Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN): Ten years of impact

Officially unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2010, the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) is unlike any other in the world. We are taking a look back at a decade of advances in neuroscience whilst looking to the future of research in Sheffield.

Ten years ago, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw’s vision of building a unique translational research centre, which would bring together world-leading scientists and clinicians to identify new ways to prevent and slow down debilitating neurodegenerative diseases like MND, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis, became a reality.

With state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, a clinical database of over 2,000 patients and a large resource of human biosamples and brain-bank material generously donated by patients, SITraN has put Yorkshire on the map for its revolutionary neuroscience research.

In partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the National Institute for Health Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, our world-class team is driving experimental science into international clinical trials in order to combat devastating neurodegenerative diseases and transform millions of lives.

In this video Director of SITraN, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, Professor Koen Lamberts, tell us about the progress that has been made over the last decade of neuroscience research in Sheffield.

Patrons, Jonathan Stone and Stuart Keane, highlight why they have supported SITraN research and continue to do so.

Research achievements

Genetic therapies for motor neuron disorders

Motor neuron disorders have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected. Researchers at SITraN have advanced genetic therapies, giving hope to patients and their families.

Genetic therapies

Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS)

We are pioneering a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Stem cell transplantation from the patient's own bone marrow has had a life-changing impact on those with the relapsing remitting form of the disease.

New MS therapy

Dr Heather Mortiboys leading a team of Parkinson's researchers in a lab

Precision medicine for Parkinson's

By gaining a better understanding of Parkinson's disease, we are working towards potential neuroprotective treatments that could slow down the progression of the disease.

Personalised treatments

Enhancing patient quality of life

Researchers from SITraN are working to enhance patient quality of life while we wait for disease modifying therapies to come through. Our dedicated team assess all aspects of MND and collaborate with patients to ensure the end result is right for them.

Supporting patients

Researcher working in the lab screening patient tissue — Researcher running drug screen in Sheffield lab

State-of-the-art drug screens for neurodegenerative diseases

What if a drug already being safely used by the population could also help treat a different, unrelated disease? At SITraN, scientists are screening potential new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Drug screenings

Patient model systems of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at SITraN are developing models of cells in the nervous system using patient skin cells. And they’re using these models to find new potential treatments.

New models of disease

Patient and public involvement

Our aim is to make lives better for patients and their families. A key component of that is making sure people living with neurodegenerative disorders have access to the information they need to make decisions about their care.

MyMND resources

Dementia: detecting it early, and slowing its progression

Scientists at SITraN are striving to find ways to detect dementia much earlier and are investigating potential treatments to slow the progress of the disease.

Dementia research

Get in touch to learn more out about our research, study opportunities or to collaborate with us: neuroscience@sheffield.ac.uk

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