THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
YOUR UNIVERSITY 2021/2022 DECOLONISING THE CURRICULUM Why it’s important for the University
A DECADE OF RESEARCH 10 years of battling neurodegenerative diseases with SITraN
LEARNING WITH MAKER{FUTURES} Teaching through fun and creativity
Emily Maitl s Journalist, documentary maker, TV presenter: Sheffield’s own Emily Maitlis reflects on a remarkable year in news
YOUR UNIVERSITY
THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS 2021/2022
A note from your editor
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lthough it has been a challenging year due to the pandemic, the University is continuing to adapt and respond in how it delivers teaching and learning in line with the government’s roadmap. And despite the challenges, I’ve seen some truly remarkable stories coming out of the University. I’m also pleased to share some tremendous news for the University, the region and the North of England: the University is opening a gene therapy innovation centre, which will pioneer new treatments for millions of patients with devastating genetic disorders (see page 10). Within this issue you can also read about the latest developments on campus (see page 9), why decolonising the curriculum is important to us (see page 24), and how we are supporting students during the pandemic and beyond (see page 4). Plus, you can read all about what your fellow alumni are up to now (see page 39). I hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of the magazine.
Sarah Hopkins (BA English Language with Linguistics 2003) Alumni Communications Manager
C O N T E N T S Cover portrait: CAMERA PRESS/ Stuart Mcclymont
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FEATURES 16 Getting to know you Results from the recent alumni survey
18 In the city: Sheffield’s road to recovery How we’re working with the City and Region
20 My Sheffield: Emily Maitlis We catch up with the journalist, documentary maker and lead presenter of BBC’s Newsnight
23 Transforming lives through a gift in a Will The largest legacy gift in the University’s recent history
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24 Decolonising the curriculum
REGULARS
What does it mean and why is it important?
04 UNIVERSITY NEWS
26 SITraN - A decade of impact
12 RESEARCH IN FOCUS
A look back at the advances we’ve made in neuroscience
33 IN PROFILE
28 Unforeseen hardship
37 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
How we’re supporting students affected by the pandemic
39 YOUR NOTES AND NEWS
30 Think. Make. Learn. Repeat. 42 ALUMNI HONOURS Why we’re passionate about Maker Education
43 ALUMNI BENEFITS
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Go digital sheffield.ac.uk/ youruniversity Prefer to receive the digital magazine? Let us know by emailing alumni@sheffield.ac.uk 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY
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D I G E S T Your University’s top news and achievements in the past year 4
QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2022
The QS World rankings are announced in June each year and the University ranked:
1
IN THE TOP
UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD
How your University is responding to the Covid-19 challenge
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We’ve had to make significant changes to the way we operate in order to keep our students, staff and wider community safe during the pandemic – this has been our priority throughout. Since the outbreak began, we’ve continued to deliver teaching and carry out research in new and innovative ways. We’re incredibly proud of our community response.
STUDENT SUPPORT Of course, this has been an incredibly challenging time for our students, and we’ve been working hard to ensure they receive all the support they need. A £3 million Covid-19 Support Fund has been established for students who need financial assistance. We’re providing packages of practical and wellbeing support to students who need to self-isolate. And we’re continuing to enhance our mental health provision. To give students and their families some reassurance when they returned home for the Christmas break, we set up our own Covid-19 Testing Centre in under two weeks. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to work in line with the latest government guidance and advice to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. We plan to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as possible as soon as it is safe to do so. We look forward to welcoming our new students to Sheffield later this year and providing them with an on-campus Sheffield experience.
YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
IN THE UK
FINANCIAL HELP
£3m
Covid-19 Support Fund for students
IN NUMBERS
300,000 THE UNIVERSITY HAS OVER 300,000 ALUMNI WITH 15 ALUMNI GROUPS BASED IN 205 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE WORLD
WE REFOCUSED OUR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Our academics have researched and advised on almost every aspect of the pandemic: • Our researchers supported the pioneering Oxford vaccine trial, working with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to recruit hundreds of volunteers to assess its effectiveness. • The University of Sheffield Health Centre started administering the Covid-19 vaccine to residents in the city in January after it became one of the latest vaccination hubs. A team of 35 workers from the University Health Service including GPs, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare assistants began to roll out the vaccine to high priority groups, such as community health workers and the over-80s.
pandemic on the region’s cultural sector. They’ve submitted evidence to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to inform how creative industries are supported.
• Our academics have also played a key role in the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium. Their research is helping us understand immune responses to the virus, the long-term health impacts of Covid-19 and the psychological impact of lockdowns.
• Our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC played a pivotal role in the Ventilator Challenge UK Consortium, responding to the Prime Minister’s call for thousands of medical ventilators. The AMRC Cymru facility in North Wales was completely transformed to become the main ventilator manufacturing facility – 10 years’ production of life-saving equipment was delivered in 10 weeks.
• Our researchers have worked with Sheffield City Council and Sheffield City Region to assess the impact of the
For more about our Covid-19 research and innovation, please visit: sheffield.ac.uk/research/ coronavirus
Regional skills high on agenda with nationally leading partnership
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he University is part of a new regional skills partnership in the Sheffield City Region set up to tackle skills shortages in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The partnership aims to identify positive and practical actions which can help the most disadvantaged young people as they enter the post-18 system through education or work. Secondary school pupils in the Sheffield region who receive free school meals for 80 per cent or more of their school lives are on average 25 months behind in their academic progress compared with their peers. This hardship has been compounded by the impact of Covid-19, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable hardest. Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, the partnership will act as a forum for building a post-18 education and skills system in the Sheffield City Region and will focus on issues such as skills shortages, education progression routes, apprenticeship opportunities, outreach work with hard-to-reach communities and delivering lifelong learning. The partnership brings together leaders from the Sheffield City Region’s further and higher education providers, the Local Enterprise Partnership, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), and the Higher Education Progression Partnership. Professor Koen Lamberts, President and ViceChancellor of the University, said, ‘‘As a truly civic university and anchor institution, we take seriously our responsibility to the region’s people, economy, healthcare and education. This partnership brings together the region’s key educational institutions which have a collective responsibility to support the education of the most disadvantaged young people in the region. This collaborative work and the shared vision of the Partnership signals the beginning of what we hope will be lasting and demonstrable change to post-18 education routes for those who need it most.” 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
University pledges carbon neutral campus by 2030
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he University has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions on campus by 2030 and across all activities by 2038. These commitments, set out in the new five-year sustainability strategy, are informed by academic research, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) call for comprehensive climate action and the Tyndall Centre’s 2019 report, ‘Setting Climate Commitments for the City of Sheffield’. The strategy is the latest step in the University’s sustainability journey. Earlier this year, student representatives played a key role alongside staff in the decision to switch procured campus electricity to a renewable supplier, Bryt Energy, ensuring that 100 per cent of procured electricity on campus will come from wind, solar and hydro sources. Between 2005 and 2019, the University cut its carbon emissions by 35 per cent. And in 2019, the University announced it had fully divested its endowment from fossil fuel investments. The new sustainability strategy takes these commitments further. It includes pledges to embed Education for Sustainable Development into all taught courses, maintain a 100 per cent renewable procured electricity supply and tackle high-carbon travel practices. The strategy summarises the University’s thinking on research and innovation, education, and campus and City Region sustainability challenges. In bringing together this work, sustainability
Becoming carbon neutral will be a landmark step in the University’s sustainability journey. leads have drawn upon the whole University community, from student climate campaigners to senior academics. Both academic staff and students continue to engage cooperatively to map out the University’s path to net-zero. President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Koen Lamberts said, “We aim to become one of the most sustainable research-intensive universities in the country by aligning our research, teaching and campus to ensure sustainable practice across everything we do. We will become net carbon neutral on campus by 2030 and across all activities by 2038. “The challenges we face are multifaceted and any action we take to overcome them requires a careful balance between environmental, economic and social factors to understand their full impact. But we will never lose sight of the urgent need to cut emissions, restore habitats and secure our planet for the future.” Dr Rachael Rothman, Co-Director of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures and Academic Lead for Sustainability, added, “The science is
showing us that bold and decisive action is needed to combat the climate emergency. As highlighted by the IPCC, the next ten years will be crucial. At Sheffield, we are stepping up to the challenge by setting ourselves ambitious but achievable targets for emissions reductions. “Underpinning our strategy lies an action plan which will ensure that we are being transparent by showing how we aim to achieve our ambitious targets. We will be providing regular updates to ensure we are making progress towards our targets and continually assessing whether our strategy remains in line with the science.” You can find out more about the new sustainability strategy by visiting: sheffield.ac.uk/sustainability/strategy
Recognition for our impact on society and the economy
TOP 10% 6
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The University is in the top 10 per cent of universities in England for working with businesses to find solutions to problems in industry and society, according to a new framework published in March this year. The first ever Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), published by Research England,
also places Sheffield in the top 10 per cent of universities for working with the public and third sectors, as well as for commercialising its research and intellectual property, and for public and community engagement. The KEF is a new analysis of data that shows the contribution that higher
education institutions make to society. It reveals how universities work with partners locally, nationally and internationally to find solutions to economic and social challenges – known as knowledge exchange. Visit our digital magazine for the full story: bit.ly/YU-KEF
Long-lost castle reveals Sheffield’s roots in the Middle Ages Sheffield is known around the world for its musical and industrial heritage. However, its castle – once one of the most powerful political and cultural centres in medieval England – deserves a place in the history books too, according to archaeologists. For the first time, findings from all of the major excavations of the castle – conducted in the 1920s, 1950s, 1990s and 2018 – have been collected in a book. Sheffield Castle: Archaeology, Archives, Regeneration, 1927-2018, is authored by Professor John Moreland from our Department of Archaeology, Professor Dawn Hadley from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, and Ashley Tuck and Milica Rajic from Wessex Archaeology. This new, definitive account reveals that Sheffield Castle played a major role in local, national and international affairs in the medieval era. Professor John Moreland said, “Since the castle was largely destroyed following the English Civil War and multiple developments have been built on its site since, Sheffield’s rich medieval history has largely been forgotten.” Now, archaeologists are calling for the castle, and Sheffield’s significance in the Middle Ages, to be recognised in the redevelopment of the Castlegate area of the city centre. The team is working with Sheffield City Council to explore how best to use the city’s new-found medieval heritage in future regeneration. “Our studies have revealed Sheffield’s importance on the national and international stage, well before the steel boom. This deep history reveals the persistence of Sheffield as a place of some importance over centuries. Read online or download for free: sheffield. ac.uk/alumni/sheffield-castle-1927-2018
A virtual model of the castle, based on research led by Professor John Moreland.
