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Insigneo Newsletter - February 2026Welcome to our monthly Insigneo newsletter! Our monthly e-newsletter keeps you up to date with events, funding, success stories and information. We hope you will find it useful! Insigneo/Sano Modelathon - ischaemic stroke computational modelling challenge
On Tuesday 13 January we had the pleasure of hosting the Insigneo/Sano Modelathon at the University of Sheffield’s Diamond Building, where teams of researchers spent three days competing in a computational modelling challenge. The Modelathon is based on the concept of a hackathon, where different teams work on a challenging problem to ‘hack’ computer code. The Modelathon brings together interdisciplinary teams of researchers to use computational modelling and simulation rather than ‘hacking’ to look at real-world medical problems. The goal of this year’s modelathon was to develop multiscale models (0D and 3D) to explore their role in improving the management of ischaemic stroke. The event took place at two sites simultaneously, with the Krakow teams based at the Sano Centre for Computational Medicine, supported in person by Insigneo member Dr Andrew Narracott. The teams focused on modelling the Circle of Willis, a vital arterial loop at the base of the brain that connects the anterior and posterior blood supplies. Insigneo Showcase 2026 - registrations are open!
We're delighted to confirm the date for our next Insigneo Showcase event. We look forward to seeing you at the University of Sheffield's The Wave Building on Thursday, 18 June 2026. This full day event is an opportunity for our members, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, industrial colleagues, and other academic groups in the UK to meet and see first-hand the innovative research produced by our Institute. The day will feature:
Call for abstracts: We invite you to submit an abstract for the poster display at the Insigneo Showcase by 13 April 2026. To submit an abstract, you must register to attend the Insigneo Showcase and you will be asked if you wish to submit an abstract as part of this process. You can either submit your abstract at the time or return to submit it later by following the link in your confirmation email, which allows you to edit your event registration. Your abstract format should be text only and up to 500 words. A few weeks after the submission deadline we will be in touch to provide feedback and at this point give information on the poster format, printing and displaying your poster on the day. VPH Executive Committee Interview Series: Professor Pinaki Bhattacharya on Engagement with Societies
In silico medicine is transforming healthcare by combining computational modelling, data, and clinical insight to predict, prevent, and personalise medical interventions. In this new interview for the VPH Executive Committee Interview Series, we speak with Professor Pinaki Bhattacharya, Associate Professor of Solid Biomechanics at the Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield, about the strategic importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the future of musculoskeletal modelling, and the growing role of in silico methods in clinical decision-making and regulation. New research aims to develop crucial new way to diagnose fibrotic diseases
Tissue stiffness is a primary indicator of disease severity across numerous chronic health conditions. Yet, methods to assess tissue stiffness in the clinical setting are profoundly lacking. A new project, funded by the Kennedy Trust, aims to develop cutting-edge quantification technologies to address this critical unmet clinical need and lead to better diagnostic methods. Insigneo member, Dr Ruby Peters, from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Dr Adrien Hallou (University of Oxford) will develop a non-invasive machine learning technology capable of providing a direct readout of tissue stiffness in the context of rheumatological, dermatological, and inflammatory diseases. University of Sheffield's Digital Twin for Healthcare Technologies (DT4HT) networkLast year, the Computational Modelling in Medicine research theme kicked off the University of Sheffield's Digital Twin for Healthcare Technologies (DT4HT) network. The main objectives of the network are:
The DT4HT network holds a regular meeting (every 6 weeks) where PIs and early career researchers present on their modelling approaches, the potential of building DT4HTs out of them, and discuss possible future applications. After several meetings focused on the computational models, we would like to expand our network to the other important Insigneo research themes, especially those interested in imaging and sensors, and how they can be coupled with computational models to create, calibrate, and validate DT4HT. We have also created a Google Group for facilitating communications and sharing material. If you want to join the DT4HT network and be invited to its events, or if you have any questions, please send an email to Prof Enrico Dall'Ara (e.dallara@sheffield.ac.uk) Yorkshire MedTech sponsor the Medilink partnership between academia & business awardOur Yorkshire MedTech impact accelerator is sponsoring the Partnership Between Academia & Business award at the Medilink North of England Healthcare Business Awards 2026. Yorkshire MedTech impact project funding - Round 5 call now open!Many Insigneo Members will be familiar with the EPSRC-funded Yorkshire MedTech programme led by the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield, with over 20 projects awarded to Sheffield colleagues across previous rounds. Offering funding for translational work across three-stages - from Proof of Market through to Proof of Concept - the scheme is designed to bridge the gap between medtech-related primary research and real-world impact. If you'd like to be involved in the next round, please visit the Yorkshire MedTech website and ensure you complete the brief Intention to Submit form before 16 March. The deadline for full applications is 5pm on 17 April. The team will be running an information/Q&A webinar next month, whilst previous application support webinars are available now on the Yorkshire MedTech YouTube channel. Further funding calls are planned for summer and autumn 2026. ClimbTour - Sheffield - 11 MarchJoin us for a free ClimbTour event at the University of Sheffield, supported by Yorkshire MedTech and Tech SY. The session offers a preview of Climb26, the UK's festival of innovation and investment taking place in Leeds this July. The afternoon will feature speakers including Gordon Bateman, founder of ClimbUK and InvestorLadder, active investors including Ryan Sorby (Palatine) and Chris McCourt (Mercia), plus a fireside chat with a local founder hosted by Tracey Johnson, Tech SY Project Director. The event aims to facilitate new connections and provide a practical opportunity to hear directly from those involved in the investment landscape. Places are strictly limited, registration essential: https://www.climb-uk.com/event/climbtour-sheffield-52/register Sheffield Cancer Research Away Day
Date: Tuesday 10 March Do you conduct research relevant to cancer, or do you think your research could have applications relevant to cancer? Are you interested in meeting others in Sheffield's cancer research community? Join us at the Sheffield Cancer Research Away Day and meet colleagues across different schools and faculties. Hear from our keynote speaker, Melanie Flint, Professor of Stress and Cancer Research, University of Brighton, on the effects of stress on cancer; and join themed breakout sessions on:
You will also hear from inspiring colleagues about their research so far and future plans, including YCR Pioneers and More Life to Live, as well as Cancer Research UK and commercial funders. Staff at all career stages and PhD students in all parts of the university are welcome to join us. Research IT updatesCase Study: Supporting NHS Research Readiness with University Expertise Could your research benefit from software development and data dashboards? A new case study shows how our technical teams helped build SORT Online, a platform supporting nursing research readiness across the NHS. Training courses coming up:
Blog post: Managing Research Code: A New Guide for Sheffield Researchers As digital methods become more prominent, ensuring your research code remains accessible and secure is essential. The post helps you get started with the University’s GitHub Enterprise program, covering vital security settings. Whether you are managing simple scripts or complex digital projects, learn how to future-proof your work and achieve long-term preservation. Data analysis support: Modern research demands robust data handling—from analysis and visualization to statistical methods and machine learning. The Data Analytics Service offers one-on-one advice sessions tailored to your needs to help you to overcome these challenges. Contact us to discuss the training, consultation, and project collaboration services available to you using the Research & Innovation IT email research-it@sheffield.ac.uk or use the contact form. NIHR Net Zero Innovation CatalystGain hands-on support from academic, clinical and industry expertise in sustainability and HealthTech. Building on the success of the pilot Innovation for Healthcare Net Zero Programme in spring 2025, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is launching the NIHR Net Zero Innovation Catalyst. The Catalyst supports early-stage innovators in embedding sustainable practices into their innovations and advancing toward translational funding applications and adoption. Applicants to the Catalyst will be expected to:
A £5,000 prize fund will be awarded to exceptional innovators participating in the Catalyst to support future development and evidence generation for follow-on funding applications. Each cohort has 10 places and there are now no joining fees for this year's cohort. DEADLINE – 15 February 2026 Please submit your application using the application form. To read more, follow the link - NIHR Net Zero Innovation Catalyst - HealthTech Research Centre Network
Professor Alice Pyne receives 2026 British Biophysical Society Louise Johnson Early Career AwardCongratulations to Insigneo Member Professor Alice Pyne from the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, who has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the field of biophysics and will present an invited lecture on her work at the 2026 British Biophysical Society (BBS) Biennial meeting in Glasgow. Read more. Mahnaz Arvaneh promoted to Professor of Intelligent Human-Machine InterfacesCongratulations to member, Professor Mahnaz Arvaneh from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, who has been promoted to Professor of Intelligent Human-Machine Interfaces. David King appointed Professor of Digital Product InnovationCongratulations to Insigneo research theme director for smart devices and sensors, David King from the AMRC, who has been promoted to Professor of Digital Product Innovation. Ning Ma promoted to Senior Lecturer in Medical ComputingCongratulations to Insigneo research theme director for Healthcare data/AI, Dr Ning Ma from the School of Computer Science, who has been promoted to Senior Lecturer in Medical Computing. WHIN: Women's HealthTech Innovation Network successOur Women's HealthTech Innovation Network (WHIN) has been successful in securing internal funding to support and develop the network and develop a PPIE group. The network is also supported by the Insigneo Institute and Devices for Dignity: The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in long term conditions. The WHIN network will be establishing a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group with expertise in women's health which all members of the WHIN network can access. More to follow soon on how you can get involved in this group. The WHIN network aims to support the development of new HealthTech Innovations, foster new collaborations and raise the profile of women's healthcare needs and research in South Yorkshire. If you are interested in health technologies which benefit women's health and want to meet others to help take you from idea to innovation, then please do join our network. Join the Women's HealthTech Innovation Network NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre funding awardsTecla Bonci, Ellen Buckley, Oliver Bandmann, Vita Lanfranchi and Iain Croall Funding for pressure-sensing insoles to assess the feasibility of capturing real-world mobility outcomes in people with ataxia, and to use sensor wristbands in Parkinson’s Disease to generate pilot data for developing novel tremor-quantification algorithms. Andy Swift, David Kiely, Robin Condliffe, Samer Alabed, Krit Dwivedi, Michael Sharkey, Pete Metherall and Jim Wild Contribution towards a pilot study aiming to find out if the new Photon Counting CT scanner at STH can detect features in the lungs and blood vessels that are specific to each type of pulmonary hypertension. PhD success:Congratulations to Insigneo members who have graduated with their PhDs:
Insigneo Early Career Researcher community
Our Early Career Researcher ECR group is open to all Insigneo Members who are PhD students, postdocs, fellows, lecturers and those who self-define as an ECR. If you are not already a member of the Insigneo Institute and would like to join you can read more about the benefits and apply here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/membership. ECR fellowship/grant writing WorkshopWe run regular ECR fellowship/grant writing workshops (every ~2 months). The aim is to allow ECRs to discuss with their peers any fellowship/ grant applications they might be preparing and to receive feedback in an informal setting. During each session we have one to two members presenting their work, followed by a round table discussion. This group is reserved for Insigneo ECR members who are seriously considering or are in the process of writing their first grant or applying for a fellowship. Please contact Damien Lacroix (d.lacroix@sheffield.ac.uk) or Neil Stewart (neil.stewart@sheffield.ac.uk) to express your interest in participating. Opportunity for an ECR to join our committee as the lead for social events!In this role, you will play a key part in fostering community connections by organizing engaging social and networking events. The Insigneo ECR Committee
We would like to introduce some of our new members who have joined the Insigneo Institute recently. Find out more about Insigneo membership and our members here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/membership
Dr Faiyza Alam Faiyza is a recent graduate from the Medical Biophysics PhD program at the University of Toronto and Hospital for Sick Children in Canada. Her previous research focused on developing the application of multiple-breath washout hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI (MBW Xe-MRI) in paediatric cystic fibrosis lung disease, resulting in three first-author publications. She also won first place in the University of Toronto 3 Minute Thesis competition for her talk on “Lighting up the Lungs with Xenon MRI” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N56YmtLPuCI). During her time at the University of Toronto, she was a long-time teaching assistant in the mathematics department for courses such as differential equations, calculus and non-linear dynamics and chaos.
Mohammad Amini Can mathematics change the way we treat cancer? I’ve been asking myself this question for a long time, and it continues to guide the work I choose to pursue. My background is in mechanical and control engineering, which shaped how I think about complex systems. During my master’s studies, I applied this perspective to optimization and mathematical modelling of cancer treatments, viewing therapy as a closed-loop control system: observing responses, learning from feedback, and refining strategies through simulations in silico. Motivated by this way of thinking, I decided to continue my journey with a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Sheffield. My current focus is on AI, mathematical modelling, and statistics to better simulate and predict cancer models and treatment responses. I’m particularly interested in virtual patients and digital twins, which allow us to test hypotheses and optimize therapies before they reach real patients. I believe we’re in the middle of an AI-driven industrial revolution, with cancer research at its interdisciplinary edge. If you share similar ideas or are interested in discussing AI’s and mathematical modelling’s role in cancer research, I’m always happy to connect and collaborate.
