Welcome to this special festive edition of MetCast. First, we step back in time to uncover a long-held Christmas tradition: the telling of ghost stories. From gothic Victorian tales and the enduring magic of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we discover how the festive season once embraced the spooky and the supernatural – and how this convention…

As part of our ongoing celebration of Manchester Met’s 200th anniversary, in this edition of MetCast, we are exploring our final area of strength: Tackling Inequalities. We hear from psychology student, inclusivity model and coach, Kai Da’Costa. Kai’s life took an unexpected turn after a motorbiking accident left him without the use of his left arm…

In case you hadn’t heard, it’s our 200-year anniversary here at Manchester Met, and we’re celebrating two centuries of proudly driving progress. One of our key areas of strength is sustainability, and that’s what we’re talking about this month. We’ve been a top three sustainable university for over a decade, prioritising the environment in everythi…

In this September episode of MetCast, we continue our 200-year anniversary celebrations here at Manchester Met and we’re turning our attention to our next theme, sustainability. As a top three sustainable university, protecting the environment is key to everything we do. In this edition, we hear how a graduate’s vital conservation work is helping t…

Welcome to our August edition of MetCast. As we gear up for the Paralympic Games later this month, we catch up with Manchester Met visiting professor and honorary graduate Dame Sarah Storey, who is part of the Paralympic cycling squad for Paris 2024. Dame Sarah has made history with 17 gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals. From her rise to s…

In the July edition of MetCast, we turn our focus to the excitement of the Olympic Games, which will begin at the end of this month in Paris. With Manchester Metropolitan’s world-class Institute of Sport offering state-of-the-art facilities and supporting elite athletes and top-class teams, it’s no surprise to hear that our impactful research is no…

In the June edition of MetCast, we continue to champion Creative Excellence and explore how Manchester Metropolitan innovates and shapes the film, media, fashion, literature, art and design industries. First up, we explore how we are making our mark at the box office. We meet creative writing lecturer, Andrew Hurley, and senior filmmaking lecturer,…

In this special UEFA Euro 2024 episode of Metcast, we spoke to top English referee Anthony Taylor, ahead of the tournament in Germany, about his preparations at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport. In the weeks before the tournament where he is one of 19 referees officiating - and part of a cohort of eight English officials in…

In the May edition of MetCast, we continue our 200-year celebrations focusing on how Manchester Met is harnessing imagination to drive innovation for creative excellence. In this edition, we hear how using design to develop a storytelling game has helped to boost the confidence and wellbeing of people with dementia. We also explore how cutting-edge…

In the March edition of MetCast, we continued our 200 year celebrations and focused on how we are transforming health, helping people to live longer, healthier and happier lives. In this edition, we continue that theme and start with how we are closing the gender health gap, through a pioneering collaboration that aims to help people with endometri…

On this month’s episode, we focus on how we transform health: helping people to live happier, healthier and longer lives. We look at how we are leading the way for new life, through IVF. We meet Alexandra and Luke, to learn about their IVF journey and find out more about our exclusive NHS partnership to train reproductive scientists. Continuing our…

In this month’s episode we’re looking at the ways Manchester Met drives economic growth. It’s our 200-year anniversary and we’re celebrating two centuries of supporting innovation and progress through excellent education and research. Key to that is boosting skills, increasing employability, and supporting wider prosperity by helping businesses get…

On this month’s episode, we look at a very special celebration – 200 Years of Manchester Metropolitan University. With roots dating back to 1824 at the Manchester Mechanics Institution, our bicentenary gives us the opportunity to reflect on two centuries of proudly driving progress and transforming lives. We recently kicked off the celebrations wit…

In this month’s episode, we’re embracing Christmas and everything the Festive season has to offer. First, we investigate healthy eating and how making positive choices can keep those post-holiday blues at bay. We also discuss sustainability at Christmas and the small changes we can make to reduce our impact on the environment during the festive per…

In November's episode, we investigate the causes of diabetes and new treatments. And as Christmas is round the corner, we also find out why the new retail sales season has become so popular in the UK and what to expect with changing spending habits. Finally, we take a look at the impact remote working is having on wellbeing and productivity.…

In this month’s episode, we speak to Oscar award-winning film director Danny Boyle and students from our School of Digital Arts who are working together on a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration. We also find out about a new study that has revealed how children who have been in care are disproportionately likely to have been involved in the youth justi…

