|
|
Dear Colleague
This month’s newsletter highlights a dynamic programme of policy engagement activity, showcasing how Manchester Met researchers are shaping national conversations and delivering real-world impact. From supporting major June summits on ethical AI and local economies, to contributing to high-level discussions in Westminster on health and wellbeing, we celebrate the growing influence of our research community. We also share news of Professor Michelle McManus’s significant policy contributions, share a range of upcoming events and training opportunities, and highlight this month’s blog from Dr Katy Jones, reflecting on a recent Department for Work and Pensions workshop and the strengthening of research–policy partnerships. Alongside this, we outline the support available to help you translate your research into policy impact.
We are pleased to report that the Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival is returning for 2026. Dr Anton Roberts writes: "Since 2019 we’ve had one consistent mission – to screen great films which provoke debate and provide an alternative take on crime, justice and punishment. This is a rare opportunity for students, researchers, policy experts and members of the public to engage with academics and professionals across a range of sectors."
We are excited to share that the Critical AI Policy Virtual Fellowship is launching at Digital Society Research Group (DISC), led by Adi Kuntsman, Danie Joseph and Jessica Elias, in collaboration with CDEP (Center for Digital Ethics & Policy) Loyola University, Chicago, and its Director, Prof. Florence Chee. Further details about the fellowship, including profiles of the appointed fellows, can be found here.
Alongside this, this month’s spotlight features Visiting Professor Ramón Spaaij and a forthcoming knowledge exchange event exploring how community sport can advance equity, health and wellbeing for children and young people.
|
|
|
We are very pleased to be supporting two significant policy summits in June 2026, convening government partners, researchers and civic leaders to shape emerging debates across ethical AI and local economic transformation.
|
|
|
MetroPolis supported a high‑level meeting in Westminster, led by Baroness Merron, Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health, and Dr Simon Opher MP.
|
|
|
We are pleased to celebrate the recent achievements of Professor Michelle McManus, who has been appointed as a Special Advisor in the House of Lords, and has published two groundbreaking government-commissioned reports that shed new light on how safeguarding systems can better respond to child exploitation and abuse.
|
|
|
Date/time: Wednesday 1st April, 13:30
Info: An event featuring an update on the 2024 GM Trends Report, along with discussion and insights from research professionals and featuring keynote speaker Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Date/time: Wednesday 29th April, 09:00
Info: A workshop exploring community sport for children and young People, and explores research, policy, and practice.
Date/time: Thursday, 7th May, 14:00
Info: This event will examine the implications of the Sentencing Act 2026, and explore the broader question of the nature of imprisonment in light of this legislation.
Date/time: Tuesday 12th May, 10:30
Info: Learn how The Conversation works, the benefits of writing for the public and how to go about it. This event is invite only, but any Manchester Met staff wishing to attend may enquire with their faculty Research Impact Manager.
Date/time: Thursday 21st May, 13:00
Info: This training workshop will explore new tools, methodologies, and methods being used by researchers to inform policy decision-making.
|
|
|
We offer a number of routes for enhancing the policy impact of your research. You can apply for support through the links below. To find out which is the most suitable for your work, or for more tailored support, please reach out to the MetroPolis team.
-
The Chancellor’s Fellowship: Our prestigious MetroPolis Chancellor's Fellowship scheme offers high-quality researchers from Manchester Met placements with policy organisations including government departments, charities and think tanks.
-
The Chancellor's Visiting Fellowship: This opportunity enables expert policymakers to collaborate with teams of researchers at Manchester Met to facilitate policy impact.
-
Rapid Funding Scheme: A quick turnaround funding scheme for a range of activities to enhance the policy impact of research including events, travel, networking and (non academic) publications.
-
1-1 Policy Coaching: A one-to-one service for support with your pathways to policy impact delivered by Showrunner Communications, who are experts in public policy.
|
|
We were delighted to support a high‑profile workshop with the Department for Work and Pensions centred on their Areas of Research Interest.In this month’s blog, Dr Katy Jones shares her reflections on a day that strengthened partnerships and spotlighted Manchester Met research. |
|
|
We are pleased to welcome Professor Ramón Spaaij as Visiting Professor for a special knowledge exchange event, hosted at the Institute for Sport, that explores the role of community sport in advancing equity, health and wellbeing for children and young people.
Professor Spaaij, a leading international scholar based in Australia at Victoria University’s Institute for Health and Sport, has built a distinguished career investigating how thriving, inclusive communities can be created and sustained. His research sits at the intersection of social justice, equity and sport, and he is widely recognised for pioneering participatory and ethnographic approaches that centre the lived experiences of culturally and racially minoritised communities.
On Wednesday 29th April 2026, Professor Spaaij will join researchers, policymakers, practitioners and community partners at Manchester Met’s Institute of Sport for a collaborative event supported by MetroPolis, the Institute for Children’s Futures, the Institute of Sport, and the School of Sociology and Criminology.
The session will examine a central question: How can community sport become a more equitable and effective lever for improving the lives of children and young people?
Through panel discussions and interactive group activities, participants will share insights, identify barriers, and co‑develop practical recommendations to strengthen policy, research and practice.
This spotlight event reflects Manchester Met’s commitment to place‑based, community‑rooted engagement and its mission to drive real‑world social change.
|
|
|
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please complete the following Microsoft Form.
|
|
|
|
|
