Look out, Brighton – ‘Right here. Right now.’ is popping up across the city. Our new campaign is all about helping more people discover what makes Sussex an exciting place to be. If you spot it, snap a photo and share it with us – we’d love to see it. Find out more: https://ow.ly/ouqR50YvQ87

Today is National Smoke and Mirrors Day, so we’re spotlighting one of our upcoming Brighton Festival events 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙒𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘. Led by our School of Media, Arts and Humanities, these events showcase Sussex research. Find out more: https://ow.ly/pSUJ50YvHJu

What does life feel like when our sense of self fades away? This is the question asked by a powerful new film on the mysteries of dementia with Sussex neuroscientist Professor Anil Seth. Conscious premiered in Copenhagen’s CPH:DOX festival, with UK screenings to follow.

Sussex has been ranked in the top 100 globally for History in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 🏅 This recognition highlights the quality of History research and teaching at Sussex. Find out about our History and Art History research: https://ow.ly/KquE50Yz3MZ

Sussex has been ranked in the top 100 globally for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 🏅 Find out how our cutting-edge research underpins our strategic aim of 'Psychology for a Better World': https://ow.ly/nwBs50Yyzmo

Today, Sussex has been ranked in the top 50 globally for Sociology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 🏅 This recognition reflects the strength and impact of Sociology research and teaching at Sussex. Explore our sociology research: https://ow.ly/eKVU50YyxAE

We’re No. 1 in the world for Development Studies 🥇 10 years of world-leading research 🌎 Today, Sussex, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 – tenth year in a row.

Did the human eye evolve from a one-eyed ancestor? Sussex researchers Prof Tom Baden and Dr George Kafetzis, in collaboration with Lund University, shed new light on the origins of vertebrate eyes – offering insight into sensory biology and brain evolution. Learn more: https://ow.ly/zXUU50Ysk9P

A petri dish of human brain cells is playing Doom 🧫🎮 Sean Cole, who has just completed an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Sussex, explains how lab-grown neurons were taught to respond to the game, and reflects on what this biological computing could mean for the future. ow.ly/M7Ip50YvTib

Look out, Brighton – '𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄.' is popping up across the city. Our new campaign is all about helping more people discover what makes Sussex an exciting place to be. If you spot it, snap a photo and share it with us – we’d love to see it. Find out more: https://ow.ly/ouqR50YvQ87

How do chimps flirt? Prof Gilly Forrester (School of Psychology) joined Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss a new study, which found that male chimps have developed a way of flirting by noisily crunching leaves. Listen on @bbcsounds.bsky.social (from 2.18): https://ow.ly/SeNb50Ysqe4

Read reaction from Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, on the profound consequences of the recent ‘emergency visa brake’ on study visas for university applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. https://ow.ly/2jBz50YwoIk

Sussex's Prof Julia Simner is the Science Lead at CrossSense, whose revolutionary AI-powered smart glasses system has been awarded the £1 million Longitude Prize on Dementia. Read more: https://ow.ly/Evft50YwnIO Photo credit: Jason Purple https://ow.ly/CAee50YwnAj

How do we get better at talking to strangers? Research by Professor Gillian Sandstrom (School of Psychology) is featured in The Guardian with insights on breaking down social barriers through small, low-risk conversation starters. Read more: https://ow.ly/ZIEA50Yspt5

Professor Gilly Forrester (School of Psychology) joined Sarah Gorrell on BBC Radio Sussex to discuss how psychology can help create a better working day. Listen on @bbcsounds.bsky.social (from 1.08): https://ow.ly/uCNM50Ysp6X

How can citizens make a real difference to the natural world? Join Dr Lucila Newell, Dr Ellie Rotheray, Sarah Butler, and Ffion Thomas to explore how citizen science, community evidence and local action are helping protect rivers and biodiversity. Book your place: https://ow.ly/ANGF50YsXXz

👁️ Did humans descend from a cyclops ancestor? 🌳 Could trees have legal rights in the UK? Find out in the next Research at Sussex. 📩 Subscribe today: https://ow.ly/11El50UOFZB

