The University of Sussex has been awarded the title of University of Sanctuary, in recognition of its efforts to welcome and support forced migrants.

The panel – made up of University of Sanctuary steering group members, people with lived experience, local CoS members and academics from other accredited institutions – particularly commended the University’s scholarships for asylum seekers, their exceptional, world-leading research on sanctuary-related matters, a sector-leading Migration Law Clinic, close links with student, community and charity groups, and the strong commitment from the senior team.

Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, said: “I’m immensely proud of the vital work carried out at Sussex to make a difference to sanctuary seekers and that this has been recognised by City of Sanctuary UK.

“My thanks to all the academic and professional services colleagues and students involved in securing this important status, in particular Dr Judith Townend in LPS and Paul Wiggins in the Widening Participation team, who were driving forces behind our application.

“The University of Sanctuary award reflects the Sussex tradition of being a place of both physical and intellectual refuge and an institution that strives to make the world a better place for those who flee persecution. In turn, we are greatly enriched by the students and scholars from migrant communities who make Sussex their home.

“We know that, despite the transformative power of education, only three per cent of young refugees globally have access to higher education. At Sussex, we will continue to strive to open up access to an academic future and provide a warm welcome to those who seek sanctuary.”

We are thrilled to have been able to recognise their work and look forward to working more closely with them in the future.

The full news item is available here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/news/university?id=52127