Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation (SUMOylation) is a post-translational protein modification that modulates almost all major cellular processes, and has been implicated in many human diseases. A growing body of evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrates that increasing global levels of SUMO conjugated proteins (global SUMOylation) protects cells against ischaemia-induced damage, while suppressing global SUMOylation promotes cell injury after ischaemia. Indeed, SUMOylation has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for neuroprotection in brain ischaemia, including global brain ischaemia and focal brain ischaemia (ischaemic stroke). Here, we summarise findings on the role of SUMOylation in human diseases, brain ischaemia in particular, and review recent developments in drug discovery targeting SUMOylation with a major focus on its neuroprotective applications.