University creates global poverty and inequality Institute

08 Sep 2015

New centre will be Europe's largest global poverty and inequality Institute and play major role in one of the University’s five flagship research beacons

The University is strengthening its commitment to addressing global poverty and inequality by creating a dedicated research and teaching institute – the largest of its kind in Europe.

In early 2016 the Global Development Institute will unite the strengths of the current Institute for Development and Policy Management and the Brooks World Poverty Institute, building on more than 60 years of expertise in the field of development studies within the University.

The new Institute will play a major role in supporting the University’s commitment to addressing global poverty and inequality and aims to create and share knowledge to inform and influence policy makers, organisations and corporations, so that they can make positive changes for people living in poverty. More than 45 academics and up to 100 PhD students will become part of the new Institute, driving progress towards addressing global inequalities, one of the University five flagship research beacons. It will be jointly led by Professors Uma Kothari and David Hulme.

The Global Development Institute will focus on promoting social justice through its world-class, interdisciplinary research building on the University’s reputation for development studies, having been ranked 1st for impact and 2nd for quality in the Research Excellence Framework 2014, and 3rd overall in the QS World University Rankings.

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell said: “Tackling global poverty and inequality remains one of the most urgent challenges of our age. The Global Development Institute will spearhead our efforts to make a positive difference to many lives though our research and teaching.

“With just days to go before the UN meets in New York for the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, our academics within this new Institute will be using their vast knowledge and experience to ensure they’re as effective as possible for people living in poverty.”

The University’s strong credentials in the international development arena can be traced back to the 1950s when it introduced courses in public administration for overseas students. Most of these were civil servants undertaking an eight month course, which encompassed development planning and administrative practice.

From the 1980s, there was a shift towards formal diplomas and master’s degrees and staff became active as consultants for a number of government and non-government agencies. In 1987, the department was re-established as the Institute for Development Policy and Management.

The Brooks World Poverty Institute was founded in 2006 with generous support from the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation. It was established as an international centre of excellence to create and share knowledge to combat poverty throughout the world.

This year Dr Brooks was awarded a CBE for charitable services through the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation to the Brooks World Poverty Institute at The University of Manchester. The University is grateful for the Foundation’s on-going support for the Global Development Institute.