Dr Esra Sorguven posed for a photo in the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics building, where she works

Kasia Barnert at work in the Housing Office

The University of Sussex is celebrating the contributions of its international staff as part of a national day of action today (Monday 20 February 2017).

This afternoon, University staff from countries all across the world are posting pictures on Twitter of themselves at work, using the hashtag #1DayWithoutUs. Many of their British colleagues are also posting photos and messages of support.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, said: “Nearly a third of our staff come from outside the UK and, without them, Sussex wouldn’t be the rich, vibrant and interesting university it is today.

“Our students learn from some of the best and brightest in the world and staff in all roles enjoy being part of a dedicated and diverse workforce.

“We couldn’t live without our international colleagues, and we wouldn’t want to.”

Sanjeev Bhaskar, the University’s Chancellor and TV personality, tweeted his support: “The influx of ideas, different perspectives, approaches 2 problem solving, cultural nuance are essential in making @SussexUni special.”

Sussex is one of a number of organisations taking part in ‘One Day Without Us’ – a national day of action that coincides with the UN World Day of Social Justice.

People are using lots of different methods to mark the day across the country - putting posters in windows, sharing meals, wearing badges, marching with placards.

Some staff in the University’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences gathered on campus for a ‘before and after’ photo, highlighting how depleted they would be without their international colleagues.