Welcome to the official webpage of Prof. Heather Mortiboys' lab at the University of Sheffield! 

At our lab, we delve into the intricate functions of cellular neuroscience, drug discovery and metabolism, with a particular focus on understanding the role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Parkinson's Disease. Heather, and the team, are also involved in other research areas such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Motor neuron disease to name a few. 

Prof. Mortiboys, a distinguished Professor of Cellular Neuroscience and Metabolism, leads our dynamic team. Her journey in scientific exploration began with the pursuit of knowledge at the International Max Planck PhD Program in Dresden, Germany, where she earned her PhD with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Following this remarkable achievement, Prof. Mortiboys embarked on a series of impactful research endeavours, including investigating Co-enzyme Q deficiency in patient tissue at the Neurology department of the University Hospital Dresden.

In 2006, Prof. Mortiboys brought her expertise to the Neuroscience department at the University of Sheffield, where she established pioneering mitochondrial investigations in models of Parkinson’s Disease. Since then, her unwavering dedication and groundbreaking discoveries have propelled her to become a Parkinson’s UK Senior Research Fellow, leading to the establishment of her own lab within the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) in September 2013.

Our lab is at the forefront of mitochondrial research, exploring various facets of mitochondrial function, DNA, morphology, and their intricate connections with other cellular pathways. Through meticulous experimentation and innovative approaches, we strive to deepen our understanding of mitochondrial abnormalities in neurodegenerative conditions, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.

Prof. Mortiboys' expertise extends beyond the confines of her lab, as she serves on numerous prestigious funding body review panels and contributes her insights to organizations such as Parkinson’s UK College of Experts and the Cure Parkinson’s Trust Review Panel. Her pioneering methods for culturing human dopamine-producing neurons and advanced imaging techniques have significantly advanced the field, earning her widespread acclaim as a respected authority in neuroscience.

Heather has built her lab with a diverse team of researchers, ranging from students to seasoned professionals, all united in our shared mission to unravel the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases. You will find more info about the team on this page, and our publications are listed on this page. 

Together,  we aim to continually be at the forefront of neuroscience developments. 

Welcome to the Mortiboys' lab!