Manchester researchers to mentor schools and colleges

14 Dec 2012

University chosen as academic 'gateway' for young people

The University has been successful in its bid to become one of a small number of Research Councils UK (RCUK) centres to create and build partnerships between universities and secondary schools and colleges.

A new University of Manchester Research Gateway for Schools and Colleges will support researchers’ direct engagement with pupils.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “Through bringing together schools and universities we can really showcase the exciting work our academics are engaged in, and at the same time encourage young people to pursue science and research careers.”

A project team consisting of the Associate Deans with remits for Social Responsibility across the Faculties of Humanities, Life Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences and Medical and Human Sciences and key staff in Widening Participation, Social Responsibility and the School of Education will be responsible for delivering the Research Gateway. They will work closely with a local Teaching School, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, who are a lead sponsor of the Bright Futures Education Trust, a new multi-Academy educationally-led organisation set up in consultation with the Department for Education and Manchester City Council. A wide range of state schools and colleges across the local region will benefit from this work.  

The project's Principal Investigator Dr Tim O’Brien, Associate Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said “We are delighted to win funding for this project, which will engage young people in local schools with our researchers across a wide range of disciplines in the sciences and humanities.”

The Research Gateway will be coordinated by the Widening Participation team. Julian Skyrme, Head of Social Responsibility and Widening Participation, said: “This important programme builds on our longstanding excellence in both widening participation and public engagement with research. It will allow us to bring contemporary research to life for young people and develop the skills of our own early-career researchers such as communication, creativity and team work.”