Collaboration driving change: SCYPHeR marks breakthrough year for children’s health research

South Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Health Research (SCYPHeR) is celebrating a second landmark year, showcasing rapid growth, new research talent and deepening collaboration across leading child health institutions.

Colleagues gathered at the University of Sheffield yesterday (Wednesday) to reflect on the past year’s achievements, share research progress and hear powerful stories from patients about the real impact of research. Attendees also heard from early career researchers, highlighting SCYPHeR’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Launched in February 2024, SCYPHeR brings together clinicians, academics and specialists from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to advance research that improves the lives of children and young people.

In just two years, the network has grown from 70 founding members to more than 400 researchers and health professionals from across South Yorkshire. Its expanding membership reflects the commitment to collaborative research tackling some of the most pressing issues in child health, from rare diseases and child welfare to health inequalities and emerging technologies.

Over the past year, SCYPHeR has:

• Secured funding from Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity for four PhD studentships, forming the foundation of the SCYPHeR Doctoral Training Programme – the first child health-specific doctoral training programme in South Yorkshire.
• Continued to grow its research community to more than 400 members.
• Grown the SCYPHeR Grand Round Seminar Series, which continues to provide a dynamic platform for clinicians and academics to share expertise and forge new collaborations, regularly attracting more than 75 attendees.
• Supported allied health professionals (AHPs) and nursing colleagues to develop and submit research applications.
• Built on the established research capabilities within Sheffield Children’s to further enhance regional expertise.

SCYPHeR Executive Director and Clinical Director of Research at Sheffield Children’s, Professor Meena Balasubramanian, said: “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in just two years and the momentum we’re building together.

“The launch of our Doctoral Training Programme, the first child health–specific programme of its kind in South Yorkshire, is a particularly exciting milestone. Welcoming four outstanding PhD researchers marks a major investment in the future of children’s health and in the next generation of research leaders.

“As we look ahead into SCYPHeR’s third year, and Sheffield Children’s 150^th year, we’re energised by what we can achieve by working together. We’re not only strengthening children’s health research today, we’re building the talent, ambition and collaboration that will help transform outcomes for children and young people for years to come.”

With a thriving network of members, a new generation of doctoral researchers and an expanding programme of events, SCYPHeR is firmly establishing South Yorkshire as a leader in children and young people’s health research and building the foundations for a healthier future.

You can find out more about SCYPHeR, by visiting www.sheffield.ac.uk/scypher