As we step into March, there are plenty of Researcher-Led Initiative (RLI) activities taking place that Sussex researchers can get involved with.

Whether you’re looking to expand your research network, develop new skills, or engage in interdisciplinary discussions, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s coming up:

Close to My Heart: Autoethnographic Approaches

Date: Wednesday, 18th June 2025
Location: Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

This one-day creative research methods gathering invites Sussex PGRs to explore autoethnographic research methodologies through collaborative workshops. It builds on discussions from the RLI-funded symposium “Close to My Heart: PGR Perspectives” (May 2024) and offers a supportive space to reflect on research that is deeply personal.

Call for Participation: Sussex PGRs will be invited to lead workshop sessions, with details circulated in mid-March. Registration opens in April when the final schedule is announced.

For more information, contact: Tiffany Murphy (tm505@sussex.ac.uk)

Event details: Sussex Website

Interdisciplinary PGR conference on migration and migration research – Call for Papers

Abstract submission deadline: 7th March 2025
Conference date: 14th May 2025
Location: University of Sussex

This PGR conference on migration research invites PhD students across South-East England to submit abstracts (max 250 words) for chapter presentations or posters related to agency, resistance, and precarity in migration studies.

Submit your abstract here: Google Form

For more information, contact: Nicky Sharma (ns507@sussex.ac.uk)

Launch of the Sussex Brain Tumour Research Group

Date: Monday, 10th March 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS, Falmer Campus

This exciting event marks the launch of the Sussex Brain Tumour Research Group, bringing together researchers across Sussex working on brain tumour research. Expect insights into the clinical landscape of brain tumour treatment, a keynote talk from Dr Nelofer Syed (Imperial College London), and highlights of cutting-edge research in this field.

Register here: Eventbrite

For more information, contact: Stephen Robinson (s.d.robinson@sussex.ac.uk)

Academic Publishing: How to Write a Paper

Dates: March 11, April 22, May 20
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: IDS (online participation available for selected participants)

Are you a late-stage PGR in Development Studies looking to finalise a manuscript for publication? This workshop series, facilitated by Dr Syed Abbas (IDS), will walk you through the publication process. Limited spaces available—check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Application deadline: February 21 (now passed)
Application form: MS Form

For more information, contact: Diana Ramirez Sarmiento (d.ramirezsarmiento@ids.ac.uk) and Sunisha Neupane (s.neupane@ids.ac.uk)

Listening to lived experiences

Dates and locations:

• 27th February: Focus group discussion, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Arts A, A071
  A focus group for PGRs from under-represented groups to identify key discussion topics (limited to 15 participants). Register here: Eventbrite
  
  
• 21st March: Art-based workshop, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Pevensey 1, 1B8
  An art-based workshop on overcoming barriers, open to all PGRs (30 places available). Register here: Eventbrite
  
  
• 28th March: Creative expression/open mic night, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, IDS Bar
  A creative expression/open mic night, welcoming all PGRs to share lived experiences through spoken word, photo stories, and written pieces. (Performers and contributors must sign up by 17th March). Register here: Eventbrite

Are you looking to make your research and workplace more inclusive, but feel nervous about accidentally causing offence? Or do you feel excluded due to others’ lack of engagement?

This three-part series, led by Mitakshara Medhi, provides a space for Sussex PGRs to explore diversity and inclusion through dialogue, creativity, and shared experiences.

For more information, contact: Mitakshara Medhi (m.medhi@sussex.ac.uk)

Empowering Excellence Event: Unlocking Prizes, and the ‘Research for the Greater Good’ Award

Date: Tuesday, 1st April 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Fulton 201

This bitesize session is perfect for Psychology PGRs and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) interested in applying for research prizes. Learn where to find funding opportunities, how to apply successfully, and even put your skills to the test by applying for the new “Research for the Greater Good” Award.

Lunch provided! No booking required—just show up!

For more information, contact: Louisa J Rinaldi (L.Rinaldi@sussex.ac.uk) and Emily Whelan (Emily.Whelan@sussex.ac.uk)

Collective Action and Political Representation – Call for Submissions

Submission deadline: 31st March 2025
Workshop date: 20th May 2025
Location: University of Sussex

This interdisciplinary workshop explores the relationship between collective action and political representation. PGRs and ECRs are invited to submit 10-minute blitz talks addressing key societal challenges.

Topics include:

• Social and psychological processes behind collective action
• Structural factors affecting representation
• Societal consequences of lack of representation

Submit your abstract: Email Rebekka Kesberg at r.kesberg@sussex.ac.uk

Portslade Science Fair – Community Science Outreach

Date: Summer 2025 (exact date TBA)
Location: Easthill Park, Portslade

Looking to engage with the local community and share your passion for science? The Portslade Science Fair will feature interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities across disciplines, including maths, physics, life sciences, informatics, and engineering. A great opportunity to showcase research and inspire future scientists!

For more information, contact: Amber Shepherd (as2154@sussex.ac.uk) and Laura Blackburn (laura.blackburn@sussex.ac.uk)

Don’t miss these fantastic opportunities to engage with the Sussex research community! Whether you’re looking to present your work, attend insightful talks, or refine your academic writing skills, there’s plenty happening this March.

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