News | Tuesday, 17th May 2022

Internationally renowned children, care and caring expert to join Manchester Met

Professor Saul Becker will lead new research institute

An internationally renowned expert on vulnerable children, care and caring will join Manchester Metropolitan University to lead a new research institute.

Professor Saul Becker will head the new institute to combine the University’s existing strengths in children, young people and families, bringing his ‘life-changing’ expertise.

Prof Becker has a distinguished track record in research and academic leadership, having worked as a professor at the universities of Cambridge and Birmingham. His most recent role was as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex.

With more than 500 academic publications, he has led more than 50 research projects, funded by a range of UK and international organisations.

Alongside his academic roles, Prof Becker is widely known for his engagement with policy and practice.

He is a registered social worker, a community organiser, ambassador for the UK-wide charity Carers Trust, Chair of the Appeal Board for Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers, and is active in working with multiple professional groups, central and local government, third sector organisations, service users and others.

Universities UK and AccessHE named him a Nation’s Lifesaver and Role Model for his pioneering research ‘which is making a life-changing difference’.

Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I have every confidence that Saul will be an excellent colleague and strong advocate for Manchester Metropolitan University.

“His leadership style is collaborative, empowering, energising, and supportive and he has a strong track record of delivering transformative change, working in partnership with colleagues nationally and around the world.”