Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov, who demonstrated the remarkable properties of wonder material graphene, have been knighted in the New Year Honours list. The Manchester University scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010 for their discovery of graphene – the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material – which is considered to have the potential to revolutionise materials science.  Its remarkable properties could lead to bendy touch screen phones and computers, lighter aircraft, wallpaper-thin HD TV sets, the next generation of computers and superfast internet connections, to name only a few. 

The latest honour, awarded to both men for ‘Services to Science’, is a reflection of the scientists’ growing stature in the scientific world. Professor Novoselov said: “This is a fantastic recognition and a great honour. It is pleasing to see that science is not completely separated from the state, and gaining the acknowledgement it deserves.”  Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “I am hugely proud to have such eminent academics at the University of Manchester and I look forward to many years of their continuing excellence in scientific research.”

The new employees will cost a total of £20m and will be used across different departments to improve teaching and research. The University has also announced £10m worth of improvements to learning spaces on top of plans to refurbish the John Rylands University Library. The President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “This year the University has met all of its financial targets, we are in a strong position and we are now at the point where we can invest in staff. We believe these new positions are essential to improve the experience of our students, my number one priority at the moment, as well as enhancing our research.” 

The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK and offers more than 400 different degree courses to nearly 40,000 students.

A survey published by the Economist Intelligence Unit in September last year shows that Manchester’s ranking in terms of the quality of life continues to improve.  Now ranked 42nd out of 140 cities around the world – eleven places higher than London – Manchester has jumped four places in the EIU’s Global Liveability Survey in the past two years.  Cities are ranked on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, and education and infrastructure.