Your
Gift
2024
MEDICS IN THE MAKING
How donor bursaries are shaping a new generation of doctors Highs and lows in the fight against MND
Sustainability leaders of the future 01
The power of a network
Welcome to the tenth edition of Your Gift magazine.
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sheffield
As we embark on a new year, I am delighted to personally thank you for your incredible contributions to the University of Sheffield. Your ongoing belief and investment in our University helps Sheffield maintain its position as a world-leading institution.
learn about our people and support their future potential. In turn, you foster a culture of charitable support for universities that defines us as a vital source of solutions for society’s biggest challenges. Supporters like you have always unified to help us achieve this. Over the last ten years, alumni have given back more than 55.3 million pounds and 103 thousand hours of time. As we look ahead, I hope to bring together our global community to build on these achievements, finding even more ways for you to be a part of Sheffield’s unique story. Every single donor, fundraiser and volunteer is to be celebrated and recognised. I hope to meet more of you in person in the not-toodistant future to hear what excites you about our extraordinary University.
For a decade, Your Gift has highlighted what it means to give to a University that has big ambitions and a bright future. You are providing talented students with scholarships and grants, helping them combat the worst of the cost-of-living crisis to make the most of their time here. You are giving your time to mentor and share skills with students, instilling confidence and improving their employability. You advocate for fair access to higher education and the opportunities it brings, and I am very grateful for the impact this makes.
For now, I hope you enjoy discovering the remarkable difference you’ve made. We couldn’t do it without you.
Thanks to you, Sheffield remains a centre for research excellence despite turbulence in funding. By providing new facilities and the very best talent for groundbreaking research, you are helping to advance technologies, treat diseases and tackle the climate crisis. You take the time to understand the research,
Professor Koen Lamberts President and Vice-Chancellor
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Grantham Scholars
Pathway to a sustainable future
A new focus for the centre over the coming years will be supporting research into underfunded climate opportunities. Research such as Professor Julie Grey’s recent work on the effects of ‘supercharging’ photosynthesis in rice grains. The result of this exciting study? Crops that absorb twice as much carbon from the atmosphere.
In a world constrained by resources and under threat from environmental damage, innovation is imperative. For a decade now, the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures has supported over 160 brilliant young minds to become the environmental leaders of the future.
Grantham alumni: Where are they now? “I’m an Associate Professor in Applied Data Science at Noroff University College in Norway, designing predictive models for extreme weather scenarios for a hydro-power company.” Angesh Anupam
“The best thing about being a Grantham Scholar is the regular sharing of ideas and collaboration with researchers outside my specific field. I value this hugely because it’s going to take individuals from all backgrounds to tackle the climate crisis.” Sophia van Mourik, Grantham Scholar
“My role at The Wildlife Trust is all about influencing UK policy decisions that protect biodiversity and limit climate change. I still apply many of the lessons I learnt from the Grantham Centre training programme in my day-to-day work.” Dr Joe Llanos “As a Grantham Scholar, I learned how to conduct robust scientific research. And now I am in a position where I communicate scientific research and findings to the appropriate audiences for the purposes of ultimately applying it to decision making.” Emanga Alobwede
Crucially, they’re taking their work out of the labs and into the real world - engaging with the public and politicians on issues both global and local, influencing industrial practice and provoking policy shifts. The training programme is just the beginning of a lifelong commitment towards sustainability. From academia to activism, NGOs to industry, alumni are advocating for evidence-based change in careers across the spectrum of society.
