Talking innovation: It's in Manchester's DNA

Professor Richard Jones, Professor of Materials Physics and Innovation Policy and Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, and Professor Aline Miller, Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Associate Dean for Business Engagement and Innovation in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, join host Andy Spinoza to talk innovation, economy and commercialisation at the University and across Manchester – and discuss how we’re converting ideas into impact.

The group dive into the University’s remarkable history of path-breaking research delivering truly radical solutions – from world-changing nuclear breakthroughs at the beginning of the last century to kickstarting the computer revolution and artificial intelligence research around its middle, to the isolation of graphene at the start of the 21st century.

They consider how at Manchester today we bring together expertise across economics, politics, sociology, education, innovation and beyond to address the myriad of challenges that exist on a local, national and international scale; and how through our work in areas such as digital and AI, advanced materials and biotechnology – and the positive benefits delivered for the environment and health – our commitment to innovation and delivering real-world impact continues.

Find the full transcript of this episode on the Talk 200 webpage.

Further information

Discover more about the University’s innovative work and partnerships: 

• Christabel Pankhurst Institute
• Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
• Henry Royce Institute
• Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC)
• Innovation District (ID) Manchester
• Manchester Innovation Factory
• Masood Entrepreneurship Centre 
• The Productivity Institute
• Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester
• Quantum research at The University of Manchester – dive into our cutting-edge quantum research, from computing to next-gen materials

Find out more on our Talk 200 webpage or discover more about our wider bicentenary celebrations.