In this month’s episode, we join researchers who have been digging into the latest substance use trends across Greater Manchester and how this helps to cut harm and inform new policy. We also head to the great outdoors, to find out about the potential of peatlands to play a vital role in the fight against global warming. And finally, we explore the…

In this month’s episode, we take a look at fast fashion and clothing waste, as we hear from researchers at Manchester Met on new ideas for the fashion industry to make their products more sustainable. We hear from our researchers at the Para Swimming World Championships, partnered by the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, who ar…

In this month’s episode, we we celebrate 75 years of the National Health Service. We explore the role Manchester Met plays in supporting the NHS: through placements, training and conducting vital research. We also look at the changing face of the high street with the latest research from our School of Architecture and we catch up with our Institute…

In this month’s episode, we discuss the role of unpaid carers in society as we look back at Carers Week - a week to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid children and adult carers face, and recognise their contribution to families and communities. Also in this episode, we find out how the University’s Manchester Poetry Library …

In this month’s episode, we focus on sport and health: how to get ready to run a race and why heading footballs could be dangerous. First, we dig into a sporting debate that has dominated the headlines in recent years - the potential dangers of heading footballs and the risk to players’ health. We know footballers are three and a half times more li…

In April's episode, we attend the official launch of the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport. Harnessing the power of sport, the new Institute will bring together pioneering research, partnerships and teaching in sport, exercise and health. We join Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy…

In March's episode, you'll hear from David Lee, Professor of Atmospheric Science, who will be discussing research into Net Zero aviation fuels and his recent report with the Royal Society, one of the world’s leading scientific academies. We also talk to Dr Stephen White, Reader in Cardiovascular Pathology. We’ll be discussing his new study that unc…

In February’s episode you’ll hear from Jonathan Grix, Professor of Sport Policy, as he discusses the legacy of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Dr Katy Jones, Research Fellow from the University’s Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre, will be talking about the first major independent study into the universal credit system and Dr Joe Keenan, Sen…

To mark the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we spoke to Dr Paul Brannagan, Senior Lecturer in Sport Policy and Management at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, about the controversies that have surrounded Qatar 2022 since it won the bid to host the tournament in 2010. Dr Brannagan is the co-author of the book 'Qatar and th…

To mark the final day of COP27 – the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference – we spoke to Research Associate, Dr Carly Fletcher, about the potential for bioplastics to help reduce the impacts of plastic pollution. Bioplastics are plastics made from biological substances as opposed to petroleum or are materials that can biodegrade – making th…

In this episode of MetCast we speak to Esme Morgan, Manchester City Women's Football Club defender, and Manchester Metropolitan University BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student. Esme recently made her England national team debut and will be back with the squad again for their upcoming friendlies. We caught up with her to discuss not just be…

With the 2021 Rugby League World Cup about to begin, we speak to two students from the University's Master of Sport Directorship programme about their roles in the sport of rugby league. We are joined by Danny Kazandjian, Secretary General of International Rugby League, and Doug Hammond, the England Men's First Team Doctor, as we look ahead to the …

As businesses across the country face a range of challenges, Manchester Met's support continues to help organisations to adapt, innovate and grow. In this episode of MetCast we are joined by Ann Mulhaney from the University's Centre for Enterprise, along with Dawn Duggan from the GC Business Growth Hub and the owners of digital platform company Nif…

Ahead of the semi-finals of the netball tournament at the Commonwealth Games, we are joined by a panel of some of the sport's key figures. Dr Sam Oldfield from the University's Institute of Sport discusses her research into the history of the game, with the President of England Netball, Joan Mills, explaining the vision for the future. The former P…

Before the start of the Commonwealth Games 2022, we caught up with Adele Nicoll, shot putter and Manchester Metropolitan alumna who will be representing Team Wales at the Games. Adele talks about recently becoming a champion at the British Championships in Manchester, as well as her experience on the Team GB bobsleigh team at the Beijing Winter Oly…

To mark the start of the Commonwealth Games 2022, we talk to Chloe Golding, backstroke swimmer and former sports scholar at Manchester Metropolitan who won a place at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Chloe looks back on her experience of competing in the 200m backstroke heats at her first Commonwealth Games at just 19. She talks about what s…

In this episode of MetCast, we speak with Dr Paul Brannagan, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management and Policy at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport about how nation states and brands use sport and sporting events as a vehicle to gain soft power and boost their country's reputation and their social, political and economical goal…

With the Tour de France 2022 well underway, and competitors about to embark on an epic climb up Alpe d'Huez, we discuss the psychology involved in a mountain stage and how cyclists prepare for the ultimate test of endurance. We speak to Dr Ben Marshall, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of S…

