President's weekly update
15 June 2023
Cyber incident at our University
You will be aware that, along with a growing number of other organisations, we suffered a cyber incident last week. Internal and external experts have been working 24/7 to remove or limit the threat though we know that some data have been accessed.
This continues to be a high priority. It is also a fast moving situation, so please be conscious that in addition to changes already communicated further ones will be necessary.
We are updating the information we can share and actions we are taking on a regular basis, have a set of FAQs and are holding regular staff meetings.
Although this is concerning, please continue to work as normally as you can, including for relevant academic and PS colleagues prioritising the essential task of assessing and progressing our students.
Discussions with staff
In addition to the many meetings relating to the cyber incident, we also held an open meeting for staff which you can watch. I gave a general update, then Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, spoke about our success in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. We had questions on the Student Experience Programme, pressures on accommodation for staff and students in Manchester (as is the case in a number of cities), achieving zero carbon, reception areas for visitors on campus and the new restrictions on international students bringing dependents to the UK.
Regional activities
I had a meeting with the elected Mayor of Greater Manchester (GM), Andy Burnham. We discussed housing for students and staff, the planned investment zone, Innovation District Manchester, transport, the cyber incident and our position in the THE Impact rankings, which he was delighted about.
At the Oxford Road Corridor Board we had a presentation on the GM Growth Company including activities of MIDAS, which supports inward investment in the region. We discussed impressive reports on the number of companies in the Corridor area and plans for an Investment Zone.
At the meeting of the GM Vice-Chancellors we talked about the impacts of the UCU marking and assessment boycott and of the government’s restrictions on international students bringing dependents, our work with the Further Education Colleges and the announcement of the new Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech, currently at Middlesex University.
Of course, there have been major celebrations following Manchester City Football Club winning ‘the treble’.
Horizon Europe
I attended a meeting with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and officials from her department and Treasury.
The focus was on negotiations over association with Horizon Europe. Attendees were asked to explain the benefits of Horizon versus the government’s alternative plan, Pioneer. Those from industry particularly stressed the value of scale, diversity of skills and attracting international talent of association with Horizon Europe.
Great Science Share
I spoke at this event with the Lady Mayoress in MECD to 300 primary school pupils and their teachers. They were spending the day doing hands-on science and presenting some of their projects. The Great Science Share for Schools was started by Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice-Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Events now take place in 31 countries with over 527,000 participants!
Event at the Museum
I hosted an event in our Living Worlds Gallery with regional guests. A brilliant presentation was given by David Olusoga, Honorary Professor of Public History, on the history of Manchester, the University and the Museum.
Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor