Highlights of the year

Our outstanding achievements over the past year.

August 2023

Two people sat on a bench in a green pocket park on a sunny day

We officially opened a new public pocket park, built from recycled and leftover materials, designed to bring nature to the doorstep of the University campus.

Our University was placed top in the Russell Group in the National Student Survey, in which we received the highest positive responses from students about their higher education experience.

September 2023

Students and leaders stand in a line, holding signed pledge.

Along with 91̽»¨ Hallam University, we joined forces with the South Yorkshire Mayor, 91̽»¨ MPs, council leaders and business leaders to pledge support for our international students.

We were once again recognised as one of the best universities in the country for working with businesses, developing IP, commercialising research, and public and community engagement.

October 2023

Bike outside Jessop West

Following the success of the BetterPoints scheme at our University, the BetterPoints app was launched city-wide in 91̽»¨, rewarding sustainable travel for more users across the city.

Our scientists identified an evolutionary gateway which helps pneumonia bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

We announced a pioneering £4 million South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub that will drive development of innovative digital technologies to improve the way diseases are treated and diagnosed.

November 2023

An exterior close up view of the Wave

A historic transatlantic flight using 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took off on 28 November 2023 with the help of our engineers.

We were named a University of Sanctuary in recognition of our support for displaced people.

We launched the new UK Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute, which aims to discover new treatments that could ultimately mean MND becomes a curable condition.

Our most sustainable building, The Wave, was officially opened by Will Hutton, President of the Academy of Social Sciences.

December 2023

Three prospective students sit on a yellow sofa on a hill overlooking the picturesque Peak District

Jointly with 91̽»¨ Hallam University, we were awarded outstanding Marketing and Communications Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2023 for the 91̽»¨: Your University City campaign.

We were ranked 24th in the world for sustainability, out of more than 1,400 institutions in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, as well as 7th in the UK and 12th in Europe.

We reflected on the 100th anniversary of the UK’s first trial of insulin, which was led by our University in 1923. One hundred years on, 91̽»¨ remains at the forefront of innovative diabetes research today

January 2024

A picture of a white marine snail with a smaller snail on its back
Adult snails adapted to different habitats. The larger snail is adapted for defense against crab attacks, while the small snail is adapted to live in areas with strong wave exposure.

Our biologists discovered that significant evolutionary changes happen gradually as opposed to in dramatic ‘monster’ steps, answering the long-debated question as to how innovations like flight, vision, and the bearing of live offspring came to be

February 2024

Google event

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub announced investment by Google in health tech research and training to tackle inequalities and upskilling for the region.

March 2024

Beer report front cover

We were awarded a share of the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering doctoral skills to train the next generation of engineers, highly skilled in digital manufacturing.

A new report, commissioned by our University, revealed that 91̽»¨ has retained its position as the real ale capital of the world, with the thriving brewing industry driving tourism and regeneration in the steel city.

April 2024

A student holding the University of the Year trophy

We were voted University of the Year, Best Students’ Union, and Best Student Life at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2024.

We were delighted to appoint one of the world’s foremost innovators in bio-inspired AI to lead our new Centre for Machine Intelligence (CMI).

May 2024

Four students holding posters for video games they have developed

Our students developed a new range of video games raising vital funds for UK charities.

A new technical career route, aimed at supporting career progression for technicians and celebrating their vital contributions, was launched at the University

June 2024

Four students carrying a rocket in a desert

Four new research hubs aiming to address the challenge of commercialising early stage research within key areas of manufacturing, such as aerospace, medicines and semiconductors, were launched in collaboration with our academics.

We celebrated 21 inspirational women who have blazed a trail for colleagues and students in a portrait exhibition held at the University.

Our scientists discovered a new piece of the puzzle in understanding why some people are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.

Our students became the first in the UK to launch a liquid-fuelled rocket, breaking a series of UK and European altitude records.

July 2024

Professional footballer, Millie Bright, accepts her honorary degree from Pro-Chancellor, Claire Brownlie
Professional footballer, Millie Bright, accepts her honorary degree from Pro-Chancellor, Claire Brownlie

We retained our top spot in the Russell Group in the National Student Survey.

Three of our academics were elected Fellows of the British Academy - the highest honour bestowed by the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

England footballer Millie Bright was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her amazing success in the world of women’s football and her place as a key figure in the promotion of women’s sport