This National Higher Education Day (Saturday 6^th June 2026), we’re taking a moment to reflect on the role education plays in shaping our lives and the role of Higher Education in the journeys that lead us to where we are today.

When we think about universities, we often think of their role in advancing knowledge, tackling complex challenges, and educating the next generation of change-makers. But beyond this, universities are also places where ideas take shape, perspectives shift, and lifelong connections are formed.

Everyone who has spent time in higher education has a story: of the people who influenced them, the experiences that changed how they see the world, and the skills and values they’ve carried into their careers.

At Health Innovation Manchester (HInM), these journeys are deeply connected to the work we do today. Through our partnership with Greater Manchester’s four health-focused universities – The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, and the University of Greater Manchester, we bring together academic insight, system leadership, and frontline expertise to turn research into real-world impact for our population.

The strength of collaboration between GM institutions and our health and care system means that we can share talent, knowledge and facilities, to turn scientific discoveries into effective new therapies for the GM population.

To mark National Higher Education Day, we spoke to colleagues from across HInM about their connections to these institutions, the experiences that have shaped their journeys, and how they now find themselves working alongside the very universities where those journeys began.

Here are their stories…

Looking back on that connection, how has it shaped your interests or career direction? Is there one memory, person, or project that stands out?

All my post-registration education has been fundamental in shaping my career, enabling me to develop both staff and services on a sound evidence-base. I have been driven by my career-long passion for learning and belief in the core values of the NHS. One of the biggest standouts in my career was the development of an Emergency Department patient record and electronic tracking system at a local NHS Trust 13 years ago. This was relatively ground-breaking at the time; we developed the electronic system from scratch with a small in-house team of IT developers in just 7 months. We moved all clinical records from paper to an EPR with staff using iPads and tracked all patients through the ED electronically.  I had undertaken doctoral research on the triage element of the system, evaluating its quality and safety benefits under the supervision of the late Professor Nick Hardiker from University of Salford. Developing a digital solution to address a range of clinical and operational problems followed by the rigor of research has equipped me with key skills to lead innovation programmes at Health Innovation Manchester

What is your role at Health Innovation Manchester, and how do you work with GM universities through it?

I am the Chief Nurse at Health Innovation Manchester and work in a range of ways with the GM Universities. We work collaboratively on innovation projects and can also signal opportunities for research and academic evaluation.  We also link with clinical academics specifically aligned to our innovation programmes to strengthen approaches to the design, delivery and evaluation of innovations.

What role do universities play in driving health innovation in Greater Manchester, and what makes this ecosystem distinctive to you?

Universities play a key and critical role in driving innovation not only in GM but nationally and internationally. We have world-renown researchers developing new ways of preventing disease, diagnosing it earlier and treating more effectively. The ecosystem has all the ingredients for success; leading health and care researchers,  a devolved health and care system and an innovation partnership approach led by Health Innovation Manchester. The strong integration creates the right climate for the adoption and spread of innovation.

Looking back on that connection, how has it shaped your interests or career direction? Is there one memory, person, or project that stands out?

My connection with universities has played a significant role in shaping both my interests and the direction of my career. Being surrounded by such a wealth of expertise, knowledge and genuine enthusiasm has encouraged me to stay curious and continually learn. What has stood out most is the diversity of perspectives and experiences I’ve encountered – from researchers and clinicians to communications professionals and patients – which has challenged me to think differently and approach problems from multiple angles. That exposure, more than any single moment, has broadened my outlook and given me a real drive to listen, collaborate and work in more inclusive and innovative ways.

What is your role at Health Innovation Manchester, and how do you work with GM universities through it?

In my role as Senior Communications Manager at Health Innovation Manchester, I work at the intersection of academia, healthcare, industry and communities. A core part of my role is bringing together these diverse perspectives to develop clear, consistent and impactful messaging that reflects the breadth of work happening across the region. Within the communications team we regularly collaborate with colleagues from Greater Manchester’s universities, helping to translate their research and insights into communications that resonate with a wide range of audiences. This involves engaging with people from many different disciplines and backgrounds, ensuring their voices are reflected and aligned, and supporting a more connected and collaborative approach to innovation across the system.

What role do universities play in driving health innovation in Greater Manchester, and what makes this ecosystem distinctive to you?

