Coronavirus: our research and innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a vast and growing number of challenges for all of us. Staff and students from across the University of Sheffield are working to mitigate its effects on society with a rapid response through crucial research, innovation and collaborations.

Innovation

Utilising world-leading expertise in manufacturing

We are at the forefront of innovative manufacturing research. Our staff from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Nuclear AMRC and the Faculty of Engineering are using their skills, expertise and facilities to help provide vital equipment to the NHS.

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A male research student looking down a microscope

Sheffield facility awarded £7.9m to continue cutting edge medical research

A clinical research facility run by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £7.9m in funding which will support the development and testing of new treatments for diseases.

Testing new treatments for diseases

Gloved hand holding a positive Covid-19 blood test

University of Sheffield researchers develop quicker, more accurate Covid test

University of Sheffield scientists and Yorkshire company Paraytec have developed a more accurate, efficient and low cost Covid-19 test.

Faster covid testing

Genomics research

Our genomics research is helping in the fight against coronavirus

Experts in genomics from across the University have joined forces with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to help us get a better understanding of COVID-19. The work will enable us to manage the current crisis and respond in a more agile way to new infectious diseases.

COVID-19 Research team and information

3D rendering Futuristic design of Virus exploding

New research identifies more than 1,000 genes linked to severe COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Stanford University in the US have discovered there are specific genetic signals in people who develop severe coronavirus infection.

Identifying 1,000 genes linked to severe COVID-19

Covid cells

Lung abnormalities found in Long Covid patients with breathlessness

Researchers have identified abnormalities in the lungs of Long Covid patients who are experiencing breathlessness that cannot be detected with routine tests.

New findings on Long Covid patients

Society and wellbeing

Understanding the impact of the coronavirus crisis on society

Our researchers are investigating how the coronavirus crisis is affecting society, and we're finding ways to to optimise how patients with coronavirus are assessed and treated by the emergency care system.

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A stock image of a person browsing the alcohol aisle in a supermarket.

The impact of pandemic-related changes in alcohol consumption on health outcomes

Two new studies from the University of Sheffield and the Institute of Alcohol Studies/HealthLumen show that the shifts in alcohol consumption during the pandemic could lead to thousands of extra deaths in England.

Pandemic-related changes in alcohol consumption

A photo of a woman being vaccinated

Ethnicity gap in Covid vaccine uptake: lower trust and worse experiences of healthcare explain part of the problem

Worse healthcare experiences among people from ethnic minorities and lower levels of trust in government and the medical establishment explain some of the ethnicity gap in Covid-19 vaccination rates, a study has found.

Explore how the ethnicity gap in vaccine uptake is a social issue

Food security, energy and supply chains

Can our food systems, energy and supply chains cope?

Experts from the Institute for Sustainable Food and Energy Institute are working with industry partners to understand the fragility in our supply chains and collaborate on ways to improve food security for all.

Institute for Sustainable Food

Energy Institute

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An illustration showing attributes of a sustainable food ecosystem

Local food suppliers proved their value during the pandemic, so how do we ensure they thrive?

Local food suppliers saved the day during the Covid-19 pandemic food shortages, but new research from the University of Sheffield also finds lessons need to be learnt if national food systems are to survive future crises.

Explore how we can support our local food suppliers

Cropped shot of young Asian woman shopping for fresh organic red onions in supermarket. She is shopping with a cotton mesh eco bag and carries a variety of fruits and vegetables. Zero waste concept

Feeding the world without costing the earth

Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food are hosting national discussions about the sustainability of global food systems today (Monday 14 March 2022) at the Royal Society in London.

Explore our national discussions on the global food sustainability

Coronavirus, Examined podcast

About this series

We live in a world that is facing one of its biggest challenges in living memory. The coronavirus pandemic has devastating potential as it sweeps across the globe. To fight this virus and slow its spread, we've had to change almost everything about how we live our lives.

In Coronavirus, Examined we talked to experts from the University of Sheffield to explore the different ways in which coronavirus is changing our world and the way we live.