- This year's focus is on research and the link between research and teaching
- RAE results are announced. Sussex research is awarded 11 '5' grades and one '5*' (compared with five '5' grades in the 1992 RAE). Sussex is ranked 12th (out of 190) in the League of Research Universities with 88 members of staff research-active for RAE purposes. History of Art is awarded 5*; one of three in the subject nationally
- Harry Kroto is awarded the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize for Chemistry, the first for a Sussex based researcher. Sussex awards him an honorary doctorate
- The Sussex European Institute receives a special commendation in the RAE for its interdisciplinary work on European issues
- The Innovation Centre opens as the flagship project of the Academic Corridor and a key part of the economic development of the region
- The Students' Union magazine The Pulse wins the Guardian/NUS Student Magazine of the Year Award
- The King's Road seafront residencies for PG students open in October
- The new School of Chemistry, Physics and the Environment opens in October
- The Kipling Papers are augmented by new collection
- The refectory is refurbished after being badly damaged by a fire last year. A shopping mall opens on the ground floor
- Over 1,500 students graduate in July, the biggest graduation day in the history of the University
- SPRU celebrates its 30the anniversary in November
- A record number of prospective students attend the May Open Day
- Almost 100 students receive Certificates and Diplomas at the CCE awards ceremony
50 years
