The University of Sheffield
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Our research and collaborations

Academics across all our departments are bringing together businesses, universities, communities, artists and engineers to make a difference to the way we live our lives and experience the world. The projects have a significant impact on all areas of society, from the global economy, environment and health to technology and the arts. These are just some of our recent projects. For more stories, visit the Media Centre.

Image: Project Sunshine: University of Sheffield

Project Sunshine tackles global issues

In this unique research project our scientists are discovering how we can use the power of the sun to tackle global issues of food, energy and environmental change. The project, which brings together scientists from the pure and applied sciences, is already producing groundbreaking findings. In one study, a higher-yielding rice plant could ease the threat of hunger for the poor. In another, solar scientists are a step closer to unlocking the secrets of the Sun after detecting giant magnetic holes on its surface.

Read more about our research on the Project Sunshine website

Image: Bjork performing: Biophilia

Collaboration with Björk makes musical history

Academics in the Departments of Music and Biomedical Sciences have been working with Icelandic singer Björk to create her new multimedia project, Biophilia. The project is a fusion of music, technology and nature, inspired by Björk's fascination with how these elements are inextricably linked. More than just an album, Biophilia weaves in apps (one for each song), workshops, a website and documentary, as well as live performances.

The full story on our Media Centre pages

Image: breast cancer research:University of Sheffield

New drug combination for breast cancer

Breast cancer patients could soon benefit from a new combination of treatments devised by our researchers. Dr Ingunn Holen and Dr Penelope Ottewell of The Medical School carried out a study to determine the effects of combining the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin and the bone-protecting drug zoledronic acid. If the findings are confirmed by a large-scale trial, the treatment could improve the chances of survival for thousands of women.

The full story on our research and innovation pages