The South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) is connecting research together to realise a just and sustainable future for the communities, places and businesses of South Yorkshire.
SYSC has received funding from the Research England Development Fund from March 2022 to March 2026.
Our focus is on working collaboratively to identify and respond to regional sustainability challenges through research that is rooted in South Yorkshire.
Lead Organisations
SYSC is a virtual centre which brings together academics from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.
We work in close partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the four South Yorkshire local authorities and a range of private and voluntary sector organisations.
University of Sheffield
Our approach to sustainability at the University of Sheffield brings together the leading research of our academics, the knowledge of our professional staff and the passion of our students to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world.
We’re working to embed sustainable approaches in the education we provide our students, our campus operations, our city and our region to realise a just transition to a more sustainable future. The South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre plays a key role in our work with organisations across the region to make South Yorkshire healthier, greener, more vibrant and innovative for all.
Sustainability at the University of Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam University
We are committed to embedding environmentally sustainable practices in all our operations, decisions and actions as well as our teaching and research.
As a civic university proudly of its place, our responsibilities extend beyond our own sustainability practices. We are nurturing a climate-conscious community of staff and students, working in partnership with organisations and groups across our region to drive positive sustainable change.
Sustainability at Sheffield Hallam University
Our Governance
The Centre is governed by a management board and strategic board.
Strategic Board
The SYSC Strategic Board meets once a quarter and approves the strategic direction of the Centre and ensures that the Centre addresses regional priorities. It consists of members drawn from across the partnership as well as selected expert members.
Strategic Board Members:
- Professor Sue Hartley OBE (Chair) - University of Sheffield
Sue leads on the University of Sheffield’s research and innovation activity, including research excellence, flagship institutes, Research Excellence Framework (REF), research income and impact, as well as overseeing the University’s innovation, partnerships, and commercialisation activities.
- Professor Rory Duncan - Sheffield Hallam University
- Andy Gouldson - Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission
- Jeremy Makepeace - Sheffield Forgemasters
Jeremy is a Chartered Engineer and commercial professional with over 35 years of domesticand international experience in the metals and mining industry. In 2017 Jeremy joined Sheffield Forgemasters to strengthen and lead the commercial function and to implement best practice in relation to all facets of commercial management.
- Martin Parry - University of Lancaster
- Paul Woodcock - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (In rotation with other Local Authorities)
- Kim Yates - Mott MacDonald
- Clare Monaghan - South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Jill Downey - Research England
- Rosa Foster - Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission
- Dan Swaine - City of Doncaster Council
Management Board
The SYSC Strategic Board meets monthly and is responsible for the operational delivery of the Centre, ensuring it is working towards achieving its strategic objectives in line with regional priorities. It consists of members drawn from across the partnership, including Theme and Work Package leads, the Mayoral Combined Authority, Local Authorities and business partners.
Management Board Members:
- Professor Rachael Rothman - SYSC Director, University of Sheffield
- Jess Thomas - SYSC Operations Director
- Dr Matthew Wood - Policy & Governance Work Package Lead, University of Sheffield
- Professor Will Eadson - Just Transition Work Package Lead, Sheffield Hallam University
- Professor Vania Sena - Data-Driven Solutions Work Package Lead, University of Sheffield
- Professor Lenny Koh - Supply Chain Innovation Work Package Lead, University of Sheffield
- Dr Danielle Densley-Tingley - Residential Energy & Transport Systems Lead, University of Sheffield
- Dr Hongwei Zhang - Food Systems & Environmental Restoration Co-Lead, Sheffield Hallam University
- Professor Solomon Brown - Industrial & Commercial Emissions Lead, University of Sheffield
- Professor Martin Mayfield - University of Sheffield
- Laurie Heykoop - South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Stacey Chaplin - Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
- Louise Preston - Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
