GSI part of new £6m CUSP network

The overall aim of CUSP, which involves Anglia Ruskin's Global Sustainability Institute, will be to explore the complex relationship between prosperity (our aspirations for the good life) and sustainability (the social and environmental constraints of a finite planet).

Based at the University of Surrey and led by Professor Tim Jackson, an internationally renowned expert in sustainable development, CUSP will establish a five-year multidisciplinary research programme commencing in January 2016.

Professor Jackson said:

"This is a tremendously exciting and very timely opportunity. Our guiding vision for sustainable prosperity is one in which people everywhere have the capability to flourish as human beings - within the 'safe operating space' of a finite planet.

"CUSP's work will be to elaborate that vision, test its viability and explore its social and economic implications."

The Centre will take the form of an international network, drawing together expert partners from academic and non-academic institutions and spanning numerous academic disciplines.

Dr Aled Jones, Director of Anglia Ruskin's Global Sustainability Institute and a Co-Investigator at CUSP, said:

"We are delighted to be working with Professor Jackson on this new Centre.

"The Global Sustainability Institute will be contributing its expertise in modelling developed as part of our Dawe Charitable Trust work on the Global Resource Observatory.

"Our current global economy faces many challenges and there are possible shocks through food or energy systems that could increase our fragility very quickly.

"Through CUSP we can start to explore what are the practical actions and policies that could solve these challenges and lead to sustainable prosperity."

CUSP will pay particular attention to the pragmatic steps that need to be taken to achieve sustainable prosperity. The Centre will engage with business, government and civil society in order to explore practical actions and propose supportive policies.

A core element in this engagement will be a wide-ranging, international dialogue to be chaired by Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury and Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Professor Jackson added:

"I'm particularly delighted that Dr Williams has agreed to work with us on CUSP. His experience and vision will be a tremendous asset to our Sustainable Prosperity Dialogue."

You'll find an overview of the Centre's guiding vision and more details of its research on the CUSP website.