Summer of Research: Sussex Impact Days
Discover how you can engage with open research practices in your work and study to achieve engagement and impact.
Digital and Data Futures Collaboration Workshop
Join researchers from across Sussex for a collaborative workshop exploring digital and data futures, sharing ideas on data science, AI and ethics, and building interdisciplinary connections that can support future research and funding.
This event is a collaboration between the Summer of Research and the Sussex School for Progressive Futures within the strategic theme Digital AI and Data Futures.
Thursday 11 June 2026, 11am–2pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988410761113/?aff=oddtdtcreator
Workshop description
This workshop brings together researchers from across the University to explore Digital and Data Futures as a shared area of opportunity and challenge. Sussex research and teaching increasingly engage with a data‑intensive world, advancing new approaches to data science, computing and AI while addressing their ethical, social and organisational implications.
Part of the Summer of Research series, this session supports interdisciplinary collaboration aligned with Sussex’s transformational themes, the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Horizon Europe priorities.
Through short research contributions and structured networking, the workshop will help participants discover complementary expertise across disciplines, spark new ideas and identify opportunities for collaborative research and funding.
The event is designed to create space for conversation across fields, supporting academics to connect their research with colleagues working on related questions from different perspectives and contexts.
Aims
The workshop aims to:
- Showcase current digital, data and AI‑related research across Sussex
- Support interdisciplinary connections and collaboration across faculties
- Help participants identify how their work aligns with UK Industrial Strategy and Horizon Europe priorities
- Encourage the development of collaborative research ideas
Format
The session will combine brief contributions with facilitated discussion and networking. The indicative flow includes:
- A short overview of relevant strategic funding opportunities
- A series of brisk, five‑minute talks from academic contributors across disciplines
- Time for questions and shared reflection
- Guided networking activities designed to support collaboration and idea development
Expert facilitation will be provided, with on‑hand support from Sussex Research Development Managers throughout the session.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Speakers
The workshop will feature short, 5-minute lightning talks from academic contributors across the University of Sussex, showcasing interdisciplinary perspectives on digital, data and AI futures:
- Philip Howes (Engineering),
- Prof Veronica Martinez-Hernandez (Management),
- Prof Phoebe Li (Law),
- Faith Matcham (Psychology),
- Prof Helfried Hochegger (Genome Stability),
- Prof Miguel Maravall (Neuroscience),
- Daniel Creed (Informatics),
- and Evgenia Anagnostopoulou (Informatics).
We will also be joined by a representative from Innovate UK, who will provide insights into the wider innovation and funding landscape.
Target audience
Open to university academics, researchers and research‑enabling staff from all faculties with an interest in digital, data and AI‑related research, interdisciplinary collaboration and funding opportunities.
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!