Percival Lecture: From Manchester for the world

The University of Manchester was born as an answer to a question posed amid the Industrial Revolution: what kind of new knowledge and citizens were needed for Manchester to thrive in a world undergoing profound change?

As it enters its third century, it stands at a similarly pivotal moment. Technological, geopolitical, economic and social revolutions are reshaping the world. What knowledge and skills does the digital age demand? What big leaps lie ahead for the University?

Since arriving in Manchester in 2024 to become its President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison has led the development of a new strategy, Manchester 2035, following a year-long process of consultation with staff, students, alumni and external partners. Published in 2025, this new strategy addresses the question: what it means to be a truly great civic university for the 21st century?

In this talk, Professor Ivison will outline how the University plans to work with its city and region in new ways, where this deep-rooted sense of place is matched by global reach, through researchers, partners and alumni who share its purpose to improve lives, strengthen communities and tackle the world’s biggest challenges. He will talk about the importance it will place on partnerships, academic freedom, freedom of speech, teaching and research excellence, and inclusion.

Manchester Lit&Phil is nearly 250 years old, which makes it one of the oldest learned societies in the United Kingdom. Its members have been sharing knowledge and ideas ever since the first meeting in 1781, paving the way for giant leaps forward in the way we understand the world. Past members include Ernest Rutherford, John Dalton and James Joule.

Thomas Percival was the Manchester Lit&Phil’s first President, and the Percival Lecture was established in 1947 to celebrate his legacy.