How to use our facilities

Whether you’re an international blue chip, an ambitious SME, an academic looking to collaborate or a charity with an eye for innovation, partnering with The University of Manchester can help you achieve your objectives. We work with all types of organisations from start ups, to scale ups, through to large multinational conglomerates, with access to our facilities being used to test new products, solve complex challenges and devise transformational processes and prototypes. We take a holistic approach to every enquiry. Which means we take the time to match you with the support you need: this could be access to a lab, or academic expertise or a combination of both. Whatever your needs, and whether you need one day or one year’s worth of help, our aim is to connect you with the right solutions to support your business innovation and growth.

Want to find out more?

Our dedicated Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team is your gateway to finding the support and expertise that you need, which could consist of access to world-class research and development, cutting-edge equipment and facilities, funding to support collaboration and a talent pool that can make a real difference. If you’re interested in using one of our labs , working with some of our experts or would like to discuss partnering and collaborating with us then please contact us using the form below. Information on how your enquiry will be progressed, plus some frequently asked questions can be found below the form.

Contact the Business Engagement & Knowledge Exchange team

Complete this short form with information on the specific project you’d like help with. In this form outline the problem, challenge or opportunity you have, and the and timeframe you’re working to. The more detail the better.

The Division of Research and Business Engagement at The University of Manchester would like to send you information to keep you up to date with the University, our work and related activities. Ticking the box below tells us that you're OK with this. We will store your information for up to 12 months and ask that you make us aware if you would like to remove it from our database. You can opt out of these communications at any time by contacting us at collaborate@manchester.ac.uk.

For full details on how we process your personal data at the University, please read our privacy terms.

If you are a graduate of the University your details will also be used by the Division of Development & Alumni Relations for a full range of alumni and supporter activity as outlined in its privacy policy.

How your enquiry will be progressed

No two enquiries are the same, so there’s no standardised process. However it could look something like this:

  1. After receiving your enquiry, we’ll get in touch to get under the skin of what you need. If we can help, we'll identify the right support for your needs – this could be access to a lab or facilities, access to academic expertise, access to skills & professional learning, or more broad partnership and collaboration activities
  2. We agree ways of working, that suit you as well as us

Frequently asked questions

I’m a student, how can I find out more about studying/research at Manchester, or use one of the labs for a project?

If you’re looking to do an undergraduate course, visit our Undergraduate study at The University of Manchester pages.

If you’re looking to do a taught masters, visit our Taught master's study at The University of Manchester pages.

If you’re interested in postgraduate research, visit our dedicated PhDs in Science and Engineering website.

I’m a researcher, how can I collaborate with Manchester researchers?

Research Explorer enables you to search for researchers, view their research profiles and connect with them directly. Explore our database Research Explorer The University of Manchester.

How much does it cost to work with you?

We don’t have a set price list because each collaboration is tailored to your needs. However, the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team will be able to talk you through the different types of collaborations and appropriate funding models.

What’s the minimum budget for working with you?

There’s no minimum spend, and we aren’t motivated by money. Crucially we want to make a difference by adding value to companies across the UK. If we don’t feel we can because we don’t have the capability to support your specific project, we’ll tell you so you can invest with a more appropriate partner.

Does my company need to be a certain size to work with you?

We don’t have a set price list because each collaboration is tailored to your needs. However, the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team will be able to talk you through the different types of collaborations and appropriate funding models.

See our labs