Engineering for health

Our vision is to improve lives through translation of technologies solving major health challenges. lead excellent interdisciplinary science and engineering research for healthcare, and deliver cutting edge innovation and translation in partnership with patients, the NHS and industry.

Research and impact

Professor Sheila MacNeil
Professor Sheila MacNeil, Emeritus Professor of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield

We drive the future of integrated healthcare by bridging the gap between fundamental science and real-world application. Our multi-disciplinary research spans the engineering of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals to the development of life-saving therapeutics at scale. By combining multiscale modelling of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems with AI-driven digital health insights, we transform complex data into actionable treatments. From advanced biomaterials to innovative sensors and imaging hardware, we deliver systemic advancements that redefine health and well-being.

Vaccine research

UKSEA logo

UK-SEA vax hub

Headed by the University of Sheffield, this initiative represents both a regional collaboration and a broader partnership between the UK and South East Asia
Three researchers wearing lab coats and PPE having a discussion

New vaccine-making process could transform pandemic response

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have been awarded funding for their infectious disease technology that could make life-saving vaccines more readily available to the world.

Computational modelling

X-ray themed model of blue heart

‘Digital twin’ heart modelling project will monitor patients virtually

Sheffield academics from the Faculties of Engineering and Health are part of a team of interdisciplinary researchers who will create and test the first ‘digital twin’ heart models for a group of chronically ill NHS patients.
Computer models of paediatric femora in very young children at different ages
Computer models of paediatric femora in very young children at different ages

Digital twins to help reduce childhood fractures

New digital twins that could help doctors better understand the causes of fractures in children, are being developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield.

Biomaterials and biomechanics

Picture of an eye

Using regenerative medicine to cure blindness in developing countries

Treatment for blindness in developing countries is often expensive and restricted. Regenerative medical techniques developed at the University of Sheffield could provide a solution to this.
polyurethane mesh
A section through the new material showing how it mimics the native female tissue in having three layers of interconnected fibres which distend when stretched but then bounce back to their size and shape

Advancing safer treatments in women’s pelvic health

Stress urinary incontinence affects up to one in three women worldwide, but the most commonly used treatment has led to serious problems for many patients. Researchers at Sheffield have created a new medical device that could be a safer option, offering hope to those living with the condition.

Health robotics

An ingestible robot held in someone's hand. It is small and red.

Healthcare of the future is in our hands

One of the goals for healthcare is to develop less invasive alternatives to standard surgery as they are usually less risky and have faster recovery times, benefiting both the patient and medical team.
Turning a “Flaw” into a Superpower: Sheffield Researchers Redefine How Robots Move
Caption: The robot has intrinsic shape hysteresis and can be reconfigured into billions of different shapes with sequential commands of only two motors (A and B).

Redefining how robots move

A robotic ‘flaw’ has been turned into an advantage by using hysteresis to enable soft robots to move, morph, and grow with minimal actuation.

Artificial intelligence for health

Man in white lab coat with blue medical image graphics

Using artificial intelligence to tackle multiple long-term conditions

A team of data scientists and clinicians from the University of Sheffield will develop new ways to bring together new information about people held by different organisations and develop new ways for computers to do this.
A mobile phone showing the CognoSpeak logo

Speeding up dementia diagnoses using artificial intelligence

The system, known as CognoSpeak, uses a virtual agent displayed on a screen to engage a patient in a conversation. It asks memory-probing questions inspired by those used in outpatient consultations and conducts cognitive tests, such as picture descriptions and verbal fluency tests.

Medical technology and innovation

Partner logos

EPSRC MediForge Hub

CMAC’s EPSRC MediForge Hub aims to build industry 5.0 solutions to transform the sustainable development and manufacturing of medicines.
A panel at the South Yorkshire Innovation Summit
Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, Alex McLaughlin, Deputy Director of Innovation and Growth Office of Life Sciences and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire (credit Ross Jarman)

South Yorkshire leaders unite to advance region's £3.3bn life sciences sector

The South Yorkshire Life Sciences Summit brought together leaders from national and regional government, the NHS, life sciences and academia to develop a unified strategy for advancing the region's £3.3 billion life sciences ecosystem

Our teams and facilities

Our world-leading research centres and facilities make an incredible impact.

By harnessing our wealth of interdisciplinary expertise, and together with partners across the world, they are constantly furthering academic knowledge and addressing the wide range of global challenges facing society.

Access our facilities

We're home to world-class facilities that support research both within the University of Sheffield and in collaboration with a wide variety of partners.

Visit our dedicated webpages

Research centres and groups

Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre

Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies

Insigneo

Integrative Musculo-Skeletal Biomechanics Research Group

NAPIC

South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub

Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre

UK-SEA Vax Hub

Work with us to make a difference

Collaborations

Our partnerships are key to our success. By collaborating with our partners, we unlock their potential and build a powerful network of innovation. 

Partnerships and collaboration

Externally funded Research Fellowships

Research Fellowships is designed to establish you as a research leader in an ambitious, vibrant and supportive environment.

Engineering fellowships

Research, Partnerships & Innovation

A dedicated team at the heart of supporting the University's delivery of research and impact across many sectors. Discover more about our people and how you can be a part of it.

Research, Partnerships & Innovation