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Research at Sussex

                                                                                                   Wednesday 9 July 2025

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:

•  Can a positive mindset in midlife help protect memory as we age?

•  Which Sussex academic just won one of the UK’s top political writing prizes?

•  How do you count fish without ever seeing them?

•  Why we must equip people to speak and listen well

Positive outlook in midlife may help protect memory, 

16-year study finds

It found that individuals who reported higher levels of wellbeing were more likely to perform better in memory tests over time.

Led by a team of researchers from the UK, US, and Spain, including Dr Dorina Cadar and Dr Georgia Bell at BSMS, and Dr Darya Gaysina at the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex, the study suggests that psychological wellbeing – including a sense of purpose, autonomy, and control – may play a role in maintaining brain health. Dr Cadar said: “These findings highlight the protective potential of psychological wellbeing over a long period.

“People can take simple yet meaningful actions to enhance their wellbeing, such as staying socially connected, engaging in purposeful activities, staying physically active, and practising mindfulness or gratitude. These everyday habits may offer long-term benefits for brain health.”

Read the study in full at Taylor & Francis Online. 

Sussex researcher celebrated for prize-winning

essay on migration paradox

Professor James Hampshire, pictured left, holding his award.

The piece explores the apparent paradox that, despite a post-Brexit political climate dominated by anti-immigration rhetoric, net migration to the UK has reached record highs.

In the essay, Professor Hampshire argues that the UK’s structural reliance on migrant labour and international students – coupled with selective policy liberalisation – has led to increasing immigration. He highlights how short-term political strategies often ignore deeper economic realities, with governments cycling between tightening and loosening immigration controls in response to public pressure.

Professor Hampshire said: “I wrote the article to explain why, after the EU referendum, the Conservative government liberalised immigration policy, causing numbers to increase to record levels. With Reform UK leading opinion polls, and the Prime Minister talking about an ‘island of strangers’ (a phrase he now claims to regret), immigration remains central to British politics. I hope the article helps people see beyond the often-simplistic narratives about migration and contributes to the fight against rising ethno-nationalism.”

A new way to count fish:

Sussex research explores the promise of eDNA

By analysing traces of genetic material shed by fish – like scales, mucus and faeces – scientists can detect which species are present without disturbing marine life.

The team compared eDNA results to those from baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems. eDNA detected up to three times as many species as the BRUV, including the critically endangered European eel.

Alice said: “Assessing the abundance and distribution of fish species is crucial for informing sustainable fishing practices and developing effective conservation management plans. However, counting animals underwater, where you can’t see them, is quite challenging, especially without disturbing marine life or damaging ecosystems.”

She added: “While eDNA may not be the most accurate method for estimating species numbers in tidal environments, it does reinforce that eDNA is an effective tool for species monitoring. Furthermore, eDNA is non-invasive.”

This research also featured at a recent parliamentary reception in the House of Commons, where Dr Scarponi joined fellow Sussex researchers to share insights on coastal biodiversity and restoration efforts. 

Sussex oracy research drives Westminster skills debate

In business, a concise brief shortens projects; sharp debate accelerates innovation; a once-quiet graduate who finds her voice becomes a leader. Poor oracy instead leads to repetition, delays and wasted talent.

With generative AI already drafting contracts and crunching data, nuanced human speech is becoming more precious—and inequality will deepen unless we widen access to training in these skills beyond those lucky enough to attend private schools.

Since 2019 I have led the UKRI-funded multi-institutional project Speaking Citizens, exploring the democratic, social and economic stakes of teaching talk. Our findings appear in my forthcoming book Oracy: The Politics of Speech Education (Cambridge University Press, July), complete with a foreword by Alastair Campbell.

To mark the launch I invited officials from the Department for Education, the Children’s Commissioner, exam board chiefs, KPMG’s Head of Skills, and leaders from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the British Academy, the National Literacy Trust and Voice 21. Labour MP and former teacher Peter Swallow kindly hosted us. Together we tackled two questions: How does Britain’s oracy gap hinder productivity, and how can spoken communication anchor the nation’s digital-skills agenda?

The recommendations we drafted will form a policy report destined for the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Government’s wider “Missions” programme. It is gratifying to see Sussex research helping to shape the national conversation about the voices Britain needs to thrive.

Dr Tom F. Wright is Head of the Department of English at the University of Sussex.

Sussex in the media

Professor Winfried Hensinger was interviewed on BBC South East Politics, discussing Sussex’s plans to develop a “Quantum Silicon Valley” in the region. The feature also included Sussex spin-out Universal Quantum, with coverage running across BBC South East bulletins and Sussex World.

The Guardian featured commentary by Professor Anil Seth exploring cultural differences in perception.

Professor Dave Goulson appeared on BBC World Service, warning that insect populations are collapsing and calling for pesticide-free gardening and wildflower planting to help address the crisis.

Finally, BBC Radio 4’s Yesterday in Parliament featured a House of Lords debate on a proposed global plastics treaty, which cited a microplastics study by Dr Emily Thrift and Professor Fiona Mathews.

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