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Advances in science, engineering and medicine are transforming the human condition. New materials and energy sources are unlocking new possibilities and our exploration of space has entered a new phase. 

But all this change also comes with challenges. Uncertainty about the future – anxiety around tech disruption, the economy, geopolitics and the environment – is driving a growing sense of disempowerment and disengagement.

While, at the same time, fake news, AI and social media risk undermining our ability to discuss and agree an equitable way ahead together.

As we face this complex future, universities have a vital part to play. There’s never been a greater need for rational thought, creativity, collaboration, evidence-based research and education. No other type of organisation today has the potential to look so far forward with such clarity and good intent.

But, for all the work that’s being done, universities still need to do more. At a time when being engaged with the challenges and opportunities of our changing world and the hopes and fears of people across society is so critical the sector is perceived as disconnected and disengaged. We’re framed as elitist and self-interested, the power of knowledge we deal in does not yet spread far or fairly enough and too many people in our communities can’t see a reason to feel any affection for the sector.

That’s why, the way we connect and engage as a sector is as important as our ambition to make the world better. If universities are not well understood by the broader community, if we don’t make the effort to open up, engage, listen, respond and share, then we risk undermining our ability to effect real change. On the other hand, if we can build closer connections and deeper understanding with more people across society, we will build greater advocacy.

For us at the University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡, with our heritage and culture born of a spirit of deep civic engagement, we see an opportunity to step up and respond to this need for greater connection. We see it not just as the right thing to do in principle but also as critical to our ability to thrive as an organisation and to realise our ambition to be a global top 50 university.