Research
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Imagine is one of the University of Sheffield’s most significant and exciting research investments. This groundbreaking multimillion pound project will make Sheffield a world-leading centre for biological imaging research. The initiative centres around three biological imaging facilities, the Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility, the Faculty of Science Electron Microscopy Centre and the Biophysical Imaging Centre, with its research spanning many departments within the university. With support from funders and partners worldwide, we have developed state-of-the-art facilities and a team of talented researchers to tackle major challenges in biology and medicine. |
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Collaborative work
By applying our knowledge of state of the art imaging techniques , we can work together to help solve global issues in medicine, biology and healthcare. For example, Imagine: Imaging Life has close links with The Florey Institute at the University of Sheffield, which is addressing one of the world’s biggest biomedical challenges – infectious disease. |
S. aureus undergoing cell division
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Current Research Grants
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) research
A core strength is our research capability in the field of AMR and infectious disease. The biological imaging expertise offered by Imagine is transforming our understanding of infectious organisms such as MRSA.
Examples of collaborative research programmes include the SWON alliance (Sheffield, Warwick, Oxford and Newcastle) and the SHIELD consortium (Sheffield, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Birmingham), each recieving >£3M from the first two UK AMR cross council initiative calls (AMR Theme 1 & 2) led by the MRC .
We also have ongoing research programmes focusing on Clostridium difficile (e.g. through a £1.2M collaborative award from the Wellcome Trust, and £0.58M from BBSRC) and the multidrug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii (£0.47M from the BBSRC).
A core strength is our research capability in the field of AMR and infectious disease. The biological imaging expertise offered by Imagine is transforming our understanding of infectious organisms such as MRSA.
Examples of collaborative research programmes include the SWON alliance (Sheffield, Warwick, Oxford and Newcastle) and the SHIELD consortium (Sheffield, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Birmingham), each recieving >£3M from the first two UK AMR cross council initiative calls (AMR Theme 1 & 2) led by the MRC .
We also have ongoing research programmes focusing on Clostridium difficile (e.g. through a £1.2M collaborative award from the Wellcome Trust, and £0.58M from BBSRC) and the multidrug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii (£0.47M from the BBSRC).
SWON alliance (2016 - 2021) Mechanistic understanding of cell wall biosynthesis to combat antimicrobial resistance
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SHIELD consortium (2016 - 2021) Optimising Innate Host Defence to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
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University of Sheffield with Newcastle University and the University of Glasgow (2017-2022) The Clostridium difficile S-layer in infection and transmission
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University of Sheffield with Emory University and AvidBiotics Corp (2017-2021) Structure and interactions of the Clostridium difficile S-layer with bacteriocins.
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University of Sheffield (2017-2021) Structure and mechanism of the Mla lipid transport system in the multidrug-resistant bacterium A. baumannii.
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Cancer Research
Imagine researchers work with the Sheffield Cancer Research Centre (SCRC) in the field of cancer imaging. In 2016, the Cancer Research UK Multidisciplinary Project Awards supported a project (£0.32M) to combine biological, mechanical and theoretical physics modelling approaches to characterise the mechano-biological features of the bone microenvironment in breast cancer bone metastasis and the effects of cancer agents on these properties with respect to disease progression.
Imagine researchers work with the Sheffield Cancer Research Centre (SCRC) in the field of cancer imaging. In 2016, the Cancer Research UK Multidisciplinary Project Awards supported a project (£0.32M) to combine biological, mechanical and theoretical physics modelling approaches to characterise the mechano-biological features of the bone microenvironment in breast cancer bone metastasis and the effects of cancer agents on these properties with respect to disease progression.
University of Sheffield (2016-2019) Mechano-biology of the bone metastatic niche in breast cancer
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Neurodegenerative diseases
Professors Jamie Hobbs and Per Bullough were successful co-investigators on a £0.53M application to resolve the molecular mechanism of an amyloid binding and modifying agent (G3P) using a structural biology approach that encompasses cryoEM and time-resolved AFM. This research will aid the future design of crucial disease modifying drugs for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Professors Jamie Hobbs and Per Bullough were successful co-investigators on a £0.53M application to resolve the molecular mechanism of an amyloid binding and modifying agent (G3P) using a structural biology approach that encompasses cryoEM and time-resolved AFM. This research will aid the future design of crucial disease modifying drugs for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
University of Sheffield (2017-2019) Resolution of the mechanism of action of an amyloid binding and modifying agent (G3P)
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Structural characterisation of bacteria
Dr Julien Bergeron was the successful recipient of a BBSRC new investigator award (£0.49M) to characterise the structure and assembly of the flagellum basal body, using a combination of cryo-EM, NMR, and other biophysics methods. Dr William Durham also recieved £0.39M from the BBSRC to study how bacteria move across surfaces using pili.
Dr Julien Bergeron was the successful recipient of a BBSRC new investigator award (£0.49M) to characterise the structure and assembly of the flagellum basal body, using a combination of cryo-EM, NMR, and other biophysics methods. Dr William Durham also recieved £0.39M from the BBSRC to study how bacteria move across surfaces using pili.
University of Sheffield (2018-2022) Structural characterization of the bacterial flagellum basal body
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University of Sheffield (2018-2021) How do bacteria sense and navigate chemical gradients within biofilms?
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DNA replication and repair
Imagine researchers were awarded £0.48M from the BBSRC to characterise the conformational dynamics of DNA structures formed during DNA replication and as a result of DNA damage.
Imagine researchers were awarded £0.48M from the BBSRC to characterise the conformational dynamics of DNA structures formed during DNA replication and as a result of DNA damage.
University of Sheffield (2018-2021) Conformational Dynamics of Two-Way DNA Junctions
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Development of imaging techniques
Prof. Jamie Hobbs was recently awarded £0.15M by the BBSRC, EPSRSC and MRC to develop a new atomic force microscope for measuring cellular mechanics.
Prof. Jamie Hobbs was recently awarded £0.15M by the BBSRC, EPSRSC and MRC to develop a new atomic force microscope for measuring cellular mechanics.
University of Sheffield (2018-2019) Cellular Force Microscope
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