Royal representative admires Brighton's world-leading research on campus visit

The Lord-Lieutenant – the Queen's representative for the county – was hosted by Professor Rusi Jaspal, the university's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange. He also met with Vice-Chancellor Debra Humphris, Professor Mohammed Arif (Dean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, and expert in sustainable construction) and Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonald (Dean of the School of Art and Media, and film historian) on a tour of research facilities amid the cutting-edge new buildings of the university's Moulsecoomb campus, as well as creative practice spaces at the university’s Grand Parade site.

The visit by the Lord-Lieutenant follows the University of Brighton's outstanding performance in the recently published Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021), which examined the performance and impact of research at higher education institutions across the UK.

Debra Humphris and Rusi Jaspal flank the Lord-Lieutenant of Sussex on his visit to the University of Brighton

Lord-Lieutenant of Sussex with another example of pioneering University of Brighton technology - Mohammed Arif and Rusi Jaspal on far left

Published earlier this month, REF2021 judged 98% of University of Brighton's research to be world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised, while 88% of its research was judged to have outstanding or very considerable impact on the economy and society.

Professor Rusi Jaspal said: “I was delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant was able to visit the University of Brighton and witness first-hand the world-leading research and knowledge exchange activity been undertaken by our academic staff, as well as how this activity is enhancing the student experience. At the University of Brighton, we are proud of our strong relationship with the region and look forward to continuing to engage with the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, said: “It was a particular pleasure to join Professor Rusi Jaspal this week, and to enjoy a brief overview of the extraordinary range of research taking place across departments at the University of Brighton. Our tour covered everything from parabolic flights to bookbinding, Formula 24 to fashion. A big thank you to all those who took time to explain their work, and who made me so welcome.”

Professor Mohammed Arif said: “It was a pleasure to share some of the pioneering work of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering with the Lord-Lieutenant on his campus visit. Our projects in industry 4.0 and sustainability are already making a significant impact, while our research in Thermofluids is recognised globally. It was encouraging to see the interest that the Lord-Lieutenant showed in our work for the future.”