Mark Mann

‘Beacon of Truth’ candidate Mark Mann announces UoC Chancellor race entry

Engineer turned social innovation leader pledges to keep Cambridge the world’s beacon of truth – and to turn that truth into action.

Dr Mark Mann, Cambridge graduate and academic, former BBC R&D technologist and the architect of Oxford’s pioneering social venture spinout programme, today announced that he will stand for election as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

“If scientific theory and research are the core components of truth, then innovation is that truth in action,“ said Dr Mann.

“Only action will counter misinformation and demonstrate to society the value of truth and where you find it, in our universities. As Chancellor, I will empower Cambridge’s brilliant minds into action that will shape our world for the better. I will champion our cause to bring in partners who share our vision of positive impact through innovation, and to burn the beacon of truth brighter than ever before.”

From a state school background in Yorkshire, Mann read Natural Sciences at Pembroke College (1999) and completed a PhD in Engineering in 2008. He went on to translate research into broadcasting innovation at the BBC before joining Oxford University Innovation, where he created the University’s first social purpose spinouts and co founded ImpactU, an organisation backing mission driven ventures across the UK – including Cambridge.

If elected, Dr Mann says he will use the influence conferred by the role to:
• Defend truth and open debate – advocating for academic freedom and policies that reward rigour, evidence, transparency and integrity.
• Enable Cambridge innovators – expanding early stage funds and support and simplifying processes so that any student or researcher, in any discipline, can turn ideas into companies, social enterprises, charities, partnerships or public policy solutions.
• Champion Cambridge globally – using the convening power of the Chancellor’s ceremonial role to unite alumni, industry and governments in supporting the University’s values of discovery, integrity and inclusive excellence.

Turnout from the University’s electorate in 2011 was under two per cent and in-person only. With a switch to hybrid voting enabling a far higher potential turnout, the race to become Chancellor is wide open. Mann’s campaign therefore will not only speak to the heart of the University, but our vast global network of trailblazers and changemakers and will empower them to ensure Cambridge remains an institution that stands for truth, makes a positive impact with that truth, and the advancement of humankind.

What makes Cambridge great is the people who study, research and work here and their relentless pursuit of truth. When that truth is used by society, it changes people’s lives for the better.

But today, truth is under threat. With the spread of misinformation and political and ideological pressures clouding public understanding, society needs its institutions, now more than ever, to be beacons of truth and to do everything in their power to get that truth out.

I first came to Cambridge as a state-school student in 1999, leaving 11 years later after a PhD and research career in Engineering combined with a lifelong commitment to turn brilliant ideas into real-world solutions. At the BBC, I translated cutting-edge research into broadcasting innovation. Later, at the University of Oxford, I launched the University’s first research-based social ventures, showing how academic research—across sciences, humanities, and arts—can tackle real societal challenges, from poverty to climate change. With ImpactU, I brought Cambridge, Oxford, and ten other universities together to combine and grow resources to accelerate mission-driven ventures, demonstrating what’s possible when we combine our truths with real-world action. I now work building capacity for successful knowledge transfer from universities across the UK and Europe.

What my journey taught me is that if scientific theory and research are the core components of truth, then innovation is that truth in action. Therefore, my vision for Cambridge is a simple one: we will burn the beacon of truth brighter than ever before, and our innovation and impact will be the vehicle that carries our light into the world. In the role I will champion Cambridge’s values, amplify our voice, and actively work to help grow existing pathways and create new ones for innovation to flourish.

If elected, I pledge to:
• Defend truth and open debate – advocating for academic freedom and policies that reward rigour, evidence, transparency and integrity.
• Enable Cambridge innovators – expanding early stage funds and support and simplifying processes so that any student or researcher, in any discipline, can turn ideas into companies, social enterprises, charities, partnerships or public policy solutions.
• Champion Cambridge globally – using the convening power of the Chancellor’s ceremonial role to unite alumni, industry and governments in supporting the University’s values of discovery, integrity and inclusive excellence.

This election matters. At a time when truth itself needs guardians, Cambridge must remain both the compass and the catalyst that society relies upon. Every vote makes a difference.

Join me in protecting Cambridge’s legacy, shaping its future, and reaffirming our commitment to truth, integrity, and world-shaping impact.