Professor Wendy Brown

Professor Wendy Brown has been appointed as the new Head of the School of Life Sciences with effect from 1 January 2026. Wendy will take over the role from Professor Michelle West, who is leaving Sussex at the end of December 2025. 

Wendy is a surface scientist whose research has a particular focus on surface processes that are important in various regions of space. Having completed her PhD research at the University of Cambridge, she was awarded a Junior Research Fellowship at Peterhouse in Cambridge, working in the Department of Chemistry. Wendy began her independent academic career as a lecturer in Physical Chemistry at UCL, where she was promoted to senior lecturer and then reader. She moved to Sussex in 2013 as Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Life Sciences, becoming subject head for Chemistry in 2016, and then Head of the Department of Chemistry in 2020. 

Professor Luc Moreau, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, said: “Wendy has great experience and vision which came across clearly during the recruitment process. I am confident that she will be an asset to the Faculty and advance the work of the School when she takes up her new role. Thank you to Michelle for her huge contribution to the University.” 

Wendy said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Head of the School of Life Sciences from January 2026. I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues within the School and within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine over the course of my appointment to help the School maintain and build upon its excellent reputation for research and teaching.”