Quantum Computing Lab visit from Mims Davis MP

David Maguire, Interim Vice-Chancellor sent a message to all colleagues today (11 April). You can read the message below: 

Sussex is a giving community. In my time here I have seen many examples of groups and individuals giving their time, money, energy and compassion to others. These certainly aptly demonstrate our core value of kindness.

Last week we launched our appeal to support our Sussex students from Ukraine and, not surprisingly, within hours donations were flooding in. This is going to make an enormous difference to those who have been facing hardship and concerns about continuing their studies at Sussex since the Russian invasion of their country. The University will match all donations £1 for £1, which will provide critical financial and well-being support to students in need. This is in addition to the £50k we have already added to our general student hardship fund to support all those affected by the war in Ukraine. I do hope that you will consider joining me in donating to this fund.

Many in our community have also been giving their energy and support to the Brighton Marathon Weekend, which has just taken place. By taking on the 26-mile route, a 10k run, or a 50k cycling challenge, dozens of our staff, students and alumni have raised funds to boost our biodiversity projects. Team Sussex participants included our marathon-running Provost, Professor Rachel Mills, and our new-to-fitness enthusiast Sustainability Manager Sam Waugh. Congratulations to them, and everyone else who used their own green energy and muscle power to ‘Race for the Planet’. Funds raised will help to support our ambitions to become one of the greenest campuses in the UK. I hope many of you have been able to support the runners, and have also signed up for the Big Biodiversity Conversation to see these ideas and projects being put into action.

There are other ways that we give to our communities. I was delighted to hear that Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP was impressed by the pioneering work of our physicists after visiting our amazing Quantum Computing Lab on campus last Friday. She commented on the tremendous potential this research offers for jobs and investment in the area.

Across the spectrum, our research provides benefits for others, both now and in the future. For example, our SPRU energy experts were giving comment to the media this week about the effects of the UK Government’s new Energy Security Strategy. As we know, helping to inform independent opinion and drive debate on Government policies is an essential role played by universities.

To this point, I would also like to remind you that nominations for our annual Education Awards close on 19 April. This is your opportunity to say thank you to an inspiring academic or professional services team member for the positive impact you feel they have had on your Sussex experience, and there are plenty of categories from which to choose. Often, it is recognition for the hard work that we do that brings us the greatest satisfaction. I encourage you to show your generosity again and make someone’s day with a nomination.

Last week the annual graduation round started in earnest for me when I recorded a message for the ceremony for MSc students graduating from the Sussex Artificial Intelligence Institute, Zhejiang Gongshang University (a joint venture with the School of Engineering and Informatics). I hope to see many of you and our students at the bumper crop of graduation ceremonies in Brighton in July.

Finally, I hope that you find time to relax and enjoy this Easter break. I plan to be in Brighton with my family.

I hope you have a good week.

Warm regards,
David Maguire
Interim Vice-Chancellor