Highlights from 2021 at the University of Sheffield

The end of another year means another year of great achievements to look back on from across the University.


1. Sheffield leading project to open new frontier in physics

Hicks Observatory and ROSA Telescope Domes

Sheffield is leading a new project into the ‘Hidden Sector’ of quantum fields and particles which may explain dark matter.

Advancement in astronomy


2. Largest ever donation supports disadvantaged students and gene therapy

Andrew Law - Chairman and CEO of Caxton Associates and University of Sheffield alumnus
Andrew Law - Chairman and CEO of Caxton Associates and University of Sheffield alumnus

Gene Therapy Research and under-represented student groups are benefitting from the University's largest ever individual gift of £5.85m from grateful alumnus Andrew Law.

Alumni giving back


3. Making an impact on society and the economy

Sheffield Town hall

The University was celebrated for its impact on society and the economy, for its work to find solutions to real world problems.

Supporting business and society


4. Simplified treatment for sight loss to deliver major savings for hospitals

eye image

A new method to treat one of the biggest causes of sight loss could deliver savings for hospitals and help heal more patients.

Improving eye care


5. The Big Week - fundraising for Parkinson's

Together, you raised over £56,000 for Parkinson's disease research

Alumni and friends got together for a week of events and activities and raised £56,000 for Parkinson’s disease research.

Your support for Parkinson's


6. University ranked within top 100 in QS rankings

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

The University was ranked 95th in the world and 17th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings.

A Top 100 university


7. Students double volunteering hours during pandemic

Evie Croxford, SU President 21-22, holds the number 20,000
Evie Croxford, Sheffield Students' Union President 2021-22

Students clocked up a total of 20,510 hours of volunteering in the local community this academic year - double the usual total.

Students giving back


8. Olympics and Paralympic medal winning alumnae

Bryony Page, Hollie Pearne-Webb, Megan Shackleton

Three Sheffield alumnae brought back medals from the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games.

Our winners in Tokyo


9. New gene therapy pathway could protect us from cancer and dementia

Stock image of DNA

Researchers found a new gene therapy pathway that may help protect us against life-limiting diseases such as cancer and dementia.

Gene therapy discovery


10. University of Sheffield named as one of the world’s best maker schools

A student making something using machinery in the iForge

Sheffield was named one of the world’s best maker schools - institutions with curricula that encourage learning by doing.

Learning through making


11. Nuclear AMRC and Rolls Royce collaborate on next stage of SMR development

Artist's impression of the Rolls-Royce SMR plant
Artist's impression of the Rolls-Royce SMR plant

Our expertise in nuclear engineering will play an integral part in Rolls Royce’s small modular reactor development programme.

Nuclear reactor development


 12. Sheffield to lead new 'Centre for Care'

news - social care

The University was awarded £10 million to lead a new centre to address the urgent need for research and evidence on social care.

Centre for Care


Here's to more successes in 2022!