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.

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 academics and researchers with an interest in sustainable economics, post‑growth theory and interdisciplinary approaches to economic transition.

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!