New blast laboratory to help protect against attacks by terrorists
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new world-class laboratory to develop unprecedented insight into the behaviour of explosives – and improve our ability to protect against terrorist attacks – is being launched by engineers at the University. The first of its kind facility, led by Dr Sam Clarke from the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, will help academia and industry to better engineer materials capable of resisting or mitigating the effects of explosions. Thanks to £1.3 million of government funding from the World Class Labs initiative announced in January, the Sheffield researchers are building a new laboratory that will provide a safe environment in which explosive, fragment and ballistic tests can be conducted whilst allowing the highest possible spectrum of data to be collected. The findings could inform ways to protect critical infrastructure and urban environments against explosive threats. Most experimental research on the impact of blasts uses highly simplified geometric scenarios. However, as real-world explosions often occur in more complex settings, such as densely populated cities and urban areas, there is a need to better understand how explosives interact with, and how their effects are influenced by, the materials and structures that surround them. This includes the detonation products and resulting fragments produced by an explosion that pose a major risk to life. The laboratory will be able to deliver this crucial insight using a new reinforced concrete blast chamber, capable of withstanding a
The new lab will allow ballistic tests to be conducted in a safe environment. 1kg explosive internal blast. The testing facility will be able to fully quantify how an explosive interacts with its immediate confining materials and structures, which could be used to develop methods for mitigating and reducing the impact generated from explosives through the intelligent application of materials. The laboratory will also be capable of testing the impact that explosives can have on cities under various scenarios, which will provide crucial data for engineering models that inform risk assessments for high-risk infrastructure projects. Dr Clarke, Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering, said, “The grant provides a stepchange in our capabilities to investigate the region very close to an explosive detonation. The combination of ultra-high speed cameras, thermal imaging and flash X-ray diagnostics, combined with our current capabilities in load characterisation, will give us a unique capability to push forward research into protecting people from devastating blast effects.” Watch the video about Explosive research at Sheffield: sheffield.ac.uk/research/ features/what-happenswhen-bomb-explodes
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
Record donation will support disadvantaged students and pioneering medical research
Secondary school pupils taking part in an outreach event as part of the University of Sheffield’s Discover programme.
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he University has been given £5.85 million – the largest single gift from an individual alumnus in its history – to launch a new student support programme and search for new therapies for a range of incurable and debilitating diseases. The record donation has been made by The Law Family Charitable Foundation, established by Andrew and Zoë Law. Andrew Law is Chairman and CEO of Caxton Associates, a global macro hedge fund. He studied economics at the University and graduated with a firstclass honours degree in 1987. £2.85 million of this donation has been earmarked to launch a new programme of initiatives to help students from demographic areas with low progression to higher education access university. The student support initiative will be named The Law Family Ambition Programme. It will run over a fiveyear period and have three main aims: to help more students from 8
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low participation backgrounds access university, to support their success in higher education, and to help students develop the skills, confidence and social abilities that can help to boost graduate employability. Andrew Law said, “The Law Family Charitable Foundation (LFCF) is delighted to support the University of Sheffield with the grant award. Since being established in 2011, LFCF has focused on education and health, together with social mobility and the environment.
The country will prosper only if all of society has access to participating fully in leading education opportunities, and supporting the disadvantaged is central to this. I owe a large part of my success to the University of Sheffield, and we would like others to have equal opportunities. We are providing £2.85 million to launch a range of activities to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to and also be supported at the University.” A further £3 million of the donation has been gifted to fund crucial medical research that could lead to the development of medical therapies for a range of genetic and neurodegenerative disorders. This gift from the LFCF will build on the University’s existing research strengths in advanced therapies for genetic and neurodegenerative disorders. The donation will help speed up the development of much-needed treatments for multiple incurable diseases which cannot be treated by conventional drug compounds. More details on this research can be found on page 10. Andrew Law said, “It is imperative that more leading UK universities expand their research, exploit their immense expertise for the greater good, and commercialise their success thus creating further growth. “The University of Sheffield is developing a national and global reputation in gene therapy. Investing in new medical technology is very capital intensive but is critical to combat rare genetic diseases and cancers. With this in mind we are contributing £3 million to fund the next phase of the gene centre’s growth.” For more information on the Law Family Charitable Foundation please visit: lawfamilycharitablefoundation.org
I owe a large part of my success to the University of Sheffield, and we would like others to have equal opportunities.” – Andrew Law
New art wall on campus
Campus update
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hile campus has seen less footfall than usual this year, we’ve kept it safe and accessible for students and staff. During this time, we’ve completed the construction of three buildings. These will allow the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, and the Faculty of Engineering to carry out transformative research: • The Sheffield PET-MRI facility, which was made possible thanks to the incredible support of over 11,000 donors, is attached to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. It houses a scanner which will provide unprecedented views of inside the human body by combining the power of both MRI and PET images in a single scan. The facility will enhance our medical research and allow us to take exciting therapeutic discoveries into clinical trials, giving patients in Yorkshire access to new treatments. • Also completed is the Harry Brearley Building, home to the Faculty of Engineering’s Royce Discovery Centre, part of the Henry Royce Institute, which is a partnership of nine research institutions supporting world-recognised excellence in UK materials research. Researchers here will focus on fundamental research into the discovery of new materials and processing. • The Faculty of Engineering’s Translational Energy Research Centre is in the final stages of installing equipment, and is set to become one of the largest research and development facilities in Europe for zero carbon energy; bioenergy; and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
The Sheffield PET-MRI facility (L) and the Harry Brearley building (R). Work continues on the Social Sciences Hub building, which, following the contractor’s rectification of issues with the foundations, is now on track for completion in late 2022. The Transformer – an on-campus energy centre which will ensure business continuity for much of our Faculty of Science estate – is built and undergoing testing.
Award-winning
Two of the University’s recently completed developments have also been celebrated on a global scale. The transformation of the concourse, our civic space which runs between the Students’ Union and Alfred Denny building where so many graduations have been celebrated, has caught the eye of the global lighting elite. We scooped the Award of Excellence and Radiance Award at 2020’s International Lighting Design Awards, alongside a clutch of other trophies from national ceremonies. A striking art wall has now been added under the flyover bridge on concourse, featuring some of our alumni and Nobel Prize winners. The Engineering Heartspace, a stateof-the-art development housing teaching and social spaces under its impressive curved glass roof, which links the Grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing, has also won a number of awards for its design and sustainability credentials.
An art wall celebrating the University’s research excellence and the achievements of alumni and former academic colleagues, has been installed next to the Students’ Union. Local design collective The Lost Line worked with Sheffield steel cutter Charles Day and academics at the University to create visual content. The wall is designed to create different reads and interpretations dependent upon a pedestrian’s direction of travel. When walking towards the Alfred Denny Building, they have drawn on the concept of ‘the power of ten’ – the cycle of carbon throughout the universe is represented, with endosymbiosis connecting all on Earth to the planets and all things living. The other elevation, which passers-by see when walking towards the Students’ Union, features alumni including Lucy Prebble, Amal Al Qubaisi, Dame Hilary Mantel, Helen Sharman, Sir Richard Roberts and Sir Harry Kroto.
The art wall being created (top), and installed next to the Students’ Union. 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
We’re pioneering gene therapy
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pioneering gene therapy innovation centre at the University is set to advance scientific discoveries into promising treatment options for millions of patients with life-threatening diseases. Gene therapy is a promising treatment option for more than 7,000 rare diseases that currently have no cure. It aims to treat these conditions by engineering another gene to replace, silence or manipulate the faulty one. The UK has a world-class genetics research base; however, to date, academics have found it difficult to get access to the clinical materials, facilities and expertise required to progress gene therapy research into clinical trials. The Sheffield Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) will be one of three cutting-edge hubs in the UK dedicated to advancing the clinical development of new genetic treatments. The Sheffield Hub is part of an £18 million network created by LifeArc and the Medical Research Council (MRC), with support from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Left: Artist’s impression of the new Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre. Professor Mimoun Azzouz, Director of the GTIMC and Chair of Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield, said, “Sheffield has emerged as one of the leading players in cell and gene therapy, and this national network of partners, facilities and training programmes will allow us to keep pace with translational discoveries for new and potentially life-changing treatments. This is a momentous milestone for revolutionary medical advances not only for Sheffield and South Yorkshire, but also for the UK.” The state-of-the-art centre will bring together academic institutions, NHS Trusts, non-profit and industry partners across the North of England, the Midlands and Wales, enabling academic-led clinical trials of novel gene therapies. The GTIMC will deliver
essential translational and regulatory support alongside extensive training and skills programmes, to enable upskilling and address the shortage of skills in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing. Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Director of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and coapplicant on the GTIMC application, said, “Alongside the national network funding from LifeArc, the MRC and BBSRC, the GTIMC was made possible thanks to a £3 million donation from The Law Family Charitable Foundation, established by alumnus Andrew Law and his wife Zoë. This funding was part of a record £5.85 million donation which will also see the launch of a new student support programme” (see page 8).
Below: Professor Azzouz, Director of the GTIMC and Chair of Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Department of French
120 years The Department of French was established in 1901
Department of German
The Information School
40 years The Information School was established in 1981
120 years The Department of German was established in 1901
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150 years of friendship Sixty trees have been planted on campus to mark 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and continued cooperation. The project was organised and funded by the Japan-British Society. The University has strong links with Japan through the School of East Asian Studies and a long tradition of welcoming students from the country to visit and study.
Cherry trees have been planted close to Goodwin Sports Centre on the main campus and at Norton Sports Park. Professor Kate Taylor-Jones, Head of the School of East Asian Studies, said, “It’s wonderful to have a physical manifestation of Sheffield’s relationship with Japan here on campus.”
WHAT’S NEW AT THE SU
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Sheffield Students’ Union’s Covid-19 journey “On 20 March 2020, as the full extent of the coronavirus pandemic began to hit the UK, Sheffield Students’ Union (SU) closed its doors, ceasing all trading overnight. In the following days, we moved activity online, prioritising the Student Advice Centre to ensure advisors could continue helping students via remote appointments. “Only a skeleton staff team remained to support our students, who showed great resilience, creativity and compassion throughout those challenging months. They rallied together to support one another, producing isolation podcasts, a virtual bake off, and videos on how to grow your own veg. Our SU Officers launched the Sheffield SU online community on Facebook, where 2,500 Sheffield students continued chatting and organising remote activities. “As spring turned to summer, the SU was forced to reduce staff costs and restructure. It wasn’t until August that a solitary SU outlet reopened. Bar One welcomed students back with new safety measures including an app for socially distanced ordering. “On 14 September our ‘Covid-19 safe’ SU building finally reopened its doors to a very different semester. Welcome events, including the annual Activities and Sports fairs, moved online. Much-loved club nights, like ‘Pop Tarts’, were reimagined as seated, socially distanced events in the SU’s beer garden. The SU building converted areas into much-needed study space, supporting students looking to get away from the confines of their accommodation. “Our students continued to give back to the Sheffield community. They combated loneliness by volunteering with local charities, helping hundreds of isolated
Students socialising at the in-person Sports Awards on the concourse. elderly neighbours to feel less alone with phone calls and letters. They joined national charity Action Tutoring, to support school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, delivering over 95 sessions in Maths and English. Sports teams took part in Movember, 24-hour club runs, and marathons to raise over £65,000 in a joint effort with Sheffield Hallam University. “In November, as the country entered its second national lockdown, the SU produced a programme of online activity to support students through the period. We surveyed students to understand the impact Covid-19 was having on their student experience. We also launched the ‘Forgotten Students of 2020’ campaign, demanding better support for students through the pandemic. Over the next few months this campaign successfully secured rent refunds, a £3 million student Covid-19 relief fund, and academic protections for our students. We also set up a fundraiser for digital inequality in the city. “2021 began in lockdown, and the SU building was forced to close once again, but that didn’t dampen our ambition. “We ran our SU Officer Roles Review Referendum, passing proposals which brought about the biggest change to our student leadership in decades. Student
clubs and societies developed innovative ways to support parents home schooling, from hockey tutorials filmed in the park to delivering digital lessons. Our fundraising continued with a Virtual Valentine’s Speed Dating event, and we held our SU Officer elections entirely online. “As the government announced their reopening ‘roadmap’, we produced our own plans to support students out of lockdown, reopening spaces and increasing in-person activity. Despite the final roadmap date being delayed, we were still able to host in-person Activities Awards and Sports Awards on our concourse. It was an opportunity for some of our students to socialise and be recognised for their hard work during one of the most turbulent years of our Students’ Union’s history. “Sheffield Students’ Union enters the summer bruised but with renewed spirit to improve the lives of our students, who have shown resilience and support to one another and the local community throughout the pandemic.” Beth Eyre, SU President 2020-21 Read the latest on our Covid-19 journey as it unfolds and how you can support our recovery at: su.sheffield.ac.uk/ ourcovidjourney 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 11
INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD
R E S E A R C H IN FOCUS 12 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
Half of UK rice breaches arsenic limits for children Scientists warn of dangerous levels of the carcinogen in rice.