This work was made possible thanks to Jeremy Grantham CBE (BA Economics 1961, Honorary DSc 2012) and his wife Hannelore through the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
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World’s first hydroponic saffron giving agency to refugees “Conditions in Jordan are harsh, with limited resources and employment opportunities. Our aim is to help the refugees there become independent and reduce their reliance on aid.” Dr Moaed Ali Al Meselmani, Researcher at the University of Sheffield and Project Manager of the hydroponic systems in Zaatari
Your support has helped Syrian refugees harvest the world’s first ever hydroponically grown saffron. It’s all part of the long-term Made in Mafraq project linking refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari camp with innovative Sheffield science to help them grow livelihoods, as well as crops. The project has an ambitious vision: Train refugees in eco-friendly hydroponic farming practices; Support them to develop sustainable businesses with their harvest; Get them to train others in their community; Then eventually roll out the concept to other refugee settings. Made in Mafraq’s vision will only be realised because of your continued generosity.
Banking on Santander’s support Since 2010, Santander Universities UK has been impacting our students’ lives for the better.
Now, the bank’s made a further three-year commitment that will help even more Sheffield students through their innovative education, employability and entrepreneurship initiatives. Thank you Santander!
Totalling £1.1m, the gifts have provided start-up finance for budding entrepreneurs, established scholarships for bright students in economic need and funded CV-enhancing placement opportunities.
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Future experts: Engineering Our student-led projects are giving more students than ever the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom in new and exciting ways. Dr Pete Mylon, Senior Teacher in Engineering, explains more. “I’m constantly on the lookout for new opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. Giving them the autonomy to design and make outside of the curriculum enhances their academic learning, builds confidence and develops problem solving skills. This provides the vital skills that they need as the next generation of engineers.
Railway Challenge
“In all my interviews what they seemed to care about the most was the co-curricular things I’d done! Working on the project was such a great learning opportunity for me and a place for me to pick up extra skills; not many software engineers know carbon fibre manufacturing, for example!” Kush, former student lead on the Falcon aircraft project now working as a Software Engineer
Now, thanks in part to donor support, we offer a huge range of “co-curricular” activities for them to get involved in. In the last five years we’ve seen the number of students taking part increase dramatically from 200 working across ten activities in 2018 to 700 involved in almost 20 activities today. And with your continued support, that number is only set to grow further.” Dr Pete Mylon, MEng Mechanical Engineering 2006, PhD Mechanical Engineering 2009 Student-led projects include... Formula Racing
Sheffield Bionics
Develop and build a prosthetic arm, leg and brain-computer interface.
Create a miniature 10 ¼” gauge locomotive.
Project Hex
MarsWorks
Discover the full range of studentled engineering activities
Design, build and race a small-scale racing car.
Create and fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs).
Develop and test an autonomous Mars rover. 05
Railway Challenge
SOCIAL DIVERSITY IN MEDICINE
GEM medics celebrate their graduation
Thanks to financial support from donor-funded bursaries, students from all backgrounds are fulfilling their ambition to become a doctor.
disadvantaged backgrounds and turning to medicine as a second degree meant they each had significant barriers to overcome.
Sheffield Medical School has long been committed to widening access to ensure that the doctors of the future represent the populations they’ll go on to serve. This is key in reducing health inequalities seen both nationally and within the region. Our graduate entry medicine (GEM) programme is a widening participation initiative that’s playing an instrumental role in responding to local and national workforce needs. Beyond merely breaking down barriers, it’s helping to retain talent within the Yorkshire region.
“Without the bursary, it would be near impossible for these students to study on our MBChB programme. This financial help allows not only the possibility of changing individual lives but is pivotal in improving the health of the nation.” Lopa Husain, GEM Director and Academic Lead for Widening Participation
Back in 2020’s edition of Your Gift, we introduced the first cohort of 15 exceptional individuals who shared the same aspiration: to become remarkable doctors. For these ambitious students, achieving their goal wasn’t going to be easy. Coming from financially
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AN EXCEPTIONAL SCIENTIST’S LASTING LEGACY
“I would have had a completely different life and ambitions if it wasn’t for the bursary. I hope I will be able to give back to the community and help someone the way I have been helped.” Minhazel Haque, GEM bursary recipient
Thanks to alumni support, these bright students were offered the chance to fulfil their dream here at the University of Sheffield. A tailored, donor-funded bursary alleviated the financial pressure of studying medicine as a second degree and this financial support has made all the difference. Fast forward to July this year and these new graduates have been able to celebrate their achievement together, before heading out to get to work in their communities.
