President and Vice-Chancellor’s introduction

This annual report marks a period of significant progress in delivering our vision and strategy as we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges facing the UK higher education sector.

The achievements and highlights reflected in this document are a testament to the exceptional dedication and hard work of our University community, and so I would like to begin by saying thank you. Your collective efforts make a real impact– from providing an outstanding education to our students and leading research and innovation that addresses global challenges, to helping us build an inclusive and welcoming community.

In this report you can read more about the work that has taken place across each of the four pillars of our vision – Research, Innovation, Education and One University – and how the University is continuing to make a difference for people and communities in our region and beyond.

In June, we were proud to be named 92nd in the QS World University Rankings, recognising our place among the best universities in the world. This position not only reflects how our research and innovation is changing lives and influencing policy, but how our education is challenging and inspiring our students, as well as our commitment to an international outlook and sustainable future. Our focus now is building on this momentum to maintain, and improve, our place in the global top 100 in the years to come

In March, we were delighted to announce that former Bank of England Chief Economist and University of Sheffield alumnus Andy Haldane would become our ninth University Chancellor in November 2025. We are honoured that Andy has agreed to serve as an ambassador for the University on a national and global stage, and we look forward to his official installation in the role as part of a graduation ceremony in January 2026. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our previous Chancellor Dame Anne Rafferty, who has been an exceptional Chancellor to the University for the past ten years.

Earlier this year, we published a report demonstrating why universities like ours are so critical to regional and national prosperity. An Economic Impact Assessment by London Economics showed that for every £1 of operating expenditure, the University generated £6.40 of economic impact in 2022-23 – a total of £4.82 billion for the UK. The government has been clear that it wants universities to make an even stronger contribution to driving regional growth, and we are committed to working with our partners to achieve this.

An example of this is Runway Park, which we announced in May. Building on the impact of our growing innovation district and the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, companies will be able to locate next to our leading research and development centres, including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Energy Innovation Centre and Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre, and collaborate with our researchers to advance technology and manufacturing. I look forward to seeing this project progress over the coming years.

It undoubtedly remains a challenging time for UK higher education, and we are continuing to speak to the government about how we can bring stability, and opportunity, to the sector. However, we are also having to make some difficult decisions to protect the excellent work that takes place across the University. The resilience we have built over many years means we have been able to take actions in a thoughtful and considered way, and I am confident that we will emerge from this period as a successful and sustainable institution. However, I recognise that this has been a difficult time for colleagues, and I would like to thank them for their ongoing commitment to our research, innovation and education. We will continue to engage constructively with our staff and trade unions as we navigate the challenges ahead.

This report shows our University has all the ingredients to be among the very best in the UK and we are now progressing work to build our global reputation as a place where independent thinkers unite in pursuit of shared ambitions. Our University is a special place, and it is more important than ever that we boldly and confidently tell our story to drive our future success. We will continue to build on this momentum in the year ahead.

Professor Koen Lamberts,
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield