A leading neurologist and geneticist at the University of Sheffield has been appointed to the first-ever Rob Burrow Professorship in Translational Neurobiology, an academic post created in honour of the late rugby league legend and MND campaigner Rob Burrow CBE.
Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock, a clinician and researcher at the renowned Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), has been awarded the prestigious position, funded by the MND Association to accelerate research into the causes and potential treatments for motor neuron disease (MND).
A Professorship in Rob Burrow’s Legacy
The professorship was created to honour Burrow, who became one of the most influential voices in MND awareness following his diagnosis in 2019. His courage, advocacy and fundraising—alongside the efforts of his friend Kevin Sinfield—transformed public understanding of the condition and helped to drive major investment into research.
Rob’s parents, Geoff and Irene Burrow, visited SITraN earlier this month to congratulate Dr Cooper-Knock and tour the institute’s world-class laboratories. They were shown early insights into his cutting-edge work, which aims to uncover the genetic causes of MND and identify new therapeutic targets.
“It was inspiring to visit SITraN and meet Professor Johnathan Cooper-Knock, who is absolutely amazing,” said Geoff Burrow. “Rob worked so hard to help fund research. Irene and I couldn’t have wished for anyone better. Funding for MND research gives us hope that one day there will be an end to MND.”
Accelerating the Search for Treatments
The MND Association is investing £1.5 million over eight years to support the professorship. The funding will allow Dr Cooper-Knock to expand his research team, dedicate more time to laboratory work and advance discoveries toward clinical trials.
Dr Cooper-Knock, who is also a NIHR Clinical Lecturer, said the award comes at a crucial moment in international MND research.
“This Professorship is occurring at a truly exciting moment in the fight against MND, with lots of new treatments in the pipeline. But for most patients, we still don’t know exactly why the disease starts, even though genetics plays a role.”
His lab aims to change that. Rather than focusing solely on motor neurons—the cells that degenerate in MND—his team is examining how these neurons interact with surrounding cells in the brain and spinal cord. This broader view, he believes, could reveal previously hidden genetic triggers.
“Focusing on the whole picture is our best chance to find the hidden gene faults that could become new drug targets. I really feel we are on the cusp of something exciting.”
Dr Cooper-Knock hopes that within three years at least one new treatment will enter clinical trials, with several more in development.
A Disease in Urgent Need of Answers
Motor neuron disease is a rapidly progressing and fatal condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It destroys the nerves controlling movement, eventually leaving people unable to move, speak or breathe. Around 2,200 people die from MND in the UK each year, and there is currently no cure.
Dr Brian Dickie, the MND Association’s Chief Scientist, said the appointment symbolises a powerful combination of scientific promise and personal legacy.
“Dr Cooper-Knock is a brilliant example of a clinician whose research could directly benefit the patients he cares for. This award recognises Rob’s drive to accelerate MND research so no one else would have to face the same diagnosis.”
Sheffield at the Forefront of MND Research
SITraN remains one of the world’s top centres for neurodegenerative disease research, bringing together experts in genetics, neurology, drug discovery and clinical trials. Dr Cooper-Knock’s professorship further strengthens Sheffield’s global leadership in translating scientific advances into real-world treatments.
With the backing of the MND Association and the Burrow family, the University of Sheffield hopes the work undertaken through this new professorship will help unlock urgently needed breakthroughs—and continue the legacy of one of Britain’s most beloved sportsmen and campaigners.