New Chief Executive of SYMCA visits the AWRC

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Katharine Hammond of SYMCA with AWRC Leadership

It was a pleasure to welcome Katharine Hammond, the new Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Joseph Quinn, Director of Growth and Sector Development, to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) today as part of a wider visit to the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park (SOLP) hosted by its Chair, Dr Sherry Kothari.

Director Prof Rob Copeland and Associate Director Clare Boot outlined the AWRC’s unique role in translating Sheffield Hallam research – from elite sport, digital technology and health, to psychology, the arts, and beyond – into real-world solutions that address the challenges of physical inactivity, create healthier places and communities, and drive lasting change in population health.

From our clinical floor, we showcased how innovative models of care are reshaping health pathways – particularly through programmes like Active Together. Our flagship prehabilitation programme is pioneering new approaches in cancer rehabilitation and has supported over 2000 patients across Yorkshire in its first three years.

We reflected on the AWRC’s role as the research and development engine of the SOLP and the opportunities this creates – together with organisations across the Park – to support the Mayor’s ambition to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country. A key element of this is our Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator, which has supported over 100 start-ups and early-stage companies to turn bold ideas into impactful health and wellbeing solutions.

We also discussed the urgent need for more women-specific reference points in health, ergonomics and product design. This is a space where AWRC is well-placed to lead, bringing together collaborators from industry, healthcare, local government and the voluntary sector to co-design solutions to these long-standing challenges.

We look forward to continuing our work with SYMCA, building on the many strengths of our region to achieve our shared vision of a healthier, happier and more equal South Yorkshire.