Universities plan merger

Consultations for the creation of a new university for Manchester have begun between UMISTand the University of Manchester.The proposal would see both universities dissolved to make way for a new institution, which would share research and teaching. The aim would be to undertake world-class teaching and research to rival the handful of leading UK institutions and compete with the best in the world. It was recommended by a joint working group set up between the two universities, and is now being discussed by staff, students and governing bodies. Vice chancellors Professor John Garside and Professor Sir Martin Harris, said: ÔWe welcome the proposal to create a new university, which is a bold and imaginative step. There will now be a full consultation process to discuss the proposal in detail.Õ