The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

14/09/2026

What happens when an infection triggers the body’s inflammatory system to turn against itself? 🦠🫁

Professor Paul Dark explains how research at the University of Manchester is working towards earlier, more accurate diagnosis and more tailored treatment for sepsis.

Respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of sepsis in the UK and worldwide. Infections such as pneumonia can become life-threatening, particularly in people who are older, have weakened immune systems or live with chronic lung conditions.

Manchester researchers have spent almost two decades investigating whether blood tests can help clinicians recognise infection and guide treatment safely.

The findings have contributed to international recommendations on using procalcitonin to support decisions about stopping antibiotics. They could also inform future NICE guidance and how sepsis is treated across NHS hospitals.

The longer-term ambition is to develop more personalised care for severe respiratory infection and sepsis, with innovation in every breath.

10/09/2026

For some, a foundation year can happen unexpectedly. But for many, it can transform the university experience for the better.

Current students Bisma, Louise, Esmay and Eileen reflect on their journeys so far!

09/09/2026

My Summer in Shanghai 🏙️

What is the Summer School? 
To put it simply, it is one of the most accessible opportunities offered by the University of Manchester that gives you the chance to study abroad for a month at your chosen summer school.
Once there, you learn the language and immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the city. Luckily, alongside studying at the local university you get plenty of time to explore and discover. 

But how did I go about it…?

STEP 1️⃣
1. Google “University of Manchester PIP: Summer School”
2. Note: you can also look into “University of Manchester International Exchange Programme” for more opportunities but these are NOT available to select degrees such as Dentistry 
3. Have a good read through all the summer schools they offer such as:
* Shanghai (China)
* Aarhus (Denmark)
* Bordeaux (France)
* Siena (Italy)
* Seoul (South Korea)
* Seville (Spain)

STEP 2️⃣
1. Rank your top three summer schools in order of preference (mine were China, South Korea and Italy respectively)
Important: Check the dates and prices of the summer schools to ensure they align with your course term dates and personal budget 

STEP 3️⃣
1. When applications open you need to write a competitive application as to why you should be chosen for this summer school
2. It will help your application if you have a good extracurricular portfolio and genuine reasons for your interest into the summer school (academic/personal/cultural reasons)
3. The PIP team normally let you know their decision within a month or two of the application deadline 

STEP 4️⃣
1. Attend the briefing meetings, make sure you keep on top of all your paperwork such as visas as well as booking accommodation 
2. Do plenty of research ahead of your summer school experience so you are best prepared!
3. Note: I decided to 

FOR TURING STUDENTS
* You can get your flights, accommodation and tuition fees covered partially or fully by the University of Manchester making this a really accessible opportunity! Make sure you check your eligibility.

For the most up to date information, please check the website.
Experiences may differ from

08/09/2026

Microbes working together can make respiratory infections worse. What if we could stop them? 🦠🫁

We all have a lung microbiome, a community of bacteria, fungi and viruses. But for people with cystic fibrosis or COPD, there are usually more bacteria and more diverse types of bacteria, which often drive the infection.

Dr Fiona Whelan from is looking at new treatments that specifically target how bacteria work together. These could be used to make antibiotics work more effectively, reducing damage and improving the lives of people.

01/09/2026

Why do some people face a greater risk of poor respiratory health than others? 🫁

Research at Manchester is exploring how our body’s internal clock can influence asthma, challenging how the condition is traditionally diagnosed and treated.

Professor Hannah Durrington’s work shows that symptoms, lung function and treatment response change throughout the day.

Timing care to match these rhythms could significantly improve outcomes for patients, driving innovation in every breath. 🔬

28/08/2026

The misconceptions of studying a foundation year, with current students Eileen, Esmay, Bisma and Louise 📚

27/08/2026

21/08/2026

Life at the University of Manchester 📚

15/08/2026

Life from September 💜

12/08/2026

Daisy’s public health journey to graduation 🎓