News

We are delighted to announce that David (Dave) Ockwell, Professor of Sustainability and International Development, has been appointed Academic Theme Lead for Environmental Sustainability, succeeding Professor Peter Newell. 

Professor Ockwell takes on the role as the Sussex School for Progressive Futures enters its second year. Environmental Sustainability is one of the University's three transformational themes and sits at the heart of the Sussex 2035 strategy. Together with Digital and Data Futures and Human Flourishing, the theme supports the University's vision of creating progressive futures through interdisciplinary research, education and global and civic engagement.  

Dave's research focuses on sustainable energy transitions, with particular expertise in electricity access in the Global South and advising on global climate and development policy. He has also played an important role in the development of the Sussex School for Progressive Futures as convenor of the recently launched Environmental Sustainability elective module, which embeds the University's transformational themes across education and student life. 

As Academic Theme Lead, Dave will work with colleagues across the University to further develop the Environmental Sustainability theme, strengthening connections across disciplines and between research, education, and global and civic engagement. The role is a 0.2 FTE appointment, which Dave will undertake alongside his ongoing teaching and research responsibilities. 

Dave succeeds Professor Peter Newell, whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing the Sussex School for Progressive Futures and strengthening the academic network around the Environmental Sustainability theme. We thank Peter for his significant contribution and commitment, and for the strong foundations he has helped create for the theme's future development.