Construction has begun for the expansion of a “world-renowned” University of Sheffield research facility.
A bricklaying ceremony last week marked the start of the expansion of neurological research centre SITraN (Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience), which is located opposite Hallamshire Hospital on Glossop Road.
Opened in 2010, the facility has become a “leading force” for research into neurological diseases such as motor neurone disease (MND), Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s and has expanded its research team from 64 to more than 300 people in that time.
Director of SITraN Dame Professor Pamela Shaw, said it was “remarkable” how much the facility had already developed.
She added: “SITraN attracts high-calibre clinicians and scientists from around the world and this new facility will enable us to double our research capacity, give us the space to install cutting-edge scientific equipment and help us to achieve our ultimate goal of finding transformative breakthroughs that are making curative therapies for MND and related neurodegenerative conditions a reality in our lifetimes.”
The new three-storey building is expected to cost £24m and is set to be open by the end of December 2026.
Among those attending were people who have supported fundraising efforts for the project, such as foundations and the family and friends of people affected by MND.
Catherine McGaw-Pratt set up the Ian Pratt MND Foundation after her husband was diagnosed with the disease in 2012. Ian passed away in 2020, but the foundation continues to raise funds and awareness.
Catherine said: “Pam [Shaw] was Ian’s doctor and although he knew a cure wasn’t going to come in time for him, he was so determined to do everything he could to help accelerate research into MND at SITraN.
“When Ian was diagnosed, there felt like there was little chance of finding effective treatments for MND, but the step by step breakthroughs being made at SITraN have brought families like ours hope.”
Gemma Middleton was diagnosed with MND in 2016. aged 29. Her father, Nigel, was also at the event.
He said: “Gemma believed in Sheffield’s research, she did everything she could to help SITraN’s researchers to find a cure for MND.
“We have an amazing team who continue to raise funds in Gemma’s memory and we know that research into new treatments, and ultimately a cure, is the only way we can end the pain MND causes to families like ours.
“It’s been an honour to see the research taking place and the foundations being laid for the expanded building which will bring in more scientists working together to find a cure.”
Over £100,000 towards the new building was also raised by staff, students, and friends of the university who took part in the Big Walk 2025 fundraiser last month.
Featured image from the University of Sheffield
