The University of Sussex enters discussions to join Eastern Arc

The University of Sussex has formally entered into discussions to join Eastern Arc, the regional research consortium that currently comprises the universities of East Anglia (UEA), Essex and Kent.

Eastern Arc works to facilitate collaborations, develop a shared, positive and creative research culture, and advocate on behalf of its members and the wider region.

Sussex, with its open, interdisciplinary and creative outlook, is a natural fit for Eastern Arc. Like the existing members, it was founded in the early 1960s to be a different kind of university, and it remains ‘disruptive by design’.

It also shares a similar geographic location, as well as complementary research strengths, and the Eastern Arc Board was united in its support for Sussex to join the consortium.

‘Sussex is a world-leading research-intensive civic university, and we are delighted that it will be joining us to share the benefits of our collaboration,’ said Phil Ward, Director of Eastern Arc.

‘It gives us the opportunity to work together to address some of the most significant challenges facing us, including rural and coastal deprivation and the crisis in our food supply. Together we will also build on the huge strengths and opportunities of our region, such as in the creative, cultural and green economies.

‘Across our universities our collaboration will also benefit our staff through joint training, equipment-sharing and mentoring. And, by speaking together, we can amplify our voices, advocating on behalf of our region and our universities, and making sure that the complexities of the greater southeast are properly represented and understood on the national stage.’

Sussex will work with the existing members of Eastern Arc to agree its membership, with the intention that a new memorandum of understanding will be signed by the four vice chancellors early in 2024.