Sheffield Hallam’s wellbeing research centre seeks to improve population health
An advanced research centre aimed at developing innovations that will increase physical activity and improve population health has been officially opened by Sheffield Hallam University. The Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) is supported by several partners, including Canon Medical Systems, to provide cutting-edge equipment and technology, expertise and R&D opportunities.
Located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the AWRC was officially opened by active travel commissioner for Sheffield City Region and Britain’s most successful paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.
Canon is providing a diagnostic ultrasound system to help gain an insight into health and wellbeing issues ranging from performance management of elite athletes to the rehabilitation of stroke patients and the health of older people. For example, it is being used to explore the effectiveness of power-assisted exercises in the rehabilitation of stroke patients that can improve muscle mass and strength.
AWRC director Professor Robert Copeland said: “Our mission is to prevent and treat chronic disease through world-class research into physical activity. This will mean re- engineering movement back into our lives, which requires a radical rethink in the way we live, work, manage and monitor our health, and travel around our towns and cities. This mission cannot be achieved by a single agency or discipline, and the opening of the AWRC marks the start of an exciting collaborative journey. By bringing together academic expertise from across Sheffield Hallam University and creating meaningful partnerships with industry, local communities, local authorities and the health and technology sector, we will address the social, behavioural and economic determinants of health.”
Lead picture: Paralympian and active travel commissioner for Sheffield City Region Dame Sarah Storey, AWRC director Professor Robert Copeland and MP for Barnsley Central and Mayor of Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis.
Published on page 12 of the May 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.