Congratulations to Buzz Club, led by Prof Dave Goulson, who are working on a garden at the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show! 🌸🐝 'Hedgerow in the Sky', designed by Sarah Mayfield & Monika Greenhough, will promote pollinator conservation & citizen science: https://ow.ly/YaSo50Yowu2 #WorldWildlifeDay #WWD2026

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘅 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘀 Join Professor Stephen Wilkins to explore how the first stars, black holes, and galaxies formed after the Big Bang — and what the James Webb Space Telescope is revealing. 📅 Wed 11 Mar | 6–7pm | Free & open to all https://ow.ly/2B2750YnZxq

Campus in bloom 🌸✨ From wildflowers to bee hotels, discover our biodiversity projects on campus and how you can get involved: https://ow.ly/gmoS50YnYa0 #SussexUni #Nature #Campus #Flowers

This time last week. From bold climate insights to impactful panels & keynotes, our Symposium explored not only the pressing challenges we face, but also the cutting‑edge research & collaborative solutions emerging from our community. Grateful to all who joined and contributed. tinyurl.com/2sx52zcm

A brilliant moment for Sussex space science 🌍🚀 Prof Seb Oliver joined a UK Space Agency delegation in the US, including a visit to NASA ’s Johnson Space Center. Seb is PI for 'PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics' (PRIMA), a mission concept exploring how galaxies and solar systems form.

Why does this winter's rain feel different? ☔️ Dr James Williams examines why the past few weeks have felt different from usual bouts of British rainy winters, noting research from meteorologists as well as the psychological impacts of persistently grey skies. Read more: https://ow.ly/3NHr50Yl6Nf

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘅 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗢𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻 – 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 Join Professor Sarah King to explore how experience shapes the brain and may reduce dementia risk. 📅 Wed 25 Feb | 6–7pm | Free & open to all | Book here: https://ow.ly/Xfuj50YkhNr #SussexUniverse #Lecture #Science

Brighton Festival is back (1–25 May) & we’re the official Higher Education Partner once more! Explore our Festival of Ideas events led by Media, Arts and Humanities. Enter a world of magic, ask what AI means for the arts, & queer the archive: https://ow.ly/nAEl50YhxUE

Scrolling is our most common pastime — and least enjoyable, finds Sussex-led research. Prof Robin Banerjee says being more intentional with leisure choices could improve wellbeing. Read more: https://ow.ly/ZgCk50Y0KeE The Times & Sunday Times

Universities UK has launched #FutureUniversities, a national conversation about how universities should evolve to meet the changing needs of the nation. Find out more: https://ow.ly/4uGG50Yf2qw

Watch elephants on Worthing prom 100 years ago and soldiers marching to war in AI-generated videos by an amateur historian bringing old photos to life. Professor Michael Beverland looks at what this could mean for our connections to the past, and how legislation is lagging behind technology.

A defining Sussex legacy. Sir Harry Kroto’s discovery of C60 (buckminsterfullerene) shows what blue-skies research can lead to — opening up new directions across chemistry, nanotechnology and materials science. #SussexUni #Chemistry #NobelPrize

Sussex Universe returns! Join Dr Sam Hile for Much Ado About Quantum Computers, a beginner-friendly talk exploring what quantum computers are, what they might achieve, and how close we really are to a computing revolution: https://ow.ly/ef6M50Y9jAU See the full programme: https://ow.ly/l0PR50Y9jCM

Professor Claire Smith joins Peter and Jane Dick on This Morning, to explain why more people are choosing to donate their bodies to science - and what it means for medical training and research. Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZEu...

The National Student Survey 2026 is now open. Final-year students, tell the world about your time at Sussex. The NSS is a UK-wide survey that helps improve courses and support services for future students. Check your email from Ipsos for your personal link.