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cientists at the Institute for Sustainable Food have found that more than half of rice varieties sold in the UK contained levels of arsenic higher than regulations allow for babies and children under five. Brown rice was found to contain higher levels of the carcinogen than white or wild rice because it contains the bran – the outer layer of the grain. Meanwhile, organically grown rice was found to contain significantly higher levels than non-organically grown rice. White rice contained the lowest levels of arsenic. Considering the health implications, the researchers concluded that babies under the age of one must be restricted to a maximum of 20g per day of the 28 rice varieties that breached regulations, in order to avoid risks of developing cancer in later life. They have recommended that the UK government and European Commission introduce labelling to clarify whether rice is safe for consumption by babies and children under five. Up to 90 per cent of UK households buy rice, with the average person consuming around 100g per week. Rice and rice-based products are widely used for weaning and as baby food, due to their nutritional benefits and relatively low allergic potential – but, according to the European Food Safety Authority, children are two to three times more susceptible to arsenic risks than adults due to their lower body weight.
Above: Cooking rice in a certain way removes over 50 per cent of arsenic in brown rice and 74 per cent in white rice. Main: A farmer gathers his crop on the rice terraces. Arsenic, which is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is water-soluble – so it accumulates in rice, which is grown in flooded fields more often than other cereals. Arsenic exposure affects almost every organ in the body and can cause skin lesions, cancer, diabetes and lung diseases. The research team found that cooking rice in a certain way removes over 50 per cent of the naturally occurring arsenic in brown rice, and 74 per cent in white rice. Importantly, this method does not reduce micronutrients in the rice. Scientists recommend that rice is parboiled in pre-boiled water for five minutes before draining and refreshing the water, then cooking it on a lower heat to absorb all the water.
Flagship Research Institutes: The key issues facing humanity are embedded within complex systems that cross the boundaries of academic disciplines. Our four research flagships, the Energy Institute, the Healthy Lifespan Institute, the Neuroscience Institute and the Institute for Sustainable Food, each focus on an era-defining challenge to change the world for the better. Find out more: sheffield.ac.uk/research/flagship-institutes
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
ENERGY INSTITUTE
Next-generation battery storage delivers affordable, clean energy to communities in Sierra Leone
New rechargeable battery packs in use in Sierra Leone.
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n Sub-Saharan Africa, population growth outstrips electrification, even while people increasingly rely on electrical equipment for communication and commerce. This lack of energy stifles economic growth and limits living standards and opportunities. A study by Mobile Power in 2016/17 showed that 20 per cent of household income in Sierra Leone is spent on lighting and mobile phone charging. In off-grid communities, lighting is powered by disposable batteries and mobile phones are charged at polluting and dangerous diesel generator ‘telecentres’ in towns. A partnership was established between the Energy Institute and Mobile Power to develop lifetime battery cells in pay-percharge smart battery packs. The rentable pay-as-you-go smart batteries supply affordable, clean power to households and enterprises in off-grid communities. The batteries are charged at solar charging stations before being delivered to customers, thereby removing the need for dangerous traditional diesel generators and reducing energy costs by up to 75 per cent.
HEALTHY LIFESPAN INSTITUTE
Can artificial intelligence transform the way we treat chronic health conditions?
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ultimorbidity is the presence of two or more chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Currently affecting over 60 per cent of people in the UK aged over 65, multimorbidity can cause frailty and poor quality of life. Health conditions are typically treated using a single-disease model. This means doctors will prescribe one pill or more per disease. Therefore, patients with multimorbidity are often prescribed a variety of medication as treatment. This leads to unexpected drug-todrug and drug-disease interactions, which can have adverse impacts on patient health.
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One possible solution is the use of geroprotectors, which are drugs or supplements that target the root cause of ageing and age-related disease. It is known that some agerelated diseases share a common molecular pathway, or root cause. By developing a drug that tackles the root cause of a cluster of diseases, people with multimorbidity can be treated with a single course of medication rather than multiple, potentially conflicting treatments. Investigating the potential of geroprotectors is a complex task. Firstly, geroprotectors’ modes of action differ in different tissues or in response to different mechanisms of ageing. In addition, it is unknown whether the same dose and length
Geroprotectors have the potential to reduce the amount of medication needed for patients with multimorbidity. of treatment can have positive effects on multiple tissues at the same time. Furthermore, testing geroprotectors in patients with multimorbidity is difficult due to the differing medical needs of each patient and the need to predict who will develop multimorbidity. This variability of responses, as well as the
Next, the team will focus on developing significantly larger lithium-ion battery packs. The new battery packs are very versatile. One day they could be providing power to a whole village and the next day be swapped out to drive the motor of an electric tuk-tuk. For households where the cost of connection to the mini-grid is prohibitively high, these packs are easily carried to the home and are capable of powering multiple devices for long durations. Two other project partners are involved: Winch Energy, a global, offgrid energy developer and technology integrator, and Pink Power, a local nongovernmental organisation (NGO). Through these two partners, the project will be conducting field trials at two sites in Sierra Leone. Firstly, at Winch Energy’s mini-grid, where women will be employed as energy entrepreneurs, renting out the batteries for household and microenterprise use. The second, at Pink Power’s site in Freetown, will test powering electric tuk-tuks with the battery packs. This will be part of Pink Power’s wider project on training up vulnerable women to drive the tuk-tuks as a form of employment.
lack of predictive biomarkers to aid the selection of the appropriate group of patients who may benefit from geroprotectors, makes clinical trials significantly more challenging. However, without the inclusion of people with multimorbidity in clinical trials, it is impossible to determine the effects of geroprotectors on multiple diseases. Researchers at the Healthy Lifespan Institute are using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence, to learn more about how groups of diseases are clustered together and the underpinning molecular pathway of ageing specific to each cluster. Automating data analysis with machine learning tools will greatly expedite research in this field. This essential groundwork could potentially pave the way for a new approach to patient treatment, which should reduce the cost of care and lead to healthier life spans for all.
Potential new treatment for MND progressing to first in-human trials.
Potential new therapy for motor neurone disease under investigation NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE
Motor neurone disease (MND) – also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – affects approximately 5,000 people in the UK and 450,000 worldwide, with numbers expected to rise. MND is a disorder that affects the nerves – or motor neurones – in the brain and spinal cord that form the connection between the nervous system and muscles to enable movement of the body. The messages from these nerves gradually stop reaching the muscles, leading them to weaken, stiffen and eventually waste. The disease affects a patient’s ability to walk, talk, eat and breathe. Currently, there is no cure for MND and no effective treatments to halt or reverse the progression of this devastating disease. Researchers in the Neuroscience Institute have discovered a potential targeted therapy for MND. In partnership with Aclipse Therapeutics, our researchers are progressing a disease-modifying drug candidate – M102 – into first in-human trials for patients with the neurodegenerative disease.
Neuroprotective properties in M102 were discovered by the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) in 2013. Preclinical models evidenced the potential for M102 to stop and reverse MND progression in both familial and sporadic patients. The therapy may also be of benefit in other neurodegenerative conditions including Friedreich’s ataxia, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The project, funded by FightMND and the Medical Research Council, will also support the development of patient biomarkers that will be applied in the clinical studies, and potentially enable a personalised medicine approach for M102. This means that we can identify those who do and do not respond to M102 and target the treatment at those MND patients who are most likely to benefit. Researchers can then identify gene signatures that can discriminate between responders and nonresponders to selected drugs. Our aim is to be able to identify the best drug for each patient, taking a huge step forward in drug efficacy and patient wellbeing.
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 15
GETTING TO KNOW YOU THE ALUMNI SURVEY 2020 REVEALED
Last summer we commissioned a largescale research project to find out more about what makes you, our alumni community, tick – and how we can better engage and support you. Nearly 6,000 of you chose to help by sharing your views. Here are some of the things you told us.
94% of you were satisfied with your student experience at Sheffield
16 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
YOU FEEL PROUD – to have studied at Sheffield and to be a Sheffield graduate. • 9 4 per cent of you were satisfied with your student experience at Sheffield. • Many of you recommend Sheffield to people around you. In fact, 68 per cent of you scored nine or above on a 10-point scale when asked how likely you would be to recommend the University to prospective students – that’s more than double the average score for the Russell Group. • You feel connected to the University, and with the people you met there. Nearly half of you are in regular contact with between one and four Sheffield class mates, peers or academics.
YOU WANT TO STAY CONNECTED – especially with news specific to your interests. • You particularly enjoy the quarterly Sheffield Alumni Bulletin e-newsletter and Your University magazine. • But many of you still don’t know about or access the benefits and services available, including events, memberships and courses. Some were keen to hear more about what was on offer (in case you weren’t aware, see the different benefits you’re entitled to as an alumnus on page 43). • Round table participants told us how they liked receiving letters and phone calls from current students and updates direct from their department or faculty – above all, you want communications that are specific to you and your interests.
YOU’RE ENGAGED – and you enjoy connecting with alumni at events. • A third of you have attended alumni events at least once, often reunions and networking events. • You want more events closely tailored to your interests, locations and schedules and you’re keen to connect with fellow alumni through these events. • You want more detailed information about events before you sign up and to understand the benefits before committing your time. • The Covid-19 lockdown has inspired many of you to engage online, and some of you are surprised by how much you’ve enjoyed taking part in online webinars and lectures. If you weren’t able to attend a recent event, you can catch up with all of our webinars and lecture series here: sheffield.ac.uk/ alumni/lecture-archive
YOU’RE KIND – and you want to share your expertise. • 85 per cent of you have volunteered at some point in your life and nearly a fifth of alumni have volunteered for the University in the last three years. • Many of you are keen to share your skills and experiences with students and early career alumni through advice or mentoring – and you want to meet other alumni in your own disciplines to learn more from their experiences. • You wanted more information about the opportunities available and to be sure that mentors are matched with appropriate mentees. Many noted how important you felt such support to be in a challenging study environment and difficult job market. With your help, we have created two new successful programmes for students and early career alumni: The Boardroom sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/ boardroom-masterclass and Sheffield Insights sheffield.ac.uk/ alumni/sheffield-insights
YOU’RE GENEROUS – and you want to give back and take part. • You’re motivated to donate and fundraise because you want to give back to the University and feel part of the Sheffield community. • You’re keen to donate to scientific research which also raises the profile of the University. • Many of you who received support as students or early in your career want to give back and help students in turn, through donating to scholarships or hardship funds. • When you donate, you want to know where your money is going, be it research in a particular discipline or a special appeal, and to see the impact it makes. You like having a call or email from a Sheffield student to update and inform you on how donations are spent and the impact of specific campaigns. To see the impact your donations are making, please visit: sheffield.ac.uk/ giving/impact
1/3
of you have attended at least one alumni event
We know time is scarce and you need to be sure the time dedicated to alumni-related activities is well spent. Your responses emphasised how important it is to make sure alumni opportunities are tailored to your specific interests and preferences. To build on this and your wish to connect more easily with your peers, we are currently developing an online community platform for alumni and students. Look out for more details on this landing in your in-box later this year. If we don’t have an up-to-date email address for you, go to sheffield.ac.uk/ alumni/update
85%
of you have volunteered at some point in your life
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 17
IN THE CITY
SHEFFIELD’S ROAD TO RECOVERY
A
s you will know from your time here, Sheffield is a special place. And we have a passion, determination and responsibility to ensure it stays that way. We use our excellence in research, education and knowledge exchange as a force for progress and take a leading role alongside regional partners to drive cultural and civic vibrancy. From hosting events during the Covid-19 pandemic, to initiatives designed to transform the heart of the city, here is a round-up of some of the recent projects we’ve led this year.