Dr PJ Annand
Dr PJ Annand is a researcher, illustrator, and activist, and leads the Digital Care and Innovation research theme at the Centre for Care. PJ’s work focuses on the role of digital technologies, data, and AI in shaping health, care, and social equity, with particular attention to gender and sexuality, housing, and structural inequalities. PJ's research critically examines how digital systems are designed, governed, and experienced, and how they can both reproduce and challenge existing power relations in care. PJ’s current and recent projects engage co-productive methods to explore possible digital futures for care, without assuming technological solutions. These include leading work with the James Lind Alliance on a Priority Setting Partnership to co-produce a digital social care research agenda (Digital Care Top 10), leading the Innovations in Queer Care project, and working on the longitudinal study, Technologies That Matter. Across these projects, PJ focuses on the social, ethical, and political implications of digital technologies and data use in care, particularly for marginalised communities. PJ's earlier work includes co-leading the Queer Data Manifesto, which articulated principles for more just, accountable, and community-led data practices. Co-production and participatory methods are central to PJ’s approach, particularly in research involving digital systems that affect marginalised communities. As an advocate for community-embedded and survivor/service user-led research, PJ holds a visiting position at King’s College London in the Service User Research Enterprise, a centre led predominantly by researchers with direct experience of neurodiversity, trauma, mental distress, and/or (ref)using mental health services. Previously, PJ has held academic posts at the University of Surrey, King’s College London, and the University of Nottingham. Alongside academia, PJ has consulted for a range of non-profit organisations, including the United Nations (OHCHR), QUEERCIRCLE, the British Museum, and the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre. Prior to entering academia, PJ spent a decade in the third sector working on research, service design, and evaluation at organisations such as Amnesty International UK, Liberty, Plan UK, and OCD Action. This included establishing and managing a national online youth mental health service, co-designed with young people and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. PJ continues to work closely with third sector partners and is committed to building equitable, sustainable academic-community collaborations around digital and innovation in care. PJ's work has been funded by organisations including the Leverhulme Trust, ESRC, Wellcome Trust, Newton Fund, British Council, FAPESP, Trust for London, London City Bridge Trust, St James’ Place, and the Big Lottery. More information about PJ’s research and creative practice is available at pjannand.com.
Dr Samantha Hind
Dr Samantha Hind is the Commercial Research Lead at Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, where she works with the Life Sciences Industry to bring innovative new treatments to the Trust’s patients and supports DBTH-led innovation projects. Prior to working at DBTH, she was awarded a PhD from the University of Sheffield, where she also worked as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and Graduate Teaching Assistant.
Dr Candice Majewski These techniques allow the production of highly complex geometries (both external and internal) much more efficiently and economically than more traditional manufacturing processes, opening up a wide range of possible innovations. One of the first things that attracted me to this area was how applicable these processes are across a wide variety of sectors, and how the things we learn in one area might translate across to other areas. Their combination of complexity and personalisation provides specific potential for applications within the Healthcare sector, and I’m really keen to identify possible new collaborations in this area. This might range from the design and manufacture of bespoke rigs or devices for patient testing, to personalised assistive devices, through to medical devices themselves. Or, if you have other ideas for ways in which 3D Printing techniques might bring new benefits to the area(s) you work in, I’d love to have a chat about them!
David O. Obada
My research is centred on the design and development of biomaterial-based scaffold systems for bone tissue engineering, with the aim of promoting tissue integration, osteogenic cellular responses, and bone regeneration. I investigate biomimetic bone matrices incorporating bioceramics and polymeric components to support bone cell growth and tissue formation. A central objective of my work is to engineer multifunctional scaffolds that replicate the mechanical and biological environment of native bone while enabling vascularization in large tissue constructs. Previously, I was a postdoctoral researcher at Atlantic Technological University, where I conducted research in computational materials science using density functional theory (DFT).
Maria Rila
So far, working for a pharmaceutical research company has opened my eyes to so much scientific research going on beyond just what I studied in my degree. This wonderful opportunity has motivated me to hopefully pursue a masters in the future in biological and bioprocess engineering at Sheffield. I am keen to learn more about the meeting point between engineering and biology, and to hopefully pursue a healthcare career merging the two. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am an avid volunteer in my local community. I have done everything from NHS and healthcare-related volunteering to animal and conservation charities, and I hope to continue this streak upon my return to university.
