Category: News

Birds eye view of trans pride march

University of Brighton underlines support for trans community with Brighton Trans Pride sponsorship

The university is proud to announce sponsorship of Trans Pride Brighton 2025, reaffirming its commitment to equity, support and inclusion.

Trans Pride Brighton is the largest trans-specific Pride event in Europe and takes place this year on Saturday 19 July. The university’s support for the event is a way of underscoring its dedication to equality, diversity, and the celebration of gender diversity.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that the university is sponsoring Trans Pride Brighton this year. We know that the day is so much more than just a celebration. It’s a raising of voices for trans rights and a call to protect and respect the community.

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brighotn members of the injectheal team

Groundbreaking project by Brighton researchers could enable healing chronic wounds from the inside out

Millions living with chronic wounds may soon find relief, thanks to a new €7.3m EU-funded project to develop injectable hydrogel treatment for hard-to-heal wounds.

Researchers at the University of Brighton’s Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices are part of an international team of experts developing an innovative injectable treatment designed to accelerate healing in deep, hard-to-reach wounds which affect more than 300 million people worldwide.

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top view of swimming pool

Pioneering new project explores inclusive open water swimming with visually impaired community

A groundbreaking project is supporting visually impaired people across Sussex to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of open water swimming.

Led by researcher Sadie Rockliffe from the university’s School of Business and Law, the project focuses on making blue spaces, such as seas, lakes, and pools, more welcoming and accessible to people with sight loss.

While outdoor swimming is increasingly recognised for its health and wellbeing benefits, many blue spaces remain inaccessible to people with visual impairments. Often designed with sightedness as the default, these environments can overlook the importance of other senses, such as touch, sound, rhythm, and temperature, which are essential for many swimmers, with or without sight.

Sadie’s research project challenges this sight-centred approach by exploring how people with visual impairments connect with water through their other senses – and by working directly with participants to reimagine these environments as more inclusive, community-focused, and responsive to diverse sensory experiences.

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University of Brighton sign outside elm house

University of Brighton ranked among top 4.3% of universities worldwide

The University of Brighton has earned a place among the world’s leading universities. Brighton has ranked in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, in the 2025 Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). 

This recognition highlights the university’s continued dedication to academic excellence, impactful research, and the success of its students and alumni worldwide.

The 2025 CWUR rankings are the largest of their kind, based entirely on outcome-based data, rather than surveys or self-submitted statistics. Universities are assessed across four key pillars: education, employability, faculty, and research – all of which reflect measurable impact on students and society.

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Montage of images invlude a birde eye view of the ocean, a drone flying over a green field, a mose in a field and the Royal Pavillion in Brighton

Centre for Environment and Society to drive R&KE excellence

The University of Brighton has launched its latest Centre of Research and Knowledge Exchange Excellence – the Centre for Environment and Society, headed by co-directors Dr Corina Ciocan and Professor James Ebdon from the School of Applied Sciences.

The centre replaces and builds on the work of the Centre for Earth Observation Science and Centre for Aquatic Environments and seeks to address pressing environmental, health and societal challenges. Research and knowledge exchange activities within the new centre fall under the following five broad themes:

  • Water, health and humans
  • People, nature and place
  • Geoscience and society
  • Ecology and conservation
  • Environmental data and spatial intelligence.
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studetns representing the university of Brighton at the UNESCO youth forum

Future Leaders: Brighton students join UNESCO talks on climate and food

Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, sustainability experts and young changemakers gather at the university to discuss how food choices impact the planet.

Hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, Nature Starts on Our Plate, the University of Brighton were proud to recently welcome experts from across the globe to discuss why choosing local, sustainable food matters for our health, our communities, and the environment.

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Paul Cottingham Trust scholarship

University of Brighton announces one of the UK’s first scholarships focused on the study of trans inclusion

A PhD scholarship focused on trans and non-binary inclusion has been launched by the University of Brighton in collaboration with The Paul Cottingham Trust.

The scholarship will provide a talented researcher with financial support and access to world-class resources, to develop a project focusing on trans and non-binary inclusion within the broad remit of supporting health, wellbeing, and dignity in health and social care. It will be awarded to a candidate who is committed to making a difference to the wider trans community and will provide a unique opportunity for in-depth research that can explore the issues and opportunities for trans people.

This landmark initiative reflects the University of Brighton’s ongoing commitment to advancing research, fostering social change, and championing equality.