Future High Streets
In a huge boost for the city, Sheffield City Council, in partnership with the University and city retailers and businesses, has been successful in receiving funding of £15.8m for the rejuvenation of Fargate and High Street. Led by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, the University’s Director of City and Culture, academics and students across the University supported the bid, which included:
› A launch event hosted by the
University at the Millennium Galleries where over 200 members of the public attended. The event included visuals of the development and the opportunity to talk to the team about the plans and next steps.
18 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
Architectural visionary image produced by Joseph Chapman and Bor-Ren Hui, students from the School of Architecture at the University of Sheffield.
› A virtual reality experience devised
by the Department of Urban Studies and Planning showcasing Fargate’s potential as a hub for cultural and creative activities.
› A team of academics shared their
research and expertise in a series of planning workshops, gaining insights from over 120 stakeholders on a variety of topics including flood defence and urban space.
› School of Architecture students
Joseph Chapman and Bor-Ren Hui produced architectural images for the final proposals.
The funding will provide a substantial financial boost for the historic heart of the city centre and will help to shape the future of how Sheffield residents and
visitors use the space. The proposals put forward are designed to generate investor confidence, attract and retain new visitors and residents, and build on Sheffield’s unique offer as a creative, climate-resilient and sustainable ‘Outdoor City’.
Covid-19 and Sheffield’s cultural sector: planning for recovery
Providing evidence of exactly how the cultural sector has been affected by the pandemic has been vital to planning the recovery. During 2020, two reports were submitted to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Using data collected, aggregated and analysed by the University, the first report – specific to the effect on the city of Sheffield – found that during the first lockdown, the city had lost more than 1.25 million visitors and approximately
£11 million in ticket sales, retail sales, sponsorship and donations. The second report covered the impact on cultural venues, events and festivals in Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster. Following these initial analyses, the University secured funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for further investigation into audiences, venues and freelancers, and the challenges they face. Uniting academics across English, Music, and Urban Studies and Planning, the study will feed directly into economic recovery plans for the cultural industry in the Sheffield City Region and across the UK.
The show must go on
Ensuring ‘the show must go on’ during the pandemic was important for the University’s flagship events – Festival of
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, delivered a unique and special ‘drive-in’ poetry event
the Mind and Off the Shelf. Recognising the new situation, the Festival of the Mind organisers transitioned to a new, widely accessible online platform. There they hosted the 21 specially curated podcasts, 26 live-streamed events, and more than 35 different exhibits and performances developed with more than 100 collaborators from across the region’s cultural sector. Audiences joined Festival of the Mind from nearly 50 countries – the first time that such international reach has been possible. Much of the content is still available for you online at: sheffield.ac.uk/fotm. Off the Shelf also delivered a blended festival of online and in-person events. This enabled a wider range of opportunities for audiences, including a special Covid-19 secure ‘drive-in’ poetry event with the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. International speakers such as alumnus Lee Child, as well as authors such as Susie Dent, Lemn Sissay and Jonathon Porritt, also took part. The event was a welcome success in Sheffield’s cultural calendar and again reached audiences far beyond the city, including Brazil, Romania, the USA and New Zealand. Commissioned poems and Ideas Alive podcasts are still available to view via the website: offtheshelf.org.uk
Salmon of Steel, a 7ft sculpture of a leaping salmon was commissioned as part of Festival of the Mind 2020 to celebrate the return of Atlantic Salmon to Sheffield after more than 220 years of absence. It can be found on display outside Sheffield Railway Station.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Off the Shelf – October 2021 This year will be a landmark one for Off the Shelf as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Brought to the city by the University, Off the Shelf is one of the UK’s largest literary festivals, and organisers are planning exciting events for 2021. Keep your eyes peeled for festival updates via offtheshelf.org.uk or sign up to the newsletter by contacting offtheshelf@sheffield.ac.uk 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 19
MY SHEFFIELD EMILY MAITLIS JOURNALIST
Emily Maitlis, journalist, documentary maker and lead presenter of BBC’s Newsnight, was born in Canada but brought up in Sheffield after her father became a Professor of Chemistry at the University. In 2015 she was awarded an honorary degree from the University for her contribution to journalism.
Emily has been the lead presenter on Newsnight since 2018. 20 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
What has it been like covering Covid-19, Brexit and the US elections all in the same year as a journalist? Each year we wait for the news cycle to slow down – thinking the pace of change and news is unsustainable. And each year it seems to ramp up. Over the last decade I have covered what I think of as firmament-shifting elections – here and in the US; referendums – here and in Scotland; terror atrocities; school shootings; the rise of new parties and the demise of old ones. It hasn’t stopped, quite frankly. The pandemic has made everything physically harder – for everyone, of course. We have fewer people in the office, more make-shift studios and resources. Brexit was the story that everyone said they’d heard enough of – but curiously, it brought big audiences to us each night. And the US elections at the end of this year were so refreshing as it meant a change of pace and tone – even though the pandemic was knitted so tightly to everything that happened there too. There appears to be an increased prevalence of leaking to the press. Is that something new? I don’t think leaking to the press began with Covid. It’s centuries old – both as a tool of revenge and as a means of getting things out that you’re happy to see public
– without having a name attached. What I do think is happening is that social media has allowed those in power an instant way of sharing and magnifying their own views through journalists happy to do that job for them. The clamour, if anything, has been for journalists to name their sources – the spads, advisors, tip givers – more publicly. I think there is a real appetite these days for accountability rather than repetition. Sometimes the off-record briefing can be a useful way for politicians to stop us doing a more analytical job; that is, we repeat what we have just been told as a ‘scoop’ instead of interrogating a little more thoroughly why we have been told something, or what the consequences of it will be. I think that’s where our job potentially gets dangerous. What is something you wish the public understood or appreciated about journalists? The public don’t have to feel sorry for journalists – we don’t deserve that – but we do have to be allowed to do our job. Sometimes people will see or hear things they disagree with – and argue therefore they shouldn’t be given airtime. Our job is to represent different views and it’s normal to think some of them are wrong/ bad/foolish. But it’s not normal to try and get them taken off air.
CREDIT: ©PHIL COOMES
Reporting on global crises and interrogating world leaders is all part of her job. But after an unprecedented year, we caught up with Emily to reflect on what it has been like from her perspective as a journalist and get a glimpse into her career.
Emily has a passion for writing and has had her own book published, Airhead: The Imperfect Art of Making News.
The other thing I would try and explain more is the concept of false equivalence. Equally dangerous when it takes hold. The idea that we try and ‘balance’ things that don’t need balancing and shouldn’t be balanced. For example, ‘some people think Joe Biden won the election and some people think Donald Trump won the election’. Of course, this is ‘technically’ true. Donald Trump convinced a number of his supporters that he won the election. But the truth of the statement is false and has been disproven time after time through the ballots, the recounts and the courts. When we parrot a phrase without thinking of the consequences, we risk enlarging and spreading a lie instead of shutting it down. Our job is to sift through fact-based evidence and analysis to try and help the public understand what ‘actually happened’. Not to repeat lots of different things that people might feel. How challenging is it working across media? Do you have a favourite? I love the variety. My favourite medium – which may surprise most people – is writing. I have a love of words greater than almost anything else. There is nothing more satisfying than finishing an article or a chapter in a book and sending it off feeling you somehow 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 21
MY SHEFFIELD EMILY MAITLIS JOURNALIST
You report on some very distressing situations. How do you manage to not let this affect you when you return home? There is a huge relief when I step through the door. No matter what story I’ve been covering, I’m always overjoyed to be home (especially to see a washing machine and a kettle). I’ve learnt by now that my family don’t really want to hear tales of trauma or excitement – so I go for a long run to breathe it all out and then try and slot back in. Cooking, baking, watching American Office. Pretending, in fact, I haven’t really been anywhere. Who would you like to interview but haven’t had the chance to yet? We always want the exclusive. We want to hear from the person that hasn’t yet done their big interview. The person I think about a lot is the first Pope, that is, the one who resigned from his job but is still living. I want to know why. Why he stepped back. Was it about faith or conviction, or something he found out or something he couldn’t handle? I’m so curious. But – spoiler alert – I’m not expecting him to grant me an interview any time soon. You were raised in Sheffield. What are your memories of the city? I don’t think I realised when I was growing up just how exceptional Sheffield is. 22 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
Emily’s advice for journalists in training: ‘don’t be afraid to ask for things’.
CREDIT: ©GUARDIAN / EYEVINE
nailed the thing you were trying to say. That said, I love the adrenaline of television and the teamwork (I literally work with the nicest people in Britain and the office/studio energy is an absolute joy to behold). There is so much more jeopardy around live television. When it goes right, it’s brilliant; when it goes wrong, you’re inconsolable. The podcast has been brand new for me this year and I’ve loved it. It’s allowed for a totally different tone. Somewhere, perhaps subconsciously, I decided there were so many people shouting disagreement at each other that I wanted Americast to feel collegiate, happy, funny.
I don’t think I realised when I was growing up just how exceptional Sheffield is.”
My walk to school (King Teds lower school) was up three of the steepest streets in the city. I think it’s what taught me to adore hills – which I do now. Everywhere you go the views are extraordinary because of the elevation. And I still can’t believe that if I run from my old front door and turn right, I’m literally in the Peak District surrounded by sheep in forty minutes. Once you move south you realise how much flatter, blander and more crowded the rest of the country is. I really miss that about Sheffield. I also love the way it’s halfway between a village and a metropolis. The clubs we went to as teenagers, the concerts, the bands, the theatre were first class – but it still had the ease, access and chance of bumping into your neighbours wherever you are.
Both of your parents worked at the University. What did it mean to be honoured by the University with an Honorary Degree? It was a huge honour. The University was part of my life growing up there. I used the University library to study for exams, I felt it as an extension of the Sheffield I knew. What would your advice be for those looking for a career in journalism? Don’t be afraid to ask for things. Don’t go into the world thinking everyone will notice what you do – they won’t. It will be easier for people not to promote you, not to give you a pay rise, not to take chances on you for a new job or a new project. So be prepared to ask for them – when you think you have the experience and skills to do them well, that is.
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL An honorary Sheffielder, Pat Rossington (BA General 1950, DipEd 1953) has donated the largest legacy gift in the University’s recent history.
