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.
Human Flourishing Collaboration Workshop
Join this workshop bringing researchers together to explore human flourishing, share insights across health, culture, wellbeing and justice, and build collaborative ideas for impactful research. Learn about the Industrial strategy and EU Horizon Europe and what opportunities they bring.
This event is a collaboration between the Summer of Research and the Sussex School for Progressive Futures within the strategic theme Human Flourishing.
Thursday 4 June 2026, 11am–2pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-flourishing-collaboration-workshop-tickets-1988410277667?aff=oddtdtcreator
Workshop description
This workshop brings together colleagues from across the University to explore Human Flourishing as a shared transformational research theme. The session focuses on building dialogue across Sussex’s diverse and impactful research on health and wellbeing, culture and creativity, and rights and justice, creating space for interdisciplinary exchange and connection.
This workshop is delivered by the Research Development Team in collaboration with the School for Progressive Futures. It aligns Sussex research strengths with the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Horizon Europe priorities, supporting researchers to identify collaborative opportunities and develop ideas that can respond to societal challenges and future funding calls.
Through short academic contributions and structured networking, participants will gain insight into current research across disciplines, discover common interests, and explore opportunities to work together on interdisciplinary projects. The session is designed to help researchers find collaborators, build momentum around shared ideas, and develop ambitions for future research activity.
Aims
The workshop aims to:
- Support interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration around human flourishing
- Showcase research across Sussex on wellbeing, culture, creativity, rights and justice
- Help participants identify how their research aligns with UK Industrial Strategy and Horizon Europe priorities
- Encourage the development of collaborative research ideas
- Build connections between researchers, research developers and external partners
Format
The session will combine brief academic 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 contributors across disciplines
- Time for questions and 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 human flourishing across health, culture, creativity, and justice:
- Prof Michelle Lefevre (Social Work and Social Care),
- Faith Matcham (Psychology),
- Matthias Göbel (Psychology),
- Prof John Drury (Psychology),
- Prof Pollyana Ruiz (Media and Film),
- Prof Margaretta Jolly (Media and Film),
- Jason Price (English),
- and Haitham Hassan (Chemistry).
We will also be joined by a representative from Innovate UK, who will share insights into the broader funding and innovation landscape and opportunities for collaboration.
Target audience
Open to university academics, researchers and research‑enabling staff from all faculties with an interest in human flourishing, interdisciplinary research and collaborative 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!