Dr Sheena Waitkins
Alumna Dr Sheena Waitkins chose to leave £150,000 in her Will to help students at the University of Sheffield. Today, her gift is making a life-changing difference to those benefitting from it. Behind this gift was a remarkable woman and scientist, remembered for her kind-heartedness, brilliance and captivating storytelling.
The GEM bursary, which so far has supported 75 medics, has been made possible thanks to two key donations: A gift from Dr Edwin Moses (BSc Chemistry 1976) through the Toby Moses Bursary, named in memory of his son who unexpectedly died of a rare infection when he was just five years old; and a gift from Dr Sheena Waitkins (PhD Medical Microbiology 1973) in her Will. Our incredible donor community is helping to create and maintain these vital routes into medicine for underrepresented groups. And we are so grateful.
“My Aunt Sheena was the most amazing human being and the kindest, most generous woman you could ever hope to meet. I miss her so much, but her legacy lives on in the tremendous gift she has left to these students, and the incredible work they will go on to do.” Cara Clapham, Dr Sheena Waitkins’ niece
Dr Waitkins began her studies at Glasgow University before furthering her education at Sheffield and Cambridge. After graduating, her successful scientific career spanned 45 years. In later life she became a teacher, handing down her knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. Through her donation, she’s left behind a powerful legacy that will have a profound impact on many more lives for years to come.
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A SUMMER OF INSPIRATION
What’s the aim of the summer school programme?
In comparison to their more advantaged peers, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds are much less likely to apply to and win a place at the most selective institutions. As part of our commitment to reducing this inequality, we’ve partnered with the Sutton Trust to give high-achieving year-12 students from less advantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience university life for a week, for free. Megan Rostern-Thomson (MChem Chemistry 2016), the University’s Educational Partners Access Manager, tells us more.
To help these young people realise that applying for and succeeding at - a leading university is absolutely within their reach. There’s a real focus on knowledge, confidence and skills building so they come away feeling both informed and inspired. We also want them to know that it’s part of a whole package of support designed to help them flourish throughout their studies. Things like a transition programme from year-13, being prioritised for scholarships and access to employability initiatives like London City Connections (see p.12).
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What outcomes do you expect to achieve? It’s very much about encouraging students to apply for any top university. When you learn that summer school participants are four times more likely to receive an offer than their peers, and that 62% have gone on to attend a Russell Group institution, the figures speak for themselves. I can’t wait to find out how many of those who visited Sheffield this summer join us in 2024 though! What kind of things do they do throughout the week? It’s a packed timetable! 10+ hours of teaching, workshops to help them navigate UCAS and information about financial support. The social side of things is really important too. Meeting other young people in their situation is both comforting and empowering. We found they really bonded and formed some strong friendships during the week. Where do the students stay whilst in Sheffield? It’s often the first time they’ve been away from home, so helping them feel safe, welcome and comfortable is our priority. They each get their own room in a shared apartment at our student residences. It’s very similar to what they’d experience as a first-year moving into University accommodation.
Hear from the students themselves
How are the summer schools funded?
“It was a great experience which will stay with me for life! Thank you so much!”
It wouldn’t have happened without a donation from alumnus Dr James Taylor (BA Geography 1994, PhD Geography 1998). He funded travel and meals for the 90 students, as well as paying student ambassador wages. We cover everything else. The infrastructure is in place here at the University, we just need the funding to be able to welcome even more students in future!
“I’ve learnt so many new things and met so many incredible people. Thank you for making this summer one of the best summers I’ve had. I’ll definitely be applying for Sheffield next year.” “I would rate this programme the highest of ratings, it was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to take part and experience everything.”
