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Research Themes fund three new Kick Start Networks at Sussex
The University’s Research Themes have recently awarded funds to three Sussex academics to support the development of new networks over the next two years. The grants are funded by the Kick Start Network scheme, a University fund to connect Sussex academics with non-academic research users which is now in its second year. This is part of the University’s knowledge exchange activities, and is supported by the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF).
The second round of the Kick Start network scheme received eleven applications and three awards were made to:
Vicky Lebeau, Professor of English (pictured), was awarded funds to develop Humanities in Future Health. The network will bring Sussex academics from the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and the Medical School, into contact with local health and arts partners, including Future Health (a Brighton-based organisation of GPs, practitioners and community workers) to explore collaborations in relation to the role of the arts and humanities in the future development of healthcare policy, practice and delivery. It also aims to establish the University as a hub of excellence in the medical humanities and to develop a shared research and knowledge exchange agenda for the network that connects academic research with the needs of GPs and health providers.
Jan Selby, Director of the Sussex Centre for Conflict and Security Research, has been awarded funds to establish a network on Rising Powers and Peace Processes. The aim of the network will be to explore the existing and potential impacts of rising powers on contemporary peace processes. The network will be organised around a series of four one day workshops for academics, policymakers and practitioners, focussing on post-Cold war peacemaking and the BRICS states’ different approaches to peacemaking.
Anna Stavrianakis, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, has been awarded funds for her network Austerity versus Strategy: The impact of the financial crisis on military strategy, spending, procurement and weapons transfers. The network seeks to bring together researchers, military personnel and peace activists and campaigners to discuss the public policy questions around the impact of the financial crisis and austerity measures on military strategy, military spending, equipment procurement and weapons transfers. The goal is to develop an international and interdisciplinary network to discuss the common problem of austerity from different political, technical and theoretical perspectives.
For further information on the HEIF Kick Start Network scheme and previously funded networks visit the Research Themes website.