Professor James Hirschfeld

Last week we came together at the University of Sussex to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the retirement of Professor James Hirschfeld, who after 60 years at Sussex is almost certainly one of the UK’s longest-serving lecturers. 

Since joining Sussex in 1966 aged just 25, Professor Hirschfeld has been a cornerstone of the Department of Mathematics, shaping minds, advancing the field of finite geometry, and leaving an indelible legacy through both his teaching and research. Over seven decades, he has: 

• Taught 15,000 undergraduate students 
• Given 400+ lectures 
• Supervised 24 PhD students 
• Published around 80 research papers 
• Founded the H Prize to honour top mathematics students annually 

To mark his retirement, we surprised Professor Hirschfeld with a celebration attended by colleagues, PhD students, three H Prize winners, and the media. The cake was decorated with one of his own mathematical formulas – a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to numbers, knowledge and academia. 

Professor Hirschfeld was also honoured by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil, who was at the event and shared her reflections on his incredible contribution to Sussex: “Today is an absolutely thrilling moment to mark the retirement of our longest serving member of staff. Professor James Hirschfield joined just four years into the life of the University – and to have had a member of staff here almost since the beginning is just fantastic. 

“He has taught thousands of students, grounded them in mathematics. And he's done world-changing research in geometry, for which he has been recognised globally with prizes. He served as Dean in the School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and he has been an amazing colleague for almost the whole of the University of Sussex’s life. 

“We just want to say thank you to James for an amazing career, for incredible service, and wish him a happy retirement.”

Now 84, Professor Hirschfeld will be retiring in Birmingham closer to family, leaving behind a rich academic legacy, and a department and University shaped by his presence. Thank you, Professor James Hirschfeld. Sussex won’t be the same without you – but your legacy lives on in every student and colleague you've inspired.  

Take a look at the gallery of images from the surprise, taken by University photographer, Stuart Robinson.

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