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Regional collaboration was in focus at a Universities of Sanctuary Conference in York on 16 and 17 December 2024. Sussex academic Linda Morrice, Professor of Education and Migration in the School of Education and Social Work, co-delivered an interactive workshop with Eastern Arc Sanctuary Group colleagues exploring how universities working together could make a difference for academics and students seeking sanctuary.

Sussex has been a member of Eastern Arc (Eastern Academic Research Consortium) since January 2024. The Eastern Arc comprises the universities of East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex and supports joint working in research, education, innovation, knowledge exchange, training, and equipment-sharing. Launched in 2013, it has grown to be a significant regional catalyst for collaboration and cooperation.

Sussex was awarded University of Sanctuary status in 2020, recognising our commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion across our campus and wider community. Sanctuary is one of four focus areas for the Eastern Arc over the next five years, and Sussex is delighted to be hosting the Eastern Arc Conference on the theme of ‘Sanctuary’ on 10 September 2025 – find out more. 

Grace Neary, Scholarships Coordinator, joined Linda at the Universities of Sanctuary conference and helped to organise and run the overall event. Bee Aumeer was one of two sanctuary scholars who also took part in the conference and you can read Bee’s perspective and reflections below.

Exploring the potential impact of collaboration

Reflecting on the location of the Eastern Arc universities in the South and South East England, a region forged by movement and migration, the group began the workshop by talking about sanctuary work currently underway and their aim to establish an ‘Arc of Sanctuary’ across members. They discussed how a collaborative approach to sanctuary could enable learning and sharing across universities, helping to embed knowledge and practice.

The discussion was then opened to all participants, focusing on the difference collaboration across higher education could make – and how practices and actions could be developed to make this happen. There was exploration of areas and activities which could help develop links and collaborations. Participants also talked about some of the practical challenges and opportunities facing those wishing to develop sanctuary collaborations.

Creating safe and welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary

Bee Aumeer is studying Law at Sussex and advocates for refugees and asylum seekers alongside her studies.

Speaking about the conference, Bee said: “As someone with lived experience of the asylum system, I feel a personal connection to the principles of the Universities of Sanctuary movement. My work with Student Action for Refugees and my involvement in the Sussex Migration Law Clinic motivated me to learn more about how universities can support people from migrant backgrounds. I wanted to connect with others who share this vision and explore how we can build more inclusive campuses.

“The experience was incredibly inspiring and energising. It was particularly meaningful to meet others who had similar experiences to mine, as well as sanctuary scholars whose stories resonated deeply with me. It was amazing to see how much collective effort is being put into creating safe and welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary. The atmosphere of collaboration and mutual learning was truly uplifting, and it reinforced the importance of this work.”

You can read more about Bee's reflections about the event in her recent blog.

If you would like to find out more about Eastern Arc Sanctuary Group and the work underway, contact Linda Morrice at: l.m.morrice@sussex.ac.uk.

This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). You can read more about our work on the SDGs.

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