Social responsibility
Developing science and engineering innovations that can make a better world is one way we have embedded the University’s social responsibility mission.
On this page:
Our commitment to a better future
We are focused on promoting civic and public engagement, encouraging educational access in primary and secondary schools, and sharing our knowledge with the public.
These activities are underpinned by our core goal: to drive and promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA), throughout the Faculty and beyond.
Our strategy comprises four key strands:
- Enabling impact;
- Equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility;
- Environmental sustainability;
- Engagement.
Explore the stories below to see our strategy in action.
Browse stories from across the Faculty
Environmental sustainability stories
Our commitment
Achieving net-zero emissions remains one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. Our research crosses many themes, from international leading work on fusion, fission and radiation waste management, to pioneering work in developing renewable energy technologies and infrastructures including solar, hydrogen and the exploration of new biotech solutions.
As well as conducting research in these areas, we are dedicated to ensuring this knowledge is developed, communicated, and shared with policy makers, businesses, and the public, to benefit our whole community.
Explore the stories below to see our environmental sustainability in action.
Tyndall Talks – tackling the climate crisis
Join us in this captivating guest post by James Mason, a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester. Explore urgent and vital discussions on sea level rise, climate change impacts, and the collective actions needed over the next decade.
Turning football shirts into eco-friendly bags
Discover how our partnership with RÆBURN Design tackles textile waste in the football industry by transforming surplus football shirts into reusable tote bags, reducing environmental impact, and teaching children about recycling.
Climate action for Manchester’s community
Learn how simple changes in your daily life can make a big impact on reducing carbon emissions with our Green Together events. From planting vegetables to calculating your carbon footprint, inspiring a greener sustainable future.
Equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) stories
Our commitment
We are determined to encourage and advocate for social inclusion, in all we do, from who we teach, how we research and the people who make up our community.
We recognise we’re not perfect and that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects have diversity challenges. We are working hard to address these challenges at all levels.
Iran to Manchester, via Disney
Creating magic as a woman in computer science. Discover Dr Zahra Montazeri's inspiring journey, as she shares how her career has shaped her role in academia and her mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Guest post: proud in STEM
A passionate PhD student shares his journey from Italy to Manchester, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in STEM. Discover how we can all contribute to a more welcoming and diverse community in STEM fields.
Explore our EDIA commitment
At The University of Manchester, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included. Learn about the ways our EDIA focus translates into the University’s hiring practices.
Civic and public engagement stories
Our commitment
Civic engagement is woven into the University’s vision and strategic plan. The Faculty of Science and Engineering takes its responsibility to work with our City and region seriously, inspired by our location, our businesses and the people of Greater Manchester. We strive to improve lives and the environment through our dedicated efforts.
Beyond the transformative impact of our research, we are passionate about sharing the excitement and potential of studying or pursuing careers in Science and Engineering. We love to engage our whole community, people of all ages and all backgrounds to discover science and engineering and its infinite possibilities, showing the ways it impacts all our lives.
Explore the stories below to see our civic and public engagement in action.
Empowering local authorities work towards net-zero
Discover how we empower local authorities to achieve global climate change goals with the innovative Tyndall Local Carbon Budget Tool. Helping them set effective emissions reduction targets and drive progress towards net zero.
From lab to market: Holiferm's eco-friendly breakthrough
Discover how our spin-out transformed a prototype into a groundbreaking eco-cleaning product with a cost-effective method for producing biosurfactants, opening global markets, and significantly impacting the chemicals sector.
Transforming Manchester into a smart city
Discover our role in the innovative CityVerve Project, transforming Manchester into a smart city. Improving city services across health, transport, energy, and culture, making Manchester safer, more efficient and eco-friendly.
Manchester children tackle clean air challenge
Discover how thousands of children tackled air pollution through the Great Science Share Clean Air Challenge. By investigating air quality with innovative experiments and hands-on activities, fostering a new generation of scientists dedicated to making a real difference.
Science, space and singalongs: A stellar day at Bluedot
Experience the magic of science and music at Bluedot festival. Held at the iconic Jodrell Bank and showcasing The University of Manchester's expertise, this event featured hands-on experiments, awe-inspiring talks by leading scientists and mesmerizing performances.
Great science share for schools 2024 Greater Manchester event
Over 660,000 young minds from 40 countries ignited their passion for science. Pupils from 35 Manchester schools shared their innovative investigations with academics and professionals, showcasing their curiosity and creativity, inspiring students globally.
Schools outreach and public engagement
We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers, mathematicians and scientists with learning resources and events.
Science and Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH)
We are home to SEERIH, uniting communities of teachers to enhance their STEM teaching skills through programmes and initiatives.
Watch our Social Responsibility in action
Explore our initiatives
Watch just some examples of the ways we work with schools, promote diversity and inclusivity, and run events to promote environmental sustainability.
Listen to Social Responsibility in action
"The Buzz" podcast
We have our own science and engineering podcast, aimed at those of you who just want to learn more. We feature lots of staff, students, academics and researchers working on teaching and research that supports our social responsibility mission.
Connect with us
Have a question? Contact us
If you have a question about our work, or how we can support you, get in touch.
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