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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 ranked No.1 in the world for Development Studiesfor the ninth year in a row |
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The University of Sussex, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), has been ranked first in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the ninth consecutive year.
Sussex is one of just 24 universities worldwide to hold a QS No.1 subject ranking. In reaction to the news, IDS Director Professor Peter Taylor highlighted Development Studies' vital role in tackling global challenges like the climate crisis and social justice. |
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Beyond Development Studies, we secured five other top 100 positions, with Sociology climbing to 39th globally and Anthropology breaking into the top 100. English Language and Literature, Geography, and Politics maintained their strong rankings, while a further six subjects, including Psychology, History, and Economics, placed in the top 200.
The rankings, released on Wednesday 12 March, also revealed five other top 100 positions for Sussex. Sociology moved up to equal 39th in the world, and Anthropology moved into the top 100. English Language and Literature, Geography and Politics all maintained their top 100 rank. There are six further subjects in the top 200: History, Philosophy, Communication and Media Studies, Economics and Econometrics, Social Policy and Administration, and Psychology.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “This achievement speaks to the excellent teaching and research relationships we have built between our two institutions, alongside the knowledge and dedication of our academic staff, and the quality of our international research partnerships.”
Visit the QS Top Universities website to find out more. |
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Tracing the hidden threats in Sussex’s waterways |
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British waterways have faced considerable scrutiny and negative attention in recent years due to their declining condition.
The ‘Ripple Effect’ project, funded by the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP), is playing its part in helping to address this challenge in Sussex. Led by Dr Lucila Newell, Dr Ellen Rotheray and Professor Mika Peck, the project inspects levels of pollution and biodiversity in 15 sites in three 10km stretches of the Upper Medway River.
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Collaborating with local community group Friends of the River Medway and trained volunteers, the Sussex team have sampled levels of phosphates and ammonia in the water, which in high quantities can be toxic to human and environmental health. They also used a technique that monitored environmental DNA – DNA released from an organism into the environment – to indicate which species were present in each site.
Early results from the 'Ripple Effect' project have revealed that pollution levels are beyond healthy parameters, and highest near sewage outflows.
Learn more about the 'Ripple Effect' project through photography showcased in the Visualising South Coast Sustainability exhibition. It is on display at the Fulton Building foyer on Sussex campus until 12 April 2025. |
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A quantum leap for computing: Sussex joins Project HyperIon |
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Quantum computing has the potential to solve some of the most urgent technical challenges of our time—from designing new drugs to making transport more efficient.
To help drive this breakthrough, Sussex has joined forces with Nu Quantum, Cisco, and Infineon Technologies on Project HyperIon.
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Funded by Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions Pilot, the project aims to develop a first-of-its-kind qubit-photon interface (QPI) – a crucial innovation for linking quantum processing units (QPUs) –and could ultimately lead to creating a commercial, scalable quantum computing system.
Professor Matthias Keller at the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies brings his expertise in trapped ion technology, which enables reliable communication between remote qubits, essential for large-scale quantum computing. Infineon Technologies will focus on enabling mass production of ion-trap hardware, while Cisco provides commercial insight to drive industry adoption.
Professor Keller said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Nu Quantum, to develop a high-performance quantum processor that enables scalable quantum computers. We’re delighted that this partnership will demonstrate the commercial potential of our ion-trap technology, which builds on our research at the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.”
By strengthening quantum networking infrastructure, Project HyperIon will help accelerate the development of large-scale quantum computing, bringing us closer to real-world applications.
For more details, read the full announcement. |
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What’s next for transatlantic trade policy? |
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Since last year’s re-election of Donald Trump, the US President’s foreign policy positioning has barely been out of the news, with trade policy a recurring hot topic of debate.
Transatlantic trade relations are at a potentially critical juncture. The decisions made now will influence global markets and define the UK's approach to future trade negotiations.
So, what should the UK prioritise in shaping its economic ties with the US? |
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At the UK Trade Policy Forum, which took place on Thursday 27 February, experts discussed the impact of the UK and US elections, sharing their thoughts on the most pressing priorities.
Professor Michael Gasiorek, Director of both the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) and the Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP), two leading trade policy research centres based at the University of Sussex, emphasised the importance of maintaining global trade rules that set common rules for trade between multiple countries. These agreements help ensure stability and fairness in international trade.
Professor Gasiorek said: "For the UK, going to the US, the top priority should be not to tear up the multilateral system rule book. In fact, I'd probably go further than that and say don't even tear out any pages."
Dr Mona Paulsen from the London School of Economics, who was also at the forum, highlighted the complexity of navigating trade relationships in a shifting global landscape: "Ultimately, it's going to be a tricky relationship to navigate because there is considerable uncertainty—not only in respect of the UK-US dynamic, but also in how the UK must navigate its relationship between the US and other economies that it may also be trying to forge relationships with."
The forum, co-hosted by CITP and Georgetown University, Washington DC, brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders.
Watch the video from the UK Trade Policy Forum to hear more insights on the top priorities for US-UK trade relations. |
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New research led by Professor Felix Creutzig finds that rooftop solar panels could supply 65% of global electricity, lower temperatures by 0.13 degrees, and cut reliance on fossil fuels. Highlighted as a key climate solution, the study has been widely covered in Technical Review Middle East, Business Green, and The Engineer.
Meanwhile, Professor Miguel Maravall spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about new research revealing that mice exhibit ‘resuscitation’ behaviour, grooming and clearing the mouths of unconscious peers. The study, highlighting the social bonds of mice, has attracted significant media attention.
Finally, Sussex World reported on a £42m investment into net zero research hubs across the UK, including one led by Sussex focused on sustainable healthcare. This major funding boost places the University at the forefront of climate-conscious innovation.
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