For over two decades, the Community University Partnership Programme has brought people together to tackle real-world challenges - from grassroots environmental action to addressing health inequalities. At its heart, this work is underpinned by mutual respect, shared purpose, co-creation, and two-way learning.
What began as a pioneering idea is now a vibrant network of collaboration between community organisations, academics, students, and local residents. Together, we co-design and deliver projects that create tangible benefits for communities while enriching teaching, research, and the student experience across the university.
Equity shapes not only what we do, but how we do it. It’s embedded in the way we build partnerships, share knowledge, and centre community voices in both research and practice.
From research conversations in local pubs to innovation hubs and knowledge partnerships, our place-based community engagement brings together people, organisations, and ideas to create change.
These initiatives drive collaboration across our region and beyond. Whether through co-produced research, public talks, or partnership programmes, they are built on strong relationships and a commitment to working with communities on the issues that matter.
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Ignite in focus
Ignite is our flagship incubator for fast, purposeful partnerships. It helps community and university teams co-create projects that address pressing issues, from uncovering hidden marine pollutants in Chichester Harbour to bringing carers’ voices to the Welsh Parliament through craftivism. Now in its seventh round, Ignite has supported dozens of initiatives tackling social, cultural, and environmental challenges and has reached thousands of people across the region.
“This kind of collaborative partnership makes delivering long-term successful projects, and accessing funding much easier.” Tony Kalume, Diversity Lewes
Bevy pub talks
Running since 2016, Brains at the Bevy brings lively, research-based conversations into the heart of a community pub in Moulsecoomb. This award-winning series features University of Brighton academics speaking on topics from climate justice to mental health. Where possible, talks are co-hosted with community experts - creating a setting that values openness, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue.
“It’s a great opportunity to talk about complex issues in a way that’s relatable to everyone.” Audience member
Health Innovation Hub
Our innovation hubs bring together researchers, students, partners, and communities to co-create solutions to real-world challenges. Rooted in our mission, We are Brighton: change begins here, the hubs are guided by our core values of equity, courage, creativity, partnership, and sustainability. They will harness the university’s research strengths, facilities, and networks to drive skills and innovation that benefit communities across the region and beyond.
The Health Innovation Hub is already making an impact, supporting projects that enhance wellbeing through creative, cross-sector collaboration. Two additional hubs, focused on sustainability and social innovation, are in development. Together these hubs will foster courageous thinking, nurture creativity, and build equitable partnerships that address regional challenges and deliver meaningful, measurable impact.
Students are at the heart of our place-based work. Across the region, students contribute to meaningful community projects through volunteering, placements, and co-produced research. These experiences build confidence, deepen understanding, and provide opportunities to collaborate with community groups, academics, and each other.
Our students don’t just study communities, they work with them. Whether mentoring young people, tackling environmental challenges, or supporting digital inclusion, they bring fresh ideas and energy. In return, they gain valuable, real-world experience and skills that shape their learning and future careers.
Student community research
Students often contribute to research co-designed with community partners, working alongside academics on live projects that explore real-world challenges.
From analysing sea pollutants in lab settings to running user experience surveys for an immersive heritage exhibition, their involvement helps create knowledge that’s practical, inclusive, and grounded in place. This hands-on learning makes a lasting impression.
“Dr Marcus Winter recruited us from our degree course to help with the research. It’s interesting to see it in action, with people trying it and actually revealing real things!” MSc User Experience student
Student community action
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Students work with community organisations in many ways - through placements, volunteering, and course-based live projects. Whether mentoring in local schools, supporting health outreach services, or helping charities with their branding, these opportunities enable students to apply their learning in ways that make a tangible difference.
Importantly, this impact flows both ways. Students build skills, gain confidence, and develop a stronger sense of purpose - while deepening the university’s connection to its communities.
"The placement was great, sometimes we're at the beach, sometimes we're up in the hills. I think the big part is just trying something new. Try it. Be confident. You can do it as I did!" MRes Ecology and Conservation student
TEF Silver awarded for the quality of our teaching and student outcomes
We are in the top 4.3% of institutions globally, Center for World University Rankings 2025
Race Equality Charter Silver awarded for our pledge to advance representation, progression and success for minority ethnic staff and students
We are ranked 14th in Stonewall's top 100 employers for commitment to equality for LGBTQ+ staff and students
We were awarded Athena Swan Silver for advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all
We are a Disability Confident employer, committed to ensuring opportunity for progression for all
Signed to the Disabled Student Commitment, an initiative to improve support for disabled students
EcoCampus Platinum accredited for our environmental sustainability, compliance and processes
