U21 Annual Network Meeting & Leadership Summit 2026
20 - 23 April 2026
We are delighted to announce the dates for the U21 Annual Network Meeting & Leadership Summit 2026 taking place from the 20-23 April 2026.
Presidents, Vice-Chancellors, and Senior Leaders from Universitas 21 member universities are invited to attend this event hosted by the University of Glasgow as part of its 575th anniversary celebrations. As valued leaders within the U21 network, you will be familiar with our Annual Network Meeting (ANM), an important opportunity for Presidents and Senior Leaders to come together on an annual basis and shape the strategic direction of our network. The core elements of the U21 ANM will take place on 20–21 April 2026, remaining an exclusive space to connect, collaborate, and reflect on shared priorities.
What’s new in 2026?
This year, we are expanding our usual Presidential Symposium into a broader, sector-wide Leadership Summit, offering something truly ambitious and future-focused for the network, and the sector as a whole.
Running on 22–23 April 2026, the inaugural U21 Leadership Summit will bring together senior leaders from across our network, alongside policymakers, sector experts, and key strategic partners. Together, we’ll explore the big questions facing higher education leadership today and tomorrow.
You can expect a range of keynote addresses from high profile speakers, panel discussions and more intimate sessions all addressing key challenges and opportunities facing higher education, innovation, and global engagement today.
This expanded summit, set against the backdrop of Glasgow’s landmark anniversary celebrations, will be a flagship event for U21, bringing new voices into the conversation while building on the trust and collegiality that define our network.
We’ll be in touch in the coming weeks with full details on the programme and registration.
About the University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world since 1451. A member of the prestigious Russell Group and ranked in the world’s top 100 universities, it enrols around 38,000 students annually. In The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, Glasgow was named Scottish University of the Year and ranked 12th in the UK.
The University has a proud history of innovation, counting among its community eight Nobel Laureates. Today, it continues to work globally to tackle real-world challenges, from advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to pledging carbon neutrality by 2030.
As a founding member of Universitas 21, Glasgow is globally connected and committed to inclusive education. Recognised as a University of Sanctuary, it offers a safe and welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers. Further details and registration information will be shared in due course.
About Glasgow
Glasgow is a vibrant and compact city with plenty to offer delegates outside of conference sessions. The city has a range of cultural attractions including many museums and art galleries offering free entry, such as the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the award-winning Riverside Museum. Visitors can explore the works of artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, walk the city centre Art Mural Trail or take a stroll through one of the many parks and green spaces.
Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music with over 150 live music events per week, plus a full calendar of other exciting events and festivals throughout the year. The food and drink scene offers something for everyone, from traditional whisky pubs to fine dining, in a variety of lively neighbourhoods including Finnieston (SEC), the City Centre, the West End and Merchant City.