P
at moved to Sheffield from Arbroath as a child, and the contrast of our industrial city was quite a change from the fresh air and farmland of Scotland. However, Pat grew to love the steel city. After attending school and university here, she moved to London where she spent the remainder of her working life, but her heart never truly left Sheffield. Both Pat and her late husband Peter were grateful for the excellent education that they received in Sheffield. They wanted to say thanks to the University that meant so much to them – and give others the same opportunities they had. Pat’s time in the Department of Geography inspired her to follow a career in education, rising to become a deputy head teacher, where she further saw the power of education. The largest part of Pat’s gift has established the Rossington Scholarships to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A proportion of her gift has also ensured that students who use the University’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Service can be supported with additional needs. The magnitude of Pat’s gift means that hundreds of students for years to come will benefit from her foresight and generosity and, most importantly of all, be able to achieve their potential and fulfil their ambitions.
Create a legacy of your own If you are considering leaving a legacy gift to the University in your Will, David Meadows, our Philanthropy Manager, can talk through your ideas in confidence and ensure your wishes are realised. Contact David: phone +44 (0)114 222 1073 Email d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk sheffield.ac.uk/giving/legacies
ACCESS VALUABLE SUPPORT “We are extremely grateful for this generous legacy. We have used the funds for diagnostic assessments for students who are likely to be on the autism spectrum. These are available via the NHS but the waiting list is very long. For students, this can often mean that they have left university before they have been assessed. The students benefit enormously. Some of them have been struggling all their lives prior to these assessments and are then able to go on to access a variety of valuable support.” Bryan Coleman Head of Disability and Dyslexia
Pat’s love of Sheffield led to her leaving a legacy gift to the University in her Will.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR ME “I am a mature student with three children. My partner works full time; however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been on furlough multiple times. This scholarship has been so beneficial to me already. I have purchased multiple books and resources to aid my studies, which, without the scholarship, I would have struggled to budget for.” Gemma Staniforth Speech and Language Therapy student 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 23
The discussion around decolonising our education system has been recharged by the recent Black Lives Matter movement. Dr Tony Williams, Co-Director of Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, gets to the heart of what this means and why it’s important for the University.
A
t the University of Sheffield, academics from various disciplines have been interested in and working on what a decolonised curriculum might look like within their area of expertise. Those academics were working in this area long before the recent Black Lives Matter campaign, but it is this movement which has led to greater recognition of this work. The recent social and cultural impact of #BLM has undoubtedly supported the embedding of decolonising academic work. “The University launched its Race Equality and Action plan in March 2019, and the institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion is now also a part of the University’s Vision. So, as we move from those innovator academics to a broader University commitment, there has been a need to create a University definition. We created a group to agree a University of Sheffield definition; it was important to have academic input from across all the faculties as well as strong student representation. It has to be kept in mind that the call for decolonising the curriculum began through a student movement, and the student voice has always been central. I think the definition that has come out of the staff and student working group gives a sense of what decolonising the curriculum really means for us at the University.”
THE DEFINITION
Decolonising the curriculum is an ongoing process which critically assesses and contextualises the arguments and assumptions of Western thought within all disciplines. It is not simply the integration of minority ethnic academics, scientists and scholars into syllabi, but it does prompt us to actively consider the incorporation into curricula of historically marginalised or suppressed knowledge. Central to this work is the recognition that knowledge systems are marked by existing power relations which are themselves rooted within a history of colonialism. A Eurocentric epistemology presents white, global North intellectual traditions as superior and universal and positions the West as origin and originator of knowledge and development. This continues to reinforce white dominance and privilege, whilst at the same time reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices about non-white people and culture, the basis of which underpins the attitudes and behaviours of contemporary racism. Decolonisation does not deliver a set of prescriptions but is instead a set of suggestions and ideas for colleagues and students to think through, both individually and collectively. Each faculty within the University of Sheffield will take forward this work in the way that maximises its impact on their subject areas. The practice of decolonisation will have profound implications with regards to the presentation and content of the curricula, methods of teaching and research, outreach practices and institutional structures. As a University, we recognise that the knowledge directly and indirectly produced within our institution goes beyond the academic sphere. At the centre of this work is our aim for staff and students to engage within an inclusive learning environment, which is representative of all cultural backgrounds, but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to dismantle structural inequalities and institutional racism.
Decolonising the curriculum 24 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
We are not removing key historical figures from our curriculum, but are seeking to add those who have also made significant contributions to their respective fields that are not currently represented.
Why is this definition important?
“The work that this statement orientates us towards is important for a number of reasons. I see it as each generation’s responsibility to maintain and pass on the best of what we inherit, while continuing to learn and refine our understandings, in part through challenging our implicit assumptions. We sustain our commitment to pass on knowledge and insight, while being open to correcting misunderstandings and being prepared to challenge stereotypes and prejudices which are rooted in historical injustices. In effect we broaden as well as deepen our collective knowledge. “The everyday experiences of members of minority groups alongside national data relating to educational achievements, career progression and other indicators of social inclusion tell us that we do
The movement to decolonise the curriculum is a call from the next generation to not repeat the inequities that are a part of the past.” not yet live in a fair and meritocratic society, far from it. The movement to decolonise the curriculum is a call from the next generation to not repeat the inequities that are a part of the past. The challenge is to recognise the inequities that form a part of, or should I say are inherent in, our many achievements. In doing so our hope is to offer a curriculum that is both richer and more meaningful. A curriculum in which every student can learn about the past and understand what we have come to know, as well as something of the conditions in which knowledge has come to be known as they prepare for the future.”
Dr Antony Williams • Programme Director, Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology • Co-Director of Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Social Sciences) • Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 25
A DECADE OF IMPACT If you or a loved one has been affected by dementia, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, you’ll know how urgently new treatments are needed for these devastating conditions. That’s exactly what the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) is researching. Opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2010, SITraN is now one of the world’s leading centres for research into neurodegenerative disorders. Here we look back at a decade of advances in neuroscience whilst looking to the future of research in Sheffield.
26 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
T
en years ago, Director of SITraN Professor Dame Pamela Shaw’s vision of building a unique translational research centre, which would bring together worldleading scientists and clinicians to identify new ways to prevent and slow down debilitating neurodegenerative diseases like motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, became a reality. With state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, a clinical database of over 2,000 patients, and a large resource of human biosamples and brain-bank material generously donated by patients, SITraN has put Yorkshire on the map for its revolutionary neuroscience research. In partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), SITraN’s world-class team is driving experimental science into international clinical trials in order to combat devastating neurodegenerative diseases and transform millions of lives. Generous philanthropic gifts from you, our community of donors, have played a key role in its growing success over the past decade. In addition to the £12 million raised to help build the facility at the outset, £8 million has been donated since 2010. Large or small, every gift has made a difference.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TEN YEARS OF RESEARCH
Genetic therapies for motor neurone disorders
Pioneering stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis
‘HeadUp’
Precision medicine for Parkinson’s
State-of-the-art drug screens for neurodegenerative diseases
Dementia: detecting it early and slowing its progression
Motor neurone disorders have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected. Over the last 10 years, researchers at SITraN have advanced genetic therapies, giving hope to patients and their families.
By gaining a better understanding of Parkinson’s disease, we are working towards potential neuroprotective treatments that could slow down the progression of the disease.
A team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, led by two University of Sheffield Honorary Professors, are pioneering a breakthrough treatment in the UK for multiple sclerosis (MS).
With thousands of drugs available, and more being developed in labs across the globe, drug screening is vital to make sure potential treatments for diseases are not being missed.
The development of a new orthotic device for head support, ‘HeadUp’, was created for patients living with MND who suffer from muscle weakness in their neck, which leads to pain and restricted movement as well as problems with swallowing, breathing and communication.
The discovery of a biomarker linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease has the potential for earlier diagnosis and has sparked the development of new therapies.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SITraN? Advanced therapies – including cellular and genetic therapies – are at a very exciting stage and we have already shown, in conditions like MS and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), that they can make a dramatic difference to the lives of patients. Neuroscience in Sheffield is extremely well placed to support the development and delivery of advanced therapies. Professor Dame Pam Shaw commented on what the future holds for SITraN, “Neuroscience at the University is on a great trajectory. Some of SITraN’s work is already making a difference to the lives of patients who are facing devastating neurological disorders. In the future we will continue to make step-by-step progress in understanding Our vision the fundamental mechanisms of is to create disease, which in turn allows us to devise a new statenew therapeutic of-the-art approaches. “We know translational nowadays that really neuroscience important scientific advances come from building in interdisciplinary research so we the heart of recently launched a our scientific flagship cross-faculty institute. The community.” research Neuroscience Institute brings together more than 120 principal investigators from medicine, science and engineering to work together to improve the lives of patients and families affected by neurological, sensory and developmental disorders. “As we continue to build our strength, we need more space to attract researchers from around the world. Our vision is to create a new stateof-the-art translational neuroscience building in the heart of our scientific community. A building adjacent to SITraN will enhance our teaching and research programmes, allowing us to sustain and accelerate the progress we are making in addressing chronic neurological disorders.”
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 27
As the country went into lockdown last March, thousands of students were left struggling. Elisha Balfour was just one of those students who needed extra support to help her through this difficult time. Thanks to hundreds of donations from Sheffield alumni, students like Elisha were able to continue their studies.
T
he last 16 months have been difficult. For some it’s been a huge struggle, and Sheffield students are no exception. As shops, cafes and bars closed, a significant number of students lost their jobs. Many left Sheffield to go home and be with their families. But for others, staying put was their only option. Just like everyone else, students have bills to pay but the pandemic brought unexpected costs too. Those who were studying abroad had to find and then pay
for last-minute flights home, and with libraries closed and entire households sharing a home internet connection, access to reliable technology became a bigger problem than it had ever been. Students whose degrees relied on state-of-the-art facilities and computer software were suddenly left without the resources they needed. Sheffield responded to that need. Support staff and tutors from across the University worked tirelessly to launch online learning. Wellbeing services
Unforeseen hardship: Supporting students in the pandemic April 2020
May 2020
June 2021 MORE THAN
£270,000
300% increase
DONATED
University of Sheffield Student Hardship Fund sees a surge in student applications for support.
Student Hardship Appeal launched to generate funds to support students in need.
Generous alumni have gifted over a quarter of a million pounds since early 2020.
Will you help students in need? Scholarships are awarded to those most able but least likely to come to university. Every year, we receive more applications than we have scholarships to award. Which means there are always students who miss out on the support they need. If you can, please consider a gift to our scholarships fund. With your support, more students from all backgrounds will have the chance to achieve their potential at Sheffield.
DONATE NOW sheffield.ac.uk/giving/scholarships 28 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
were prioritised for those facing personal challenges. And together with our Students’ Union, we listened and responded to the most pressing issues at hand. The University already had a Student Hardship Fund, available for those who might experience unforeseen financial difficulties during their studies. It was set up for exceptional circumstances. It’s no surprise the scheme saw an unprecedented increase in applications. Within weeks, hundreds of students had already made an application for urgent support. And since then, more than 3,000 students have reached out for help. As we’ve seen mirrored in wider society, the rise of Covid-19 has disproportionately affected students who were already disadvantaged. Students from low-income backgrounds can struggle to afford the cost of university at the best of times, so for some it became almost impossible. Sheffield launched its Student Hardship Appeal in May 2020. Preceding the appeal, a handful of generous alumni had already come forward to help. And because we knew the need was ongoing, we wanted to give all alumni the chance to support Sheffield students. Since then more than £270,000 has been donated specifically for students experiencing serious financial hardship. Thank you to everyone who made a gift – no matter how large or small. By coming together, you ensured Sheffield students were protected. Your gifts meant that since the start of the pandemic, Sheffield has been able to ensure every single student who’s been eligible for support received the help they needed. You’ve helped Sheffield students focus on fulfilling their potential so they can follow in your footsteps as a proud Sheffield graduate. Thank you.
