Gongs and greats

From a host of renowned honorary graduates to celebrity Chancellors and Nobel Prize winners, we've attracted some great people to Sussex over the last 60 years. See our timeline of achievements below.


Helena Normanton QC, the first woman to practise at the Bar in England, is the first person to pledge a gift to help found the University.

Black and white photograph of Asa Briggs.

Renowned historian appointed as Vice-Chancellor.

Professor is awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Sussex grad Brendan Foster wins Bronze in the 10,000 metres at the Montreal Olympics.

Portrait shot of Len Garrison, courtesy of the Garrison family and Black Cultural Archives.

Sussex alumnus, Len Garrison, co-founds the . Image courtesy of the Garrison family and Black Cultural Archives.

Black and white photo of Sir Paul McCartney at a Sussex graduation ceremony.

Sir Paul McCartney and Bodyshop founder, Anita Roddick, receive honorary degrees.

Richard Attenborough installed as fourth Chancellor.

Eminent biologist John Maynard Smith awarded Crafoord Prize.

Portrait shot of Professor Maggie Boden.

Professor awarded OBE for services to cognitive science.

Professor Anthony Leggett wins the Nobel Prize for Physics.

Alumnus wins the Turner Prize.

Alumnus Michael Fuller becomes the UK’s first black Chief Constable.

Alumna Zhang Xin listed as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes.

Professor Winfried Hensinger in his lab at Sussex.

Professor Winfried Hensinger publishes the first quantum computer blueprint.

Journalist and activist Hella Pick CBE receives honorary degree from Sussex.

Alumnus Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, at the Grammy Awards.

Director for the Student Experience, Jayne Aldridge, awarded an MBE for services to students in higher education. Sussex tops QS World University Rankings by Subject for Development Studies for sixth year in a row.


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