University’s COVID response highlighted in Greater Manchester research and innovation report

Manchester Metropolitan's role in helping the city region's fight against COVID has been highlighted in a special report showcasing Greater Manchester's research and innovation.

The report, Innovation Impact - Greater Manchester at the forefront of research and innovation during the first six months of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, features examples of new innovations, case studies and interviews with system leaders in Greater Manchester (GM).

Manchester Metropolitan initiatives and research featured in the report include: hundreds of student nurses joining the NHS frontline in paid placements, medical scrubs and gowns supplied by Manchester Fashion Institute and research on the accuracy and ease-of-use of antibody home-testing.

It has been collated and written by Health Innovation Manchester (HInM), the organisation responsible for accelerating innovation into the region's health and care system, in collaboration with universities, NHS Trusts, NIHR infrastructure, industry partners and clinical leaders.

Themed around research, digital innovation and the support provided to the health and care system, the report features a variety of insights and updates into how GM rapidly responded to the COVID pandemic.

Professor Richard Greene, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Knowledge Exchange at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “It is tremendous to see Manchester Metropolitan University's efforts in supporting the response to the pandemic recognised in this report. We worked hard to ensure our research and resources in this area were, and continue to be, deployed in the best way possible to benefit Greater Manchester and beyond."

Professor Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of HInM, said: “Health care and research has faced undoubtedly its biggest challenge over the past six months during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has meant a need to adapt, innovate and work together in new ways.

“In Greater Manchester we have risen to this challenge and there has been an extraordinary effort across direct care, research, digital innovation and industry partnerships.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the report and shared their projects, best practice and insights so we can all continue to work together during this unprecedented period.”