Annual report 2020–2021

2021 has been a year of great change and outstanding achievements, as we make ambitious plans for the future. This year we continued to respond to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and we reaffirmed our position as one of the world’s leading universities for teaching and research.

Professor Koen Lamberts - President & Vice-Chancellor

Introduction from the Vice-Chancellor

"While the pandemic is not yet over, I am hopeful that this will be a more normal academic year for our students and staff, with excellent face-to-face teaching, research and on-campus activities."

Vice-Chancellor's introduction
Staff and students walking on campus
Staff and students walking on campus

One University

We know that the best way to deliver life-enhancing research, innovation and education is by working together as One University.

Building a collaborative community

Neuron cells system - 3d rendered image of Neuron cell network on black background

Research

Our researchers are finding ways to improve lives globally, from unravelling the link between motor neurone disease and physical activity, to shedding light on Covid-19 transmissibility.

Our distinctive research is world-changing

People walking on the concourse in the heart of the University of Sheffield's campus, near its Students' Union building

Highlights of the year

A snapshot of some of our University-wide achievements and highlights, from the period August 2020 - July 2021.

Our 2020-21 highlights

Architectural plans by Joseph Chapman and Bor-Ren Hui for buildings on Fargate Highstreet

Innovation

Our multidisciplinary work continues to improve lives, working across South Yorkshire and our wider community. We're driving change in the culture sector using transformative research.

Improving lives through innovation

Student wearing a protective mask and studying at a laptop in Weston Park library

Education

Our diverse academic community has provided us with forward-thinking teachers and influential research for which we are recognised and respected globally.

How we're developing teaching and learning

The inside of our Engineering Heartspace, two brick buildings enclosed by a glass-topped structure housing a cafe

Infrastructure and digital

We continue to progress our work on capital projects and digital capability, which have been critical to the delivery of our vision for excellence in research, innovation and education.

Supporting our vision through digital and infrastructure