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MND: RELENTLESS HOPE
“As an MND patient, any advances in research are extremely important. SITraN’s research gives hope to me and others with the disease, however small. This potentially life changing research has got to be continued and supported.” Tim Shone (1954 - 2023)
Tim Shone and Professor Dame Pamela Shaw
Gemma was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition in 2016 at the age of 29. Almost immediately, Gemma, her family and friends began fundraising for SITraN. She played an integral part in our 2017 Sheffield Scanner appeal, recording a powerful video to motivate others to give. This film and her story inspired people to donate over £2 million to successfully fund the region’s first PET-MRI scanner. Gemma’s commitment to fighting MND remained with her to the last, choosing to leave £2,500 in her Will to further understanding of this cruel disease.
Motor neurone disease (MND) affects around 5,000 people in the UK, translating to a 1 in 300 lifetime probability of receiving a diagnosis. There is no cure and the pursuit of effective treatments is an immensely complex and formidable challenge. But at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) we’re making progress. And with your support, the future of MND treatment will be forged in Sheffield.
A year of mixed emotions The last twelve months have brought hope and reason to celebrate. An international clinical trial led by SITRraN’s Director, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, has been shown to slow the progression of one type of MND. This is a step in the right direction to find new therapies and treatments. But, we have also mourned the great loss of two incredible people, whose determination and dedication to fundraising has inspired countless others to do the same.
Tim was diagnosed with MND in January 2022. Knowing there was nothing that could be done to stop the rapid degeneration and the pain that would
Gemma Middleton and Tim Shone both lost their lives to MND in 2023. They were both grateful patients of Professor Shaw. It was through her that they each began a passionate fight against MND through fundraising.
Gemma Middleton
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The beginnings of a breakthrough
Tim was diagnosed with MND in January 2022. Shortly after, he was referred to Professor Shaw and his relationship with the University began. Knowing there was nothing that could be done to stop the rapid degeneration and the pain that would be caused when the news broke, Tim and his wife Anne waited as long as they could to tell family and friends. When they did find out, just as with Gemma, they wanted to do all they could. Tim, his three children and six grandchildren, alongside his friends, have now raised an astounding £178,000 for MND research at the University of Sheffield.
Researchers at SITraN, The Neuroscience Institute and NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre have made a significant advancement in MND drug therapy research through a phase 3 clinical trial of the drug tofersen. “This is going to change the future of MND trials for patients.” Professor Dame Pamela Shaw
For Tim and Gemma’s support, we will be forever grateful. We will always remember them, they have left an indelible mark on the University.
They found that patients with a subtype of MND that causes a faulty SOD1 gene reported better mobility and lung function a year after taking tofersen. Some patients also experienced a slowing of their progressive symptoms. The results of this trial are incredibly promising. One patient showed such significant improvement that they went from being in a wheelchair to being able to walk without sticks. Marking a pivotal moment in MND research, the drug has been granted accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration under the trademark Qalsody. It’s the first treatment to target a genetic cause of MND.
SITraN’s next chapter - written by you? SITraN has proven that the co-location of clinical and scientific teams, really works. But in part due to its great success, the facility is facing chronic pressures and is operating beyond capacity, delaying advancements.
A community against MND
Now, a world-class sister facility will be built adjoined to SITraN that will double capacity, grow research and drug discovery programmes and build on promising areas, such as cell and gene therapy.
Throughout the past year, individuals taking on a variety of personal challenges have raised a staggering £108,561 to help tackle this devastating disease. People like Dr Amy Keerie, a postdoctoral researcher at SITraN who helped raise over £20,000 by running the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon. “Through my work I’ve had the privilege to meet patients with MND. This has inspired me to search for new treatments and raise money to help with research in this area,” she said.
We know that SITraN’s next chapter will be written in part thanks to our incredible donor community. Thanks to you, we’ve already raised £6.1 million towards the £10 million project target. We cannot wait to share more details about this exciting new phase with you.
