The Summer of Research festival, which celebrates research and impact at the University of Sussex is fast approaching! (Monday 20 May - Friday 21 June 2024).   

Pushing the boundaries of knowledge in creative ways, for the benefit of society, has always been fundamental to our mission at Sussex. Whether you're involved in research or just curious to find out more, there will be something for everyone in the 2024 Summer of Research programme!  

The festival kicks off with the Research Culture Awards and Research Impact Awards, celebrating great work, great ways of working and inspiring new initiatives. We want to celebrate those leading and contributing to research, impact and knowledge exchange, and those making good practice a reality, by tackling shared challenges; developing new, innovative approaches and working to bring about change.  

One of our group of three 2023 Professional Services Research Culture Leadership awardees, Paige Thompson, Research and Enterprise Coordinator in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities said of her award, “We felt a lot of Individual and team pride on the day and after.  The award has brought us together as a team and motivated us.”    

Stephen Wilkins, Professor in Astronomy and Public Understanding of Science said of winning the 2023 Research Leadership Award, “...It has spurred me to think of new ways to improve our research culture, and encourage others to do the same, knowing that this type of activity is now recognised.”  

Dr Sarah King, Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience, winner of the 2023 Impact through Public Engagement Award, said, “All the Engagement work has been fun and massively rewarding. As well as personal satisfaction, the further I got into it the more I saw the value in terms of the community impact and the importance to the University of this kind of work. I applied for the award in order to increase the visibility of our work across the University, and to provide myself with opportunities to continue this rewarding and valuable work.”  

Entries are encouraged from colleagues in every discipline and at any career stage (alongside specific awards for ECR, PGR and PS staff). The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 29 April 2024. Winners will receive a financial prize to develop their capability, or further their research, impact and KE plans; an electronic badge to share their success more widely; and a short talking-head video about their Award and the activity for which it was given. Award winners will be announced during acelebratory reception on Tuesday 18 June at the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts.  

Encourage someone to enter the 2024 Awards - or why not think about entering yourself?  

Find out more about the Research Culture Awards here, including how to enter. For all enquiries relating to the Research Culture Awards, please contact research.initiatives@sussex.ac.uk.  

Find out more about the Research Impact Awards here, including how to enter. For all enquiries relating to the Research Impact Awards, please contact rqi@sussex.ac.uk.