New Academic Leads for the Sheffield Multi-modal Imaging Centre (SMIC)
We are delighted to announce, following a competitive internal Expressions of Interest call, shortlisting and interviews, the appointment of Professor Simona Francese (BMRC/I2Ri, Lead) and Dr Alice Bullas (SERG/SPARC/HRI, Co-lead) as the new Academic Leadership team for the Sheffield Multi-modal Imaging Centre (SMIC).
SMIC is a truly interdisciplinary R&D resource for industry supported by both the Industry and Innovation Research Institute (I2Ri) and the Health Research Institute (HRI), bringing together research expertise and facilities in materials (MERI), biosciences and chemistry (BMRC), sport (Sport & Physical Activity Research Centre (SPARC)) and health (Centre for Applied Health & Social Care Research, and AWRC).
The virtual centre was formally launched in October 2022, following a £2.74M uplift in equipment through university and European Regional Development Funding. The imaging equipment purchased and commissioned with this funding, enhancing an impressive existing equipment base covering a range of imaging modalities, included a Transmission Electron Microscope, Mass Spectrometry Imaging system, Integrated AFM-Raman Imaging System, Micro-CT (Computerised Tomography) Scanner, and a 3D Surface Scanner.
Professor Francese and Dr Bullas will work with a Steering Committee (comprising academics, TORS staff and Innovation Managers) and the wider base of researchers and innovators within the two Research Institutes and elsewhere in the university. We look forward to working with this team to drive the centre beyond the initial implementation phase into a truly world-leading imaging centre for multidisciplinary collaboration, addressing the key challenges faced by society today and in the future, across the South Yorkshire region and beyond.
Simona is a Professor of Forensic and Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, and Head of the Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging in BMRC, and says:
“It is a privilege and a source of real excitement to have been given the opportunity to lead SMIC. I look forward to contribute to enhance its capabilities and reputation and, most of all, generate a real impact locally, nationally and internationally.”
Alice is a Research Fellow in 3D Anthropometry in the Sports Engineering Research Group, and Yorkshire Obesity Research Alliance Co-Coordinator, and adds:
“I am so very grateful to have been awarded the opportunity to co-lead the SMIC at SHU, and to be provided the opportunity to positively contribute to this community. I hope that we can continue to make SMIC a fruitful community for all working within the broad spectrum of imaging across SHU, Sheffield and South Yorkshire.”