Future of Universities: The Future Role of Universities in Society

What could future universities look like? What should their role in wider society be? Join us to hear a range of perspectives on how universities can evolve to remain a positive and rewarding place to work and study.

Higher education is a fundamental part of our global social history – world leaders, revolutionaries, boundary-pushing scientists and many more disciplines have been influenced by their time at a university. University attendance has changed dramatically in the past 70 years – in 1950, just 3.4% of the population attended university, compared to 37.9% in 2022.

The Future of Universities series looks to the future, and what universities could and should be like in 2033. We’re delighted to be hosting an exciting panel of experts at the key decision-making points of HE Policy, including Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, Judith Squires (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, University of Bristol), and Matt Western (Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, Shadow Minister for Education).

We'll be discussing what role universities play in the future of societies, and the challenges and opportunities of the national framework universities operate in such as navigating funding opportunities and revenue streams, housing growing student numbers, and the public and political expectations of universities and their role in wider society.

Join us to;

- Hear from experts at the key decision-making points of HE policy, including:

• Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive, Universities UK
• Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, University of Bristol
• Matt Western, Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, Shadow Minister for Education

- Join the conversation during an interactive panel discussion

Drinks and refreshments will be provided at this free event, and there will be an opportunity for networking after the discussions.

This is the third event in our Future of Universities series. To view and register for the other events, click the event titles here; The Future of Research | The Future of Teaching

Have a question for the panel?

We will be taking questions for the panel from the audience throughout the session. Please raise your hand if you have a question so the Chair can come to you.

Full panel;

Judith Squires (Chair) - Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost

Matt Western - Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, Shadow Minister for Education

Vivienne Stern - Chief Executive, Universities UK

Adam Tickell - Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Birmingham

Parveen Yaqoob - Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading

Nigel Thrift - Emeritus Professor and Author of The Pursuit of Possibility

Phil Smith - Graduate Teacher and PhD candidate, School of Physics, and PGR Faculty Rep for Science 22/23

Agenda;

17:10-17:30 - Arrivals; tea, coffee and cake served

17:30-17:40 - Introduction by Marcus Munafo, APVC for Research Culture

17:40-17:55 - Presentation - The Future Role of Universities in Society by Iain Mansfield, Director of Research and Head of Education and Science, Policy Exchange

17:55-19:05 - Panel discussion and Q+A (see above list for full panel)

19:05-19:15 - Closing remarks by Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Bristol

19:15-19:45 - Networking; canapes and drinks served