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With the Summer of Research in full flow, we asked Professor Debbie Keeling for her take on the must-sees at this year's festival.

What does research culture mean to you, Debbie, and how is Sussex approaching it?

At Sussex, we are shaping a research culture that enables people and ideas to thrive. As part of the Summer of Research, we are spotlighting the four priorities that emerged from deep engagement with our research community, including researchers, Professional Services, and technical staff: belonging, maximising potential, collaboration, and open research. These priorities are now guiding our strategy through the work of the Research Culture Steering Group.

What is the Summer of Research? 

Now in its third year and iteration, our Summer of Research festival (9-20 June) comprises two weeks of events that celebrate and share some of the incredible research happening across campus.

It’s a chance to start conversations that could potentially lead to collaborations, or just to take a step back from the day-to-day and appreciate the work of others. We are proud of the combined effort that people across campus have put in this year to make an event programme that is brimming with creativity, offering something for everyone.

What’s coming up that might be particularly interesting for students?

Exploring Ethics in Research promises to be a fascinating discussion for both students and researchers. We will hear from speakers in the fields of AI and Psychology, all of whom face complex ethical challenges in their work. Topics will range from navigating ethical dilemmas posed by fast-evolving AI usage, to protecting the rights of human participants in research.

I will be chairing the exciting live final of the Postgraduate Three Minute Thesis and Adam Weiler Impact Panel, where our PGR finalists will compete in this fast-paced competition for a £500 prize. We will also announce the winners of the Emerging Researcher Image Competition to mark the end of the festival.

What are your top picks for our academic colleagues in Week Two?

From commercial innovation to REF-able impact: a seamless continuum is a brilliant practical session that will walk you through how different methods of knowledge exchange and innovation activity can support impact that might be suitable for a REF case study.

I will be involved with the Sussex Research Culture Symposium 2025 where I will chair a panel discussion on how fostering collaboration can support resilience for our research, even in these challenging times for the higher education sector. We have some brilliant speakers from across Sussex, Eastern Arc and UCL - do join us in person or online.

What about something that might have broad appeal?

A unique opportunity to delve into the world of the drug discovery process is being offered by The Path to Tomorrow's Treatments: Exploring the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, with hands-on interactive exhibits to explore.

The Value of Life Laid Bare During and After Conflict is a collaboration between three of our Centres of Excellence, which we hope will stimulate powerful discussion on how the devastation of conflict and displacement affects education, health, social norms and ultimately the value of life itself.

Where can people find out more and book? 

Our Summer of Research page lists the full range of talks, workshops and events.

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