Research and innovation
Making an impact on the world's key challenges.
Our research
Driving change on the international stage
Our vision is to deliver world-class research by providing an environment and infrastructure that attracts, develops, and rewards leading researchers.
Research within the Faculty of Humanities is influencing positive change in communities worldwide - by creating innovative solutions to some of the world's major challenges, we have been able to influence policy and practice across areas, including the economy, health, emergency services and cultural sectors.
We continue to work with partners locally and globally to better understand the world around us and make a meaningful difference.
93% of our research activity is 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' - REF 2021.
Top 10 in both the QS World Sustainability Rankings and the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Ranked 20th in 2025 Times Higher Education global rankings for the most international universities.
The £1.7bn Innovation District, Sister, will create 10,000+ jobs in 15 years.
News
2025 Research Staff Excellence Awards
Humanities took centre stage at this year’s Research Staff Excellence Awards, with four researchers recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Data privacy push sparks tech surge
A new study from Alliance Manchester Business School has uncovered how small banks in the United States are reacting to growing concerns about data privacy.
University appointed as UN Academic Impact Vice-Chair
The has been appointed as the new United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goals Hub Vice-Chair for Research for SDG10 (Reduced inequalities).
Anthropologist awarded book prizes
A book written by Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) Anthropologist, Dr Omer Aijazi, wins multiple awards.
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Facilities
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A showcase resource for our researchers
The library is housed in one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe. Its stunning design and intricate details make it a major landmark and a popular destination.
It holds one of the most significant collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the UK - supporting world-leading research in the humanities and sciences.
It opened to the public in 1900 and has since become a vital part of The University of Manchester and a hub for academic and public engagement.
World-leading design lab
Manchester Urban Design Lab (MUD-Lab) is part of The University of Manchester and serves as a leading hub for urban design education, bridging academic theory with practical application, offering students and professionals tools to create contextually responsive urban spaces.
The lab includes core facilities like the Urban Design Studio and a 3D Modelling Workshop, which are used year-round by students. It also provides access to technical drawing toolkits and CAD software.
MUD-Lab hosts events, publishes podcasts, and produces resources like the MUD-Lab Toolkit and Yearbook.
Purpose-built performance venue
A vibrant cultural hub featuring two main performance spaces: the Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall and the John Thaw Studio Theatre, both designed for high-quality acoustics and flexibility.
The centre hosts a wide range of events including concerts, theatre productions, poetry nights, and public lectures.
It plays a key role in the university’s music and drama education - offering modern facilities such as composition studios and rehearsal spaces. It also maintains strong ties with student societies and academic departments.
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European Museum of the Year 2025
The museum houses over 4.5 million objects spanning natural history, archaeology, and anthropology. It includes rare and unique items such as ancient Egyptian artifacts, live amphibians, and critically endangered species'
As the UK’s largest university museum, it plays a vital role in academic research and education, supporting interdisciplinary studies and public engagement.
Following a major redevelopment in 2023, the museum has redefined itself as a space of inclusion, imagination, and care. It features co-curated galleries like the South Asia Gallery.
Gallery with an extensive and diverse collection
After a £15 million redevelopment in 2015, Whitworth doubled its exhibition space and seamlessly integrated the gallery with Whitworth Park, creating a unique blend of art and nature
The gallery houses over 60,000 artworks, including pieces by Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso, Hockney, and Bridget Riley. It spans centuries and includes watercolours, textiles, sculptures, and contemporary installation.
Both a cultural and social space. It offers free entry, promotes wellbeing through initiatives and hosts inclusive exhibitions and events that engage diverse audiences.