“I want to say thank you for all the kind and thoughtful donations to the Student Hardship Fund. Your donations helped me when I had no one else to turn to for help.”
ELISHA’S STORY The lockdown restrictions meant that my hours at my part-time job weren’t as flexible and were seriously cut down. Eventually, I had to stop working because my shifts started to clash with my uni timetable. Without this income, it was really difficult to get by. “Having financial difficulties definitely impacted my studies and my mental health. Instead of being able to focus on my work, I was constantly worrying about how I was going to afford to get to and from my course’s work placement, or how I was supposed to pay the increasing house bills because I was studying from my uni house. I honestly considered not going back to university for
semester two because the financial stress was just too much. “I felt hopeless and I couldn’t see a resolution to the situation without any extra help. “Since I’ve had the grant, I’ve felt a lot more focused on my studies. I just generally feel relieved that I can get to the end of my degree without having to constantly stress about finances. “I want to say thank you for all the kind and thoughtful donations to the Student Hardship Fund. Your donations helped me when I had no one else to turn to for help. So for that, I can’t thank you enough.” 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 29
THINK. MAKE. LEARN. REPEAT.
The Maker{Futures} programme is helping to develop the next generation of problem solvers through a fun and creative approach to STEM-based subjects.
The Maker{Futures} team arrive in the Maker{Move} van to help teach school pupils STEM subjects.
30 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
T
he world is changing faster than ever. As we enter the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, emerging technologies are creating new industries, changing existing ones and transforming the way things are made. At the same time, innovations in digital fabrication, artificial intelligence and robotics are changing our workplaces, our schools and our home environments. Combine this with challenges like climate change, energy consumption and food security facing the world and it’s clear that the next generation will play a critical role in humanity’s future. These changes mean that our workforce needs to be equipped with the 21st-century skills to thrive in this new world. It’s never been so important to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. The engineering industry alone faces a skills shortage of unprecedented levels – it’s estimated that the UK will require 1.8 million people to be trained within the next four years. But sadly, many children are turned off STEM in their early years and fail to reengage. The situation is even starker for children from low-income households, non-traditional backgrounds and BAME communities, due to a lack of visible representation in the sector and limited resource and support in the community. This is where Maker{Futures} come in.
What is Maker{Futures}?
The Maker{Futures} programme takes a STEAM approach to teaching STEM subjects – the additional ‘A’ referring to the embedding of the arts. Maker education also differs to STEM in its focus on developing ‘makers’ through a ‘maker mindset’ – it’s less about the finished result and more about strengthening skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Working with teachers, schools, parents, and communities, Maker{Futures} engages primary school children with STEM from a very early age, empowering and inspiring them to follow
Maker{Futures} is perfectly placed to improve the life chances of children and address the UK’s increasing skills gap.”
careers in these fields. It’s a programme grounded in evidence-based research, harnessing Sheffield’s world-renowned expertise in education, engineering, manufacturing and science. Maker{Futures} is perfectly placed to improve the life chances of children and address the UK’s increasing skills gap. And it’s already producing fantastic results.
Modern solutions to old-fashioned problems
We know that schools don’t always have the resources to teach STEM subjects in the way they’d like. The Maker{Move} van – a mobile makerspace housing cleverly designed mobile pods, loaded with maker activities and challenges – means the resources children need can be brought to them. Northfield Junior School in Dronfield, Derbyshire was one of the first schools to benefit from this innovative new approach. The team arrived in the bespoke van, loaded up with everything needed to set up a large makerspace in the school hall. Around 170 children were able to take part in a range of challenges. From building bikes to creating dens, taking part in electrical scavenger hunts and experiencing virtual reality, the day was a huge success. Children were encouraged to ‘create like a maker’ using the Maker{Cycle}, a process where children look for problems and challenges, think
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 31
how they can make improvements, create models and test their ideas. It’s an approach centred around encouraging innovation – a vital skill important for many jobs. And it’s not just children who are getting inspired. A huge benefit of the mobile makerspace is the ability to show teachers why maker education is important and to encourage them to think about how they could bring more making into school education. Rebecca Timperly, Headteacher at Northfield Junior School, said, “The day was amazing! I think the ‘build a bike’ activity was great. The children really engaged and worked together to figure out what goes where, and it really put their problem-solving skills to the test. I can’t wait to repeat it!” She described the day overall as “one of the best ever” and was amazed to see the sustained levels of positive engagement by the children. This is just one example of the impact of the Maker{Futures} programme, and there are many more, from sessions in libraries on robotics, electronics, 3D printing and coding, to pop-up makerspaces appearing in community centres. Collaborations with museums based on the art of John Ruskin and the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci led to the creation of family projects to complete at home. Not to mention the Maker{Futures} response to the pandemic, which saw them create packs of resources to support home schooling. Maker{Futures} is changing the way people think about education. By engaging children with STEM subjects from an early age, encouraging creativity and providing support for educators, the programme is unlocking the potential of thousands of children from the broadest range of backgrounds. The potential here is huge.
Above: Pupils from Northfield Junior School put their problem-solving skills to the test. Right: Another group gets to grips with the ‘build a bike’ activity. on this proud tradition and inspiring the next generation of makers. Following successful early pilots, the proven potential to harness children’s natural early enthusiasm for STEM means there is already national interest in the scheme. Partnerships have been forged with the Victoria and Albert Museum, Museums Sheffield, the National Videogame Museum and others, preparing the ground for a national roll-out of ‘maker’ programmes underwritten by a ‘Sheffield Maker’ quality kitemark. It‘s an incredibly exciting and ambitious project with enormous potential and scalability.
Beyond 2021
From our industrial heritage to our world-renowned expertise in advanced manufacturing, Sheffield has long been known as a ‘city of makers’. It’s in our DNA. Now, Maker{Futures} is carrying
32 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
A pupil tests one of the virtual reality sets.
For Maker{Futures} to continue, we need your support. The impact of your donation could resonate for generations to come. To find out more about the project, and how you can lend support, please visit: makerfutures.org
IN PROFILE EXPLORING OUR WORLDWIDE NETWORK OF OVER 300,000 ALUMNI
SAM MOIR BA Journalism Studies 2011 Producer/Director at Chelsea Football Club After studying Journalism, Sam Moir presented eight shows on BBC Radio 1Xtra alongside working in social media for Ministry of Sound. He went on to interview some of the biggest names in music and sport, including Kendrick Lamar and Anthony Joshua. Now, he’s at Chelsea Football Club as a producer, a role he’s held since 2018. During his time there he worked on the documentary series Frank Lampard: Coming Home, which won the Sports Pro best original content award. After college, I knew I wanted to work in media but wasn’t sure in what industry. It was really important to me to go to a university with a good reputation but also offering practical experience across different fields. “Sheffield’s got a fantastic course and I had a great experience. There’s a good Students’ Union and brilliant student media facilities; it was a perfect fit. “I was involved with the University’s radio station, Forge. They gave me creative freedom and I was able to improve my broadcasting skills – it’s a great breeding ground for experience. “I presented a late-night, two-hour specialist music show. A lot of time went into it and I was able to make lots of contacts with leading radio industry professionals. “Within a year of graduating, I had moved to London to work at Ministry of Sound, working on social media for DJ MistaJam’s new label, Speakerbox. “I continued to present radio on community stations and Ministry of Sound Radio, building towards eight slots on BBC 1Xtra as part of Xtra Talent, a scheme where up-and-coming broadcasters are given radio airtime. “Next, I joined an agency to work on producing for a start-up lifestyle website, Turnstyle. I was there for nearly four years, working up to senior producer for the last six months. My time there
was interesting and I even interviewed Kendrick Lamar once. In terms of my career highlights, talking to one of the biggest rappers in the world is up there. “I also worked with JD Sports to produce video content with boxer Anthony Joshua. It was reactive content so we had to shoot, edit and deliver in the same day. It shows the variation in skill sets you require to work in video production, and at Sheffield the course gives that variation well. “In 2018, I started as a Producer/ Director at Chelsea FC. It’s much more than just matchday football content – we work on big, creative projects. One day I’ll be working with the team on a oneminute promo video and the next we’re producing a longer-form documentary. “Our six-part series Frank Lampard: Coming Home won an award for best original content at the Sports Pro awards. That was an amazing
achievement, especially considering the series was produced remotely during the pandemic. I’m also proud to have played a role in developing and making our series Life on Loan, where we follow the stories of young players developing through the leagues. “I’m currently spending a lot of my time developing new series concepts, so that’s working on a lot of pitches, proposals and treatments. Learning how to write well is so important, even in roles where you’re producing video. It’s about presenting information in the most simple and easy-to-understand way. That’s something Sheffield taught brilliantly. “My roles also have over-arching skills that go back to my Journalism degree in terms of networking and communication. “Looking to the future, I want to continue to develop my skill set and experience. 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 33
HEMANSHI GALAIYA MEng Chemical Engineering 2019 Founder of Young Stripes, a STEM outreach and leadership development initiative Throughout her time at the University, Hemanshi placed an emphasis on volunteering and outreach alongside her academic success. After graduation, she returned to Kenya to give back to her community by empowering young Kenyans through her Young Stripes initiative. Her dedication to education, youth empowerment, STEM championing and community contributions has been recognised through several awards including featuring in the global ‘25 Under 25 Young Achiever’ list in 2018, Student Employee of the Year in 2019 and a national ‘Best Academic Society’ award during her Presidential year with Women in Engineering.
In my four years at the University, I think I did virtually everything that I could do on and off campus in Sheffield. I was in many societies, including the Indian and East African societies. I held several ambassador roles, including being a Science and Engineering Champion and an International Engineering Ambassador. I also worked as a concierge at the Weston Bank library, was an enterprise intern and a teaching assistant in my final year. These experiences have shaped my career and developed both my academic and personal growth. “I was not the biggest fan of chemical engineering in the beginning, but I began to realise how versatile engineering is and how I could venture into different industries. It became something that I wanted to know more about and do more with. “Studying at the University allowed me to gain plenty of friendships and experience different cultures. I had friends spanning South East Asia to Eastern Europe and I’m pretty sure that from the hundreds of friends I made on campus, no three were from the same country. 34 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
“Being part of initiatives like Women in Engineering helped me realise that I had a passion for STEM outreach. The Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy (SELA) made me a better leader and led me to empower more young people. I also learnt that I’m really passionate about education development. When I graduated, all these experiences just clicked together and that’s how I came to start Young Stripes. “Young Stripes is an outreach and leadership development initiative that puts practical learning at the centre of the learning experience. We work with students in Kenya to educate, empower and incubate them to their full potential through practical learning, leadership development and mentoring. Despite
the disruption of the pandemic, we did virtual boot camps and published a catalogue of education resources on our website where everyone, including parents, students and teachers, could access them for free. “I think the greatest thing about the University is the mentors I have gained from the Faculty of Engineering and across campus. Even after graduating, I still received a lot of mentoring and even life coaching from them. I have stayed a part of the Women in Engineering society too. I think it’s really beautiful that even though I have left Sheffield, Sheffield has never left me.
