The University of Sussex has announced 12 new Centres of Excellence, to accelerate progress in areas of existing research strengths.  

These are flagship centres of research that are exemplars of innovative and world-leading research, that address areas of global importance.

Each Centre of Excellence builds on existing research strengths at Sussex, and will conduct ground-breaking and potentially transformative research that will drive progress and make an important contribution to the planet and its people. From advancing quantum computing and artificial intelligence, better understanding genome damaging diseases, developing initiatives that contribute to global sustainability, and enhancing access to education across the globe, the Centres focus on areas of international importance and will enable University of Sussex researchers to address a range of societal challenges.

The Centres will also support interdisciplinary research collaboration and provide high-quality research environments for the next generation of researchers and students.

It was through a competitive process that the 12 Centres were selected. The Centres will have this status for the next five years in order to undertake explorative research.

The 12 new University Sussex Centres of Excellence are:

• Centre for Global Health Research: Addressing global health and wellbeing challenges, including infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases.
• Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth: Exploring issues including, wellbeing, climate change and technology, giving children a voice in the research and policy that directly affects them.
• Centre for International Education: Making a positive difference to educational policy and practice in some of the most marginalised communities across the globe.
• Genome Damage and Stability Centre: Examining DNA damage and repair, and their impact on genome stability to gain ground-breaking insights into genetic diseases.
• Sussex Artificial Intelligence: Developing and applying AI to solve real-world problems.
• Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science: Shedding light on the nature of conscious experience for the benefit of technology, medicine and society.
• Sussex Centre for Migration Research: Addressing socially relevant questions about migrants and the consequences of migration.
• Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies: Harnessing quantum physics research to create transformational products that are likely to change the way we live and work.
• Sussex Humanities Lab: In a rapidly evolving, increasingly digital world, investigating the opportunities and implications for contemporary society.
• Sussex Neuroscience: Bringing together science, engineering and medicine to advance understanding of the brain and nervous system to benefit society at large.
• Sussex Sustainability Research Programme: A catalyst for innovative and interdisciplinary research, tackling global and local sustainability challenges for humanity and the environment.
• UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO): Providing independent research, analysis and expert comment on trade policy proposals for the UK.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, says:

“The great research challenges of our time demand bold thinking and collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. Sussex’s 12 new Centres of Excellence build on the University’s long history of ground-breaking and innovative research that transcends the traditional boundaries between disciplines.

“Together they promise to make great strides in tackling the most urgent problems that face people and planet – problems that, as Nelson Mandela once said seem impossible to solve until they are done.”

To coincide with the announcement, the University is also launching a new engaging and inspiring communications campaign to promote the Centres and the University's research excellence.

The campaign uses the strapline “impossible until it’s done”. Famously attributed to Nelson Mandela, it has been chosen with a nod to the University’s role in raising awareness of and campaigning to end the apartheid regime, and the strong links it still has with South Africa. The Centres are intended to capture this bold and pioneering spirit which has characterised the University of Sussex since its inception.

Professor Keith Jones, Interim Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) explains:

“Over the next five years, the researchers within our 12 Centres of Excellence will conduct innovative and impactful research. They will also be important hubs for training and mentoring; ensuring that the research strengths of the University of Sussex continue to be nurtured and grow.

“I look forward to working closely on all these endeavours with colleagues associated with the Centres.”