Category: Research

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.
Continue reading “Centre for Environment and Society to drive R&KE excellence” →

Christina CammLeave a comment
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.

Continue reading “Future Leaders: Brighton students join UNESCO talks on climate and food” →

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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.

Joanna TurnerLeave a comment
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.

Continue reading “University of Brighton’s virologist chosen to lead top science institute” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment

Breakthrough research from University of Brighton could lead to faster wound healing

A pioneering project by University of Brighton researchers has shed new light on how wound dressing materials can speed up healing of chronic wounds.

The breakthrough could mean faster recovery for patients and is an important first step towards the development of a new type of wound dressing that mimics the body’s natural tissue and which would transform wound care in the UK and around the world.

Continue reading “Breakthrough research from University of Brighton could lead to faster wound healing” →

Joanna Turner1 Comment
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.

Continue reading “University’s public lecture explores the link between stress and cancer” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment

European Geographies of Sexualities Conference comes to Brighton

Given that Brighton is seen as the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, it’s natural that we cover issues relating to sexuality in our Geography and Environment degrees. Students can even take our specialist module on Geographies of Genders and Sexualities in their third year. Cementing our reputation in this area, this year we brought the world’s only regular conference that unites Geography and sexuality to Brighton.   Continue reading “European Geographies of Sexualities Conference comes to Brighton” →

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Left to right - Dr Duncan Gilbert, Professor Timothy Humphrey, Professor Melanie Flint, Dr Simon Mitchell

Groundbreaking new cancer research centre unites top researchers, cancer specialists and patients to fight cancer in Sussex 

  • New cancer research centre unites researchers across Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton, University of Sussex and NHS to share research and resource
  • Patients being put at the heart of the centre’s vision
  • Centre will provide a ‘life-cycle’ of research – from work in the lab, to drug discovery, to clinical trials, to treatments.

A brand new pioneering centre dedicated to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes has opened today in Sussex. The Sussex Cancer Research Centre (SCRC), draws on the world-class cancer research from experts at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Brighton, University of Sussex and in the NHS.  

The groundbreaking centre aims to provide an environment where researchers, clinicians and patients can share resources, insight, experience and expertise to improve cancer treatments and patient outcomes.

The team behind the centre say that the venture represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver significant improvements in care for cancer patients and drive further improvements in the life-chances of those diagnosed with cancer – putting people at the forefront of their research

The four co-founders of the centre are: Dr Simon Mitchell, Reader in Cancer Systems Biology at BSMS; Professor Melanie Flint, Professor of Stress and Cancer Research at the University of Brighton; Professor Timothy Humphrey, Professor of Translational Research and Genome Stability at the University of Sussex; and Clinical Oncologist Dr Duncan Gilbert of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Simon Mitchell said: “From day one, this will be a true collaboration. As a team, with a united vision to improve care for patients, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Cancer doesn’t recognise institutional boundaries, and to beat cancer we must cross those boundaries too.”  

Professor Timothy Humphrey said: “Almost everyone knows someone affected by cancer and we need their perspective to provide valuable input into our research direction. Our central goal is improved patient outcomes through supporting world-leading collaborative research.”

Professor Melanie Flint said: “We want to make sure Sussex is the best place in the country to do cancer research, so that the future leaders want to work here and stay here. The Sussex Cancer Research Centre will help attract, mentor, and support, ambitious cancer researchers for the benefit of cancer patients.”

By connecting researchers, patients and clinical partners it is hoped that resources, such as patient samples, will be more readily available. Research within similar areas will be more collaborative, such as the University of Brighton and BSMS work to study the effects of stress on patient’s psychology and on patient’s cells respectively. Resulting findings can then be used to identify potential drug targets to be investigated using the University of Sussex’s drug discovery pipelines. New treatments can then be trialled in collaboration with NHS colleagues and the BSMS Clinical Trials Unit.

Dr Duncan Gilbert, Clinical Oncologist at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “University Hospitals Sussex serves the second largest cancer patient population of any NHS organisation and has plans to move its cancer services to a new purpose-built cancer centre. This, we believe, will facilitate greater interactions with the Sussex Cancer Research Centre, including scientists, clinicians and patients. And, together with our NHS partners, will help our work to improve outcomes alongside prevention, early detection, and improving care and support for those with cancer across Sussex.”

Sussex Health and Care Integrated Care System brings together the universities, NHS in Sussex, local authorities and wider partners with an interest in health and care. It agreed its five year strategy Improving Lives Together which was published last year and which sets out the ambition for how partners will work together to improve health and care outcomes of the Sussex population now and for the future.

At the heart of the SCRC is the involvement of people living with cancer, encouraging them to participate in research through trials, providing input into grant applications, talking to students, and even shaping the research taking place. It is hoped that eventually, this could lead to more patients being able to enroll on clinical trials without leaving the area. 

Artist Markus Taylor was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in 2021 and is a public member of SCRC said: “I am really happy to be part of the new research centre because I know the team is very keen to listen to what people with cancer have to say. The centre is not just about cells, molecules, proteins, it’s not just about us being objects, clients, subjects, patients, it’s about real people living with real disease.

“I hope this centre will help to develop those conversations that are already happening between all those tied together by cancer; the people that have it, the scientists, doctors and consultants – sharing information, sharing knowledge and stories.  Let’s talk, let’s share things, let’s move things on. To be part of that is incredible.”

The centre will also benefit the next generation of cancer researchers by giving both undergraduate and postgraduate students at the three institutions the opportunity to get involved as part of their studies with mentoring programmes and a PhD studentship benefitting from the experience of working with a multi-institution and interdisciplinary cancer research centre.

Anybody wishing to know more should go to (www.sussexcancer.org) and click “Get Involved”. There will also be a chance to meet cancer researchers and learn more at events which will be announced through the website.  

ENDS

Introductory SCRC film

A full interview with Markus Taylor is enclosed as a separate file.

Educational initiatives offered by SCRC include:

Cancer mentoring program: Allowing experienced researchers to mentor more junior researchers across institutions to provide advice and training. 

Research grants: Four ‘pump priming’ grants worth £15,000 each donated by BSMS, University of Brighton, University of Sussex and the Sussex Cancer Fund will be used to build collaborations across multiple institutions with the SCRC. It is hoped that this will lead to larger multi-site grant submissions. 

PhD studentship: A three-year fully funded PhD studentship funded by BSMS and the School of Life Sciences at University of Sussex to encourage research excellence and solidify a new multi-institution collaboration.

Laura RubyLeave a comment