Universities play a vital role in driving health innovation in Greater Manchester, generating world-leading research and new ideas that have the potential to transform care. What makes the region particularly distinctive is the strength of partnership between universities, the NHS, industry, civic organisations and local communities. This close collaboration enables research to be translated more quickly and effectively into real-world impact, benefiting patients and populations. From a communications perspective, it is such an interesting environment to work in, and in a complex and fast-evolving healthcare landscape it’s that depth of connection and shared commitment across sectors that allows Greater Manchester to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Looking back on that connection, how has it shaped your interests or career direction?
The connection with higher education has played a significant role in shaping my career.  Early on, my focus was very much on bedside care, but over time, engagement with academic learning and teaching helped broaden my perspective towards system improvement and innovation.  As my career developed, I moved into a range of roles including clinical leadership, performance management and urgent care commissioning, each of which gave me a broader understanding of how health and care systems operate beyond the bedside.  A particularly formative experience was the completion of my master’s degree in health and social care at MMU.  This provided exposure to health and care systems from across the world, alongside the opportunity to critically reflect on how these compare with our own system in the UK.  That broader, more strategic perspective was pivotal in influencing my transition from frontline clinical practice into roles focused on service development, digital innovation and improving care at scale.  Alongside this, my ongoing involvement in teaching and supporting others continues to shape my interests, reinforcing the importance of bridging education, research and practice to drive meaningful and sustainable change within the health and care system.

What is your role at Health Innovation Manchester, and how do you work with GM universities through it?
I am currently a Clinical Lead Nurse for Innovation at Health Innovation Manchester, where I support programmes focused on digital healthcare transformation and clinical safety.  Through this role, I work closely with universities across Greater Manchester on a range of initiatives.  This includes contributing to the Greater Manchester Further Education Innovation Programme (GM FEIP), collaborating with colleagues at the University of Salford, including engagement through initiatives such as the Salford Digital NMAHP Festival, and supporting wider teaching and engagement activities that help translate academic research into practical improvements in patient care.  These partnerships are key to ensuring that innovation is both evidence‑based and grounded in real‑world clinical practice.

What role do universities play in driving health innovation in Greater Manchester, and what makes this ecosystem distinctive to you?
Universities play a vital role in driving health innovation across Greater Manchester, bringing research expertise, critical thinking and a pipeline of future workforce into the system.  What makes the GM ecosystem particularly distinctive is the strength and maturity of collaboration across partners.  Health Innovation Manchester itself was formed through the integration of the Greater Manchester Academic Health Science Network and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, bringing together innovation, research and clinical practice into a single infrastructure.  This integrated model creates a genuinely collaborative environment where universities, the NHS and innovation partners work closely together to develop, evaluate and scale new approaches to care.  It allows evidence, education and frontline practice to align more effectively, accelerating the translation of research into real‑world impact for patients and populations across Greater Manchester.

Looking back on that connection, how has it shaped your interests or career direction? Is there one memory, person, or project that stands out?

The project that stands out most is my undergraduate dissertation on the psychological and physical impact of FGM.

It was the first time I had undertaken a research project of that scale, and it taught me how to develop a study from start to finish. Working with survivors and advocates reinforced the importance of evidence-based research and giving a voice to people whose experiences are often overlooked.

I was fortunate to be supported by inspiring academics, particularly Professor Carson and my dissertation supervisor, Dr Michelle Lowe. Their encouragement helped build my confidence as a researcher and shaped the way I approach both my studies and professional work today. Looking back, university gave me much more than a qualification. It taught me how to think critically, conduct meaningful research, analyse evidence, and communicate findings. Those lessons continue to influence both my postgraduate studies and my work in healthcare improvement today.

What is your role at Health Innovation Manchester, and how do you work with GM universities through it?

I am a Project Coordinator at Health Innovation Manchester, supporting several patient safety improvement programmes across Greater Manchester, including MatNeoSIP, MedSIP, and MandetSIP.

My role involves coordinating projects, events, communities of practice, and improvement initiatives that bring together NHS organisations, clinicians, patients, families, researchers, and system leaders. Universities are important partners in this work, helping us draw on the latest research, evidence, and expertise to support innovation and improve patient outcomes.

What role do universities play in driving health innovation in Greater Manchester, and what makes this ecosystem distinctive to you?

Universities are central to health innovation in Greater Manchester. They bring research, expertise, and fresh thinking that help turn ideas into real improvements for patients and communities.

What makes Greater Manchester special is the strong culture of collaboration. Universities, NHS organisations, local authorities, and innovation partners work closely together with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.

As someone who has experienced this ecosystem both as a student and as a healthcare improvement professional, I have a real appreciation for the role universities play. They are not only places of learning and research but also key partners in helping to shape the future of health and care across Greater Manchester.