Research impact showcase | The University of Manchester

Research impact showcase | The University of Manchester
Research impact showcase
Solving the world's most urgent problems
Shaping healthcare guidelines to prevent and reduce stillbirths
Our researchers worked with NHS England and Tommy's Baby Charity to influence health policy and improve parental awareness to reduce stillbirths and save lives.
Using historical research to increase visitor engagement at the National Trust
Our research into the Industrial Revolution inspired a major reinterpretation project at the National Trust site Quarry Bank, centred on bringing the experiences of its former workers to life.
Shaping strategies to prevent domestic abuse
Our research has been used to shape interventions for male offenders who use violence against partners and has also contributed to domestic abuse policy reform in the UK.
Reducing climate change caused by shipping and aviation
Our research has driven policy changes in shipping and aviation to align greenhouse gas emissions targets with the international treaty on climate change.
Reducing the cost and time of drug development
Researchers have invented a technology that measures the 3D shapes and flexibility of potential medicines, helping to reduce the cost of drug discovery.
Bringing proton beam therapy centres to the UK
Our research was vital in opening the UK's first high-energy proton beam therapy centre, removing the need for costly overseas travel and helping more patients to receive cancer treatment.
Getting gender on the devolution agenda in Greater Manchester
Research led by Professor Francesca Gains highlighted the importance and need for gender equality and diversity within policymaking in Greater Manchester.
Giving a voice to singers and cultures across the world
Our research is supporting the professional development of natural voice singers and inspiring choirs and singing networks worldwide.
Helping public bodies procure innovative solutions
Our research has helped to design sustainable public procurement policies to boost productivity and address social problems.
Improving development policy to deliver inclusive growth and reduce poverty
Our research into the politics of development encouraged the UK government to launch inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction programmes that have impacted the lives of more than one million people.
Transforming care for people with inherited blindness
Our research into the genetic causes of blindness has revolutionised testing and transformed care for more than 10,000 patients worldwide.
Reframing gender, arts policy and writer development in contemporary society
The University’s Centre for New Writing is developing new writers, informing arts policy and enriching national conversations about identity.
Supporting planners to understand social and spatial vulnerability to climate change
Researchers have developed a tool to illustrate the impacts of climate change on different communities, helping to identify vulnerable groups and improve local planning responses.
Enabling access to safe and effective autoimmune disease treatments
We have developed a series of world-leading biologic treatment registers to monitor the safety of drugs used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Improving radioactive waste management at Sellafield to reduce risks and benefit the environment
Our research into the behaviour of radioactive materials has helped Sellafield to improve industrial treatment processes and site safety.
Driving innovation in cancer therapy
Our research into personalised forms of immunotherapy has undergone rapid commercialisation to deliver life-saving results for patients worldwide.
Driving the industrial biotechnology revolution
Our Centre of Excellence for Biocatalysis, Biotransformations and Biocatalytic Manufacture is pioneering enzyme discovery and engineering to deliver cheaper, safer and more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Changing the face of storytelling in digital animation
Our research pushed the boundaries of emotive storytelling in cinema and gaming with facial motion capture technology, resulting in several high-profile awards.
Improving chemical identification in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Our research has driven advances in nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, helping manufacturers to improve the speed, precision and detail of analyses and commercialise products more quickly.
Helping Rolls-Royce plc improve jet engine efficiency
Our research has enabled Rolls-Royce plc to better predict the performance of the thermal barrier coatings on their jet engine components. The coatings have helped boost engine performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Research that transforms lives
Number one in the UK and Europe and number two in the world
We're number one in the UK and Europe and number two in the world for action taken toward
the U
nited
ations’
ustainable
evelopment
oal
Times Higher Education
Impact Rankings
2025
about our social impact
Manchester confirmed as a research powerhouse
93% of our research has been assessed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
about the Research Excellence Framework 2021 results
Innovation through global partnerships
Discover how Manchester’s research, collaborations, and partnerships create a lasting impact across the globe.
about our global influence