Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion, has been appointed by the University of Sussex as its first Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability.

The post is based in the new Sussex School for Progressive Futures (SSPF) and will support the University with the implementation of the new strategy Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures – flourishing, sustainability and progress for the whole world. Caroline will play a key role in amplifying the University’s long-standing strengths in research, education and global and civic engagement in relation to environmental sustainability, and she will work with academics to strength their influence on environmental sustainability policy and practice.

Caroline Lucas said: “I’m honoured and excited to be appointed to this role. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to collaborate with leading academics in their fields, and I look forward to engaging and working with colleagues, students, and the public to help amplify the hugely important work that the University of Sussex is doing on climate and environmental sustainability.”

Dr Lucas, who was UK’s first Green Party Member of Parliament, for the Brighton Pavilion constituency for 14 years, is a well-known leader in environmental sustainability and has helped to push the climate and nature crisis to the top of the political agenda. She has received several accolades in recognition of her contributions, including topping the list of the BBC Radio Woman’s Hour Our Planet Power List of influential activists, educators and campaigners in 2020, and last year she was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from edie, the UK’s largest sustainable business awards scheme. She has also written a 2024 Sunday Times best seller - Another England: How to Reclaim our National Story - which examines our literary heritage to explore what it can teach us about the most pressing issues of our time: whether the toxic legacy of Empire, the struggle for constitutional reform, or the accelerating climate emergency.

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

"We are delighted to have Dr Caroline Lucas join us as Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability. Her long-standing relationship with the University of Sussex has inspired generations of students, and she will now be able to play a strategic role in advising on our research, teaching, and global and civic engagement around environmental sustainability, one of the three transformational themes of our new strategy, Sussex 2035.”

Caroline Lucas has a long-standing relationship with the University of Sussex. In addition to receiving an honorary degree at the 2025 winter graduation she has hosted and chaired seminars, and been involved in teaching and research activities across the University.

She is currently on the advisory board of The Bennet Institute for Innovation and Policy Acceleration, which is based at the University, and in the advisory board of SUS POL project, which explores pathways beyond fossil fuels.

As a Professor of Practice, Caroline will work with Professor Elizabeth (Buzz) Harrison, Dean of the SSPF, and Sussex’s three transformational theme leads, including Professor Peter Newell, theme lead in Environmental Sustainability. Caroline will engage with students through dedicated lectures and connect with the broader community through a public lecture series.