Insigneo Newsletter - April 2025

Welcome 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! 

Groundbreaking cancer research hub receives £10 million in new funding

A groundbreaking cancer research hub will receive £10 million in new funding to help transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Yorkshire.

The University of Sheffield and Yorkshire Cancer Research are pioneering 10 world-leading research studies that aim to accelerate understanding of cancer and find cures that will save lives in the region and beyond. 

The new research will focus on key themes such as the use of cutting-edge technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and exploring new ways to personalise treatment so care can be precisely tailored to each patient.

Insigneo Co-Director, Professor Jim Wild, is PI of the Sheffield Platform for Imaging Research in Oncology (SPIRO) working with Co-PI,  Dr Bilal Tahir.  SPIRO will revolutionise how the state-of-the-art imaging facilities in Sheffield are used to tackle cancer. 

Sheffield AI heart disease innovation features on BBC Panorama 

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is featured in an episode of BBC Panorama highlighting examples of innovation which improve patient experience and care whilst also alleviating pressures in the NHS.  

The programme, which aired on BBC One at 8 pm on Monday 24 March, profiles how artificial intelligence (AI) tools developed by clinicians and scientists from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield are being used within the NHS to speed up heart disease diagnosis.   

In the episode Panorama journalist Alison Holt speaks to Insigneo research theme director for Imaging Life, Professor Andy Swift, Honorary Consultant Radiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Professor of Cardiothoracic Radiology at the University of Sheffield, to find out how the AI performs a super-fast analysis of the images and scans of the heart, reducing waiting times and improving care. 

The AI tools were developed with the support of clinical scientist colleagues including Insigneo members, Dr Kavita Karunasagaraar, Dr Samer Alabed and Dr Pete Metherall, with the MRI AI segmentation winning an NHS Parliamentary Award Future NHS award in 2023. 

'Fixing the NHS: What will it Take?' can be watched on BBC iPlayer. The episode is led by Alison Holt, the BBC's Social Affairs Editor.  

Collaboration between the Insigneo Institute and the University of Ghana

Image credit: File: Balme Library of University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.jpg Author: Rjruiziii, License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Insigneo research theme director for Healthcare data/AI, Dr Ning Ma, has been awarded partnership development funding to strengthen the relationship between the University of Sheffield’s Insigneo Institute and the University of Ghana, in the areas of AI for healthcare and engineering.

The Universities of Sheffield and Ghana have an established collaborative relationship, particularly through the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), and there are opportunities for the Insigneo Institute to add value through our aligned areas of research strength.

Dr Ma has organised a week-long academic exchange programme. Four academics from the Insigneo Institute (Dr Ma and Dr Chen Chen from the School of Computer Science, and Dr Jennifer Rowson and Professor Claire Brockett from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering) will travel to Ghana to deliver a series of activities, including a showcase of our existing collaborative projects in healthcare technology, interactive sandpit and workshops. The aim will be to identify challenges and opportunities, and deliver a summer school to foster research skills and academic growth.

The showcase of collaborative projects will present innovative research that aligns with the expertise of the Insigneo Institute, focusing on how AI and engineering solutions can revolutionise healthcare and improve patient outcomes. The sandpit and workshops will encourage discussions on challenges faced in Ghana and share practical insights on applying AI in healthcare and designing biomechanics for medical applications. The summer school will provide PhD students and early-career researchers at the University of Ghana with valuable hands-on training in these interdisciplinary fields, emphasising problem-solving and collaboration.

Engaging with parliament

On Friday 21 March Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle and the UK Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit held an event on engaging with Parliament at the University of Sheffield, presented by the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre and the Grantham Centres for Sustainable Futures.

Baroness Bennett gave insights as a Member of the House of Lords on how she engages with the research community and why mobilising research evidence into Parliament is so valuable for policy-makers. The Knowledge Exchange Unit (KEU) talked through how research is used in the UK Parliament, the specific routes for sharing evidence and expertise, and their top tips for researchers.

Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Insigneo member Dr Joshua Astley from the School of Medicine and Population Health also received a visit from Baroness Bennett earlier in the day as part of The Royal Society’s Pairing Scheme which allows policymakers and research scientists to experience each other’s worlds. Baroness Benett visited POLARIS (Pulmonary, Lung and Respiratory Imaging Sheffield) at the University of Sheffield and learnt about Dr Astley’s research with Professor Jim Wild, using hyperpolarised 129Xe MRI imaging techniques instead of computed tomography (CT) scans to avoid exposure to radiation. These techniques are very sensitive, safe (even for children and infants), and are being used in a variety of ways.

As part of the pairing scheme Dr Astley also visited UK Parliament for a programme of activities including talks, tours and work shadowing his host, Baroness Benett.

Dr Astley will be giving a seminar on his experience for our ECR group on 27 May, see below for more details.

University of Sheffield staff resources:

https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/rpi/knowledge-exchange/policy-engagement-and-impact

This article from the Faculty of Health Knowledge Exchange team also gives a useful overview of ways to engage with policy: https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/health/news/knowledge-exchange-policy-engagement

Design of medical devices and implants event

Insigneo research theme director for healthcare data/AI Dr Mahnaz Arvaneh from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, hosted a 'Design of Medical Devices and Implants' event for the Biomedical Engineering training module for undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sheffield.

The following Insigneo members contributed with presentations: 

• Haley Stang - Entrepreneurial Lead, REGAIN project: Designing for Growth: How Commercialization Shapes Nerve-Stretching Device Development
• Jake Toth - Entrepreneurial Lead, StimDose project: Assessing the Commercial Viability of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Dose Standardisation. Jake has recently moved to Oxford for a PDRA role.
• Alex Wilkinson - Insigneo Commercialisation Manager.  Entrepreneurial thinking, Strategy & Commercialisation for Medical Technology development.

Haley and Jake have both taken part in the Insigneo Commercialisation Journey Medical Devices Cohort which introduced participants to the world of medical devices and the clinical and commercial considerations that a successful medical device must navigate.

Save the date: Insigneo/Sano Modelathon: Computational modelling to improve management of ischaemic stroke, Sheffield/Kraków

13 - 16 January 2026

The Modelathon is back! Based on the concept of a hackathon where different teams work on a challenging problem to ‘hack’ computer code, the Modelathon uses computational modelling and simulation rather than ‘hacking’ and will focus on the role of multiscale modelling (0D, 1D, 3D) in improving the management of ischaemic stroke.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Norman Powell: n.j.powell@sheffield.ac.uk

SCYPHeR Grand Round Child Health Technologies

Join us for the upcoming SCYPHeR Grand Round on Child Health Technologies on 1 May 2025, 13:00–14:00.

We will be joined by two leading experts:

• Professor Paul Dimitri, Professor of Child Health and Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology 'Advancing Child Health Technologies: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Practical Applications'
• Professor Jim Wild, Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics, Co-Director of the Insigneo Institute 'Insigneo and child health technology update / Xenon MRI applications in child lung disease'

South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub Seminar

University of Sheffield generates £4.82 billion for South Yorkshire and UK economies

The University of Sheffield generates over £4.82 billion for the UK economy and delivers a £6.40 return for every pound spent, according to a new report highlighting the Russell Group institution’s crucial role in driving economic growth.

With a total contribution of £4.82 billion to the UK economy in 2022-23, the report underscores the University’s role as a major economic force in the region and beyond.

As a champion of both the city and region, the University works closely with its partners to understand the challenges they face and how they can work together to jointly thrive. This ranges from collaborating with external organisations to drive innovation and fuel economic growth, to working with partners to develop the workforce of the future.

NIHR Senior Investigators Cohort 18

Congratulations to Insigneo members Professor Dilly Anumba from the School of Medicine and Population Health and Professor Paul Dimitri from the Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, who have been announced in the 18^th cohort of NIHR Senior Investigators.   

NIHR Senior Investigators are outstanding research leaders in health and care, recognised for their significant contributions to the NIHR and the wider research landscape. They influence policy, inspire and mentor early-career researchers, and drive innovative research that improves lives. They promote NIHR’s vision of research that improves health, care, and outcomes for all.

