Alumni news
Sussex staff members honoured with invitation to Education Royal Garden Party
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Monday, 2 June 2025
Professor Lisa Holmes pictured outside Buckingham Palace
Professor Claire Smith and Samantha Dunnett in the Buckingham Palace garden
Professor David Ruebain pictured outside Buckingham Palace
King Charles III at the garden party
Professor Lisa Holmes, Professor David Ruebain, Professor Claire Smith, and Samantha Dunnett were guests at the Education Royal Garden Party on Wednesday 14 May, in recognition of their contribution to Higher Education. The garden party, which focused on education and skills, was attended by King Charles III.
Lisa Holmes, Professor of Applied Social Science in the Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, was nominated for an invitation by the Department for Education due to the impact of her research on children's social care and improving outcomes for children and families. She has carried out a range of research and evaluation projects over the past 25 years including for various government departments.
Professor Holmes said: “I am delighted and humbled that my research has been recognised. I am passionate about ensuring we generate the best possible evidence to inform children’s social care policy and practice”
Professor David Ruebain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Culture, Equality and Inclusion), was nominated for wide-reaching work and leadership on equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK. He has published and taught nationally and internationally on education, disability and equality law and practice, and received a number of awards for his impact.
Professor Ruebain said: "I really never expected this! It was a fabulous day and I'm very honoured to have been invited and to share the experience with so many esteemed colleagues."
Claire Smith, Professor of Anatomy at Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) was honoured with an invitation to the event for her impact on medical education, both at BSMS and nationally, particularly in the fields of anatomy and body donation. Her seminal research has led the field in understanding how students learn and contributed to improved medical and surgical practice.
Professor Smith said: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and immensely proud to represent Anatomy, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and the University of Sussex in such a prestigious setting. It was super surreal to be there. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. It’s not always been easy, but you have to dance in the rain to enjoy the rainbows.”
Samantha Dunnett, Head of Widening Participation in the Communications, Engagement and Advancement Division, was nominated for her work enabling underrepresented young people to access higher education. Sam and her team lead initiatives to improve opportunities for disadvantaged groups in higher education and increase representation from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Sam said: “I felt incredibly honoured and proud to be nominated and recognised for my contribution to supporting the University's aim to enable more underrepresented students' access Sussex. It was particularly poignant as I am leaving Sussex at the end of July. A lovely way to end my career here.”