Researchers

• prof.dr. Roeland van der Rijst
• prof.dr. Meng Tian (University of Birmingham)

Summary

This project addresses two themes: building a fairer world and fostering trust in polarised times. Through 10 case studies of leading scholars tackling global challenges in education, climate change, digital technology, inclusive society and health, we will analyse their academic leadership and its impact on policy, practice and both intellectual and wider communities. Drawing on lived experiences, we aim to develop a conceptual framework for academic leadership in turbulent contexts. The project will convene seminars involving academics and students, nurture a community of practice, and deliver joint publications.

Context and relevance

In an increasingly competitive higher education sector—measured by league tables, research outputs, social impact and graduate employability—universities seeking to attract global talent and rely on strong academic leaders. Such leaders are essential for fulfilling universities’ civic and global commitments and for demonstrating the power of research in addressing pressing global challenges. The emergence of sub-specialisation necessitates a rethinking and re-conceptualisation of academic leadership in higher education. Due to increasing specialisation and the unbundling of academic tasks, academic leadership encompasses individual agency, inclusive leadership, collaborative decision-making, and network governance, all of which shape academic practices and discourses related to addressing global challenges.

Research questions

This project seeks to develop a conceptual framework and provide empirical evidence on academic leadership that builds a fairer world and fosters trust in polarised times by addressing three key questions:

1. What constitutes academic leadership for tackling global challenges in the natural and social world?
2. How do academic leaders build trust with policymakers, practitioners, learned societies and wider communities in polarised times?
3. How do universities support academic leaders and demonstrate the higher education sector’s irreplaceable role in addressing global challenges?

Picture: Tomsega at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The project will produce case studies examining how academic leaders tackle global challenges through impactful research, teaching, policy engagement and community partnership. The case studies on academic leadership showcase successful and influential engagement with policymakers, cultural institutions, academic networks and wider communities. Best practices will be highlighted and disseminated through joint seminars, which will include key external partners to foster dialogue and collaboration.

• higher education

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