Launching a Behavioural Research Network at the University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has officially launched its Behavioural Research Network, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to share ideas, build collaborations, and set a collective vision for the future. 

The launch of this Network at the University of Manchester marks an important milestone within the Behavioural Research UK (BR‑UK) capability scoping study. Part of BR‑UK’s work package 1 (aimed at capability building) is to develop a national network infrastructure to strengthen behavioural science across disciplines, institutions, and regions. Manchester’s network is the first of the regional hubs that will connect sectors and disciplines, ensuring that behavioural research capacity is mapped, shared, and expanded.

By embedding this launch within the broader BR‑UK initiative, the Manchester network is not only fostering collaboration across university faculties but also contributing to a collective national vision: one where behavioural science is embedded in tackling societal challenges, reducing inequalities, and driving innovation across the UK.

A Diverse Community of Attendees

The launch drew participants from across the university, reflecting the breadth of behavioural research. 2/3 of the University's schools were represented, including staff members from: the Alliance Manchester Business School; the School of Social Sciences; the School of Environment, Education and Development; the School of Medical Sciences; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Biological Sciences. During a collaborative word cloud exercise, attendees shared the behavioural domains central to their research. The resulting map revealed a broad spread of interests, from health behaviours to personality, environment and organisational dynamics. This diversity underscores just how wide-ranging and interconnected behavioural science is at the University of Manchester.

Attendees represented every career stage, from professors and directors to PhD students and undergraduates, ensuring conversations were enriched by diverse perspectives. This diversity underscored the network’s potential to connect expertise across faculties and disciplines.

Establishing Our Aims

The event was designed to spark dialogue in which attendees shared what they hoped to gain from the network. Through interactive discussions and shared reflections, the network began to shape its collective aims:

• Creating a collaborative hub that connects behavioural researchers across faculties.
• Sharing expertise, helpful materials, support and advice between colleagues.
• Providing learning and training opportunities around interdisciplinary themes and significant societal challenges.
• Building a sustainable structure with a core group to drive activity, supported by resources and funding.

What People Took Away

Feedback from attendees captured the value of the launch:

• Networking and new connections: “Met new people”; “Connection with experts”; “Ideas and networking.”
• Strategic insights and vision: “Consolidation of ideas about strategy”; “A chance to think about the wider picture”; “Great conversations and a clear vision”; “Learning about the different people involved in research.”
• Practical suggestions: Calls for collaboration and networking opportunities, links to resources and opportunities, informative sessions such as presentations or podcasts, and interdisciplinary online spaces to keep momentum going.

Participants valued both informal exchanges and structured discussions, with many requesting more opportunities to share their research and deepen collaboration.

 Connecting to the Bigger Picture

The Behavioural Research UK (BR‑UK) capability scoping study seeks to build capacity, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and embed behavioural science across the UK. Our launch event displayed these aims at the University of Manchester: attendees called for more networking opportunities across faculties, informative sessions and sources, and online spaces for sharing expertise and support. These suggestions directly build capacity by widening participation, promoting collaboration by breaking down disciplinary boundaries, and embedding behavioural science more firmly across the university.

At the same time, the network is closely aligned with the University of Manchester’s 2035 strategy, which emphasises world-leading research, interdisciplinary partnerships, and societal impact. Our commitment to fostering collaboration and embedding behavioural research across faculties mirrors the university’s ambition to break down silos and encourage innovation. In this way, the network is not only strengthening Manchester’s research ecosystem but also advancing the university’s long-term vision of improving lives through research.

Looking Ahead

The launch event was the starting point for a network that will grow in both scope and impact. The next phase is about turning ideas into action and laying the foundations for a sustainable community:

• Creating an online space where members can seek and offer expertise, share resources, and provide peer support.
• Establishing a sustainable structure by exploring how resources, funding, and coordinated activities can drive the network forward. A core group will help shape priorities and ensure continuity.
• Building a bank of expertise to map the specialisms of members. This will act as a practical tool to connect researchers with complementary knowledge, facilitating interdisciplinary projects and joint funding bids.
• Considering future events such as seminars, themed workshops, and networking opportunities. 

By focusing on these next steps, the Behavioural Research Network will move from a successful launch to a thriving, long-term community with real potential to develop behavioural research at Manchester.