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Dr Fedja Orucevic

(L-R): Dr Sarah Stephens, Shaun Ring and Matt Pollins

Dr Elizabeth Mills

Over the past three months, the Sussex School for Progressive Futures welcomed more than 120 attendees - including sixth form, GCSE and Sussex students alongside some parents, guardians and teachers - to a programme of four Inspiring Progressive Futures events.

Going beyond the prospectus, the programme gave potential students a real taste of university life, a chance to meet current students, and an insight into impactful research happening at Sussex.

Feedback was positive, with attendees praising the practical examples, accessible delivery and expertise of the speakers. One attendee said: “The subject matter is totally fascinating, and it was delivered in an accessible and clear way from someone who is clearly at the forefront of this field.”

The programme was delivered in collaboration with Sussex academics, research centres, and local and global partners, with support from Widening Participation and UK Recruitment teams. Student Ambassadors played a key role in welcoming prospective students, and travel cost support helped widen access for sixth form visitors.

The four sessions, which highlighted how research at Sussex is driving meaningful change locally and globally, were:

Law in the age of AI
In collaboration with the Sussex Centre for Law and Technology, Dr Sarah Stephens led a conversation alongside PhD researcher Shaun Ring, and lawyer Matt Pollins, challenging myths about AI replacing lawyers and highlighting the continued importance of human judgement.

Lessons from women entrepreneurs in Yemen
Led by Dr Elizabeth Mills with alumni Dr Alia Aghajanian and Dr Aparna John, both from the World Bank, this event explored research on how women navigate conflict and economic instability, and the opportunities for social and economic change.

Ripple Effect: Citizen science, river care, and the power of local action
The Ripple Effect project, led by Dr Lucila Newell and Dr Ellie Rotheray, alongside environmental campaigner Sarah Butler, and Ffion Thomas from the Friends of the River Medway, demonstrated how citizen science can support environmental accountability and protect local ecosystems.

Quantum mechanics: from strange rules to new technologies
In collaboration with the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, Dr Fedja Orucevic introduced the foundations of quantum mechanics and their relevance to emerging technologies.

These events support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.

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