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Welcome back to Research at Sussex, a fortnightly round-up of the latest research news, insights and discoveries at the University of Sussex.
As a Sussex member of staff, you are receiving this newsletter directly to your inbox. It is also open to anyone outside the University, so feel free to share it with friends, colleagues, or collaborators who might be interested in keeping up with our latest research highlights. They can subscribe here.
In this edition: |
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Sussex quantum leader calls on government to back regional innovation |
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The submission highlights the potential economic contribution of the University’s research and development in quantum technologies to both the South East and the wider UK.
To see Professor Hensinger’s world-leading research first-hand, Baroness Jones, Government Minister for Future Digital Economy, and Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove Council and Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, visited campus on Friday 28 February. Baroness Jones praised the University’s plans which she said could help “improve lives and boost the UK economy”.
Winfried said:
“It was an honour to show some of the world-leading work we are doing here in Sussex – both through our research and in our teaching.”
“Quantum computing represents a generational opportunity for the UK to establish itself as a high-tech leader on the global stage. However, to fully capitalise on our expertise and the growing quantum technology industry in the Sussex region, we need sustained and strategic Government investment.”
Read the full submission. |
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Fast forward thinking for people and planet |
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Opening the event, Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said: “Given the unparalleled urgency, we are operating with speed and agility to undertake research leading to the acceleration of the policies that will help halt and reverse climate change before it’s too late.”
Led by Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Professor Matthew Agarwala and Professor Felix Creutzig, the new institute aims to take a global perspective on topics such as climate justice, urban sustainability and planetary wealth and to set a new pace for policy change that is based on scientific evidence.
Discussions covered new frontiers in research and innovation, asking how we can control AI for good, and debated the important topics of green finance and poverty.
Find out more about the Bennette Institute. |
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Minmin Wang wins top prize for probability research |
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Minmin Wang, an Associate Professor in maths, has said she felt “hugely honoured” to receive this year’s Ito Prize for best article published in the last two years in top maths journal, Stochastic Processes and their Applications.
Minmin said: “The recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, as the awarded paper—of which I am the sole author—represents the cumulation of a multi-year research project.
“I also hope that this achievement helps to shine a spotlight on the excellence of mathematical research at Sussex.” |
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Minmin’s work primarily focuses on a class of mathematical objects called random graphs. This type of mathematical modelling helps us understand complex networks that we encounter in everyday life, from social networks and the internet to biological systems. Her research, which is theoretical in nature, centres on some of the most fundamental aspects of these random graphs.
The prize is named after Kiyosi Itô, who has made seminal contributions to probability theory and mathematics more widely.
Minmin added: “I hope the Itô Prize will serve as an important milestone in my career, marking the transition from early career researcher to a more established figure in the field. Ultimately, I hope that this recognition will contribute to my long-term goal of becoming a world-leading expert in my area of research.” |
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Coding, creativity, and the rise of algoraves |
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What happens when live music performance meets computer programming? Dr Chris Kiefer explores how live coding is shaping the future of electronic music.
Chris, Reader in Musical Instrument Design, shares how he moved from a career in computer programming to designing instruments with a twist, performing at algoraves, where synthesizers are live-coded to create dynamic, evolving soundscapes.
"Live coding is improvising electronic music with programming languages, writing code that creates algorithms to make music," he explains. |
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At algoraves, performers project their code in real time, giving audiences a unique insight into the creative process.
This underground movement has grown into a global phenomenon and Chris' research explores how technology can expand musical creativity, shaping the future of electronic performance.
Try your hand at live coding with Chris at Brighton Festival in May. |
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“And the best Oscars speech goes to…” |
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By Tom F Wright
You’re on stage, Oscar statue in hand, facing Hollywood’s finest and millions of viewers. You could keep it simple – thank your agent, your co-stars, your dog. Or you could use this moment to say something that matters.
Some of these political speeches have been electrifying. Some have flopped. Some have been drowned out by the orchestra before they even got started. |
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Kenneth Burke, one of the 20th century’s most influential rhetorical scholars, offers theories on identification, dramatism and symbolic action to explain why some speeches resonate while others fall flat.
Burke says a speaker is most persuasive when they convince their audience that they share the same values and concerns.
Inside LA’s Dolby Theatre, you might be surrounded by like-minded pampered progressives. But millions of viewers at home may be far less receptive.
In 2003 when, after winning best documentary for his film Bowling for Columbine, director Michael Moore stormed the stage and declared: “Shame on you, Mr Bush! Shame on you!” The result? A mix of cheers and boos. And days of being pilloried on cable news.
Meryl Streep’s speech at the 2017 Golden Globes, when collecting her lifetime achievement award, also criticised the president but framed it differently: “Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose.” She didn’t need to utter Donald Trump’s name. The way she framed her speech meant it resonated beyond the room.
Burke’s second idea is that all communication is 'dramatic'. The most compelling 'character' is often you, the speaker.
Lily Gladstone’s 2024 Golden Globes speech worked this way. When she won best actress for Killers of the Flower Moon, she spoke in Blackfeet, honouring her Indigenous roots and transforming her win into a moment of cultural recognition.
Dr Tom F Wright, Reader in Rhetoric, has explored many of Burke's theories — these are just a few. To find out more, read the full article on The Conversation. |
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Sussex researchers were in the media sharing their expertise on a variety of pressing global issues over the past couple of weeks. Dr Darren Baskill spoke to The Times about the risks of asteroid 2024 XR4, highlighting that no systems exist to prevent a potential strike. And Dr Matthew Ford analysed Trump’s approach to Ukraine peace talks in The i News, suggesting he may strengthen US-Russia ties to counter China.
Meanwhile, visiting Professor Claudia Hammond highlighted The Kindness Test in The i Online, a Sussex study showing how acts of kindness boost wellbeing.
On Sky News Professor Dan Hough discussed Friedrich Merz’s rise as the likely next German Chancellor, predicting more military spending and economic liberalisation.
Finally, research from the School of Psychology featured in The Times, The Telegraph, Times Radio and Virgin Radio, showing that babies prefer ornate buildings and architecture over modern and minimalist structures.
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