What do you do at Sussex Lorna? 

I work on our programme to strengthen Research Culture, which is about making sure Sussex has a research environment that empowers people, enabling them to flourish and do their best work. It’s also about creating a distinct research environment that presents fewer barriers between disciplines, academic and non-academic partners - ultimately enabling great and impactful research. 

Working with our Academic Director, Seb Oliver, and the Research Culture Steering Committee, and by consulting the research community (researchers, Professional Services, and technical staff supporting research), we’ve identified four priority areas for Sussex: belonging; maximising potential; collaboration; and open research. We’ll be developing work in each of these areas with colleagues across our Schools and Divisions. 

What is the Summer of Research? 

The Summer of Research is a month-long festival (20 May- 21 June) all about great Sussex research and great research practices, celebrating and sharing our fantastic work and starting new conversations that might lead to new collaborations. 

It’s a real joint effort as well, with events organised by colleagues across campus, joining together under our Summer of Research banner. 

Is it just for academics? 

It’s for the whole research community as well as anyone working at Sussex who is interested in finding out about fascinating new ideas and the positive changes they can make. 

Some events are open to the public too, so there’ll be the chance to involve your friends and family. 

What are your personal highlights? 

DocFest, the Early Career Researcher symposium, Sussex Impact Days, and the Library's Opening up....series. All these are looking brilliant this year. 

I’m particularly excited by some of the events organised by the research community that we’re really delighted to be able to feature in the programme. For example, an event from the Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth looking at how we change the way we talk about young people to be less stigmatising and more supportive. Or what about a textile workshop? If you’re interested in how participatory methods can be used to work with place, Sussex Co-Lab are bringing their partners Sew Fabulous and Quiet Down There to create a representation of London Road and what it means to people using salvaged fabrics. 

Anything happening on campus during the working day? 

Most events are here on campus, and the majority are during the day. The programme aims to have something to tempt everyone out of their office to discover something new. 

Where can staff find out more? 

Check out our Summer of Research page to see the full range of talks, workshops and events taking place for the whole research community and curious members of the public.