“A History of Refugees in Suffolk” Lecture – University of Suffolk

The University of Suffolk’s first Open Lecture of 2026 is set to take place next month with a focus on the story of refugees coming to the county across the centuries.

The lecture: “A History of Refugees in Suffolk”, will be delivered by Martin Simmonds, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Suffolk Refugee Support, following an introduction by Sir Nick Young, Patron of Suffolk Refugee Support and former CEO of the British Red Cross and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Taking place on Thursday 12 February and hosted in the University of Suffolk’s Waterfront Building, the lecture will shine a light on the lasting contribution refugees have made to the county and the historical context for Suffolk Refugee Support’s work today.

Tickets for the lecture, which runs from 5.30-8.00pm, are free, but booking is required. Guests attending are invited for refreshments after the event.

The next talk in the Open Lecture series will be Let the Light Pour In with Lemn Sissay: An evening of poetry and conversation on 23 March.

The bestselling poet will celebrate the publication of his latest collection.

On 23 April, The Cartographic Fool will be delivered by Mike Sauter, Associate Professor of History at the University of Suffolk, where he will discuss the release of his new book.

To book an Open Lecture, visit Events — Open Lectures | University of Suffolk