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The social network
London City Connections networking event at DLA Piper
For almost a decade, graduates now working in London have been opening the doors of their organisations to young people looking to follow in their footsteps. During this time, Sheffield students who most need support to fulfil their potential have had insider access to the likes of global technology giant Meta, magazine and commercial radio organisation Bauer Media and insurance provider Aviva.
Sheffield alumni are opening the doors of their organisations to students most in need of a helping hand as part of volunteering programme, London City Connections. Access to this network of contacts is having a powerful impact on these young people and their future careers. Research shows that access to professional networks can significantly enhance the value of a degree as graduates begin and progress through their careers. But what if you’re the first in your family to go to university? You don’t have role models in your community? Or you have a job in mind, but feel it’s out of reach for people like you? Without contacts to call upon for support and advice, these students often have nowhere to turn.
Aspiration, inspiration, information Connecting with successful alumni who are forging careers in these organisations is hugely inspiring. As well as hearing about their personal career journeys, students gain an invaluable insight into the range of roles on offer and, crucially, how their own skills and experience might fit in there. It’s all about giving these young people the ‘foot in the door’ they wouldn’t otherwise have.
London City Connections fills that gap. This sectorleading employability initiative connects students with those who were once in their shoes themselves: Sheffield alumni.
Travelling to London, visiting elite businesses and networking for the first time can be a big deal for these students. To combat this, they receive specialist coaching to prepare them for the day. Many reported
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increased feelings of confidence about the London trip having attended the coaching session. This was reflected in alumni feedback after last year’s visit, which saw 40 ‘widening participation’ students head to the capital. “It was so inspiring seeing the level of enthusiasm and drive from all the students. They were so proud and excited to get this opportunity,” said alumna Joanna Richardson (BA Modern Languages with Interpreting, 2000), Marketing Director at Heartwood Collection. Jon Kenworthy (LLB Law, 1986), Partner and Head of UK Corporate at DLA Piper agrees. “They were an inspiring bunch. DLA Piper highly values its relationship with the program and we look forward to continuing engagement,” he said.
Joanna Richardson
Let’s debunk… This is about equipping students with the skills and personal attributes that make them more attractive to potential employers and more likely to secure a job after graduation. For example, those EMPLOYABILITY all-important networking skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their careers.
Your generous funding for scholarships plays a vital role in giving bright students the opportunity to study here, regardless of their background. But improving social mobility and enhancing their likelihood to thrive post-university is about more than just finances. It’s about forging relationships, growing confidence, gaining skills and realising potential. And thanks to the alumni who so generously give their time and share their expertise, that’s exactly what London City Connections does.
These are former students who give their time to support the University and its students. Volunteers can be at any stage in their career journey and can contribute anything from ALUMNI a case study to mentoring or sitting VOLUNTEERS on an industry panel.
“London City Connections is the most valuable event I’ve attended at the University. The networking advice was extremely useful and I now feel I have the skills and confidence to network and gain the most from these opportunities.”
This is a national initiative committed to reducing barriers and improving access to higher education for disadvantaged groups. “WP” criteria includes students living with a disability, WIDENING from low-income backgrounds or PARTICIPATION areas with low participation, young carers, underrepresented ethnic minorities and care leavers.
Chloe Mathison, BA Business Management student
SOCIAL MOBILITY
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Put simply, this means doing better or worse in terms of lifetime outcomes than your parents. High levels of social mobility mean that those from all backgrounds are able to access opportunities suited to their talents and aspirations.
I started my degree in Sociology in 1966. I was only able to afford it thanks to a full grant, plus compensation from the accident. By this point I’d been estranged from my family for some time and my father had died. Living in my little bedsit in Broomhill was lonely at times, but I had a busy social life and became involved in student politics. It was only really after graduation - and meeting students from the art college (now Sheffield Hallam) on Psalter Lane - that my love of film really began. “Helping students from difficult backgrounds is my way of telling them they’re valued; that they matter just as much as everyone else.”
REFLECTIONS. FROM ONE DONOR TO ANOTHER.
