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Dear Colleague
Welcome to the latest MetroPolis newsletter. This month we highlight opportunities for researchers to engage with policymakers, showcase examples of Manchester Met research influencing policy through a newly announced partnership with the GMCA, and share further updates on work helping to deliver impact across Greater Manchester and beyond. In particular, we are delighted to share that we have increased the award value of our Chancellor's Fellowships from £8,000 to £10,000 for new fellowship applications. We also bring updates from the North West Policy Partnership (NWPP), where Katherine Roycroft reflects on the future direction of this new collaboration between Manchester Met and other universities in the North West.
We also highlight the work of Professor Chris Hatton, whose latest report argues that the lessons of COVID-19 have yet to be fully embedded in policy and practice for people with learning disabilities, renewing calls for more robust and inclusive approaches to future public health emergencies. We've also supported Professor Peter Coventry, whose work on heatwaves and mental health have growing implications in our warming climate. We also commend Professor Dilwyn Marple-Horvat and Dr Maaike Esselaar, whose research is contributing to ongoing discussions around driving fitness, driver assessment, and wider road safety policy. You can find out more by reading their article in The Conversation.
And if you're looking to strengthen your engagement with government, don't miss the opportunity for early and mid-career researchers to apply for an academic secondment with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) In House Research Unit. Applications close on the 5th November.
If you have any questions about the events and opportunities outlined here, please do get in touch with Nick at n.odowd@mmu.ac.uk.
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Help shape the future of Greater Manchester policy by responding to the GMCA's Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) pilot, connecting your research expertise with real-world challenges around good growth and prevention.
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We welcome a new partnership between Manchester Met and GMCA that will strengthen evidence-based approaches to youth justice and improve outcomes for children and young people across Greater Manchester.
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Three recent MetroPolis funding awards showcase how Manchester Met researchers are using their expertise to influence policy, build partnerships and create impact beyond academia.
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Date/time: Wednesday 4th November 2026 (09:30-15:00)
Info: An online conference bringing together leaders, practitioners and experts to shape the future of adult safeguarding in Wales.
Date/time: Thursday 12th November 2026 (13:30-18:00)
Info: Hosted by University College London and UPEN, this ARI summit is a chance for researchers to engage directly and share evidence with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
Date/time: Wednesday 9th December 2026 (time to be confirmed)
Info: Get expert insight and advice on how to promote your research to Parliament as an acadmic at Manchester Met.
Date/time: Tuesday 19th January 2027 (12:30-16:00)
Info: This workshop will explore how researchers can engage with and shape policy with their research.
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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.
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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.
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The Chancellor's Visiting Fellowship: This opportunity enables expert policymakers to collaborate with teams of researchers at Manchester Met to facilitate policy impact.
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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.
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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.
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The main paternity leave announcement in this week's UK Autumn Budget was that self-employed fathers and partners will become eligible for paid parental leave for the first time. This marks the first extension of paid parental leave support to the self-employed, addressing a longstanding gap in family-friendly employment rights.
In this edition of the newsletter, Dr Jamie Atkinson explores the case for further reforming paternity leave and explains why better support for new fathers could benefit families, workplaces and the wider economy.
We also supported Dr Monika Fratczak in the publication of an article in The Conversation which explores climate data visualisations and the risks associated with presenting climate data to the general public, policymakers and other stakeholders, read about it here.
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This edition spotlights Professor Sue Caton, Professor of Learning Disability Inclusion at Manchester Met, and her Digital Lifeline project which helping to shape a more inclusive digital future for people with learning disabilities.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the project explored the impact of digital devices distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people stay connected with family, friends and support services. Working with national partners and people with learning disabilities themselves, the research found that access to technology can be genuinely life-changing, boosting confidence, independence and social connection.
The project's findings are helping to inform future approaches to digital inclusion, providing evidence for policymakers, service providers and charities on how best to support people with learning disabilities in an increasingly digital world. It is a powerful example of Manchester Met research delivering real-world impact, ensuring that the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities help shape future policy and practice.
To find out more, you may read her policy briefing here and watch this video about her project.
MetroPolis will be supporting the ongoing policy impact of this research, and we look forward to sharing more details of this in future editions.
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