The three climate leader winners with Prof Rachel Mills

Today (7 March 2022), Interim Vice-Chancellor David Maguire wrote to all staff. You can read the message below:

Dear colleague,

In my role as Vice-Chancellor at Sussex, I want to state that we abhor the Russian Government’s decision to invade Ukraine and its impact on people in higher education and across the country. We unequivocally condemn the invasion and express our support for Ukrainian universities, staff and students.
 
We have formed a group, chaired by Deputy PVC, Professor Richard Follett, to consider how we can support those affected by this military action, and to coordinate the University’s response. Following the lead of Universities UK, we will be seeking to maintain links with Ukrainian and Russian universities, scholars and students, although clearly this will be difficult as the war unfolds.
 
As an official University of Sanctuary, with a long tradition of supporting forced migrants in our community, we will look at how we can best offer our support to those who need physical and intellectual refuge.
 
In my last message I spoke about the need to come together as a community. All discrimination is abhorrent and will not be tolerated within our group. I would like to remind you about our Dignity and Respect policy, including our Report and Support tool, and our additional support services for students and staff.
 
I’m sure many of you would also like to offer your support to those fleeing the conflict by way of making donations. You can do this through British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Ukraine emergency appeal or the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
 
It is at times like these that we think about human courage and the role it has played in history. International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March, and this year’s theme is ‘break the bias’. In celebration of women who have courageously overcome bias in their lives and work, we have a host of virtual activities, including an interactive board  to which you’re being invited to name women past and present whom you consider inspiring. I have nominated Her Excellency Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations whom I have worked with in the past and have found to be an inspiring person.
 
Also this week (10 March) is our Research with Impact forum. Led by Professor Keith Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), these forums bring to life the incredible research activities that take place at the University and how we are delivering on our Research with Impact strategic ambitions [PDF, 95.81KB]. This week’s forum will specifically look at the Researcher Development Concordat, which aims to set the gold standard in researcher development. 

Our Sustainable Sussex week comes to an end on 9 March, but of course it’s really just a beginning. I’m looking forward to hearing about all the great, green ideas that have been suggested by our staff and students, and an opportunity to personally congratulate our Pitch for the Planet and Climate Leaders winners for their brilliant initiatives.
 
Lastly, I would like to correct something I wrote last week. The government now proposes that the cap on Foundation Years fees will be set at £5,197 (not £7,500 as early briefs suggested), but there is a consultation on whether in certain instances providers will be able to charge higher fees.
 
Have a good week.
 
Warm regards,
 
David Maguire
Interim Vice-Chancellor