The University is one of the most successful institutions of the modern society. The success has been based on borderless knowledge, academic collaboration, and the freedom to pursuit new ideas. However, knowledge is increasingly viewed not only as an opportunity, but also as a source of risk and controversy. Trust in expertise is contested, geopolitical tensions are reshaping international collaboration, and expectations of what universities should contribute culturally, economically, and strategically are changing rapidly.
What will the university look like in 2050? Will it still be recognizable as the institution we know today? What kind of university will future societies need, and what kind of society will future universities help create? Most importantly, how can we build universities that remain resilient, relevant, and trustworthy in a world defined by uncertainty and change? These are some of the question that will be discussed in two open panel debates that close a day long seminar held at Domus Biblioteca where policymakers, researchers and international experts have challenged each other on these topics.
Program:
Panel 1:
- Prof. Simon Marginson (University of Bristol / University of Oxford)
- Prof. Jan Palmowski Secretary General (The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities)
- Prof. Monika Nerland (Department of Education, University of Oslo)
Panel 2:
- Kristin Vinje (Director, NOKUT)
- Sveinung Skule (Director, HK-Dir)
- Steinar Sæther (President, Forskerforbundet)
Both panels are chaired by Mari Elken who is an Associate Professor at the Department of Education at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her research has focused on higher education policy, governance, and organisational structures. In recent years, she has also explored issues related to academic freedom, including leading the Latest Trends analysis for the European Parliament’s 2023 Academic Freedom Monitor.