Quartet of big hitters to speak at The University of Manchester

25 Oct 2012

A week of free events at The University of Manchester highlighting issues affected by policy are to feature contributions by some of the nation’s big hitters in journalism and politics.

The week, from 29 October to 2 November, has been organised by “Policy@Manchester”, a new ‘network’ across the University, Directed by Professor Colin Talbot who is based at Manchester Business School. The events are open to all.

Speakers include the Financial Times’ ‘Undercover Economist’ and presenter of BBC R4’s "More or Less” Tim Harford and former Science Editor of the Times and  Director of Communications at the Wellcome Trust Mark Henderson.

Former Chair of the Treasury Select Committee and member of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards Lord McFall and former FT Public Policy Editor Nicholas Timmins complete the quartet who will speak on 30 and 31 October.

Professor Talbot said: “One of the things that distinguishes top universities around the world is that, certainly in democracies, they are usually power-houses of public policy ideas.

“There has been a marked international and UK growth in Masters-level provision of public policy and administration courses and new institutes and schools.

“Manchester has recognised these developments and is trying something a little different. We surveyed staff last summer and found we had around 350 colleagues engaged externally in various areas of public policy.

“Manchester as a city has suddenly upped its profile, as Manchester City has joined United at the top of English football, and the arrival of “Media City” means there’s suddenly lots of media folk discovering there is intelligent life outside of the M25 ‘beltway’.

“Policy@Manchester will seek to capitalise on all that.”

The University is also connecting to live debates within the city council and civil society on economic growth, it’s environmental and social impacts and regional inequalities. On Thurs 1st Nov, the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research is hosting a question time event with Richard Sharland, Head of Environment at Manchester City Council and Baron Frankal, Director of Economic Strategy for New Economy Manchester amongst others.