STEVE OLIVER BA Psychology 1992 Co-Founder and CEO of musicMagpie PLC
Steve Oliver worked in accounting after graduating from the University of Sheffield in 1992. He later co-founded musicMagpie and saw the refurbishedtech company rise from a garage in Stockport to an international heavyweight, including becoming the UK’s biggest mobile phone recycler. It now has an annual turnover of more than £150 million and is the biggest third-party seller in the world on both eBay and Amazon Marketplace’s platforms.
Sheffield is just the friendliest place. It’s got a superbly set up university, there’s a strong sense of community and everyone is really welcoming. That struck me and to this day Sheffield is still a second home to us as a family, and one of my daughters is currently in her first year there. “I did a Psychology degree as, whilst I thought I wanted to be an accountant, I was advised to do a degree that interested me. I’ve always been fascinated by learning about people and what makes us all tick and how we all interact in the world around us. “After graduating, I wanted to stay in Sheffield so I got a job at Hawsons Chartered Accountants in Broomhill, where I spent two more happy years. There, I learned the devil is always in the detail with numbers in business. “I then moved back to Stockport and joined a small firm of accountants. But I realised I wanted to work in a wider commercial role within industry, so my next job was for a local manufacturing business as Financial Controller. Within six months, I was buying all the company’s plywood. An accountant would never normally do this, but my fascination with commercial negotiations and wider business drove me to this diversification.
“It made me realise I wanted a more centrally positioned role. So in 2000, I joined entertainment retailer Music Zone as Finance Director, and became Managing Director after 18 months. Eventually, our margins were squeezed and it became very challenging in the face of VAT-free websites and supermarkets, but we realised the huge potential in the sales of ‘used’ stock. “So I got together with my IT and Ops Director from Music Zone, Walter, and we formed musicMagpie in 2007. We started trading from my converted garage and found people were both happy to declutter and sell to us, and equally happy to buy refurbished products. “We had a big breakthrough in 2009 when moneysavingexpert.com’s Martin Lewis went on Lorraine Kelly’s TV show and gave us a fantastic shout-out. We went from buying 500 units a day to over 17,000 and would have bought more if the servers hadn’t blown up! “We then started to sell on Amazon and eBay, where we became both of their biggest sellers globally. It took our inventory to the eyeballs of the world, but now we make over 80 per cent of our online sales on our own musicMagpie store. “We’re constantly striving to make our offer even easier, even more trusted and even more compelling. As an example, we’re now providing a rental service for our refurbished phones that gives an even more flexible and accessible offer. “Sustainability is also at the heart of our business, and we operate very much under the mantra of our business being ‘smart for you, smart for the planet’. “We’re very proud of what we’ve built, and there’s further potential for the business in the future that we are very excited about.
2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 35
MARY-ANN SUAN KIM OOI ‘KIM’ LLB Law 2006 Principal of O S Kim & Associates After studying law at the University, Kim was called to the Bar of England & Wales by The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, before qualifying as Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in Malaysia. A woman of many hats, Kim founded O S Kim & Associates in 2008 and Builders Biomass in 2010 – an environmentally friendly business which aims to alleviate global warming by incorporating protection strategies into business models and providing renewable sources of energy. Her achievements in innovative green technology and sustainable development have gained her both regional and international recognition. Most notably, Kim has been honoured in the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards for the Entrepreneurial category in 2017, Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia by HRH Queen of Malaysia and the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award in Green Technology in 2014.
36 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
I had one of the most enjoyable periods of my life reading law at the University of Sheffield. The combination of interweaving the preservation of tradition with innovative new teaching concepts, taught by world-class academics, made for an unparalleled studying experience. This has been integral to my career path as a lawyer and entrepreneur. “In addition to my studies, I was exposed to climate issues. When I returned to Malaysia, I founded Builders Biomass, an integrated bioenergy solutions provider specialising in the production of biomass solid biofuel pellets, a completely novel and new industry in Malaysia and in the Asian region. Having read law and having been called to the English Bar as a Barrister, I founded O S Kim & Associates in 2008 to advise clients in all areas of law. “It’s a nice feeling that the success and awards I have attained in my career can be traced back to the good foundation I had in my alma mater. I am immensely grateful for the different cultural events and amazing people I met during my time in the University. The experience I gained as a student translated to my work and prepared me for my next chapter. I blended in with ease when I was dealing with international businesses, vendors and clients. “It was very surreal and humbling when I joined the School of Law Advisory Board at the University in 2017. It’s a great feeling to be able to lend my experience to current students, especially during this pandemic when the legal profession is changing drastically. By offering more opportunities to law students and giving feedback to the syllabus, we are able to ensure that there is still a seamless experience in the law school. I am privileged to be able to fulfil this role and give back to the University.
Dates for your diary In a year that challenged us all, running our usual events programme was no exception. With all physical events cancelled for the foreseeable future, we delivered virtual alternatives instead. 70s
80s
HIGHLIGHTS Alumni Reunion 2020
Unfortunately, the anniversary class years of 1970, 1980, 1990, 1995 and 2000 were unable to celebrate their reunion on campus in September. However, to mark their special milestone, we filled our Virtual Alumni Reunion webpages with nostalgic photos, memories and videos from anniversary-year alumni. The virtual reunion gave alumni the opportunity to reminisce about their time in Sheffield, learn more about the University’s heritage and hear our academics talk about their current research. sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/virtual-reunion
90s
Festive Alumni Quiz 2020
On 10 December, alumni from all over the world got their teams together to battle it out in the first ever virtual Alumni Festive Quiz. Over 200 alumni teams took part with the hope of becoming quiz champions, whilst also raising vital funds for Parkinson’s disease research. It was incredible to see donations coming in throughout the event, with an impressive amount of over £5,000 raised in total. It should have been expected that from our pool of talented alumni there wouldn’t be just one winning team. Congratulations to Whickyj Chasers, LastChanceSaloon, and Halifax Hall and Oates for becoming the joint 2020 Alumni Festive Quiz Champions. Did you miss the quiz? Catch up now: sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/events/festive-quiz 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 37
Coach Cafe 2021
In February 2021, we launched Coach Cafe, a virtual programme of alumni-to-alumni networking – the first of its kind for Sheffield. Coach Cafe gives recent graduates (0-5 years out) the opportunity to learn and hear from fellow Sheffield alumni who are further along in their careers. Graduates are able to gain valuable insights into a range of different sectors, ask questions about the coaches’ experiences and create working relationships for the future. One participant said, “The event allowed me to gain insight into the varied pathways into different careers, as well as the ups and downs that anyone can encounter in the workplace and when transitioning between industries. The advice offered by the coaches was very sincere and useful. I left feeling a sense of belonging, support, empowerment, with a few extra LinkedIn connections and even a couple of follow-up calls from one coach and a fellow coachee.” If you would like to take part in Coach Cafe, either as a coach or as a mentee, check the Coach Cafe website for future events, or register as a volunteer to hear about this and other opportunities: sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/coach-cafe sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/volunteer
For the latest updates on events, visit: sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/events
UPCOMING EVENTS To make sure you don’t miss out this year, our Alumni Events Team are busy putting together a programme of virtual events for you over the coming months.
Bright Minds
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR – Online For 2021, we launched an exciting new series of research webinars. With topics including Food Security, Neuroscience and more, Bright Minds brings you new and cutting-edge research taking place
at the University, straight from the PhD researchers themselves. These bite-size, TED-style talks cover a range of research topics and are accessible to all. To view past sessions or sign up to future talks, visit: sheffield.ac.uk/ alumni/bright-minds
Alumni Reunion 2021
FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2021 – Online Are you celebrating 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 or even 65 years since graduating, this year? If so, you’ll be invited to take part in this year’s online celebration, especially for the classes of 2001, 1996, 1991, 1981, 1971, 1961 and 1956. Keep an eye out via email, on our social media and our alumni events webpage for more details: sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/events
Heritage Circle Lunch FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER 2021 – Firth Hall
(Covid-19 restrictions permitting) Alumni and friends who are interested in leaving, or who have left a gift to the University in their Will, are invited to this special lunch. For more information, contact d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk or call 0114 222 1073.
Festive Alumni Quiz 2021 THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER 2021 – Online
After the success of the first Festive Quiz, it’s back for another year! Take on fellow alumni to see who will be crowned 2021 Festive Alumni Quiz champions. Ensure your email address is up to date to receive all the details later in the year. 38 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
ALUMNI NEWS
A L U M N I
Your notes and news We are always delighted to discover what our alumni are doing now, and their achievements that have been recognised. 1960s
Dame Hilary Mantel (BJur Law 1973, Hon LittD 2005) was nominated for the Booker Prize for a third time, for the third book in their Thomas Cromwell trilogy – having won the Booker Prize for both previous entries in the series.
Professor Sat Somers (MB ChB Medicine 1968) was the recipient of the 2020 Fellow of the Canadian Association of Radiologists award for their contributions to radiology and leadership among their peers.
Emeritus Professor Tom Wilson (PhD Information Studies 1975) was awarded the 2020 Jason Farradane Award by the UK e-information Group for their outstanding contribution to the library and information profession, largely based in Sheffield’s Information School.
Nicholas Bennett (BA Psychology 1967) was awarded Fellowship of the Association of Business Psychologists in recognition of attainment against the ABP Business Psychology Framework.
1980s
Simon Allford (BA Architectural Studies 1983, Dip Architecture 1984) has been elected as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President for 2021-23. Peter Baker (BSc Chemistry 1984) was appointed as the new Chief Inspector of Buildings by the UK Government to establish and lead the new Building Safety Regulator. Emeritus Professor Tony Crook, CBE (PhD Town and Regional Planning 1989, Hon LittD 2013) won the Sir Peter Hall Award for Research Excellence at the 2020 Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards.
1990s Ann Cairns
1970s Notes and news, awards and honours
Ann Cairns (BSc Mathematics 1978, Hon LittD 2018) was appointed lead non-executive board member at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Dr Heidi Christensen (Visiting Erasmus student 1996) won the FDM everywoman in Technology Academic Award for their outstanding contribution to technology and science. Dr Hugh Ellis (BA Urban Studies and Planning 1995, PhD Town and Regional Planning 2001) was elected to a Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences. 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 39
ALUMNI NEWS
Your notes and news (CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) Dr Phil Harper (MEng Mechanical Engineering 2001, PhD Mechanical Engineering 2008) head of University spin-out company Tribosonics, secured over £1 million funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to expand the local technology business. Dr Matt Johnson (BSc Biochemistry 2003, PhD Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 2007) has been awarded the 2020 Wain Medal in Biochemistry – the prestigious prize is awarded annually to an outstanding biochemist under the age of 40. Sashidhar Jagdishan Sashidhar Jagdishan (MA Economics of Money, Banking and Finance 1992) was appointed the next MD and CEO of HDFC Bank in India. Kathryn Pierce (BA French and Spanish 1995) received the John Johnston Community Champion award at the Proud Scotland Awards in October 2020. Professor Mark Wilkinson (MB ChB Clinical Medicine 1991, PhD Clinical Science 2002) received a prestigious 2021 Fellowship Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society of the United States. Professor Zi-Qiang Zhu (PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering 1991) was awarded the 2021 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nikola Tesla Award in recognition of their work to develop more energyefficient electrical machines and drives.
