The Future of the University in a Polarizing World

LW Glion Book

This volume provides a fascinating perspective on the challenges facing Research Universities worldwide in an increasingly uncertain future. Breakthroughs in science and technology not only impact on the university’s fundamental missions –  learning, scholarship and research – they can inadvertently, with globalization, deepen the divide between those who take advantage …

National Strategy for Higher Education and Research: Challenges and Pitfalls from a French Perspective

LW Challenges, Chapters and other contributions, Governance and leadership

The research universities represented by the Glion Colloquium have been responsible for many of the greatest discoveries and intellectual breakthroughs in history. I am proud to lead one of these universities. For the last 800 years in Cambridge, new discoveries have been forged to transform the way we live and …

The social and political responsibilities of research universities

GK Challenges, Chapters and other contributions, Governance and leadership, Missions & Responsibilities

This paper attempts to come up with possible answers to the question:“What do universities consider to be their most important prioritiesand responsibilities in 1) addressing the challenges facing their institutions; and 2) expectations arising from their societies at the local, regional or global level?” Specifically, I wish to address some …

Preparing the University and its Graduates for the Unpredictable and Unknowable

GK Chapters and other contributions, Human Resources, Missions & Responsibilities, Research & Innovation, Teaching & Learning

Universities are a key player in the “knowledge society”. But this increased influx of knowledge and the exponential rate of technical progress also generate anxiety and fear that could undermine the fundamental role of universities to elaborate and disseminate knowledge. Universities should not be locked into the sterile debate of …