Logo for the Paul Cottingham Trust

The scholarship is overseen by the University’s Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender (CTSG), an internationally recognised research centre known for its pioneering work in LGBTQIA+ lives and communities. The centre’s researchers employ innovative methods and creative approaches, to produce work that informs policy and practice. The centre also champions anti-racist and gender-inclusive research, providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for its thriving community of early-career researchers and students.

Professor Nigel Sherriff, Professor of Public Health and Public Promotion and Director of CTSG at the University of Brighton said:

“The scholarship represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a vision for the future that transforms trans and non-binary inclusion at every level. It will be awarded to a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to driving social change, advancing trans rights, and championing inclusion for trans and non-binary communities, particularly their most marginalised members. It represents an exciting chance to contribute to a vision that translates into tangible improvements in the lives of trans and non-binary individuals.”

Funding for the PhD is provided by The Paul Cottingham Trust, founded in memory of actor, singer, fundraiser and charity supporter Paul Cottingham. Established by Lord Michael Cashman CBE (Paul’s husband) and fellow Trustees, the Trust is dedicated to promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion globally, focusing on initiatives that create meaningful change for marginalised communities.

Lord Michael Cashman CBE said:

‘We are proud to join the Uni of Brighton in this innovative and exciting project which embodies our shared commitment to achieving an inclusive and equal society where everyone can achieve their unique potential and enjoy the same rights, obligations and privileges as others.’

Click here for more information on the scholarship and how to apply.

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Sustainable campus in Falmer

Brighton jumps into top 30 in new university sustainability league table

The University of Brighton has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure a spot in the top 30 of the latest People & Planet University League, a prestigious ranking of 165 UK universities based on their environmental and ethical performance.

Brighton’s achievement also places it as the fourth most sustainable university in the South East, showcasing its leadership in sustainability within the region.

Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability

The People & Planet League evaluates universities across 14 categories, including environmental policy and strategy, water use, waste and recycling, carbon management and reduction, as well as education on sustainable development.

Brighton was awarded:

  • 100% for its sustainability strategy and policies.
  • 90% for staff and student engagement.
  • 85% for education on sustainable development.
  • 83% for carbon management.

The improvement on last year’s league table position means Brighton has risen by 41 places in the last two years having placed 71st in 2022 and 46th in 2023.

University of Brighton People and Planet award

A Mission-Aligned Approach

Ollie Swan, Head of Sustainability at the University of Brighton, emphasized the institution’s dual focus on academic and operational excellence:
“Our academic mission is deeply connected to addressing today’s environmental and ethical challenges. By aligning our teaching and research with real-world issues, we prepare students to contribute to a sustainable society. At the same time, we’re committed to ‘walking the talk’ through our own environmental performance. While these results are encouraging, we remain focused on consistent improvements within our emerging university strategy.”

A Track Record of Sustainable Action

The latest performance in the national sustainability league table comes after the university was awarded platinum status through the EcoCampus university sector environmental management certification (EMS) scheme.

This is a result of implementing strategic policies to cut carbon emissions, move towards cleaner energy, protect biodiversity, and reduce waste.

So far, the University of Brighton has:

  • Generated 630,000 kWh of solar power in 2023/24—equivalent to powering 230 homes for a year.
  • Diverted 4.7 tonnes of waste from landfills through a reuse campaign, which collected 592 bags of unwanted items from student halls and raised £8,880 for charity in 2024.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future

This recognition reflects Brighton’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability. The university’s staff and students play an active role in driving positive environmental change, setting a strong example for the wider community.

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Dr Sarah Pitt pictured alongside logo for IBMS

University of Brighton’s virologist chosen to lead top science institute

Renowned virologist and School of Applied Sciences lecturer Dr Sarah Pitt has been named as President Elect of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

The announcement is in recognition of the significant contributions Dr Pitt has made to the field, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to public health and her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a wide audience have earned her recognition as a leading voice in biomedical science.

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Professor Melanie Flint

University’s public lecture explores the link between stress and cancer

University of Brighton’s public lecture in December shares insights into how stress hormones impact cancer.

Stress and cancer: The hidden link

Wednesday 4 December 2024 at 6.30pm, University of Brighton, Huxley Lecture Theatre (300), Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ

Book now

What is the hidden link between stress and cancer? The first inaugural lecture for this academic year at the University of Brighton aims to shed light on the impact of stress responses on the progression and treatment of the disease.

Join Professor Melanie Flint, Professor of Stress and Cancer Research and co-director of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, on Wednesday 4 December when she explores how chronic stress impacts quality of life and its link to cancer.

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Laura RubyLeave a comment