A sustainable future
Sheffield is actively shaping and refining global approaches to a more sustainable future. Exciting real-world advances are already being made right here in South Yorkshire. With your help, Sheffield will lead the way to a healthier planet for everyone.
In brief:
- Sheffield is a recognised world leader in environmental research, shaping the future of sustainable food, manufacturing and energy production
- We train and encourage brilliant young minds, creating a pipeline for tomorrow's environmental leaders
- With your support Sheffield can power research into exciting climate solutions such as planet-friendly alternatives to animal proteins, sustainable aviation fuel and electrical storage technologies.
A critical moment in human history
The sustainability of our world and its global society is currently balanced on a knife-edge. That's why shaping and refining our approach to a more sustainable future is among the most critical areas of academic research here at Sheffield.
Backed by our international reputation for environmentally conscious practice and with your support, we’re bringing impactful economic, environmental and social solutions closer by the day. Together, we can combat the devastating effects of climate change.
But there’s no time to lose: it’s vital that we understand how to harness this potential in meaningful, impactful ways for the whole world, and it’s vital we do so right now.
Case Study: Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures
The University’s Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures brings together leading thinkers from across academia, business and policy to deliver cutting-edge sustainability research that's helping to halt the climate crisis.
Collaborating for change
Right here in Sheffield, trailblazing research is happening across a wide range of sustainability-related subjects; in fact, every faculty at the University is represented within the Centre. Its work harnesses multidisciplinary approaches to addressing the most pressing environmental problems of our age.
From biochemists and geographers deep diving into soil science; to linguists, chemists and engineers teaming up tackle plastic pollution, collaboration is at the heart of the Grantham ethos.
The best thing about being a Grantham Scholar is the regular collaboration and sharing of ideas with researchers outside my specific field. I value this hugely because it's going to take individuals from all backgrounds to tackle the climate crisis.
Sophie van Mourik
Grantham Scholar
Supercharging crops and the role you have to play
Professor Julie Grey recently conducted a groundbreaking study into the effects of 'supercharging' photosynthesis in rice grains. The project is already delivering astonishing results - producing crops that absorb up to twice as much carbon from the atmosphere.
Her work shines a spotlight on the kind of under-funded climate opportunities that just wouldn’t happen without your support. As with so much of the strikingly impactful research the Centre is responsible for, these incredible findings were only made possible by generous donations.
Sheffield is leading by example
Fuelled by philanthropy, Sheffield is quickly developing a global reputation as a climate study leader, with two flagship research institutes dedicated to sustainable energy and food production. Both facilities are attracting world-leading experts. And in turn, they're training ambitious and forward-thinking early-career researchers to be the global environmental leaders of tomorrow.
From academia to activism, NGOs to commercial giants, expert Sheffield alumni are advocating for evidence-based change across a huge range of sectors. With your help we'll continue to lead by example in our environmental approaches, and grow our existing profile as one of the most sustainable research-intensive universities in the UK.
Together we can ensure that future breakthroughs for a greener world will be not only Sheffield-made - but sustainably so, and for the long-term protection of the only planet we have.