Sussex has around 250 staff who are dedicated solely to research, working as postdoctoral researchers, research assistants and research fellows and who are often engaged on short-term projects.
We aim to:
- ensure that researchers are supported in managing their careers and are able to plan for a variety of career paths;
- ensure that researchers can disseminate their results and develop their ability to transfer and exploit knowledge;
- develop transferable skills through embedded training within our Academic Schools and through the Doctoral School.
Working towards HR Excellence in Research
The University’s application for the HR Excellence in Research badge (submitted March 2013) demonstrates the importance Sussex places on its research staff. Download the full gap analysis and implementation plan:
- HR Excellence in Research Submission Gap analysis and Implementation plan [DOCX 80.83KB]
- HR Excellence in Research Submission Gap analysis and Implementation plan [PDF 1.30MB]
A UK-wide process, incorporating the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education, Chapter B11: Research Degrees and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, enables institutions to gain the European Commission's HR in Excellence in Research Award, acknowledging alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment.
A world class University
In the latest Times Higher Education Supplement - World University Rankings 2008, the University of Sussex was ranked as follows:
- top 20 in the UK
- top 50 in Europe
- top 150 in the world
A leading research University
In the 2008 assessment of the standards of research in UK universities, the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), Sussex was confirmed among the leading 30 research universities in the UK with:
- 100% of departments producing world-leading research
- 90% of research activity rated as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised
Sussex submitted the work of over 535 staff to the RAE, nearly 90% of those eligible, with over 485 achieving work that is internationally recognised or better. Taking account of all staff who could have been submitted, with some institutions excluding many eligible staff, Sussex is at 16th place overall - a measure of the research intensity of the institution.
Distinctive research environment
Sussex has a dynamic and thriving research culture. Our strengths range across the arts, social sciences, science as well as medicine. Sussex is well known for its refusal to be constrained by traditional disciplinary boundaries. Interdisciplinary research characterises some of Sussex's most exciting research and the development of our Research Themes is but one new way of focusing our strengths to tackle some of the major issues of the day.
We are also involved in many collaborative partnerships, such as in biomedical science through the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, or through the South East Physics Network (SEPNet), funded by £12.5 of government funding.
Sussex is home to significant resources and facilities for research, such as the globally recognised Mass Observation Archive in the Sussex University Library, the Genome Damage and Stability Centre and the BSMS Medical Research Building. We also have a new nuclear magnetic resonance facility and purpose-built apparatus in cryogenic research which is among the best on the world.
Career and professional development
Researchers need to continue to develop both the very best subject specific skills as well as training which prepares them for a variety of career possibilities. The ability to move between different paths can be key to a successful career.
The Doctoral School therefore runs a variety of courses and events aimed at researchers seeking to secure further funded or permanent academic posts or positions outside research.
One example is a unique Researcher Mentoring Programme. The Mentoring programme provides the opportunity for research staff to gain experience and expertise in providing support for up to three doctoral researchers over the course of nine months. Research staff receive intensive training and support for taking on the role of mentor, and build skills and experience in preparation for becoming principal investigators of the future.