Manchester to recruit more than 100 academic stars

23 Nov 2011

The University of Manchester is making a £20m strategic investment to appoint more than 100 new academic staff to help achieve its ambitious goals for research and education.

All of the new staff will be expected to contribute to teaching and research, covering a wide range of disciplines.

The President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “This year the University has met all of its financial targets, we are in a strong position and we are now at the point where we can invest in staff. We believe these new positions are essential to improve the experience of our students, my number one priority at the moment, as well as enhancing our research. “

The University of Manchester already has many world-leading scholars, including three Nobel Prize winners, on its staff, and these new posts will help the University to build upon its proud record of achievement and ambitious vision for the future.

The University is also investing heavily in existing staff, thanks to a new investment fund for career development. ‘Investing in Success - Developing Staff Potential’ is open to staff in any area of the University to apply for funding of up to £15,000 each for an idea that they believe can bring value to the University.

In addition, the University has launched the President’s Doctoral Scholarship Awards, which aim to support 100 new PhD scholarships in any discipline.  The scheme aims to attract the very best PhD students and will be supported by £2.5 million of investment over the next four years.

There is also a significant investment in undergraduate education, to enhance the student experience through investments in both people and infrastructure.  £10m is being spent on learning space improvements alongside the opening of the £24m Alan Gilbert Learning Commons in the summer of 2012.

Additional priorities for student experience investment include developing the Manchester Learning Environment  to encompass student online communication and e-learning developments  such as mobile and distance learning; to improve student employability and work experience opportunities through investing in  placements,  studentships and further development of volunteering and co-curricula activities; and to support the continued development of the  University College.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: “The investments in new posts, the scheme for existing staff and the new PhD scholarships, as well as enhanced support for the student experience, will help to make Manchester one of the most exciting universities in the world, and provide the best learning environment for our students.

“While we must continue to be rigorous in cost savings and income generation, the time is right to invest in our core goals, and most specifically in improving the student experience and enhancing our research profile.”