The Sussex School for Progressive Futures (SSPF) is hosting an exciting programme of events focused on our three interdisciplinary transformational themes: Environmental Sustainability, Human Flourishing, and Digital and Data Futures.
From our launch series exploring our interdisciplinary transformational themes, to recruitment events inspiring and exciting the next generation, events sit at the heart of the SSPF. They bring together our community of researchers, educators, students, with local residents and external partners to explore the greatest challenges facing our planet and its people. Find out more about programme:
SSPF launch series
Lord Peter Hain in conversation with the Vice-Chancellor
The first of the series, focusing on human flourishing, took place on Wednesday 28 January at the Attenborough Centre. It featured a discussion between Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil and former government minister, anti-apartheid activist, and Sussex alumnus Lord Peter Hain. The conversation focused on ideas from his new book Liberation and Corruption: Why Freedom Movements Fail, which explores the timely question of why liberation and independence movements are often betrayed when their leaders come to power. Questions from Professor Liz Dávid-Barrett, Director of the Centre for the Study of Corruption, and other colleagues, as well as local residents and students, added to the conversation. A recording of the event will be available in due course.
From Despair to Action: Building Progressive Futures
Attenborough Centre | Wednesday 18 February | 5.30pm
This public-facing event around the transformational theme of environmental sustainability will bring together Dr Caroline Lucas, Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability, with our theme lead Professor Peter Newell and a panel of activists and thinkers for a roundtable discussion on the politics of hope and the different ways that people together can build progressive futures. Book your free ticket now.
Other events: student-focused
Inspiring Progressive Futures Series
We're working with colleagues in UK Recruitment and Widening Participation to curate a series of events bringing sixth formers to Sussex to hear about research collaborations that make a positive difference. These sessions showcase and celebrate Sussex's work whilst encouraging potential and current students to see how they too could be involved in shaping progressive futures.
Staff are warmly encouraged to attend and to invite their students or young people to these events:
- Law in the Age of AI: Wednesday 11 February at 5pm
- Lessons from Women Entrepreneurs in Yemen: Thursday 19 February at 5pm
How Does Change Happen?
Teaching space, Library | Wednesday 4 March | 3pm
Dr Caroline Lucas will be engaging with students from across campus to reflect on how change can come about, both within and outside of institutions. Drawing on her time as a parliamentarian in the UK and Brussels, the session will combine insights from Caroline with opportunities for group discussion and exchange. The session is open to all students interested in the practical politics of change towards a more progressive future, asking: what works, what doesn't, when, why, and for whom?
Get involved
All staff are welcome to attend these free events and to encourage students, colleagues and young people to participate. If you have any questions, please contact ProgressiveFutures@sussex.ac.uk