As 2025 draws to a close, the Faculty of Health at the University of Sheffield is celebrating a year of exceptional progress, innovation and impact.
From new teaching spaces and programmes to world-leading research breakthroughs, major funding awards and national recognition, the past year has showcased the strength, ambition and dedication of our Faculty. Across our schools, departments and partner organisations, staff, students, researchers, clinicians and patients have worked together to improve health and transform lives locally, nationally and globally.
Here are some of the highlights from an inspiring year:
National recognition for apprenticeships
In January, the quality of the Faculty’s healthcare and engineering apprenticeships was formally recognised in our latest Ofsted inspection, with the provision rated ‘Good’. The report praised apprentices’ outstanding behaviours and attitudes, alongside the Faculty’s strong employer partnerships and commitment to high-quality training.
Improving the lives of people with IBS
Dr Imran Aziz, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, was awarded the prestigious Rome Foundation Academic Fellowship. The fellowship recognises Dr Aziz’s outstanding scientific research and significant contributions to advancing understanding and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Pioneering saliva test for cancer detection
Sheffield researchers are leading the development of a pioneering saliva-based test to detect head and neck cancer. Using a simple, non-invasive sample, the approach has the potential to transform early diagnosis and improve survival rates for thousands of patients each year.
Learning anatomy, reimagined
This year saw the introduction of more than 20 interactive Anatomage tables – among the world’s most advanced 3D anatomy tools. These cutting-edge resources are transforming how healthcare and biomedical science students learn anatomy, offering an immersive, modern and clinically relevant educational experience.
Celebrating 20 years of Patients as Educators
The Faculty marked the 20th anniversary of its Patients as Educators scheme – the largest programme of its kind. For two decades, the initiative has connected real patients with aspiring healthcare professionals, helping students build clinical skills, confidence and empathy from the very start of their training.
New funding to accelerate cancer research
In partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research, the University of Sheffield announced ten new world-leading cancer research studies. These projects aim to improve diagnosis and treatment, explore personalised approaches to care and ultimately save lives across the region and beyond.
Launch of a new Pharmacy degree
September marked the official launch of the University’s new four-year Pharmacy degree. The Faculty welcomed its first cohort of students, who have begun their journey towards becoming the next generation of pharmacists supporting patients and communities.
A new chapter for SITraN
Work is underway on a £24 million expansion of the world-renowned Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). The development will double research capacity and accelerate breakthroughs in conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease.
£3.8 million awarded for aphasia research
A major new research project aiming to improve communication for people with aphasia and their communication partners secured more than £3.8 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Stroke Association.
Calling for better access to NHS dentists for children
Oral health experts from the Faculty joined national calls to improve children’s access to NHS dentistry. Contributing to the Child of the North report, researchers stressed that while recent data offer cautious optimism, reducing tooth decay must remain a top government priority.
Spotlight on end-of-life carers living in poverty
A report by the University of Sheffield and Marie Curie revealed that up to 762,000 people across the UK provide unpaid care each year for someone living with a terminal illness. The findings highlighted the significant financial challenges faced by many end-of-life carers.
New hope for people living with MND
Researchers at SITraN discovered and developed a groundbreaking new drug candidate for motor neuron disease (MND). The medicine, known as M102, has been shown to protect nerve cells damaged by the condition, offering new hope for patients and families.
From the laboratory to the lecture hall, these achievements reflect just some of the milestones reached by the Faculty of Health in 2025. As we look ahead to the coming year, we remain committed to advancing excellence in education and research, and to making a meaningful difference to health and wellbeing for communities in Sheffield and around the world.