- The University of Sheffield has reached a historic £14 million fundraising milestone to support the expansion of its world-renowned neuroscience institute to accelerate pioneering research into devastating diseases like Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s
- A wave of support from more than 27,000 donors means the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) can double its capacity and meet the needs of an expanding team of world-leading researchers in their fight against neurological conditions
- The expansion of the world-renowned institute will provide much needed lab space for advanced cell therapies and drug screening. It will also house a super-computing satellite workstation to allow researchers to use machine-learning to analyse massive biological data-sets, identifying new treatment targets faster than ever before
- Construction of the expansion is currently underway. Recent milestones include the topping out of the building and procurement for specialist lab equipment as contractors aim for a September 2026 completion
The University of Sheffield has reached a historic £14 million fundraising milestone to accelerate pioneering research into devastating diseases like Motor Neuron Disease (MND), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through the expansion of its world-renowned neuroscience institute.
A wave of support from more than 27,000 donors means the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) can double its current capacity, helping researchers accelerate their understanding and identify new treatments for neurological conditions. The final surge was powered by a £3 million anonymous gift from a Yorkshire-based family foundation, alongside hundreds of thousands of pounds raised by staff, students, alumni and friends of the University through the University’s "Big Walk" challenges.
The expansion of the world-renowned institute will provide much needed lab space for advanced cell therapies and drug screening. It will also house a super-computing satellite workstation to allow researchers to use machine-learning to analyse massive biological data-sets, identifying new treatment targets faster than ever before.
Neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. In the UK alone, around 28,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. In 2024, dementia and Alzheimer’s were named the UK’s leading cause of death. And on average, six people lose their lives to motor neuron disease each day in the UK.
Hundreds of patients and their families have built strong bonds with Professor Dame Pam Shaw, Director of SITraN and its dedicated researchers. For those who have lost loved ones, witnessing the progress of research can bring immense comfort.
Catherine McGaw-Pratt’s husband Ian was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2012. Shortly after his diagnosis Ian, Catherine and a small group of volunteers established the Ian Pratt MND Foundation to raise awareness and funds.
“Pam was Ian’s doctor and although he knew a cure wasn’t going to come in time for him, he was so determined to do everything he could to help accelerate research at SITraN. When Ian was diagnosed, it felt like there was little chance of finding effective treatments for MND, but the step by step breakthroughs being made at SITraN have brought families like ours hope.”
SITraN has become a global beacon of hope since it was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. By bridging the translational gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care, the institute has already delivered landmark breakthroughs, including the world’s first successful gene-targeted clinical trials for specific forms of Motor Neuron Disease.
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Director of SITraN, expressed her gratitude to the community: “Words of thanks could never fully express our immense gratitude for the generosity of the staunch supporters of SITraN. For the SITraN teams, the research is a lifelong passion and our dedication will not falter. But the work is hard and complex, and at times frustrating. It’s the support and kindness of others that gets us through the tough days and spurs us on to make discoveries that will benefit people with neurological conditions. The stories of patients and their families who have benefitted from our work, and the faith that our supporters have in us, inspires us to make greater progress.
“I have no doubt that this new chapter for SITraN will see us make new discoveries with real impactful human benefit. There is great excitement for what the future holds. And when we see success we will let our supporters know, so that everyone who’s been on this journey can share in it with us.”
The project underscores Sheffield’s position as a global leader in neuroscience, attracting the brightest minds in medicine to the city. The expansion embodies the University of Sheffield’s ambition to transform ideas into impact — a true embodiment of independent thinking and shared ambition.
Construction is already well underway on the new facility, located directly opposite the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, with completion scheduled for Autumn 2026.
