Our Making a Difference Awards are now open for entries

18 Nov 2024

Are you making a difference to society or the environment? Or do you know someone who is? If the answer is yes, then why not enter the University’s annual Making a Difference Awards for social responsibility.

The Making a Difference Awards celebrate the positive impact our staff, students, alumni, and external partners are having on the wellbeing of our communities and wider society. This is a chance to be recognised for your exceptional efforts in social responsibility, share best practices and inspire others.

Our staff can be recognised in eight categories, including outstanding contributions to society through research, teaching innovation, public engagement, and widening participation. From supporting communities in Ardwick to Asia, to fighting cancer and reducing carbon emissions, the Awards provide the opportunity to highlight a wide array of meaningful initiatives our staff are committed to – each striving for a greener, healthier and more sustainable world.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility said: “It’s inspiring to see how our staff are driving meaningful change in society. The Making a Difference Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and honour the impactful contributions they’re making both locally and globally. I encourage everyone making a difference to enter the Awards, share their journey, and inspire others with their dedication and hard work.”

All shortlisted entrants will be invited to a high-profile awards ceremony on 8 May 2025 to receive their Award and celebrate their commitment and dedication. This ceremony serves as a platform to raise awareness of your work and highlight your remarkable achievements.

Take inspiration from previous winners, who found the recognition a powerful boost to continue tackling the issues they are passionate about, bringing increased attention and support to their projects.

Timothy Foster, a 2024 award recipient, said: “Receiving this award is a great motivator for us to now push on with putting AquaPlan into action to help secure a more resilient and sustainable food system.”

The 2025 Making a Difference Awards are now open! We encourage you to enter and showcase your dedication to positive change, or nominate colleagues who are making a difference.

If you would like to find out more about entering the Making a Difference Awards you can attend our briefing session for entrants on 28 November, 12-1pm.

Important Information:

Enter via the social responsibility website.
Deadline for entries is 15 January 2025.
Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by a third party.
Individuals or teams can enter.
For more information, visit the Making a Difference Awards webpage.
If you do not have access to an online entry form, please email socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk or telephone 0161-306-3044
Sign-up to our briefing session on 28 November to find out more about entering the Awards.