Greater Manchester Areas of Research Interest 2026 pilot

GMCA and Manchester City Council have been supported by the GM Policy Hub and academics at The University of Manchester to create pilot areas of research interest for the city region.

Areas of research interest (ARIs) represent an opportunity for local government (local authorities and the combined authority) to think strategically about how to address major policy problems and offer a unique opportunity for academics to start policy conversations that can lead to research impact. 

GMCA and Manchester City Council have been supported by the GM Policy Hub and academics at The University of Manchester to create pilot ARIs for the city region. 

The ARIs draw on the Greater Manchester Strategy and Our Manchester Strategy, guided by a focus on two priorities: good growth and prevention (in relation to public services that anticipate needs and that are agile and person-centred).

Through joint workshops with academic and policy experts, followed by consultation within GMCA and Manchester City Council, 13 ARIs have been developed to support delivery of long-term strategic goals.

The ARIs pilot seeks to identify the best evidence and new thinking on these themes. Furthermore, the pilot is also interested in how evidence can be obtained (for instance, by how to involve residents in reforming public services) and is seeking evidence to inform policy on these themes over a 4-10 year horizon.

The ARIs are now available on GM Consult for six months, closing in December 2026.