Coming together in a time of crisis

— 27.04.20

by Caroline Foster

We have seen positive and proactive responses to the Coronavirus crisis from every corner of the University over the past few months and we wanted to share some of the fantastic things our students and academic experts have been doing to help the cause!

Sheffield University Management School (SUMS)

Professor Vania Sena, our new Chair in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, was featured in the regional news advising leaders across Yorkshire to act now in order to safeguard our economy from the crisis produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expert commentary highlights two challenges: offsetting the short-term impact of the pandemic, and crucially, looking ahead to how it will affect the economy’s long-term growth prospects. Prof. Sena said, “Those in power need to act now to protect our local economy and create a strategy for its future – not just to make sure it survives, but to help Yorkshire to come out of this crisis stronger by seizing the opportunities it presents.” Read the full story in the Yorkshire Post.

Our Chair in Finance at SUMS, Professor Sumon Bhaumik, has provided commentary and observations on the impact of COVID-19 on banks in a commentary article on 'The Conversation' blog. Professor Bhaumik argues that the banks are more resilient than before the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, and although there are 'tough times ahead' the banks are in a much stronger position to withstand the current pressure from the stock market.
Read Prof. Bhaumik’s full commentary.

Scientists and clinicians

Scientists and clincians are working together across the Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Animal and Plant Sciences & Department of Computer Science and Sheffield Teaching Hositals NHS Foundation Trust. The University has joined a national UK consortium leading the fight against COVID-19, after they sequenced whole genomes of the coronavirus using samples taken from UK patients. Backed by the UK government, a £20 million investment will allow the consortium to work together, using whole genome sequencing to make breakthroughs in how to fight the pandemic, saving lives around the world.

How is the University of Sheffield's Department of Computer Science helping our scientists to fight COVID-19? Dr. Matthew Parker and Dr. Dennis Wang in the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre and the Department of Computer Science are carrying out a bioinformatics analysis to compare Sheffield's genome data to other data around the world so they can identify new mutations and track the spread of the virus.

Medicine

Our final year Medical students have graduated early from their degree to enable them to join the medical profession sooner. Other Medical students are offering volunteer services to doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to support the NHS during the coronavirus crisis, as part of a volunteer group called 'Sheffield Medical Students Helping Hands'.

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

The University’s AMRC has been closely involved in discussions with the Government to help them increase the production of vital medical equipment, such as ventilators, in response to the pandemic. This forms part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult.

Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology have launched a new piece of research in partnership with the University of Ulster. Psychology researchers are studying the mental and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to help inform the better management of future public health crises. Dr Jilly Gibson-Miller, Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Sheffield, said: “This is one of the first studies of the 'psychology of epidemics' during perhaps one of the biggest existential threats the world has faced this century."

Hardship Fund appeal

In the wake of the global Coronavirus pandemic, the University is receiving an increasing number of requests from students in need. As a University, we want to be prepared and able to respond to as many students as possible who have been affected financially by Coronavirus. With your help, we can do that through our Hardship Fund. Find out more about how you can help.

More updates...

Research: Read the University's latest research updates on how we are working to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. Read here.

Insight: Listen to the University's new podcast, 'Coronavirus, Examined', to hear expertise from across the University on the different ways in which coronavirus is changing our world and the way we live. Listen here.

Community: In this new virtual world, it is more important than ever to find new ways we can stay connected. Get involved and join our online alumni community for all Sheffield University Management School alumni. Join SUMS Alumni.

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