Local Lives vs Global Goals: Should Keele focus on our region or the wider world?
Wednesday, 25 February 2026 | 6pm–8pm
Denise Coates Foundation Building, Keele University
Should regional universities maintain their global ambitions and worldwide research partners, or should their role be focused squarely on home turf and improving the lives of those who live around their campuses? In this Keele Debate we'll be considering the civic impact of universities, the role of higher education in economic growth and regeneration, and the often unseen impact that universities have on local healthcare.
Join a panel including Sir Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A and former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central; Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director of Campaign for Science and Engineering; Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair of Port Vale Football Club; Joan Walley, former MP for Stoke-on-Trent North; Cllr Martin Murray, Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills.
Second-year Maths student Inaya shares her reflections on the Keele Debates, offering fresh perspectives on the ideas, discussions and challenges explored throughout the series.
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The panel
Chaired by Professor Kevin Shakesheff
Vice-Chancellor of Keele University
Sir Tristram Hunt
Director of the V&A and former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central
Dr Alicia Greated
Executive Director of Campaign for Science and Engineering
Carol Shanahan OBE
Chair of Port Vale Football Club
Cllr Martin Murray
Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills
Joan Walley
Former MP for Stoke-on-Trent North
