30th SPRU PhD forum

This summer, the University of Sussex Business School celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Science Policy Research Unit’s (SPRU) PhD Forum, a landmark event that has been a cornerstone for doctoral researchers over the past three decades. This student-led forum has grown from a local gathering into an internationally recognised conference, fostering a community of scholars dedicated to exploring the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation.

The SPRU PhD Forum provides a unique platform for doctoral researchers at all stages of their PhD journey, as well as Masters students, to present their research in a supportive environment. This year’s theme, “Innovation, Sustainability Transitions, and Decolonising Perspectives,” reflected the forum’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. This forum sought to examine the synergies between innovation, sustainability transitions, and decolonising perspectives, with a focus on generating actionable insights for shaping a more equitable and prosperous future.

Highlights from the 30th Anniversary Event

Participants appreciated the inclusion of diverse faculties, which enriched the learning environment and provided valuable networking opportunities. The event featured panels on decolonizing sustainability and innovation research, and the future of research in the UK post-election results. These sessions allowed participants to engage in high-level debates and explore significant topics in their fields. They addressed issues from both the Global South and North on topics such as energy systems, agriculture, sustainable transitions, innovation theories, and science, technology, and policy. This comprehensive coverage ensures that students are well-versed in contemporary and critical debates in their fields. Exploring novel approaches that foster sustainable development and promote community well-being is imperative.

One of the key takeaways for participants was the opportunity to receive feedback from senior faculty. This guidance helped refine their research and presentation skills, enhancing their academic and professional development.

The student organizers emphasized the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and diversity in making the event a success. The PhD student committee were:

• Shaunna Mclvor, PhD topic: Science, States, and Security: Neo-colonial influences in science diplomacy through pandemic preparedness policymaking

• Kanika Balani, PhD topic: Business model approaches to energy efficiency in Indian sugar industry

• Andrea Pérez Porres, PhD topic: Rethinking innovation beyond economic growth

• Hanwen Liu: PhD topic: Unpacking the Emergence of the artificial intelligence industry through an ecosystem approach: Evidence from China

• Carla Douglas, PHD topic:  Decentralised community energy ownership as a pathway for eco-social transition in Chile and the UK.

The Forum’s legacy

Over the past 30 years, the SPRU PhD Forum has evolved significantly. Initially a local event for PhD students in science and technology policy studies, it has grown into an international conference that addresses contemporary global challenges. Notable themes from past forums include “Uncertainty in Researching Science, Technology and Innovation,” “Perspectives on Plurality in Research,” and “Global Challenges, Local Contexts.”

Dr Adrian Ely, Reader in Technology and Sustainability at SPRU said:

“The first SPRU forum took place in 1994 – before many of this year’s participants were born. In that year, South Africa elected Nelson Mandela as its president, the Rwanda genocide took place, Russian forces invaded Chechnya, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, and a small online bookseller called Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in Bellevue, Washington. A lot has changed.

“In 2024, we reflected on evolving UK politics around science and technology through the intervening 30 years, and considered the future for science and technology, taking on board what we have learned over time.”

Many past participants have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields, underscoring the Forum’s role in shaping future leaders in science, technology, and innovation studies.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and looking forward to many more years of groundbreaking research and collaboration at the SPRU PhD Forum.