People-pleasing can undermine wellbeing. Sussex researcher Dr Mariko Visserman says in close relationships it’s not just the sacrifice, but the motivation behind it, that matters. Understanding why we “people-please” is key. Read more: https://ow.ly/IrBC50Y0KZx @sciencefocus.bsky.social

We are delighted to have six subjects ranked in the top 200 globally in the THE 2026 World University Rankings by subject, including two in the top 100. Learn more: www.timeshighereducation.com/world-univer... #THEWUR

Lifelong diver Eric Smith has received an honorary Doctor of Science from Sussex for his tireless campaign to restore marine life along the Sussex coast. His conservation work led to a ban on trawling on the Sussex coast in 2021, with kelp forests & marine life starting to return. 📹 sussexunderwater

Congratulations to Peter Bennett, who was awarded the Gold Medal for Philanthropy at winter graduation today. His vital work funding new research through ‪@bennett-innovate.bsky.social‬ here at Sussex, is just one of the ways his generosity is helping the world respond to the climate crisis.

Beat #BlueMonday! Research led by Professor Robin Banerjee has found the key to psychological fulfilment lies in being more intentional with our leisure time – highlighting the importance of hobbies that are emotionally rewarding and socially enriching.

1/ I am truly honoured and completely delighted to have won the 2025 Berggruen Essay Prize (English), for my submission “The Mythology of Conscious AI” @berggruen.org @noemamag.com berggruen.org/eu/news/2025...

📡 World-leading precision in radiation detection 💬 Words of the Year – which words will stick? 🧠 Mental health chatbots: better when they feel like a friend? Find out in the next Research at Sussex. 📩 Subscribe today: https://ow.ly/11El50UOFZB

The 2026 Bennett Institute Annual Symposium will be held on 19 February at Bramber House. Staff and students are welcome, and the event is free! Learn more and Register here: https://bit.ly/4qEZrv8 #BennettSymposium #NetZero #EnergyPolicy #SussexResearch

Mental health apps work best when you feel emotionally close to your chatbot, University of Sussex study reveals. As AI wellbeing tools grow, the findings also highlight why safeguards and responsible design matter. Read more: https://ow.ly/WUPs50XSXXC #ResponsibleAI

We are delighted to announce we've won a share of a £10.6 million funding award to continue to host an NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) - driving forward applied research that responds directly to the most urgent health and care issues within our communities. ow.ly/XrHi50XTnEu

We’re excited to announce Professor Anuradha Joshi as the new Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). Building on her long-standing leadership at IDS, she will lead the institute into its 60th anniversary year. https://ids.pulse.ly/52bb9mouwl

Physicist Dr Josh McFayden has won a major £800k Royal Society grant to explore some of the Universe’s biggest mysteries. Using data from CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, Dr McFayden will lead work on the ATLAS and FASER experiments, pushing the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

New research from the University is helping improve how support programmes measure the impact of domestic abuse interventions. Sussex researchers identified tools to track key outcomes like family relationships, feelings of safety, & wellbeing for children & adults. Read more: https://bit.ly/3XmuXBP

New independent review of the UK #TradePolicy by the CITP, UK Trade Policy Observatory & Frontier Economics highlights: • Fragmented priorities • Under-resourced trade capacity • Pressures from climate, & digital change It calls for more coherent & evidence-led trade policies tinyurl.com/mryrsjhn#TradePolicy

We’re proud to be part of the newly funded NIHR ARC-KSS programme launching in 2026 🎉 BSMS will lead key themes in Primary & Community Healthcare and Data-Driven Research on Inequalities—driving innovation and improving care across Kent, Surrey & Sussex. Read more: bit.ly/3MabORa

What's really going on with bitcoin's decline? Find out in the next Research at Sussex, a fortnightly round up of groundbreaking research and innovation from the University. 📩 Subscribe today: https://ow.ly/11El50UOFZB

Today is World AIDS Day, marked annually to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It was founded in 1988 and continues as a way to show strength and solidarity against HIV stigma and to remember lives lost. Find out more about resources and support: https://ow.ly/i6yC50XA2LY

This weekend, our short film 'Everybody’s Garden' will be part of the main screening at the @activistswb.bsky.social Film Festival in Reading. 🎬🎉 The project, led by Dr Karis Jade Petty, is making heritage more inclusive for sight-impaired visitors. 🎥 Watch the full video: youtu.be/P29rXlRnZXM