Overview
International higher education is at a crossroads, and the sector faces some of the greatest challenges it has ever seen
Brexit, Covid-19, and the climate emergency are forcing us as a sector to review, and in some cases, reset, the way we do things. The pandemic in particular has both accelerated existing trends and halted well-intentioned plans while efforts are focused on recovery.
While the UK’s participation in EU-funded programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ hangs in the balance, the sector is also facing questions over academic freedom, foreign interference and sustainable partnerships. Around the world, the UK’s competitor markets are facing challenges around troubling visa policies and border restrictions.
In the face of these challenges, it might be tempting to dial back on international engagement and look inwards. However, international partnerships have been a vital part of the UK’s response to Covid-19, and will be a cornerstone of its recovery. At this crucial time in higher education, we, as a sector, cannot afford to lose our strategic and valuable partnerships across the world.
Why you should attend
IHEF 2021 will bring together government representatives and higher education professionals from around the world to engage on such issues. We will present a blended event with opportunities to join in person in London, or online from around the world, with networking opportunities for all. We look forward to seeing you there!
Some of the issues we will be exploring include:
- How does the sector’s Covid-19 recovery intertwine with sustainability ambitions?
- Is now the time to be increasing the reach of Transnational Education?
- How can we robustly defend international collaboration while keeping our eyes open to risks of interference?
Who should attend?
This conference will be useful for staff who have responsibility for developing international strategies across student recruitment, transnational education, research and mobility. Specific sessions will examine internationalisation at small and specialist institutions. Job titles of past attendees include:
You can submit proposals as part of our call for content at this link.
If you have any questions about this or any other of our events, please contact us on events@universitiesuk.ac.uk or 07500 441505.
We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available at this event. Please contact Esther Dudley, Head of Events and Engagement for information, tel: 07500 441501; email: esther.dudley@universitiesuk.ac.uk.
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Coronavirus information
At the time of writing, UUK is planning to resume events and conferences in autumn 2020. We take the health of safety of our delegates, speakers and staff extremely seriously, and please note that all of our events will be run in line with government and public health advice, which we are constantly monitoring. Should this event be cancelled due to government advice, we will deliver the event online or endeavour to rearrange this event for a future date. You will also have the option for a refund.
