Respond to GMCA’s Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) Pilot 2026

The pilot aims to strengthen links between academics and policymakers, helping local government access cutting-edge research, evidence and new ideas while creating opportunities for researchers to generate impact, influence policy and build new partnerships.

Focus on Good Growth and Prevention

The inaugural ARIs are centred on two major themes drawn from the Greater Manchester Strategy and Our Manchester Strategy:

• Good Growth: ensuring economic growth benefits all communities and neighbourhoods, not just boosting productivity and economic output.
• Prevention: creating public services that anticipate problems and improve wellbeing before crises emerge, rather than simply responding after the fact.

There are 13 Areas of Research Interest designed to support Greater Manchester’s long-term priorities over the next four to ten years. Example questions include:

• What does “good growth” mean for different communities and neighbourhoods?
• How should “good growth” and wellbeing be measured beyond traditional indicators such as GDP?
• How can trust in public services be nurtured?
• How can Greater Manchester become more resilient to political, social, economic and environmental shocks?
• How can the value of preventative approaches to public services be realised and evidenced?
• What are the characteristics of a world-leading skills system, and how does Greater Manchester compare?
• How should local leaders involve residents in the design and reform of public services?

Your Research Doesn’t Need to Be a Perfect Match

Researchers should not be deterred if their work does not directly answer one of the ARI questions. The guidance encourages submissions that address any aspect of a question relevant to a researcher’s expertise.

Academics are invited to share evidence, insights, examples and recommendations that could help policymakers tackle these challenges. Responses can draw on completed research, ongoing projects or emerging areas of expertise.

Researchers are also encouraged to propose opportunities for future collaboration, ranging from informal knowledge exchange and policy engagement to placements, PhD projects and joint funding bids.

How to Respond

Responses should be submitted through the GM Consult portal, where academics can select an ARI and provide a summary of relevant research, its policy implications and any support they could offer for future work.

For researchers interested in making a real-world impact, the ARIs pilot offers a valuable opportunity to contribute evidence, build relationships with policymakers and help shape Greater Manchester’s future.

Deadline for submissions: 5 December 2026.

Find out more and submit a response:: Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) Pilot 2026 – Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Citizen Space