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In collaboration with the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) Centre of Excellence, researchers from across campus are excited to announce a Spring workshop series, looking into ’wicked sustainability problems’ in the context of education and research. Incorporating transdisciplinary perspectives from the School of Global Studies, School of Education and Social Work, School of Life Sciences, and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), this research workshop series will delve into global and local issues surrounding food systems, water, nature conservation and education.

Global issues of climate change and biodiversity loss are closely related to the local context. The workshops explore how abstract theoretical ideas might be translated into everyday staff/student practices that might help to create a sustainable community around Sussex. As we examine sustainability through place-based research in relation to the four intertwined areas (food, water, conservation and education), we aim to make these global challenges and abstract theories more tangible. Led by experts in the field, the workshop series will provide an opportunity to grapple with the uncertainties of the 21st century, through problem-solving and deliberating together what might be done, all while using the Sussex region and our campus as case studies. Central to our exploration is the commitment to addressing social and ecological justice for both humans and other species on our planet.

All four workshops place an emphasis on the complexities, nuances, and uncertainties inherent to local sustainability challenges, explored through a series of ‘wicked problems’ (difficult or impossible challenges where any solution is most likely to resolve in some kind of trade-off), to avoid simplistic moralising positions and polarisation within (and beyond) the Sussex community.

Our workshops feature input and insights from faculty members and partner organisations, drawing on research undertaken by our speakers here in the local region and further afield. Additionally, two of the workshops include a campus visit (weather permitting).

Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty staff and anyone interested in exploring sustainability challenges within the local Sussex context.

Join us on the following dates at Bramber House 120 to help us unpeel these ‘wicked problems’:

• Food systems – Wednesday 7 February, 1-4pm
  
  Dr Pedram Rowhani (School of Global Studies) & Richard Goring (Wiston Estate)
  
• Water – Wednesday 14 February, 1-4pm
  
  Prof Lyla Mehta (Institute of Development Studies) & Prof Joseph Alcamo (School of Global Studies)
  

• Nature Conservation – Wednesday 20 March, 1-4pm
  
  Dr Chris Sandom (School of Life Sciences) & Tony Whitbread (Knepp, former Sussex Wildlife Trust CEO)
  

• Education for sustainability challenges – Wednesday 17 April, 1-4pm
  
  Dr Perpetua Kirby & Dr Rebecca Webb (School of Education and Social Work)
  

We look forward to seeing you there.

Please note that this research workshop series serves as a pilot for a potential future module, participant feedback will be gratefully received.

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