The Peterloo Institute was was founded by Jemina Freudman in 2020 and is ran by student volunteers from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Students working with the institute study across a variety of subjects including: politics, law, sociology, economics, history and languages.
The Peterloo Institute is a student-run think tank that proudly provides a non-partisan platform for inclusive and diverse participation in policymaking.
Through insightful research, innovative publications, and engaging public events, we work with the people of Greater Manchester to create progressive policies and positive changes. In particular, we’re looking to help tackle two of the most important current issues, both here in the North and across the UK: regional inequality and structural racism.
As Manchester’s first student-run think tank, we’re proud to provide an inclusive and diverse policymaking platform. By engaging with a range of opinions, we’re educating and informing both ourselves and others. But this isn’t just an academic exercise – we participate in the policy world, build partnerships at all levels and provide real solutions to issues across Greater Manchester. We’re harnessing the drive and determination of students to build on the brilliant heritage of this place and its people, all because we think great policy is the best path to progress.
Our Journey:
June-Sept, 2020
The Peterloo Institute is Born!
We conducted our first meeting on the 3rd of June, finalised ‘The Peterloo Institute’ as our official name. and created our logo. Our debut marked the very first launch of a student-led think-tank in Manchester!
Nov-Dec, 2020
Secured Funding and First Event!
This was a time of many firsts and some exciting developments. We were able to secure funding for our research thanks to the University of Manchester School of Social Sciences and the Student Action Fund. On the 15th of December, we also attended our first event titled ‘The Vicious Cycle of Regional Inequality’ with the UK2070 Commission. Later in February 2021, We also become official partners with the International Association for Political Science Students, showcasing our influence within international circles.
July 2021
Celebrated Our Very First Birthday!
Alot of progress was made this year. By March, we expanded the team to over 50 people , and earned 500 followers on linkedin!
2022-2023
Blogs, Workshop and First Report Launch Event!
This was a busy 2 years, and we were able to conduct a range of activities as part of the Peterloo Institute. Some of our notable blog report contributions include progressive taxation as a solution to the UK’s inequality, the impact of COVID-19 on the cost of living, and a look at experiences of homelessness in Manchester with an in-depth interview. We also organised a blog working workshop, and we hosted our first report launch event in March 2023.
June 2023
Celebrated Our 3rd Year Anniversary!
30th October 2025
Talk on Insecure Work in the Festival of Social Science!
At the prestigious Friends Meeting House, we presented a part of our long-running report on inscure work and its impact on university students. During the event, we had some productive talks with participants on how of current employability policy in the UK could be improved, including the Employment Rights Act 2025
February 2026
Insecure Work Report Published!
This report presented the findings of a comprehensive three-year research study examining the experiences of students working under zero-hour contracts (ZHCs), and devised policy recommendations to improve UK employment policy. We conducted surveys, interviews and eutoethnographies across three universities and involved over 140 participants.
You can check out our report through this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y8NZWqW_kgLiPMJdHmxWf8FZShoQ0F2Dth5IxGuxoHE/edit?tab=t.0
Upcoming: 26th September 2026
Common Ground Manchester 2026
Our latest project was born out of our research into the UK housing crisis and impact of studentification on local communities. To tackle this issue , we collaborated with MMU Rise to launch ‘Common Ground Manchester’ in order to improve the resident-student relationships through local community betterment in Hulme and Moss Side. Our event will take part in the Hulme Community Centre and explore the area’s history!
