Dear Colleagues,

Today, I officially step into the role of Director of the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

My first action is to acknowledge the transformational leadership of Professor Pam Shaw. Her vision led to the creation of the initial, single-theme Neuroscience BRC in 2016, which successfully grew into our current multi-theme BRC. While the decision to apply for a multi-theme BRC could have been seen as a risk, Pam had confidence in the quality of translational research here in Sheffield beyond neuroscience. She was keen to bring the benefits of NIHR BRC support to more researchers and, ultimately, more patients in our region.

The recent external Scientific Advisory Board commended Pam’s leadership, acknowledged the world-leading research within the NIHR Sheffield BRC, and commented that the growth over the last two BRC cycles has been remarkable. I am pleased to report that Pam has kindly agreed to take on the role of Neuroscience Theme Lead, so we will continue to benefit from her experience and passion.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to work with you all as BRC Director. The showcase at the external review highlighted our strong track record and future plans for impactful research across our themes that will transform the lives of our population. Specifically, the board identified that our approaches to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and Research Inclusion are exemplary. Furthermore, the BRC Training Academy was commended for its inclusive approach to supporting the careers of all who wish to be involved in healthcare research, regardless of their professional background. We are fortunate to have such a strong BRC Core Team supporting all our functions, as well as the support of the leadership and research infrastructures within our host institutions.

Our track record, amazing talent, and strong institutional support mean we are in an advantageous position going forward. My vision is that we will continue to grow our BRC, incorporating other world-leading themes here in Sheffield. We will work closely with the other excellent NIHR infrastructures across the city. As we grow, I see us evolving into a BRC for the whole of South Yorkshire, led from Sheffield, and we will actively champion widened research participation for patients across our entire region. We will continue to support and champion early career researchers from all professional backgrounds in our BRC Training Academy and ensure all our research is inclusive and conducted in partnership with our communities.

The NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and its partners are an important part of the South Yorkshire life sciences sector, acting as an engine for growth by fostering innovation in experimental medicine and translating our scientific breakthroughs into new treatments and health technologies. Our BRC attracts external investment, collaborates with industry, generates intellectual property, and creates high-value jobs. We will continue to demonstrate a strong return on public investment by strengthening our local economy and enabling healthier lives.

I am excited about what we will accomplish together over the coming years and look forward to working with you all.

Sincerely,

Chris McDermott

Director, NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies.