Research and innovation
We tackle key challenges, drive innovation, and create world-changing solutions through collaboration.
Our research excellence
Located in the heart of the city, our campus is home to over 850 of the world’s most creative researchers and an unrivalled network of state-of-the-art facilities.
We collaborate with partners worldwide to address global challenges through a unique interdisciplinary approach. We’re able to combine disciplines and capabilities to meet both the challenges of leading-edge research and the external demands of government, business and communities – from engineering biology, future telecommunications and AI, to quantum technologies and semiconductors.
We are at the forefront of tackling issues and seizing opportunities in crucial future sectors, with our approach that is underpinned by our research excellence in advanced materials, biotechnology, cancer, energy and global inequalities.
£1bn campus investments
in last 10 years, creating an unrivalled research environment.
850+ world-leading researchers
supported by 1,600 PhD researchers.
£25.6m from industry partners
to accelerate innovation
(2022-23).
£1.7bn Innovation District
ID Manchester will create 10,000+ jobs in 15 years.
Our research specialisms
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Our AI research combines cutting-edge technology with practical solutions to address real-world challenges, reinforcing our position as a leader in AI innovation.
Our work includes:
- Simulating brain circuits in real-time to advance our understanding of neural processes
- Pioneering radioactive inspection robot
- Innovations to enable individuals to monitor their health more effectively.
Fundamental
Our fundamental research is pivotal in pushing the boundaries of science and technology, fostering innovations with significant societal and industrial impact.
Our work includes:
- Parkinson’s disease detection
- Patenting the groundbreaking ‘molecular seeding’ technology
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.
Health
We create innovative technologies for health; from fundamental research that will help lead to personalised forms of immunotherapy; to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and medical devices for monitoring
Our work includes:
- Bioprinting for space health
- Helping create the UK’s first high-energy proton beam therapy centre
- Measuring 3D shapes and flexibility of potential medicines, to help reduce the cost of drug discovery.
Quantum and digital
Driving innovation across multiple sectors, from computing and entertainment to healthcare, shaping the future of technology.
Our work includes:
- Creating the world’s purest silicon
- Enabling accurate facial motion capture
- A tool to improve evidence-based decisions in healthcare.
Sustainability
Our sustainability research addresses critical environmental challenges, fostering a healthier planet through innovative solutions and impactful policies.
Our work includes:
- Influencing the UN’s policy on plastic
- Helping 250+ local authorities reduce carbon emissions
- Enabling international standards for soot emission measurements.
Search for a research area
Our Faculty boasts specialisms across a diverse range of research fields.
Find a research area and read more about it on our dedicated website.
Explore the future of innovation at Manchester
Tomorrow Labs
Experience the largest collection of science and engineering facilities in any UK institution, where you can access expertise and cutting-edge equipment.
Material innovation
Discover how our researchers continue to pioneer 2D materials discovery and innovation, 20 years after the isolation of graphene.
Sister
Explore Manchester's new innovation district, which will provide specialist infrastructure to grow of the economy and unlock the commercialisation of R&D innovation
Connect with us
Search our research database
- Discover research publications, impact and activities
- Search for researchers and view profiles.
Business
- Access world-class research and development, cutting-edge equipment and facilities to develop solutions to your challenges
- Explore funding to support collaboration and make change happen.
Policy work
- Connect with researchers and build long-term relationships
- Gain insight to support pressing policy challenges, and access policy articles and publications.
Postgraduate research
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Explore postgraduate research opportunities
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Find out about funding and the flexible pathways to support our researchers.