Issue 10 of Met Magazine includes a number of features about our latest research and stories from some of our alumni about life after Manchester Metropolitan University. In this episode of MetCast, hear some of the interviews that made up the latest edition, including on our research into healthy ageing, climate adaptation, the Manchester Voices pr…

With Wimbledon 2022 well underway, we discuss the impacts that competing in elite level tennis is having on the bones of players. With players such as Rafael Nadal recently suffering from bone injuries that have effected their performance, we wanted to talk to Dr Alex Ireland from the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, about his…

In this episode of MetCast, we discuss the history of the tennis racket, its mechanics, and importantly, how this has changed the game of tennis through the years. Dr Tom Allen, Senior Lecturer in Sports Engineering at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, explains how the transformation of the racket, including the evolution o…

In our latest series of episodes of MetCast, we’re looking at the Winter Olympics and exploring how expertise and research from Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport is influencing sporting performance and supporting healthy living. In this episode, we talk to Adele Nicoll, MSc Psychology graduate, former sport scholar and current…

In our latest series of episodes of MetCast, we’re looking at the Winter Olympics and exploring how expertise and research from Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport is influencing sporting performance and supporting healthy living. In this episode, we talk to Sarah Collins, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design and Technology, about …

In our latest series of episodes of MetCast, we’re looking at the Winter Olympics and exploring how expertise and research from Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport is influencing sporting performance and supporting healthy living. In this episode, we talk to sports psychologist Dr Martin Turner about how winter athletes mentally…

In our latest series of episodes of MetCast, we’re looking at the Winter Olympics and exploring how expertise and research from Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport is influencing sporting performance and supporting healthy living. In this episode, we talk to sports nutrition experts Dr James Cameron and Ozcan Esen about how wint…

In our latest series of episodes of MetCast, we’re looking at the Winter Olympics and exploring how expertise and research from Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport is influencing sporting performance and supporting healthy living. In this episode, we talk to Dr Thomas Allen, Senior Lecturer in Sports Engineering, about the emergin…

In this episode of MetCast, we discuss the state of health in the UK and what needs to be done to become a healthier nation. Professor Bill Ollier, author of Saving Sick Britain, talks about the challenges faced by the NHS as more and more people are diagnosed with chronic illnesses including diabetes and obesity each year, and how the COVID-19 pan…

In this episode of MetCast, we talk about the issues of going through complex fertility journeys at work. There are 3.5 million people in the UK facing fertility issues, whether that be infertility, going through fertility treatments, or experiencing miscarriage. Researchers in the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity are looking into the experi…

In this episode of MetCast, we look at the vital role the Amazon rainforest plays in capturing carbon and what needs to be done to save it. We spoke with Dr Alex Lees, a researcher from Manchester Metropolitan, who has spent several years working in the Amazon to learn more about how best we can protect it. Dr Lees has also contributed to a major n…

In this episode of MetCast, we talk about how Greater Manchester is planning to adapt to mitigate some of the risks that climate change will bring in the future – from increased risk of flooding, to the dangers rising temperatures bring. Senior Lecturer, Dr Paul O'hare discusses his work with the Manchester Climate Change Agency as he supports the …

In this episode of MetCast, we chat about Carbon Literacy at Manchester Met – and how it’s being used to help councils, schools and businesses. Led by Dr Rachel Dunk, Carbon Literacy is training and teaching people about the steps they and their organisations can take to live cleaner and greener lives. So far, thousands have been trained in Carbon …

On Wednesday, October 27, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will deliver his next Budget and Spending Review to the House of Commons. In the latest episode of MetCast we hear from Christian Spence, Head of Future Economies Analytics in Manchester Metropolitan’s Future Economies Research Centre, about what we can expect to hear from the Ch…

In this episode of MetCast, we speak to four experts from the Manchester Metropolitan University Fuel Cell Innovation Centre about the Government's newly launched UK Hydrogen Strategy. In August 2021, the Government announced its plan for a world-leading hydrogen economy – the first of its kind in the UK. Amer Gaffar, Dr Ian Madley, Dr Yagya Regmi …

In this episode of MetCast, we chat to Jackie Newton, Manchester Met Exercise and Sports Science MA graduate. Jackie was Director of Coaching and Athlete Development for Athletics Northern Ireland going into this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games, helping to prepare athletes for the biggest competition of their lives. She is now starting a new …