Robert Barrington announced as Professor of Anti-Corruption Practice at Sussex Centre for Corruption

The University of Sussex has today (Tuesday 19 February) announced that Robert Barrington, currently the UK head of global anti-corruption organisation Transparency International, will take up a new post as a professor in practice at the University's Centre for the Study of Corruption.

Professor Barrington, who will be known as Professor of Anti-Corruption Practice, brings to the position a wealth of practical experience in the global anti-corruption movement, after a decade of working to set global anti-corruption standards and pressing for improved transparency and accountability of governments, companies and NGOs.  

As well as being an international board member of Transparency International, he sits on the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales' Corporate Governance Committee and has been a UK government adviser on export credits and anti-corruption legislation.  

While at Transparency International, he led the successful campaigns to secure a new Bribery Act, create Unexplained Wealth Orders and ensure the adoption of the UK's first-ever Anti-Corruption Strategy.

Dr Elizabeth David-Barrett, Director of the Sussex Centre for the Study of Corruption, said:

"In the current global climate, in which the norms which formerly kept governments in check are increasingly being deliberately violated, understanding the drivers and solutions to corruption is essential. That makes it even more important that our work as an academic centre has an impact in the wider world. Dr Barrington’s appointment will be a significant step forward in achieving this objective."

Professor Robert Barrington, the Centre’s new professor of anti-corruption practice, said:

"I am delighted to be joining the Centre for the Study of Corruption, which is already acknowledged globally as one of the leading academic centres in this field. I hope to bring my experience as a practitioner to build on the Centre's excellent track record of research and teaching, helping increase the impact of the research and train the next generation of anti-corruption specialists."

Professor Susan Millns, Interim Head of the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Robert Barrington to our team. This appointment shows our commitment to reinforcing the Centre’s international reputation as a hub of excellence for research and teaching on corruption."