North Innovation Women 2025

14 inspirational women across the University of Sheffield were celebrated in the annual North Innovation Women 2025 list, published to mark International Women’s Day. Congratulations to the following Insigneo members who were included on the list:

• Ilaria Bellantuono,  Professor in Musculoskeletal Ageing, School of Medicine & Population Health
• Isabel Christie, Wellcome Trust Career Development Researcher, School of Medicine & Population Health
• Maria Cruz Villa Uriol, Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science
• Suzanne Mason, Professor of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine & Population Health
• Wendy Tindale, Director of Innovation, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

The Northern Health Science Alliance publishes the list annually to celebrate inspiring women across the North of England.

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.

Find out more and join

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. 

Insigneo ECR Seminar - Experience with the Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Insigneo ECR member Joshua Astley was recently successful in applying for the Royal Society Pairing Scheme, where scientists are paired with UK parliamentarians and civil servants. Josh will give a brief seminar on his experiences with this scheme on Tuesday 27th May, 3-4 pm at 18 Claremont Crescent (POLARIS) & online. The event has just been added to Insigneo ECR group members' calendars. 

ECR fellowship/grant writing Workshop

We 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.

If you’re passionate about building a vibrant community and have creative ideas for bringing people together, we’d love to have you on board.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by emailing Sarah Black (sarah.black@sheffield.ac.uk).

The Insigneo ECR Committee
(Malwina Matella, Neil Stewart, Juntong Lai, Hazem Toutounji, Sarah Black, Sarah Hollely, chaired by: Damien Lacroix)

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 

I support the BRC Director in setting and delivering our strategy to further develop our infrastructure and ensure our portfolio of research is managed and delivered effectively. My role is optimally positioned to help support clinicians and researchers in the development of new and novel treatments and diagnostics which seek to benefit patients and the wider the health system.

It has always been an ambition of mine to work in a highly collaborative field that seeks to deliver impactful benefits, drives innovation, and improves patient treatment and experience. Within clinical research I always felt this would be the ideal environment to challenge myself, thrive and contribute to the exceptional service the NHS strives to deliver to our patients.

Full profile

I completed my Master of Science in Polymer Science and Engineering at Loughborough University and my Bachelor's in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Leicester. 

Currently, I am looking at the cold sintering process to prepare novel composites using bioglass and bacteria-derived polymers for bone tissue engineering and regeneration applications.

This work is part of cross-faculty project, led by Professor Helen Colley, to develop a new class of vaccines that can be delivered inside the mouth using mucoadhesive patches.

Before this, I had an industry role working on polymersomes for drug delivery and I completed a PhD at the School of Clinical Dentistry, sponsored by AFYX Therapeutics, working on electrospinning to produce mucoadhesive patches for the delivery of antibodies to treat mucosal diseases.

My research is focussed on using ParOSol to carry out stochastic finite element simulations of the femur, with the aim of predicting fracture risk. Leading on from this, I am then aiming to use these stochastic solutions to train a machine learning algorithm to predict a patient’s risk of fracture based on medical images. Finally, I intend to further develop the ParOSol solver to enable the inclusion of both statistical shape and appearance modelling techniques simultaneously. 

Prior to beginning my PhD, I previously studied at the University of Sheffield where I completed my integrated Masters in Mechanical Engineering with Biomechanics. In my final year project, I was tasked with modelling the hip in adolescents with femoral dysplasia. After graduating, I worked for a year as a Technical Regulatory Engineer at an orthopaedic company before deciding to return to Sheffield to pursue research.

I am excited by my return to the University and look forward to progressing with my research.

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 events

12 May
Insigneo smart devices and sensors theme: collaboration sprint

21 May
Insigneo Seminar: AI powered multi-modal cardiac data analysis: towards cardiac digital twins for personalized healthcare (online)

5 June
Insigneo generative AI in healthcare workshop 

9 June
Professor Iain Wilkinson Award Seminar - save the date!

23 June
Insigneo Seminar: Pierre-Alexis Mouthuy, University of Oxford  **new date**

4 July
Insigneo Showcase 2025, Sheffield - RSVP 13 June 2025

A selection of Insigneo seminar recordings are available to view on our YouTube channel.

