President's weekly update
27 April 2023
Situation in Sudan
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the conflict in Sudan. We have been in contact with those of our community most directly affected to offer our support should they need it at this very difficult time.
Importance of public and community engagement
Discussing our aims, outcomes and activities with the wider public, especially our local neighbours is part of our strategy, Our future. It is something that is very important to me personally. We were the first university to be awarded a Gold Engage Watermark for Public Engagement by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement in 2018. We are now being assessed to consider whether we retain the top title. I was interviewed about our commitment and had a great deal to tell them about our numerous activities by staff and students and our events and great venues, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Productive discussions with staff
At one of my regular small meetings with staff from across the University, those present spoke very positively about their great colleagues and students and facilities, our commitment to social responsibility, interdisciplinary research and our great cultural assets. More consistent negative comments do persist (which we are trying hard to fix) about our systems and processes, shortages of Professional Services staff in a number of areas and some delays in gaining approval for routine activities and appointments.
At an in-person event with about 60 leaders from across the University I gave a general update, highlighting the concerns about the current UCU marking and assessment boycott and its impact on our students. Then we about the developing plans for our bicentenary next year and about our fundraising and volunteering campaign.
Raheem Sterling Foundation funding and further meetings in London
In addition to meetings with partners of the University, I met the trustees of the Raheem Sterling Foundation, which has just supported seven fully funded undergraduate scholarships at Manchester for Black British students.
I attended a showcase of the Henry Royce Institute at the House of Commons along with about 100 academic partners, funders and industry collaborators. The Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, which we host, is now entering it second five-year period and many of the presentations were about applications and societal benefits of new materials, particularly to reduce carbon footprints.
I also met Edward Hobart, who will shortly become the UK ambassador to the United Arab Emirates where we have a number of partnerships and an international centre in Dubai.
Activities across Greater Manchester (GM)
The GM vice-chancellors discussed innovation including investment zones, and our partnerships with Further Education colleges in GM, joint work on creative activities and a joint with the heads of our Students’ Unions.
I met Mark Cubbon who is the new Group Chief Executive of Manchester Foundation Trust. Mark studied with us and is keen to build on our current very successful partnership.
Paterson redevelopment project
At the Board meeting this week we heard that the new building (which is amazing) has been handed over and the move in has begun. The meeting was held just less than six years since the fire devastated the Paterson building, with major impacts on so many staff and students. Getting to this point is a remarkable achievement by so many people.
Medal of Honour recipient
It was a great pleasure to present our Medal of Honour to Dr Walter Grattidge. Walter graduated from the Victoria University of Manchester with a BSc in 1944 and a PhD in 1950 and has been instrumental in the success of our North American Foundation. Sadly, this had to be conferred online as Walter is in the USA and unwell, but his family was able to join.
Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor