights and hindsight to help you make the right choices. Over the past three years, over 11,000 students have beneﬁtted from hearing from alumni who volunteer on campus – the Manchester Network means that we can now give you access to this support online. get a mentee We welcome the involvement of our alumni who volunteer to work with our graduates and students to help make Manchester among the best universities in the world for employability. As a mentor, you can make as much time commitment as you want – from ﬁve minutes to six months – and you can mentor from wherever you are in the world. Over the past three years, more than 1,200 alumni have volunteered to improve graduates’ employability on campus – the Manchester Network now lets you do this online.

The beneﬁts of joining the Manchester Network

• sharing advice • accessing work experience and internships • reviewing a CV or application • accessing job opportunities Update your details Update your personal details so that we can help you stay part of the University’s global alumni community. We can then send you news and invitations to exciting events, as well as information about volunteering opportunities or ways you can give back to the University. Search the directory You can also use the Manchester Network to search our directory of 350,000 University of Manchester alumni to get in touch with those long-lost classmates, or update your proﬁle so that others can ﬁnd you.

“And that’s advice I’ve passed on to my mentee. When I went for an interview for my MPhil, I talked about my experience as player and chairman of the Manchester Tyrants. I ran a committee of seven and was responsible for hiring and ﬁring 15 coaches. It taught me a lot of transferable skills.”

“Playing American football made my CV look diﬀerent to that of the average student,” explained Sam Purkiss (BSc Biology 2016) – the sport’s only player to be elected to the University’s prestigious XXI Club, into which 21 high-achieving sportspeople are inducted each year.

One of the beneﬁts of studying at Manchester is access to the resources of one of the UK's largest academic libraries, and our students are often keen to retain this privilege once they graduate. The online resources will prove invaluable to you in terms of personal research and professional development.

Our mentors and mentees work together by:

stand out from the crowd

Sam Purkiss with his mentee Marco Giorda in the lab.

Library resources

Sam is now conducting research into phenotypic plasticity as part of his master’s degree in evolutionary biology and uses our new online platform, The Manchester Network, to oﬀer advice to his mentee: “He’s on the same course I did three years ago. He got in contact via The Manchester Network to ask what he can do to improve his CV. We spoke a few times, one thing led to another and now he’s working with me in the laboratory. When he comes to leave the University, he’ll have that on his CV and his name on our research paper. To be a ﬁrst-year undergraduate with your name on a paper is huge.”

JSTOR a digital archive of 2,000 academic journals from 50 disciplines and 15,000 current and backlist books SAge Journals e-journals spanning business, humanities, social sciences, science, technology and medicine Key Note discounted market research and company information reports

Mint UK a comprehensive database of company information The Sustainable Organization library focused on sustainability and social responsibility Ieee All-Society Periodicals Package engineering, electronics and computer science periodicals Henry Stewart Talks full world-class lectures and case studies by experts from commerce, industry, the professions and academia

You need a Manchester Network account to access these resources at your.manchester.ac.uk/services/ e-resources

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Your privacy As a member of our global alumni community of more than 350,000 graduates, you are incredibly important to us. Whether you graduated one year ago or 50 years ago, you are an integral part of The University of Manchester’s past, as well as our present and future too. That’s why we manage your data very carefully. In preparation for changes to the UK law surrounding data protection in May 2018, we have recently updated our privacy statement. We promise to be open about the data we hold about you and how we use it to involve you with the work of the University, so please take a moment to read our updated privacy statement which explains how we collect, store, manage and protect your information. You can ﬁnd the full privacy statement at your.manchester.ac.uk/privacy or, if we know we were unable to email you a copy in May 2017, you can ﬁnd a version enclosed with this magazine.

A key role to play he Works, the award-winning, innovative employment and training initiative at the heart of the University’s local communities in Moss Side and Ardwick, was established by the Directorate of Human Resources (HR) in 2011. Since then, 3,700 people have found employment (half at the University). Alumni are now invited to become involved in the scheme, acting as mentors to help local people search for jobs, prepare their applications, rehearse interviews, improve their literacy and understand the world of work.

One successful participant in the scheme is Alvin Bell, who enrolled on the first construction training programme delivered through The Works in 2015. He achieved a health and safety qualification and his Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, and then undertook a two-day internship with property company Bruntwood on its major development at Alliance Manchester Business School. Following a further two-week trial, Alvin was

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We take our responsibility to protect your data seriously and are committed to ensuring your personal information is treated properly and in accordance with UK legislation. We aim to be clear when we collect your personal information, and not do anything you wouldn’t reasonably expect. Alvin Bell

oﬀered a permanent contract: “I found the construction training programme at The Works really helpful. Even when one job ended, they found me more work and now it’s a permanent job. I can stop worrying now!” Steve Grant, Assistant Director of HR at the University, who pioneered the scheme, added, “The opportunity to help people like Alvin shape their lives and those of their families is immensely rewarding. It presents those of us involved in this work with the chance to ensure that as many people as possible have our opportunities and advantages. We welcome the involvement of our alumni, who can provide so much experience and knowledge, to help our local communities in this way.”

To ﬁnd out more about The Works and how alumni can get involved, contact Steve Grant via helen.shepherd@manchester.ac.uk

We aim to keep your data up to date and you can manage your data online at your.manchester.ac.uk/ update-your-details or complete the form we sent to you with this magazine and return it to alumni@manchester.ac.uk or Division of Development and Alumni Relations, The University of Manchester, John Owens Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.

Join us! Alumni events take place throughout the year, from lectures on campus and around the globe to dinners, discussions and networking opportunities.

Highlights 2018 Your Manchester Insights

london Network

Eminent academics share their ground-breaking research

A series of panel discussions bring professionals from all sectors together

25 January – Manchester – Climate Change and Poverty 21 February – London – Fuels of the Future – Biotechnology 11 April – Manchester – Devo Health

late April: Communications in a Post Truth Age

14 June – Manchester – Graphene at Manchester

late spring: Manufacturing and Supply Chain Logistics (to be held in the Midlands)

Manchester

International

8 March – Celebrating Inspiring Women at Manchester

Events will take place in China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New York, San Francisco and Singapore

We welcome your support If you have read anything in this magazine that has inspired you to make or plan for a ﬁnancial gift to the University and to volunteer with us, please either ﬁll out and return the enclosed donation form (on the reverse of your update form) using the envelope provided or visit www.manchester.ac.uk/ collaborate/give

early March: Women in Leadership

May/June – Annual Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture

Visit man.ac.uk/ZK6iQy to explore our full events calendar.

Watch out for your email invitations to events.

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Nobel Prize-winning economist

Marie Stopes, the founder of

black professor.

control clinic.

Will you support the next world-changer at Manchester? “My scholarship has given The feeling that people believe in me and want to see me succeed: that is priceless to me.” Ellie Townsend, Manchester scholarship student and future world-changer

By supporting talented students, you could fund the next Nobel Prize winner, the next great humanitarian, or the person who goes on to cure a killer disease.

Will you help fund a scholarship for another bright student? By post: Your donation form is in this magazine By phone on: +44 (0)161 306 6021 Online at: www.manchester.ac.uk/donate

PLEASE RESPOND BY 30 NOVEMBER

100% of your donation will be used for student support – thank you so much for your generosity.

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Royal Charter number RC000797 KD339.10.17 The University of Manchester is an exempt charity under Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 1993. Our reference number with the Charities Division of HM Revenue and Customs is XR82062.