For 200 years, discoveries made here at Manchester have changed the world.
From splitting the atom to pioneering graphene, this University has a rich history of changing the world for the better.
But for everything that’s already been achieved, there’s so much more left to do. Cancer continues to tear families apart. Millions of people live without clean water. And the climate emergency threatens the very future of our planet.
Every day, incredible research is going on here at Manchester to help solve these enormous issues. From cancer to stroke, climate change to global inequality - our experts are searching for answers. But they need your help to make it happen faster.
Finding the next life-changing discovery takes time and commitment. It needs the best and brightest minds working together at scale like never before. And if history’s shown us anything, it’s how we must be prepared for whatever new challenge awaits us.
By taking on the Purple Wave challenge, you’ll help scale up the number of promising early-career researchers working across the most critical areas. With your help, brilliant people will be able to explore big ideas and uncover new, life-changing discoveries for the benefit of us all.
Brilliant research needs brilliant people. And brilliant ideas can come from anywhere. That’s why we need a rich, diverse team of researchers to bring us closer to the breakthroughs of the future.
We don’t have any time to spare. The next generation of research leaders are waiting to get started. But they need generous people like you to give them the support they to bring their ideas to life.
And by taking on the Purple Wave challenge, you'll make sure the very best researchers are bringing us closer to solving our world’s biggest challenges. And at a time where other funding sources continue to be a threat, your support couldn’t be more appreciated.
Thank you so much.
Want to challenge yourself in 2024? It’s The University of Manchester’s 200th anniversary. And we’re planning the biggest and best Purple Wave the city has ever seen.
That’s why we need you. Join thousands of university students, staff, alumni, and friends as part of Team 200, and make this year’s Purple Wave one to remember. On Sunday, 26 May you’ll head to the start line of the Great Manchester Run together – all wearing your special purple running shirts to create our distinctive ‘wave’ of purple.
Take on a 10K or half marathon challenge for free as a Purple Wave fundraiser and feel the warmth of the crowds cheering you on as you pound the pavements of Manchester. This year Team 200 aims to raise £18,240, in a nod to our founding year of 1824.
Every penny you raise will help the very best researchers bring us closer to solving our world’s biggest challenges. From cancer to stroke, climate change to global inequality – your Purple Wave challenge will help Manchester experts find the answers faster.
So take your first step towards the start line by starting your fundraising today. We’d love to see you there!
Simply click the orange 'Start fundraising' button on this page and sign up for the Purple Wave 2024. If you reach (or surpass!) your minimum fundraising target, we'll even cover your Purple Wave registration fee.
Minimum fundraising targets are:
10K – £60
Half marathon – £100
You'll need to have raised this before Tuesday, 7 May 2024 and we'll support you every step of the way. If, for whatever reason, you don't reach your minimum fundraising target, please don't panic! You'll still be able to take part in the Purple Wave – you'll simply be invited to purchase your ticket yourself instead.
We will be incredibly grateful for anything you're able to raise, or give, to support Manchester's life-changing research. But don't forget that minimum fundraising targets are just that – a minimum. Every single penny raised will make a big difference. And the sky's the limit!
It's quick and easy to begin fundraising to support Manchester's life-changing research. If you need to talk through your fundraising, or have any questions, just email us at supporters@manchester.ac.uk – we’ll be delighted to hear from you and happy to help.
You can find out more about Manchester's research on our website. And you can also follow our progress X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
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