From disease diagnosis and drug discovery to animal behaviour, a diverse array of research was presented at the Life Sciences Research Symposium. 

The annual Life Sciences Research Symposium, this year held on 8 January 2024, celebrates the varied research taking place in the School of Life Sciences and commemorates two scientists who helped establish the University of Sussex.  

Professor Philip Ingham FRS FMedSci, University of Bath, delivered the Maynard Smith Lecture and Professor Rachel McKendry, University College London, gave the Cornforth Lecture. In addition to the two award lectures, a series of talks from academic faculty and postdoctoral researchers showcased research in the School. 

The event also included trade stands from sponsors and an opportunity to browse posters from doctoral researchers. 

The day concluded with an award section to recognise staff for displaying values important to the School; kindness, collaboration and inclusivity. Dr Louise Newnham was voted as the kindest colleague, Dr Lorraine Smith and Crispin Holloway were both voted most collaborative colleagues and Dr Zahid Pranjol and Emily Winstanley as most inclusive. 

Professor Michelle West, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said: “This year’s symposium really highlighted the impressive scope  of the excellent research being carried out in the School and its real worldimpact . We heard about work on cancer therapeutics, Alzheimer’s Disease, understanding how genes are controlled in health and disease, the effects of light pollution on glowworm behaviour and muchmore. 

“Our award lecturers, Professors Philip Ingham and Rachel McKendry, who we invited in recognition of the contributions they have made to the life sciences gave us fascinating insights into their work, past and present. 

 “Thank you also to all of our speakers, organisers and attendees for making it such a fantastic day and a heartfelt congratulations to our well-deserved prize winners.” 

Professor Philip Ingham, delivered the Maynard Smith Lecture which showcased his internationally recognised research in developmental genetics. 

John Maynard Smith was a renowned evolutionary biologist and geneticist and was one of the founding members of the University of Sussex. He established and served as Head of the School of Biological Sciences – now known as the School of Life Sciences. The building which now houses much of the School was named the JMS Building in his honour. 

Professor Rachel McKendry, gave the Cornforth Lecture which covered her pioneering research into using deep learning and quantum materials for early disease diagnosis. 

Sir John Cornforth was a celebrated chemist who joined the University of Sussex in 1975. His research attracted major prizes, culminating in the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalysed reactions. 

For more information about the research in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex, visit our website.