Student Open Meetings at The University of Manchester

From tackling climate action to promoting equality and community engagement – how can we do better? In our latest Open Meeting podcast, we’re diving into Social Responsibility and Sustainability. Students have submitted questions for this open and honest conversation with senior leaders about what’s working, what needs improvement, and what our next steps should be.

🎙️ Meet the host

Rhianna Patel – Biology, Medicine and Health Officer

🎓 Meet the panel

Nalin Thakkar – Vice-President for Social Responsibility
Julian Skyrme – Director of Social Responsibility
Julia Durkan – Head of Environmental Sustainability
Sarah Fox – Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

To find out more about our Manchester Matters series follow the link.  
https://www.yoursay.manchester.ac.uk/

What does it really mean to do ethical research at a university?

In this Student Open Meeting, we’re joined senior leaders from the University of Manchester to tackle big questions around academic freedom, controversy, and the real-world impact of research.

Hosted by your SU’s Postgraduate Research Officer, Adil Ashraf, the panel includes Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research, Professor Nalin Thakker, Vice-President for Social Responsibility, and Professor Richard Jones, Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, who share their perspectives on how the University balances legal duties, public concern and the freedom to explore bold ideas.

From student protests to global partnerships and defence research, no topic is off limits.

🎧 How Can We Improve the Student Experience?

❓In this Open Meeting podcast, student reps from all faculties put your questions directly to senior University leaders. From teaching quality to mental health support, we’re diving into what’s working, what needs fixing, and how the student experience can improve.

💬 Keep an eye on our Student News channels to submit your thoughts in the future and help shape real change.

Why are student rents so expensive?

For the third Ask Me Anything Open Meeting, Prof. Duncan Ivision, President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, answers student questions on rent and accommodation. From the cost and accessibility of rooms in the new Fallowfield redevelopment, to using University money to subsidise rents, postgraduate housing, and student accommodation support, we leave no stone unturned in the latest podcast episode.

Hosted by Student Union representatives, Nahid Farzalizadeh, FSE Officer, Esa Rehman, School Rep for Natural Sciences, and Elliot Briffa, City and Community Officer, listen to the podcast in full, or use the chapters below to skip to your topic of interest. 

Click 'Transcript' above to read along with the audio, or watch the full video using the YouTube link below.