Eventually, it was time to move on from Sheffield and I headed for London to teach Sociology at Goldsmiths. With my interest piqued, I also enrolled on a postgraduate Film Studies diploma. Little did I know that this would lead to a successful and fulfilling career in film: lecturing, research, publishing - and a particular highlight - editing the prestigious journal, Screen. I’m currently Emeritus Professor and Research Fellow in Film Studies at Queen Mary University of London. If you’d have told me in 1966 what my life would be like in 2024, I wouldn’t have believed you. But I’m glad I didn’t have a destination in mind because it allowed me to discover new things and follow my true passion.
Author, cultural historian and educator Annette Kuhn reflects on her road to and from Sheffield, and what this reveals about why she gives back.
“I spent my early childhood in Chiswick, West London. I was a good student, passing the 11+ and getting a place at a girls’ grammar school. But towards the end of my schooling my family broke down and I was made homeless. With the help of my teachers I found somewhere to live and went on to train as a librarian - one of the few career options open to young women in the early 1960s.
So why do I give back to Sheffield after all these years? Because education got me out of a difficult situation and changed the course of my life forever. I received help when I needed it most and I want to do the same for the next generation. When I think about how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting students today, I can’t help but think about those who are estranged from their families like I was. Sheffield will be their only home, just like it was mine. If I can ensure they get as much out of their university experience as I did, I know I’ll have done some good with where my life has taken me.”
Around the second year of my training, I was involved in a serious road accident and spent a long time recovering in hospital. This gave me time to reflect. Whilst there I met a young woman who was studying for a degree. She wasn’t posh, nor any more intelligent than me. So I thought if she can do it, then so can I.
Annette Kuhn, BA Sociology 1969
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A community of changemakers This year, 40 students from across the University have tackled a range of issues in the Sheffield City Region as part of new social action programme Change Lab. Alongside the local impact, students get to pursue causes they’re passionate about and gain valuable experience of working with third-sector organisations, as well as training to boost their skills, confidence and CVs. One of the five Change Lab action groups partnered with local youth homelessness charity Roundabout to successfully set up Sheffield’s first ‘phone bank.’ Its aim is to reduce social isolation and remove barriers to securing work, study and benefits for homeless young people without access to a phone.
“Hearing about the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness really reinforced the importance of the project. The phone banks we’re setting up will enable them to access vital services and support which will make a real difference to their lives.” Ani, homelessness action group student lead
Change Lab is made possible thanks to Rackham Foundation funding and is run by Sheffield Students’ Union.
Creativity unlocked: Raising aspirations of students in need
Over the next five years, 30 new students are set to receive financial and career assistance thanks to a generous gift from the Ragdoll Foundation. Students on their Scholarship and Employability Programme will receive bespoke careers coaching, internship opportunities in local SMEs and employability funding - giving them the best possible chance of building successful, fulfilling careers after graduating. Dr Anne Wood CBE (HonLittD 2014), creator of iconic children’s TV shows such as Teletubbies and In the Night Garden, set up the Ragdoll Foundation with the aim of building aspiration amongst under-represented and disadvantaged groups. The initiative is particularly keen to support young women from the North East of England who want to take on a degree with a strong creative element.
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TEN YEARS OF IMPACT Since Your Gift was first published in 2014, your collective generosity has had a huge impact. You’ve changed lives, powered important research and helped shape the University of Sheffield into the inclusive, world-leading educational hub it is today.
£55.3m
11,733 donors
regular donors from 23 countries
community fundraisers have raised £1.7m
5,828
£15.1 m
112
6,183
in donations from alumni and friends
2,470
1,696
alumni have volunteered 103k hours of their time
to medical research
gifts in Wills totalling £12.5m
students have received hardship grants
2,856
45,000
394
£8.6m
donor-funded scholarships
Campaigns and Alumni Relations University of Sheffield 40 Victoria Street Sheffield S10 2TN
students have been supported by alumni volunteers
student clubs and societies supported
to sustainability research
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Exempt charity X1089