Cultivating Ambition

We set challenging and important goals. We are willing to grapple with the most difficult intellectual and practical problems of our time and are not easily daunted. We want to attract and retain people with ambition and to provide them with the opportunities to realise their dreams and develop their talents.

The biggest challenge under the sun

Led by the Faculty of Science, Project Sunshine exemplifies the University's commitment to cultivating ambition. It brings together researchers of all levels from across the science and engineering disciplines to focus on the biggest question facing the world today: how can we use the sun’s energy more efficiently to increase food production and provide more renewable energy?

It's a huge challenge but Project Sunshine stands for optimism. Sunshine's scientists believe that by pushing themselves and by pushing the traditional disciplinary boundaries they can achieve anything. Together they inspire each other to excel in a way that will influence a new generation of scientists.

Recognising potential, raising aspirations

The University of Sheffield’s Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS) targets young people with the academic potential to study medicine and encourages them to consider university as an option. Staff from the University's Outreach and Access team and the Medical School work with students for up to five years, until they're ready to apply to university.

The SOAMS scheme includes sessions to familiarise young people and their parents with higher education and how the system works. There are team-building and problem-solving workshops, a residential summer school and a work placement.

SOAMS students also benefit from mock interviews, study skills and revision sessions. This helps them write good applications, handle interviews confidently and do their best in exams.

Saima Khan was the first person in her family to go to university. She is now a junior doctor. Saima's medical degree establishes her as a role model for her community in Firvale, helping to raise the aspirations of other young people.

Jenna Carr, an undergraduate who came to the Medical School through SOAMS says:

"If you come from an area like mine, the most people really expect you do to is pass five GCSEs. SOAMS demonstrates that medicine isn't just for the wealthy."