From all of us here at Sheffield: thank you

You’re fuelling student innovation and opportunity

Ever heard of a Hackathon? Thanks to your generosity, students at Sheffield recently took part in one of these fast-paced, creative ‘data and design’ challenges. 

Over one week, 12 interdisciplinary teams tackled real-world problems set by industry experts – developing innovative solutions under pressure.

It’s really given me an insight into industry professionals and their use of Artificial Intelligence. AI has really taken off in the past year, so this gives me a good learning experience for the jobs that I’m interested in.

Ahmed Alyafeai

Financial Management student

Along the way, students sharpened their project management, teamwork and communication skills, while showcasing their talent to potential employers.

This is just one powerful example of how you’re helping students thrive – and preparing them for the world beyond university.

You’re helping rewrite the future of neurological disease

Thanks to your unwavering belief in their work, scientists at the world-renowned Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) are a step closer to finding an eventual cure for debilitating conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, dementia, and motor neuron disease (MND).

Leading Research Fellow Dr Tobias Moll and his team have just uncovered a crucial piece in the complex MND puzzle: that too much of a protein called CCDC146 can harm the brain cells that are vital for movement. Following the discovery, they’re developing a special drug that aims at lowering CCDC146 levels, which could significantly slow disease progression.

The new drug has the potential to treat a broad spectrum of MND, not just genetic forms. This means many more patients will benefit. It’s a breakthrough that would never have happened without donors supporting our work. You really are helping to accelerate vital research and we’re so grateful.

Dr Tobias Moll

Research Fellow, SITraN

Now, a vital expansion of the current facility means more breakthroughs are on the cards at SITraN.

Made possible only by your kindness, the new build will double teaching and research capacity, bringing fresh hope to millions of patients worldwide.

You’re investing in the experts of the future

Your generous support for PhDs isn’t only helping to solve complex global problems like the climate crisis, genetic conditions, and food insecurity. It’s forging a pipeline of Sheffield-made experts committed to creating a sustainable and healthy future for us all.

Tia is one of those future experts, and her work is instrumental in the fight against antibiotic resistance. She chose Sheffield for its research excellence. Now, the scholarship you’ve kindly funded means she’s been able to embark on her doctoral studies free from the burden of financial worry.

My PhD focuses on creating computational tools and software to study how bacteria build their cell walls, which helps understand how they grow and resist antibiotics. Knowing my work could one day help fight antibiotic resistance is incredibly motivating and it’s only possible thanks to your support and donations.

Tia

Biological and Bioprocessing Engineering PhD

Her long term goal? To become a leading bioinformatics specialist, bridging the gap between biological and computer sciences, and empowering future women in STEM.

In the meantime – with your backing – she’s currently tackling one of the world’s most pressing medical problems, right here in Sheffield.

You’re protecting wildlife threatened by the climate crisis

For 50 years, Professor Tim Birkhead’s study into one seabird colony on the remote Welsh island of Skomer has uncovered fascinating insights.

Not only into the guillemot population that fought back from near extinction there, but also the new and insidious threats to seabird populations globally: climate change, persistent over-fishing, and avian flu.

As I see it, long-term studies like this provide the ammunition that can help us fight the war against climate change and environmental degradation. Now more than ever, it’s vital that they continue.

Tim Birkhead

Emeritus Professor of Zoology

The reality is that without you, this study would have ended many years ago.

Your ongoing support means that Sheffield scientists can identify and measure these threats, and maybe allow us to take action to minimise their effects.

Watch The Birdman of Skomer film

You’re opening doors to life-changing experiences

Receiving a scholarship hasn’t just provided financial support for Biomedical Science student Ella, it’s opened up a whole world of opportunities.

Thanks to your backing, she’s been able to spend an unforgettable year at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. As the first in her family to attend university and move away from home, living abroad was a dream Ella never thought she’d get to realise.

But here she is: immersed in a new culture, gaining invaluable independence, and forging treasured memories in Utrecht. The experience has proved transformative, and now she’s turning her attention to how to pay forward the help she’s received.

This extra funding made my year abroad possible, and now I’m eager to help others. I’ve gained so much, and I want future students to have those same amazing opportunities with financial support.

Ella

Biomedical Science student

By supporting scholarships, you’re creating equal opportunities for all. Ella’s story is just one example of how scholarships change lives.

Every year, your kindness enables students to pursue incredible opportunities while studying at Sheffield.

You’re levelling the playing field

Jemima was on the phone to her mum when she found out she’d been awarded a scholarship to study at Sheffield.

Experiencing this special moment together set the tone for her university experience. This support has dramatically eased the isolation that so often comes with financial worry, helping Jemima feel like she truly belongs here.

My scholarship has given me the confidence to succeed. It’s so nice to know that there are people who want to help students like me, and I’m so grateful for the difference it’s made to my university experience.

Jemima

English Literature student

Thanks to your generosity, Jemima’s been able to enthusiastically embrace all the opportunities that Sheffield has to offer. She’s joined the Ultimate Frisbee society, which is fast becoming a highlight of her week, and she can afford the books and equipment she needs for her course.

Your support means talented students facing financial difficulties can participate fully in student life.