Former vice-chancellor Lord (Asa) Briggs recalled the start of the sciences at Sussex in a special lecture in the Jubilee lecture theatre.

A former vice-chancellor described to a large audience this week how the arrival of scientists at Sussex in 1962 realised the ambitions and hopes that he had held for the University.

During a special lecture on Monday (3 December), Lord (Asa) Briggs also traced his own interests in science before the University was founded, and explored how his concern with the sciences developed at Sussex in the University’s first five years.

Such was the demand, the lecture was held in the largest venue on campus – the 500-seat lecture theatre in the new Jubilee Building.

Welcoming friends old and new, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, recalled his first meeting with Lord Briggs in 2007 at a major reunion for 1960s Sussex graduates.

Since that time, Lord Briggs has continued to play an active part in the life of the University – particularly during the 50^th anniversary year in 2011-12, with appearances at the celebration weekend to launch the jubilee, Charleston Festival and a number of other events. Professor Farthing joked: “We thought that Asa was now back on the permanent staff.”

Lord Briggs had been the first Professor of History at Sussex and the founding Dean of Social Sciences, before being made Vice-Chancellor in 1967.

Speaking for more than an hour, Lord Briggs recalled how the sciences were established at Sussex, beginning with mathematics, physics and chemistry. He also noted how intellectual history at Sussex had provided fascinating perspectives on the history of science – exemplifying the interdisciplinarity tradition that is characteristic of the University.

He praised major founding figures such as physicist Professor Roger Blin-Stoyle, and later leading science academics such as evolutionary biologist Professor John Maynard Smith. And he was able to thank in person scientists who were part of the earliest years of Sussex: Emeritus Professors John Murrell (chemistry) and Douglas Brewer (physics), both of whom were in attendance.

Although himself a distinguished historian, Lord Briggs recalled that his best grades in his school certificate had come in the sciences, and that his tutors had been keen for him to pursue science at A level and beyond. His love for science had, however, never left him.

An audience of former and current staff and students, as well as distinguished friends of the University including Gus Christie (chairman and owner of Glyndebourne) and Phyllida Stewart-Roberts (former Lord Lieutenant of Sussex), were also able to enjoy a tour of the new £30m building, the latest addition to the University estate.

A video of the talk will shortly be available online, along with those for other Sussex Lectures held during 2012.

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