Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed it has launched an investigation into a student who published a study dubbed a “PhD in masturbation”.
For an article recently-published in the Journal of Qualitative Research, PhD student Karl Andersson – who was attending the University of Manchester (UoM), but has since been suspended by the insitution – was conducting research into the ‘shota’ genre of Japanese comic books – which are known for centring around prepubescent or pubescent male characters depicted in a “suggestive or erotic” manner.
In his 4,000-word article – which was titled ‘I am not alone – we are all alone: Using masturbation as an ethnographic method in research on shota subculture in Japan’ – Mr Andersson said he wanted to “understand how [individuals] experience sexual pleasure when reading shota”.
To do this, he decided to undertake his own research.
He claims that he embarked on a three-month stint of masturbating to the comic books himself, and making notes on each session, the Telegraph reported.
Andersson added that he had recently come out of a long-term relationship when he began his research – which he said contributed to his “willingness and eagerness”.
The University of Manchester (UoM) has been criticised for allowed a student to publish a “PhD in masturbation” / Credit: University of Manchester
Shortly after the article was published, Mr Andersson and the University of Manchester came under fire and were berated by both members of the public on social media and politicians – who branded the piece “a PhD on masturbation”.
Following the huge uproar online, the article was removed and then retracted by the Journal of Qualitative Research, and the University of Manchester has since launched its own investigation into the matter, as well as suspending Andersson as a precautionary measure pending the outcome of the full investigation.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that it has also opened an investigation.
“We are working closely with the University of Manchester, who are assisting us with our enquiries to establish what, if any, offences have been committed,” GMP told Research Professional News.
In a statement published on 22 August, UoM said it had now completed the initial phase of the investigation, explaining: “We are examining all aspects of the student’s work and academic supervision, the origin of the article, his prior background, the associated university processes for admission to our PGR programme and research conduct, and other questions that have been raised.”
/ Credit: University of Manchester
The university said it was also helping GMP to establish if offences had been committed “in the UK or elsewhere”.
UoM confirmed from its initial phase of investigations that although Andersson was registered for a PhD at the university, the research design which he proposed for his PhD was rejected by the University Research Ethics Committee on 17 June 2022.
The university said it was not aware of the background information on the student.
It said that the case has “highlighted that we must ensure our PhD student recruitment processes are sufficiently robust to appropriately scrutinise the legal, ethical and safeguarding issues of the proposed research and applicants’ prior related activities where relevant.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Kolo Touré joins Manchester City’s backroom staff on a permanent basis
Former Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool defender, Kolo Touré, has now permanently re-joined the club as a first-team coach.
The retired centre-back, who finished his career at Scottish giants Celtic FC before hanging up his boots back in 2017 and becoming part of their backroom staff, has been working with Man City as part of the FIFA Club World Cup set-up.
Having clearly impressed on the road, not to mention having spent last season as Assistant Lead Coach alongside U18s boss Oliver Reiss – with the youth side winning the Premier League North title – the 44-year-old has now been given an assistant coaching job with the senior squad on a full-time basis.
Announced on Tuesday, 15 July, ahead of City’s pre-season tour getting underway next month, Kolo Touré is the latest among multiple recent appointments to manager Pep Guardiola’s ranks.
Hailing from the Ivory Coast and having enjoyed a career spanning more than 15 years, he’s considered one of the greatest African players of all time, so it’s no question that he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role.
Touré, who made more than a century of appearances for the Blues, began his coaching journey with the national team before assisting Brendan Rodgers at both Celtic and Leicester City.
He also spent a rather short spell at another Greater Manchester side, being made head coach of Wigan Athletic in November 2022.
But it wasn’t to be…
The older brother of fellow City club legend, Yaya, was ultimately sacked around two months later (just 59 days, to be exact) after having failed to win a single fixture in his first name games in charge.
Kolo Touré taking instructions from Pep, the chemistry’s taking shape. Brilliant to see Kolo soaking it all in from the very best. He’s here for the long haul, man. You can feel it. pic.twitter.com/RscM9rg0GS
Commenting on Toure’s appointment as first-team assistant coach, Director of Football Hugo Viana said in an official club statement: “We’re delighted to permanently add Kolo to our first team coaching staff.
“Not only does he bring his immensely precious experience at football’s elite level, but he also has a deep connection with Manchester City and a deep knowledge of the Club.
“We’ve also been hugely impressed with his work and success with our Under-18s, and by adding him to our senior staff permanently, this will only strengthen the transition for players in our Academy into the first team.
“As we already saw throughout his time with Pep Guardiola, Pep Lijnders and James French this summer, his massive personality of optimism and positivity is hugely infectious and we’re already looking forward to his work moving forward.”
In case you were unfamiliar with the latter two names, you’ll find all you need to know down below.
Northern Irish trio Kneecap have announced a brand new UK tour, including a date right here in Manchester city centre – and tickets go live this week.
The Belfast-based rap band formed back in 2017 and have gone on to become a politically-charged cult favourite not just over in the ‘Emerald Isle’ but here in Britain and beyond.
Kneecap last performed in Manchester last November at New Century Hall, but their profile has grown even larger since then.
Confirming a UK tour this winter, the divisive group will be coming to 0161 for what is sure to be a sell-out show among their many die-hard fans.
Here we go🔥🔥🔥
We're back in November across Scotland, England and Wales to play our biggest run of shows ever.
🟢 Artist pre-sale tomorrow 10am ⚪️Venue pre-sales Thursday 10am 🟠General sale Friday 10am
Regardless, the outspoken anti-establishment and anti-imperialist musicians, who often work traditional Gaelic language into their music, continue to garner a passionate and loyal following across the globe, especially when it comes to covering contentious subject matter.
While the spotlight was very much on them ahead of their Glastonbury appearance this year, it ended up being fellow punk-rap outfit Bob Vylan who arguably caught the most flak, being condemned by Starmer and subsequently being dropped from multiple gigs, including a Manc music festival.
As for Kneecap, despite member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh being charged with a ‘terror offence’ and Glasto investigations continuing, a total of 11 UK tour dates have been set, with multiple gigs here in the North.
Some fans have also been worrying that recent events could see them dropped from their support slot ahead of Fontaines D.C.’s massive outdoor gig at Wythenshawe Park, though Manchester City Council have so far denied these claims.
This is the kind of energy you can expect at their concerts:
Set to head for the big room at Manchester Academy 1 on 28 November, other nearby concerts include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle.
Kneecap pre-sale goes live from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 July), with official early access via Manchester Academy open from the same time this Thursday, and general admission tickets available on Friday, 19 July – again, from 10am.