The University of Sussex welcomed parliamentarians, policymakers and civic leaders to the House of Commons, on Wednesday 8 July, for our Parliamentary Summer Reception, celebrating the University's impact through our students, alumni, and world-leading research.
VC Prof Sasha Roseneil with The Rt Hon Hilary Benn Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
Hosted by Brighton Pavilion MP Siân Berry, the reception brought together government ministers, MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, local government representatives from the Sussex region, and members of the University, current students, alumni, and donors. Guests heard how Sussex is opening up opportunities to students from a wide range of backgrounds, producing graduates who create positive change, and carrying out research that is making the world a better place.
The evening featured speeches from Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil, Sussex alumnus and academic, Professor Seb Weidt, who is co-founder and CEO of Universal Quantum, Mechanical Engineering student, Liv Camacho Wejbrandt, and Sussex alumnus and doctoral graduate, Dr Naimat Zafary.
Speaking about her journey to Sussex, Liv Camacho Wejbrandt reflected on how the University transformed her future after she came through Clearing.
She said: "Three years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be standing here today in the House of Commons, sharing my university journey with you. I had just opened my A-level results, and, with great disappointment, they were not at all what I had expected. But then Sussex University gave me a chance to follow my engineering dreams through Clearing. As an international student, I had never heard of Sussex or even stepped foot in Brighton, but I decided to give them a chance too." Liv talked about how she had spent her second summer as a Junior Research Associate, working on a ground-breaking engineering research project with Sussex academics to radically improve the efficiency of wind turbines.
Siân Berry is the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion speaking with Sussex student Liv Camacho Wejbrand
Speaking at the reception, Siân Berry MP praised the University's commitment to supporting students. She said: "A big area of concern in politics at the moment is how to give young people the best possible start in their careers, and I am thrilled to see Sussex excelling in giving much-needed support to students at such a crucial time in their lives."
She continued: "Prompted by my discussions with students and staff, I have been challenging the Home Secretary in the House on the truly shameful decision to block talented students from four of the most dangerous countries in the world from taking their places here through the Chevening Scholarship scheme.
"I am so proud of the University of Sussex's record of hosting hundreds of Chevening Scholars over the years, many of whom have, for obvious reasons, been drawn to the Development Studies programme."
Dr Zafary, who came to Sussex from Afghanistan as a Chevening Scholar, spoke powerfully about the life-changing impact of education and how a UK government funded Chevening Scholarship had enabled him to pursue opportunities that would otherwise have been impossible. He reflected on the importance of defending access to higher education and ensuring talented students from around the world continue to have the opportunity to study in the UK, especially Afghan women, who are excluded from education in their own country.
Dr. Naimatullah Zafary with the Rt Hon Hilary Benn Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Alongside the speeches, guests explored interactive research exhibits showcasing Sussex expertise in mathematics, astrophysics and materials physics. Researchers demonstrated work ranging from mathematical visualisation and gravitational lensing to advanced nanotechnologies, including materials developed for applications with NASA and innovations supporting offshore wind energy and wearable sensing technologies.
VC Prof Sasha Roseneil
The reception also provided an opportunity for senior University leaders to meet with parliamentarians and policymakers to discuss higher education funding for research and education, and the University's contribution to regional and national priorities.
The event formed part of the University's ongoing public affairs programme, strengthening relationships with decision-makers and showcasing the transformative impact of Sussex’s research, innovation, and education.