Graduates from 1952 to 2025 were in attendance on the day, as well as former staff, and numerous friends of the University. Guests were greeted by David Meadows, Philanthropy Manager, Andrew Harris, Director of Campaigns and Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President Research and Innovation.
After a wonderful lunch and time spent catching up with old friends and making new ones, our Heritage Circle Lunch guests enjoyed a series of talks showcasing some of many ways that the University is using technology, research and innovation to shape a better future. This is important work that simply would not be possible without the contributions of generous alumni and friends.
The first talk was from Professor Ali Khurram, Dean of School of Clinical Dentistry, and Professor Daniel Lambert, Deputy Dean and Professor of Molecular Cell Biology. Professor Khurram first joined the University in 2004 as a PhD student and is the founder of the NEOPATH Research Group. Professor Lambert is former Interim Dean of School and leads a research programme examining mechanisms of cell communication in head and neck cancer and other diseases.
Professor Khurram and Professor Lambert discussed how the School of Clinical Dentistry is working to use Artificial Intelligence to identify pre-cancer cells, leading to earlier detection of head and neck cancers. Furthermore, they discussed how the University of Sheffield is leading in digital dentistry, allowing students to practice on virtual patients by using 3D printing technology.
| (From left to right) Professor Lambert, Professor Khurram and Professor Deery from the School of Clinical Dentistry.
The second talk was from Matt Charlton, Enterprise Manager at Emerge: Be Enterprising, an entrepreneurship programme at the University for students and recent graduates to develop business ideas and skills. The programme runs year round activities including 1:1 support, business idea bootcamp, Networking events and more. Presentations were given by the founders of Res Q Systems and ProtoGT, companies that were both founded by students who were supported by Emerge.
| Matt Charlton from Emerge
After the talks, guests were thanked for their attendance and then had the opportunity to speak to other guests and discuss any questions with staff and researchers over refreshments.
If you'd like more information on leaving a gift to the University in your Will, please contact Senior Philanthropy Manager, David Meadows, on 0114 222 1073 or d.meadows@sheffield.ac.uk.
See our Legacy web pages for more about the impact and outcomes of giving at Sheffield.