Events
Beyond Growth Economics Symposium
Join colleagues from across Sussex and beyond for a welcoming, interdisciplinary symposium exploring beyond‑growth economics, sharing ideas on wellbeing and sustainability, and connecting through talks, a keynote and panel discussion.
This event is a collaboration between the Summer of Research and the Sussex School for Progressive Futures across the strategic themes of Sustainability, Digital AI and Data Futures and Human Flourishing.
Tuesday 23 June 2026, 1.30-5.30pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-growth-economics-symposium-tickets-1988332068742?aff=oddtdtcreator
Overview
The breaching of planetary boundaries and the accelerating impacts of climate change are prompting growing numbers of researchers to question the long‑held assumption that economic growth must be endless. This interdisciplinary symposium brings together academics from across the University of Sussex and beyond to explore what Beyond Growth Economics might mean for economic stability, wellbeing and sustainability.
The event creates space to reflect on some of the most pressing questions facing contemporary societies: how economies might function without continued GDP growth, how innovation and productivity relate to post‑growth thinking, and whether alternative measures of wellbeing and sustainability offer more just and resilient pathways forward.
Through a combination of short research talks, a keynote address and panel discussion, the symposium will bring together diverse perspectives spanning economic modelling, policy, politics and social justice. The programme will feature a keynote presentation by Ida Kubiszewski from the Institute for Global Prosperity (University College London), followed by a panel chaired by Professor Caroline Lucas, former Green MP for Brighton Pavilion and Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the School for Progressive Futures, linking academic research with political experience and real‑world decision‑making.
Designed as an open and collaborative forum, the symposium invites dialogue across disciplines and encourages critical, constructive debate. It offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share emerging ideas and contribute to growing conversations about how economies can support both people and planet in a post‑growth future.
Format
The event will open with a series of short academic talks, including contributions from Dr Adam Barrett and Dylan Terry‑Doyle on their work modelling zero‑growth scenarios within capitalist systems. Following a refreshment break, the symposium will feature a keynote presentation from Ida Kubiszewski (University College London), followed by a panel discussion led by Professor Caroline Lucas, drawing together policy experience and academic perspectives on beyond‑growth economics.
The event will take place in a hybrid format, with both in‑person and online participation.
Programme
| Time | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1.30–2.05 | Intro to Workshop and Opening talks |
|
| 2.05–3.00 | Research presentations |
|
| 3.00–3.30 | Break | Tea break |
| 3.30–4.20 | Keynote |
|
| 4.20–4.30 | Break | Short break |
| 4.30–5.20 | Panel discussion |
|
| 5.20 onwards | Networking | Drinks |
About the speakers
Ida Kubiszewski is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Global Prosperity at University College London (UCL) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). In 2021, she served as CEO of ag-tech start-up Downforce Technologies Limited, which uses remote sensing to measure and account for the true value of natural capital on land. She previously acted as a climate change negotiator for the Dominican Republic, focusing on adaptation and loss & damage, and was a delegate to COP19–COP21.
Caroline Lucas was the UK’s first Green Party Member of Parliament between 2010 and 2024, and before that served for 10 years in the European Parliament. She is a writer, campaigner and keynote speaker, with a particular interest in the role of education and the arts in mobilising action on the climate and nature emergencies. In 2025, Caroline was appointed Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Sussex.
About the organisers
This event is facilitated and organised by Dr Adam Barrett and Dylan Terry-Doyle. Any questions about the event please email adam.barrett@sussex.ac.uk with BEYOND GROWTH in subject line.
Target audience
Open to students, academics and researchers with an interest in sustainable economics, post growth theory and interdisciplinary approaches to economic transition. The event is also open to professional services staff who support researchers working in related areas.
Summer of Research 2026
This event is part of the Summer of Research 2026, a two‑week festival of researcher‑led talks, workshops and events celebrating the breadth and impact of research at the University of Sussex. The festival brings together researchers, students and professional services colleagues to share ideas, build connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Find out about and sign up for other exciting events here!