Women researchers at the University of Sheffield do important and impactful work. So much so that The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) based at the university has received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
The prize was presented to the institute at St James’s Palace for delivering real benefits in improving patient outcomes for people living with neurodegenerative diseases.
Demonstrating innovative approaches to research
The prize awarded to SITraN is unique in the honours system and only bestowed upon a UK college or university which demonstrates new and innovative approaches to its research and development that have delivered benefits to the public at local, national and global levels.
SITraN’s vision is to harness developments in neuroscience to translate into new treatments and improved quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Achievements highlighted by the award include:
- a new orthotic device, ‘HeadUp’, for patients living with MND who suffer from muscle weakness in their neck
- groundbreaking clinical stem cell clinical trials for MS patients
- research which has improved the life-expectancy and quality of life for those living with MND
- the discovery of a biomarker linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease for the first time, which has the potential for earlier diagnosis and has sparked the development of new therapies
- drug discovery programmes to develop new treatments for Parkinson’s Disease
- new gene therapy experimental medicine studies for MND which are showing promising early results
Inspiring confidence in patients and families
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Director of SITraN (pictured), said “Receiving this award is a great honour. It gives recognition to our research teams who have made enormous scientific progress in treating some of the most devastating neurological diseases, making a real difference to patients’ lives.
“We hope that this award will inspire confidence for patients and their families, research partners and donors as we continue to make discoveries that deepen the understanding of neurological diseases and open up the potential for new treatments and therapies.”
Chair of the Royal Anniversary Trust, Sir Damon Buffini, added “The prizes are granted every two years by the Queen and are the most prestigious national honour awarded to UK universities and colleges for their work.
"Recommendations for the Queen’s approval are made on the Prime Minister’s advice. The criteria are demanding and look for outstanding excellence in the chosen field, for innovation and for evidence of real public benefit. Competition is strong and the award is a mark of high quality in education and training which is widely recognised internationally as well as in the UK.”
Join the University of Sheffield's important work
SITraN's work brings academics together from across varied specialties to translate scientific discoveries from the lab into pioneering treatments that will benefit people living with neurodegenerative diseases.
To join the important working taking place at the University of Sheffield, in a research, academic or support role, search and apply for current job vacancies today.
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