"I am delighted to introduce this special edition of the staff update. Our Year in Review showcases some of our highlights from the past 12 months, and I am truly impressed by what we have achieved together in that time. 
 
"The past 12 months have not been without difficulty. The recent and ongoing industrial action, for example, has been a challenging time for our entire University community. Thank you again for all your support and professionalism. 

"We owe our success to the energy, passion and enthusiasm of our staff and students - you make Sheffield such a great place to study and work. 
 
"We have bold and ambitious plans to enhance our position within the global higher education sector and I know that we can continue to build on our already outstanding reputation in the year ahead. 

"Thank you to everyone for your valuable contribution. I hope you all have a well deserved break over the festive period."

Professor Koen Lamberts
President and Vice-Chancellor

"From academics and students working together to uncovering a prisoner of war camp to finding new ways to treat life-limiting disease, 2019 has been an exciting year for research at the University. 

"To round off this phenomenal year, I’d like to highlight 12 pieces of research I feel really showcase our capabilities as an institution to bring us closer to a safer, cleaner, better world."

Professor Dave Petley
Vice-President for Research and Innovation

“There has been a great deal of really good work this year across the University as a whole in teaching and student learning. 

"It is good to reflect back on some of our key developments, including: progress in embedding the Programme Level Approach, our commitment to Education for Sustainable Development, the development of our mental health provision for students and our institution being voted one of the best universities in Europe for teaching excellence. 

"I am greatly encouraged by what we are achieving and where we are going."

Professor Wyn Morgan
Vice-President for Education

"In October 2018, the University published its first sustainability plan. This document set out our principles for sustainability at Sheffield, and a commitment to publish a five-year strategy. Throughout 2019 we have been driving this plan forward. 

"It is clear that sustainability is a priority for both our staff and students. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and engagement across campus. It will continue to drive action and enact sustainable changes in the future, as it has done for the last 12 months."

Professor Gill Valentine
Deputy Vice-Chancellor

"In 2019, the media’s interests in research have mostly mirrored the most pressing political, environmental, societal and technological challenges we face. Journalists want us to provide them with the latest evidence and analysis around climate change, social justice and political insight.

"The UK has seen unprecedented political turmoil this year, and journalists have been interested in our academic analysis around Brexit and the election. Stories about wildlife always pique the media’s interest, and one of our most covered stories this year was about how the wildlife trade is the number one cause of species extinction."

Annie Goss
Head of External Communications