Professor Gordon Harold
The University of Sussex is to say a heartfelt thank you to Professor Gordon Harold who is preparing to take up a new role at Cambridge, but this is not a “goodbye” as Gordon will continue to lead the Rudd Programme into a new phase of development and opportunity.
Gordon Harold, the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Professor of Psychology, is a distinguished member of staff whose world-leading research has been internationally recognised. He has expertly led the Rudd Centre for Adoption Research and Practice since 2013 and is the Deputy-Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Professor Harold will leave the University of Sussex in July to take up a newly established Professorship in Psychology, Education and Mental Health at the University of Cambridge. Gordon will retain an appointment at Sussex to promote and lead future collaborative opportunities through the Rudd Programme linking Sussex and the University of Cambridge with a focus on helping families, children and policy makers, with a focus on stimulating new practice models for front line professionals including GPs, teachers, social workers and others.
Professor Harold’s research has fundamentally shifted the government’s approach to supporting family relationships in promoting child and adolescent mental health. He has successfully engaged with government bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions, to influence policy to improve the life chances of children and young people by targeting early support to disadvantaged parents and families. During his time at Sussex he has compellingly dismantled the myth that children are only affected by their genes. Instead his research shows the positive impact of good parenting and healthy relationships between parents for children’s development, with findings featured in the Made at Uni Top 100 Best Breakthroughs of the century list.
In addition, Professor Harold leads the ‘enurture’ network’, a UKRI funded initiative, which aims to provide effective advice to parents, teachers and policy makers about how emerging digital technologies can be used to positively influence children’s mental health, rather than hinder it.
Since October 2018, he has steered the University’s submission for REF2021 working with colleagues in Research and Enterprise and academics across all Schools. Following Gordon’s departure in July, this work will be led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Shute.
The Vice Chancellor, Adam Tickell said: “Gordon has made an enormous impact at Sussex both in the value of his pioneering research but also by setting a gold standard for us all in terms of professionalism, energy and collegiality.
“Gordon’s work, both within the Rudd Centre and the wider research programme he has established nationally and internationally, will leave a legacy in the lives of the many families, parents, children and young people that it has helped. Sussex will continue with this work and colleagues across the University look forward to an ongoing partnership and collaboration with Gordon in his new role. Gordon has contributed much to campus life, including his passionate support for robust research and evidence-based decision making, not to mention his energy for running and promoting the benefits of exercise for mental health and wellbeing.
“Thanks to Gordon’s outstanding work on the Research Excellence Framework, we are in a strong position as we head into the final stages of REF2021 preparations under Stephen Shute’s leadership. I know that Gordon and Stephen will ensure there is a comprehensive and smooth transition in this area.”
“I wish Gordon all the very best in this move to Cambridge which is clearly a fantastic move for him. I am also very pleased that we will maintain ongoing links in the long-term with Gordon through the innovative and highly impactful Rudd Programme.”
Professor Gordon Harold said: “I have enormously enjoyed my time at Sussex where I have worked with some of the most dedicated, pioneering and impressive people, particularly through my role as Director of the Rudd Programme. I would also like to commend and acknowledge the many colleagues across the University in promoting our research with impact agenda and the excellent research activities that are represented across the campus (and beyond), from innovative student led research activities right the way through to major externally funded and world-leading research groupings.
“Sussex is indeed special, it is time to acknowledge and celebrate the uniqueness, passion and innovativeness of the research that our colleagues at all stages of career contribute to, as well as colleagues in professional services who support this research. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Sussex colleagues in the long-term through my ongoing links and leadership of the Rudd Programme.”
At the University of Cambridge, Professor Harold will join a wider research network on mental health, education, families, wellbeing and inclusion within the Faculty of Education and the wider University.