Dr Saori Shibata
Dr Saori Shibata joined SEAS in 2021 after working as a lecturer in Political Economy of Japan at Leiden University (2014-2021). She completed a PhD in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham, UK (2015). Saori’s research focuses on Japan’s political economy, including the changing nature of work, the digital economy and how Japan’s model of capitalism is transforming. This draws on institutionalist approaches to capitalism and critical political economy. She has published on these topics in journals such as New Political Economy, Review of International Political Economy and British Journal of Political Science. She is the author of Contesting Precarity in Japan: The Rise of Nonregular Workers and the New Policy Dissensus published by Cornell University Press. Saori examines the impact of digitalisation on labour, highlighting how it can constrain opportunities and self-determination for specific groups, particularly precarious workers and women. At the same time, she explores how those affected resist these constraints or seize digital opportunities to improve their circumstances. Her research includes analyses of digital reskilling policies and initiatives for women, technology-enabled sexual violence and women’s forms of resistance, and strategies to address gender bias in AI-driven human resource management, especially in relation to the use of women’s data in the workplace. Dr Harriet Talbott
She will be working on the computational aspect of the project under the supervision of Dr Xinshan Li. Her background is in computational biomechanics, holding a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Leeds, where she focussed on the structural and functional changes to the haemophilic ankle. Prior to joining the University of Sheffield she was a lecturer at the University of Hull, where her independent research focussed on the generation of clinically relevant finite element models for orthopaedic and diabetic applications.
Alexander Tonkin I am a 4th year biomedical sciences student with a cross-disciplinary background in biotech and Medtech, spending the last year studying bioengineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. My current commitments in Sheffield lie with the Biosphere society and the Sheffield Sustainable Healthcare Competition (SSHC), which I set up last semester to widen undergraduate participation in extracurricular activities and share their passion for science! Our goal is to empower bioscience students by providing them with the same community, opportunities and support that is more frequently seen in the areas of engineering and medicine. I joined Insigneo to reconnect with my passion for medical devices and contribute my experiences as a care assistant to the development of better healthcare solutions for the elderly. I look forward to engaging in future events and learning from the members and wider community here in Sheffield. Do you have news to share with us? If you would like us to include information and/or events to this newsletter please email: info@insigneo.org (the newsletter will be issued during the 2nd week of the month, excluding January and August). Insigneo members - please let us know when your students are graduating so that we can celebrate their success! Please ensure that you submit items for inclusion with a minimum of one week's notice. Guest Lectures, Conferences & Seminars
Please see our useful resource detailing Training and Development Opportunities relevant to Insigneo research themes, including events, conferences and seminars from the University and across a huge range of institutions and organisations. Please note that some are internal to the University of Sheffield. Insigneo events2026 12 February 18 June 2026 A selection of Insigneo seminar recordings are available to view on our YouTube channel. Other events16 February 23 February 24 - 27 February 25 February 5 March 6 March 10 March 11 March 23 - 27 March 28 - 29 April 26 June 29-30 June 1 - 4 September For a full list of upcoming events visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/overview/events PublicationsNovel sustainable carbon dot as dual replacements for emulsion stabilizers and Photoinitiators in macroporous polymerized high internal phase emulsion fabrication (Journal of Colloid and Interface Science)W. Gao, Z. Cheng, N. T. H. Farr, Innovative P(3HB)/carbon-based material composites for bone tissue regeneration: Biocompatibility, thermo-mechanical, and structural insights (Materials Today Advances) M. P. Raut, A. Mele, N. T. H. Farr, C. S. Taylor, A Magnetically Actuated Crank-Slider Mechanism Embedded in a Swallowable Capsule (Lecture Notes in Computer Science ) U. U. Harman, I. Mistry, S. Miyashita Think before you fit: Parameter identifiability, sensitivity and uncertainty in systems biology models (Current Opinion in Systems Biology) S. P. Preston, R. D. Wilkinson, R. H. Clayton, M. J. Chappell, G. R. Mirams Pulmonary hypertension and the role of MRI flow assessment: a systematic review (British Journal of Radiology) K. S. Alghamdi, A. Maiter, G. A. Hyde, T. Alnasser, M. Sharkey, M. Salehi, P. Garg, J. M. Wild, D. Kiely, A. J. Swift, S. Alabed |