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Global university leaders gather in Glasgow for U21 Annual Network Meeting and Leadership Summit
Senior university leaders, policymakers and sector experts from around the world will gather in Glasgow for the Universitas 21 (U21) Annual Network Meeting and Leadership Summit, hosted by the University of Glasgow as part of its 575th anniversary celebrations. Taking place from 20–23 April 2026, the event brings together leadership from across the Universitas 21 network for four days… Read More
Global collaboration drives new insights into technical workforce in higher education
A new Universitas 21 report, developed in collaboration with the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy (UK ITSS), is exploring how global collaboration can strengthen understanding and development of the technical workforce in higher education, alongside the launch of a new international Community of Practice. Technical workforce insights from research-intensive universities across the U21 network have now been… Read More
The Leadership Atlas Podcast Ep. 2 | Ubuntu: Lessons from African Leadership
Sustainability is our covenant with future generations, a reminder that everything we do today must help build a better world tomorrow.” Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice- Chancellor and Principal, University of Johannesburg… Read More
Université Paris-Saclay Joins the Universitas 21 Network
We are delighted to welcome Université Paris-Saclay to the Universitas 21 (U21) network as of 2 February 2026. As our 31st member and first from France, its membership further strengthens our global community of research-intensive universities. A research-intensive university with a vast European and international reach, Université Paris-Saclay brings to the network a strong focus on science, technology and innovation, underpinned by deep collaboration across disciplines and sectors. … Read More
U21 Announces Winners of 2026 Global Three Minute Thesis ®
As global challenges grow in complexity, the ability to communicate research clearly and engagingly has never been more important. The Universitas 21 (U21) Global Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition showcases the next generation of global research leaders and the power of effective research communication. Building on local 3MT® competitions, the U21 Global final brings together top research students in a virtual, international setting,… Read More
The Leadership Atlas Podcast | Sisu: Leading and Learning through Uncertainty
Sisu is not in the Finns’ genes – it is an attitude. Anyone can have sisu. It is available to everyone in the world. Professor Sari Lindblom, Rector, University of Helsinki… Read More
From Global Citizen to Global Researcher: Reflections from Waseda University by Brooke Szucz
As we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we’re delighted to share this reflective blog by Brooke Szucz, a PhD student from the University of Queensland whose work is helping reshape global mobility for neurodiverse students. Brooke first connected with the U21 network as an undergraduate through the U21 Global Citizens online programme, an experience that sparked her… Read More
U21 Global Research & Senior Leaders’ Meeting: Builds Momentum for Equitable Global Progress
Last week, Universitas 21 brought together colleagues from across its Global Research collaborative groups with senior leaders from member universities worldwide for the inaugural Global Research and Senior Leaders’ meeting, hosted by the University of Johannesburg. The event focused on how universities can strengthen trust, demonstrate value, and drive equitable global progress through research and leadership. In his opening… Read More
U21 to host Global Senior Research Leaders in Johannesburg to Explore Trust, Value and Equitable Progress
For the first time, Universitas 21 will bring together colleagues from the U21 Global Research collaborative groups with U21 Senior Leaders from universities across the world for its Global Research and Senior Leaders’ Meeting at the University of Johannesburg. Taking place from 5–7 November 2025, this landmark three-day programme of keynotes, plenaries, and discussions will explore the theme: Universities as… Read More
From Data to Dialogue: The Case for Strategic Storytelling in HE
By Professor Rachel Sandison OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement, University of Glasgow and U21 Senior Leader and Chair of U21 Student Experience Why the role of strategic storytelling has never been so important in HE In today’s complex, challenging and rapidly evolving higher education landscape, where universities navigate increased competition, shifting student expectations… Read More
