New debate series to explore societal challenges affecting universities
The societal issues affecting higher education, and how universities themselves can be part of the solution, will be explored in depth in a series of new public debates launching at Keele University this year.
Convened and hosted by Keele’s new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, the “Keele Debates” series has been centred around a range of themes designed to provoke “open disagreement” and constructive debate on the many factors affecting and influenced by the higher education sector in 2026 and beyond.
A range of speakers from across the worlds of politics, education, technology, and enterprise have been lined up for the debate series, which will focus on issues including internationalisation, AI, and graduate employability, and how universities can both adapt to these challenges and help to address them.
These speakers include nationally renowned thought leaders and experts from a wide range of sectors including Sir Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A and former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central; Sir Michael Barber, former Chair of the Office for Students; Joan Walley, former MP for Stoke-on-Trent North; The Rt Hon Charles Clarke, former Secretary of State for Education and Skills; Lord James Timpson, Minister of State, former CEO of Timpson Group and former Chancellor of Keele; Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair of Port Vale FC; and Chris Havergal, Editor of Times Higher Education.
The first debate, titled: “The Global University: Are we exporting education or exploiting students?”, will include influential speakers including:
- The Rt Hon Jo Johnson, former Minister of State for Universities
- Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive Officer at Universities UK
- Jessica Turner, Chief Executive Officer of QS Quacquarelli Symonds
- Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of SOAS University of London
- Paul Lovegrove, CEO Europe & Global Chief Operating Officer at Navitas
The debates will be open to all, with guests able to attend in person or online.
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “Higher education has a profound and transformative impact on society. Precisely because of that influence, universities must be open to challenge, scrutiny and debate, and be willing to ask difficult questions about how they serve students, communities and the wider world.
“The Keele Debates are designed to create space for disagreement and constructive dialogue across education, business and civic life. By bringing different perspectives together, we want to generate practical insight that helps universities adapt and continue to enhance lives locally, nationally and internationally as we look to the future.”
The first debate will be held in the university’s Westminster Theatre on Tuesday 17th February starting at 6pm and also livestreamed.
To register your place, and for more information about the series, visit www.keele.ac.uk/keele-debates.
