Innovating for Tomorrow: Insights on Creative and Sustainable Economies

Join us for an exciting panel discussion exploring how creative and sustainable industries are shaping the future as part of Global Challenges Week. This event will feature insights from alumni who are leading innovations in their fields and will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded students, staff, and alumni. 

Event details:

Date 📅 Thursday, 5 December 2024
Time ⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location 📍 Sallis Benney Theatre, Grand Parade, University of Brighton

What to expect:

• Panel Discussion (3:00 – 4:30 PM): A 90-minute session moderated by a University of Brighton researcher and featuring alumni with industry experience. The first 45 minutes will involve structured table conversations, followed by an open Q&A.

• Networking Session (4:30 – 5:30 PM): After the panel, stay for informal networking over drinks and snacks, where you can engage further with the panellists and fellow attendees. 

Introducing our panel

Moderator – Nick Gant, Principal Lecturer School of Art & Media University of Brighton.

Nick is an award-winning social and sustainable designer and published academic whose research and design consultancy impacts on global, industrial companies, international NGOs as well as governing bodies and civic communities in the UK. Read more about Nick in his online academic profile.

Panellist – Alex Witty, BSC Hons Product Design with Professional Experience, 2022.

Founder of Compound Footwear, repurposing discarded motor-sport tyres into high-quality, stylish footwear. Alex believes that designers have a duty to design responsibly and create products that do good instead of harm.  

Panellist – Tom Meades, BA Hons 3D Design & Craft, 2017.

Founder of gomi, a design brand that that creates sustainable tech products from post-consumer waste plastics and second-life batteries. An award-winning designer Tom is passionate about circular economy design-led alternatives to the landfill-bound consumer electronics market and is a visiting lecturer for Industrial and Sustainable Design.  

Panellist – Kellie Miller, BA Hons 3D Design in wood, metal, ceramics and plastics, 1994.

Artist, Curator and Director of Kellie Miller Arts Gallery and Critic. An artist and gallerist Kellie’s works are held in museums and private collections worldwide including Taiwan, Japan and the UK.  Kellie is also passionate about education and community and has launched her own Awards to encourage young creatives and lectures at Goldsmiths University.  

Panellist – Natasha Friend, BA Hons, Fine Art, 2006.

Director of Camden Giving which connects the people and organisations in Camden to overcome inequality. Natasha’s work at Camden Giving supports the health and sustainability of local neighbourhoods and provides opportunities for young people to express themselves creatively. She is also a member of the Participatory Grantmakers Community, which is a global collective of those interested in sharing knowledge and practice to improve participatory grant making. 

Panellist – Michelle Ogundehin, Honorary Doctor of Arts, 2024.  

Michelle is a leading authority in design and wellness, known for her influential role in shaping interiors and advocating for diversity, Michelle started her career in interior design media with ELLE Decoration UK, where she served as Editor-in-Chief from 2004 to 2017. She has since appeared as Head Judge on BBC’s Interior Design Masters, using her expertise to guide emerging designers. Recognised on the Powerlist of influential African and Caribbean Britons, Michelle continues to inspire through her writing and her book, Happy Inside: How to Harness the Power of Home for Health and Happiness.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re exploring career opportunities, looking for inspiration, or interested in the intersection of creativity and sustainability, this is the perfect space to gain valuable insights and build connections.

No need to register but spaces are limited, so entry will be on a first come first served basis.