Ali Mohammed Almadawi Alremeithi Jahanzeb Awan (LLB Law 2004) was appointed Australia’s new honorary consul in Karachi. Dr Imran Aziz (MB ChB Medicine 2004, MD Clinical Medicine 2016) was awarded a United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Rising Stars 2021 Award, in recognition of their research into irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill (BSc Psychology 2007, Hon LittD 2010) was named the greatest ever British sportswoman by the Sports Journalists’ Association.
Richard Ainslie (BA Biblical Studies 2002) was made a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and was awarded Chartered Teacher Status, one of the first 200 individuals to receive such a Royal Charter.
40 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
Dr Mabruka Alfaidi (PhD Medicine 2016) won the Early Career Award from the British Atherosclerosis Society for their abstract at the BAS annual meeting. Hannah Beard (BSc Landscape Architecture 2015, MLA Landscape Architecture 2018) won the Leeds Civic Trust’s Liveable City competition for their concept masterplan to transform Leeds’ Eastside. Josh Burrell (BA Journalism Studies 2012) was named in PR Week’s 30 Under 30 for 2020. Thomas Cunningham (MArch Architecture: Collaborative Practice 2019) and Tobias Mackrill (BA Architecture 2015, MArch Architecture: Collaborative Practice 2019) were part of the winning team for TeamBuild UK 2020, a competition to test collaboration and leadership skills within the construction industry. Ross Davidson (BA English and Music 2016, MA Composition 2017) shared the Best Sci-Fi film prize at the Paris Short Film Festival for Deus Otiosus, for which they composed the soundtrack. Their composition was also nominated for the Dublin Short Film and Music Festival.
2000s
Ali Mohammed Almadawi Alremeithi (MA International Political Economics 2005) was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Central Bank of the UAE.
2010s
Kathryn Pierce (Photo: Jo Tennant)
Dr Saima Eman (PhD Psychology 2018) was selected as a Finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in the Professional Achievement category for Pakistan.
Karen Jelenje Rosie Hammonds (BSc Geography 2017, MA Landscape Architecture 2019) won the Best Dissertation prize at the Landscape Institute Awards. Dr Tom James (BA German and Music 2002, PhD Music 2007) was shortlisted for Best Music Creator at the Making Music Awards 2020. Karen Jelenje (BA Architecture 2012, MA Cities and Global Development 2018) was awarded a Young Innovator Award by Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust for their organisation Activate the City!, which repurposes underused spaces for community projects.
Fred Yates
2020s
Dr Jost Migenda (PhD Physics 2020) was named winner of the Institute of Physics’ Astroparticle Physics Thesis Prize for their PhD thesis on ‘Supernova Model Discrimination with Hyper-Kamiokande’. George Taplin (BSc Ecology & Conservation Biology 2020) set a new record of swimming the lengths of 13 Lake District lakes in three days, while raising funds for water charity Just a Drop.
Adam Moore (BA Geography 2015) was part of the team at Concilium Search who received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
Selina Treuherz (BA Geography 2020) was awarded the RGS Food Geographies Research Group annual dissertation prize for their outstanding work on gendered, hegemonic practices in elite restaurants.
George Morton (BMus Music 2011, MMus Music 2013) won the Best Arranger for Leisure-time Music Group prize at the Making Music Awards 2020.
Fred Yates (MEng Mechanical Engineering 2020) was awarded a Young Innovator Award by Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust for their
Alumni Volunteer of the Year Lauren Nicholson (BA Economics 2012) has generously given her time to support students in a variety of employability activities, including giving career talks and joining judging panels. Of particular note during this challenging year was the Launchpad internship scheme, which gave 30 students an insight into the world of startups. Each student experienced career opportunities in the tech industry, and left with a portfolio, a reference, and professional experience to draw on in interviews. This project was only possible thanks to Lauren, making her a very worthy winner.
business No Foot Print, which is developing small-scale renewable energy solutions to incorporate into clothing to charge mobile phones. Harriet Yates (BA Linguistics and Philosophy 2020) won a Global Undergraduate Award, Sheffield’s first ever global winner, for their philosophy essay.
Chancellor’s Medal winner Dr Anna Gordon (MB ChB Medicine 2020) was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of their outstanding dedication, courage and bravery in the fight against the pandemic. Anna spent her first months as a doctor working with Afghan, Syrian and Congolese refugees on the Greek island of Samos and conducted the first and only quantitative survey of migrants’ living conditions. Alongside her studies she also investigated the impact of trauma on homeless women’s experiences of perinatal care, volunteered in a Leeds prison leading restorative justice courses, was involved in regular homeless outreach activities, and delivered training for health professionals on recognition of modern slavery. 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 41
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni honours A number of our alumni have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to society in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020 and the New Year Honours 2021. Alan Armson (BEng Civil Engineering 1972) was appointed an MBE for services to the community in Northamptonshire. Dr Harnovdeep Bharaj (BMedSci Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1983, MB ChB Clinical Medicine 1985) was appointed an MBE for services to People with Diabetes in the South Asian Community.
Jonathan Seaton
Gordon Bridge (Hon LittD 2009) was appointed an OBE for services to the community in South Yorkshire. Dr Hareen De Silva (MPH Public Health 2019) was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to General Practice during Covid-19. Professor Valerie Gibson (BSc Physics 1983) was appointed an OBE for services to Science, Women in Science and to Public Engagement. Alan Lane (BA English Literature 2000) was appointed an MBE for services to the community in South Leeds during Covid-19. Maureen Lipman (Hon LittD 1999) was appointed a DBE for services to Charity, Entertainment and the Arts. Neil MacDonald (BA Economics and Accounting 1977) was appointed an OBE for services to Education and Business. Professor Nigel Mathers (BSc Physiology 1974, MB ChB Medicine 1979, MD Paediatrics 1986) was appointed an MBE for services to General Practice. 42 YOUR UNIVERSITY | 2021/2022
Maureen Lipman (Photo: © David M. Benett/Getty)
Jonathan Seaton (MA Law 2007, PG Dip Legal Practice 2008) was appointed an MBE for services to Technology and Education during Covid-19.
Stella Thebridge (BA German and Music 1978) was appointed an MBE for services to Public Libraries during Covid-19.
Professor Hora Soltani-Karbaschi (MMedSci Human Nutrition 1994, PhD Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1997) was appointed an MBE for services to Higher Education and to Maternal and Infant Health.
Claire Waldrom (MEd Inclusive Education 2001) was appointed an MBE for services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Alumni benefits
ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ALUMNI BENEFITS?
We hope that many of our in-person benefits will reopen again soon in line with the latest government guidance. See sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/benefits for full details and current activity. CAREERS ADVICE
LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE
LIBRARY SERVICES
You can continue to use the Careers Service and receive bespoke careers advice up to three years after graduation. Make an appointment to visit us on campus, or we can offer support remotely via web chat, phone or Google Meet. Visit sheffield.ac.uk/careers/ graduate for more information or careerconnect.sheffield.ac.uk to search for jobs or make an appointment.
Discount on sports facilities
Free for alumni members
EVENTS
Reunions and events
We run a range of in-person and online events just for alumni. Visit the Events web page sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/ events for our calendar of events and watch your inbox for exclusive invitations.
Discounted concert tickets for alumni
Graduates of the University are eligible for a 10 per cent discount off the ticket price for all University concerts. Tickets must be purchased online via TicketSource through the University of Sheffield Concerts website performancevenues.group.shef. ac.uk/concerts. The Concerts programme includes scores of international and awardwinning performers from across world, jazz, folk, contemporary and classical music. There’s also a series of concerts from our talented current students and an annual alumni concert.
Sport Sheffield offers a discounted membership rate for all Sheffield alumni. This membership provides access to the gym, swimming pool, steam and sauna rooms, and fitness classes all based at the Goodwin Sports Centre. Visit sport-sheffield.com/memberships/ alumni to sign up.
Discounted hotels
You can receive a discount at several hotels in Sheffield. Perfect for a break in the city or Peak District.
Inox Dine
Situated on Level 5 of the Students’ Union Building, Inox Dine is an independently run events venue and restaurant serving contemporary British food with an international twist, and you can receive a 10 per cent discount on the Inox lounge menu.
Wedding venue discount
Choose from three stunning wedding venues at the University of Sheffield, including Firth Court, and receive an alumni discount. Don’t miss out on the benefits of staying in touch with us.
You can apply for free membership of the University Library. As an alumni member you will receive a library card which enables you to borrow books from all library sites, plus on-site access to a large number of e-journal articles via the library walk-in access service. The card also allows you to access all library sites during staffed service hours, including Western Bank, the Information Commons, and the Health Sciences Libraries. All you need to do is provide proof of study or graduation. To find out more, including how to apply for a Library card, visit sheffield.ac.uk/ library/visitors/alumni
CONTINUED STUDY Postgraduate discount
As a Sheffield graduate you can benefit from a discount on your tuition fees if you decide to study with us at postgraduate level. The level of discount depends on the grade you achieved in your undergraduate course and the level of study. For more details, visit sheffield.ac.uk/ postgraduate/alumni-rewards
For some of these benefits, you may need to show your Alumni Membership Card. If you haven’t received your card yet or need a replacement, please see sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/benefits/membership-cards 2021/2022 | YOUR UNIVERSITY 43
YOUR UNIVERSITY 2021/22
REASONS TO BE PROUD
University joins the race to achieve zero carbon emissions
We have joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign to be carbon neutral by 2038 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Opportunity for all
New £1.6 million project in Sheffield to develop MND drug
This academic year, 712 students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds had the opportunity to fulfil their potential at Sheffield thanks to life-changing scholarships funded by your generous donations.
Researchers in Sheffield are working on a new £1.6 million research project to support the development of a drug candidate for the treatment of motor neurone disease (MND).
Pioneering Parkinson’s research
Time matters We’re in the Top 100
We ranked 95th in the world and 17th in the UK in the 2022 QS World University Rankings.
Student Covid-19 support fund
Together you’ve generously donated more than £480,000 to support ground-breaking Parkinson’s disease research at Sheffield. Thanks to you, our understanding of this devastating disease is quickly improving, and our talented researchers are hopeful new treatments can be found. For now though, we hope to reach half a million very soon - so watch this space!
Giving the gift of time is a fantastic way of helping the next generation of Sheffield alumni during this very challenging period. This year over 6,000 students benefited from the support of 1,000 alumni from over 50 countries.
We’ve established a £3 million Covid-19 support fund for any students facing particular challenges as a result of the pandemic. So far, over 2,665 students have been supported.
Reforging our authority in steel
A new breakthrough in steel manufacturing that could also help to lower CO2 emissions from the car industry has been made by engineers at the University.
New nursing apprentices providing vital support on NHS frontline during pandemic
More than 100 Nursing Associate Apprentices are making a major contribution to the fight against Covid-19 on the NHS frontline, after graduating from the University.
New approach to creating Alzheimer’s drugs helps identify two potential treatment leads
Scientists at the University have developed a new approach to creating drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease which has identified two potential new therapies.
University’s Institute for Sustainable Food leads £6m research project to transform the UK food system
Research will focus on improvements to sustainability and resilience within horticulture, hydroponics and hybrid farms.
+ @SheffieldAlumni + University of Sheffield Alumni www.sheffield.ac.uk/alumni alumni@sheffield.ac.uk Campaigns and Alumni Relations, The University of Sheffield, 40 Victoria Street, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK 0114 222 1071