Other events

28 April
Sandpit: moving respiratory health diagnosis into the 21st century (EPSRC)

29 April
Guest Lecture on Medical Device R&D and Regulatory Approval

Dr Simon Tylor, an expert in R&D and the commercialisation of medical devices, will be giving a guest lecture on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Hadfield Building, Hulme-Rothery Lecture Theatre 22.

The lecture will cover R&D management and the fundamentals of regulatory approval for MedTech companies, including recent updates to regulatory requirements. All are welcome to attend, and please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who may be interested.

About the speaker:
Dr. Simon Tylor is an accomplished medical device engineer with extensive experience in product development, innovation, and regulatory compliance. He holds a First-Class MEng (Hons) in Medical Engineering and a PhD in cartilage preservation from the University of Leeds.

His career spans multiple sectors—from automotive design with Jaguar Land Rover to precision cooling systems for data centers. He later returned to the medical field as Design Manager at Steeper, where he led the development of bionic hands, including the bebionic small.

Dr. Tylor went on to co-found Covvi, a company specialising in advanced prosthetics. He played a key role in designing their bionic hand, securing multiple patents and managing regulatory compliance. Covvi’s hand has since launched successfully on the global market. He now works as Technical Manager at Paxman, overseeing the quality and compliance of their scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients

15 May
Neuroscience Institute ECR workshop on career development 

11 - 12 June
4th Child Health Technology (CHT) Conference

16 - 17 June
BIOREME: Advancing Lung Diagnostic Technologies – A Scientific Meeting, Sheffield

25 June
Biomaterials Translation Workshop 2025, Manchester

4 - 5 September
BioMedEng25, Glasgow

18 November

4^th Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI) Annual Meeting - save the date!

For a full list of upcoming events visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/insigneo/overview/events

Publications

Assessing the impact of COmorbidities and Sociodemographic factors on Multiorgan Injury following COVID-19: Rationale and protocol design of COSMIC, a UK multicentre observational study of COVID-negative controls (BMJ Open) S. Shergill, M. Elshibly, S. S Hothi, K. S Parke, R. J England, J. V. Wormleighton, G. J. Hudson, E. M. Tunnicliffe, J. Wild, S. M Smith, S. Francis, M. Toshner, N. Sattar, K. Khunti, C. E. Brightling, C. Antoniades, C. Berry, J. P. Greenwood, A. Moss, S. Neubauer, G. P. McCann, B. Raman, J. R. Arnold

Do Hemodynamic Definitions of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Distinguish between Distinct Phenotypes of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease? (Annals of the American Thoracic Society) E. Cerrone, A. G. Hameed, D. G. Kiely, R. Condliffe, A. J. Swift, S. Rajaram, I. Smith, J. A. Hurdman, C. A. Elliot, A. A. R. Thompson, A. M. K. Rothman,  A. Charalampopoulos

A Systematic Review of the Variability of Ventilation Defect Percent Generated From Hyperpolarized Noble Gas Pulmonary Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging) V. M. Diamond, L. C. Bell, J. N. Bone, B. Driehuys, M. Menchaca, G. Santyr, S. Svenningsen, R. P. Thomen, H. Marshall, L. J. Smith, G. J. Collier, J. M. Wild, J. C. Woods, S. B. Fain, R. L. Eddy, J. H. Rayment

Computational fluid dynamics and shape analysis enhance aneurysm rupture risk stratification (International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery) I. Benemerito, F. Ewbank, A. Narracott, M.-C. Villa-Uriol, A. P. Narata, U. Patel, D. Bulters, A. Marzo 

A call to action for deciphering genetic variants in human pluripotent stem cells for cell therapy (Cell Stem Cell) N. Benvenisty, J. S. Draper, P. J. Gokhale, L. Healy , Z. Hewitt , D. Hursh, A. Hodgson, T. E. Ludwig, N. Mah, S. E. McClelland, M. Mennecozzi , F. T. Merkle, J. C. Mountford, M. Pera, A. Prigione, T. A. Rodriguez, A. Rossi, F. J. Rouhani, K. Saeb-Parsy, L. Selfa Aspiroz, N. Shakiba, C. Spits, P. D. Tonge, I. Barbaric