Regional contacts
The University plays an important role in the region bringing partners together to enable collaboration, prosperity and growth - something which we see as a key part of our duty as a civic university.
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The University plays an important convening role in the region and has strong links with many different organisations with the primary aim of bringing prosperity - whether this is economically, socially, environmentally or culturally - to the region. Being able to bring these partners together is something the University has an excellent track record in and a role which we see as part of our duty as a civic university.
As a way of coordinating this, the University has central points of contact and delivery relating to regional engagement sitting within Research, Partnerships and Innovation.
Led by Assistant-Director - Regional Engagement and Innovation, Yasmin Knight and Director of City, Culture and Public Engagement, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, the University’s relationships with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and regional Local Authorities (e.g. Barnsley, Chesterfield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield etc) as well as with other sector representative groups such as the Chambers of Commerce and Cultural organisations such as Sheffield Culture Consortium are managed.
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Where are the existing links with the region?
Our engagement with regional bodies occurs at many different levels and through many different routes ensuring that the University’s approach is focused and aligned with the priorities for the city and region. For example: the University is informed on regional priorities by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and an understanding of the priorities for the city is gained through bodies such as the City Growth Board. Guidance on industry and sector needs is achieved through our membership of the Chambers of Commerce, Culture Consortium etc. The University also works closely with colleagues at Sheffield’s fellow ‘anchor institutions’ i.e. Sheffield Hallam University and the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The University is working to drive forward innovation across the North, specifically through the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) - part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the University of Sheffield's Innovation District - where we have created an innovation ecosystem to establish the South Yorkshire region as the go-to place for manufacturing companies. In 2023, the South Yorkshire region was announced as the UK's first Investment Zone.
Engaging in the region
If you are an academic engaging in the city region or an external organisation looking to engage with the University, please speak to Yasmin Knight, Assistant Director - Regional Engagement and Innovation on 0114 222 1057 or y.knight@sheffield.ac.uk.
If you are a cultural organisation looking to collaborate with the University, please contact: city@sheffield.ac.uk
If you are interested in our public engagement activity and events, please contact: engage@sheffield.ac.uk
For any other general enquiries about our role in the region, please email: madetogether@sheffield.ac.uk