Speakers
Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf
Theoretical physicist and former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of Netherlands
Robbert Dijkgraaf is a distinguished mathematical physicist and academic leader who has made significant contributions to international science advice and policy. He recently served as Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands (2022–2024).
Dijkgraaf’s research focuses particularly on the interface between theoretical particle physics and mathematics, a blossoming field that has led to many unexpected breakthroughs in both disciplines.
Dijkgraaf has a long track record in science policy and advice, as president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences(2008-2012), chief science advisor to the Dutch government, and in the Innovation Platform, advising the cabinet on research and innovation policies. He was co-chair of the InterAcademy Council (IAC), serving from 2009 to 2017 and co-president of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) from 2014 to 2017.
Dijkgraaf is a (foreign) member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Academia Europaea and the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts, and is an ISC Fellow.
Michelle Ferguson OBE
Scotland Director, Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
Michelle Ferguson OBE is the Director of CBI Scotland, a role she has held since January 2025. She leads the CBI’s work in Scotland, representing and advocating for businesses and working closely with the Scottish and UK governments on key economic priorities.
Since taking up post, Michelle has focused on strengthening the voice of business in national policy discussions and supporting members to navigate a complex economic landscape.
She brings leadership experience across multi-site manufacturing operations across the UK, consultancy, and the commercial and third sectors, with a strong understanding of regional and national economic challenges. She has led large scale operational transformation and driven inclusive employment opportunities.
She was awarded an OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to the economy.
Professor Camille Galap
President, Université Paris-Saclay
With a PhD in biology from the Université du Havre, Camille Galap worked as a lecturer before becoming a professor in 2012. He was Vice-President of the Council of Studies and University Life (CEVU) from 2000 to 2005 and was elected President of the Université du Havre where he served two terms between 2005 and 2012. During this time, he was also Vice-President of the Conference for University Presidents (CPU) – now known as France Universités – where he chaired the Student Life and Social Affairs Commission from 2007 to 2012. At the end of his time as University President, he became Deputy Head of the École supérieure de l'éducation nationale (ESENESR – known today as IH2EF) at Futuroscope in Poitiers, and later Director of the CNED site (Centre national de l'enseignement à distance) in Rouen.
From 2015 to 2018, he was Chief Education Officer of the Guadeloupe regional academic authority, and then Director of Guadeloupe Formation, a public industrial and commercial institution, responsible for professional training and orientation. At the end of 2019, he became an advisor to sites and institutions of the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research. Camille Galap was previously a provisional administrator at Université Jean Monnet at Saint Étienne from February to May 2021, and at ENS Paris-Saclay from July to December 2022.
Professor David Garza
Chair of Universitas 21 and President of Tecnológico de Monterrey
David Garza is Chair of Universitas 21 and President of Tecnológico de Monterrey, a non-profit private Mexican university system comprising Tecnológico de Monterrey, Tecmilenio and the Academic Medical Center TecSalud.
Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec) is recognised for academic excellence, educational innovation, entrepreneurship, a strong global outlook and close industry links. With a presence in 32 cities across Mexico, Tec serves over 60,000 university students and 27,000 senior high school students, and consistently ranks among the top five universities in Latin America and the global top 200 (QS and THE).
David has held senior academic and leadership roles at Tec for nearly 40 years and led the design and implementation of the Tec21 educational model. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Colorado State University.
Dame Katherine Grainger
Chancellor, University of Glasgow
Katherine Grainger is the current Chancellor of the University of Glasgow. She was inaugurated in 2020, becoming the first female chancellor of the university. Grainger is also a decorated Olympian, holding the distinction of being Britain's most decorated female Olympian, with one gold and four silver medals from five Olympic Games. She also holds a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Glasgow.
Prof. Dr Sari Lindblom
Rector, University of Helsinki
Sari Lindblom has served as Rector of the University of Helsinki since 2020, and her new five-year term of office began on 1 August 2023. During this term, Lindblom’s responsibilities will also include matters related to well-being, as the strategic plan sets out the objective for the University of Helsinki to become the best place to study, teach, work and engage in research by 2030.
Professor Sir David MacMillan
James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry, Princeton University
David W. C. MacMillan was born in Bellshill, Scotland, and received his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Glasgow, where he worked with Dr. Ernie Colvin. In 1990, he began his doctoral studies under the direction of Professor Larry Overman at the University of California, Irvine, before undertaking a postdoctoral position with Professor Dave Evans at Harvard University in 1996. He began his independent career at the University of California, Berkeley, in July of 1998 before moving to Caltech in 2000 as the Earle C. Anthony Chair of Organic Chemistry. In 2006, Dave moved to Princeton University as the A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Chemistry. He served as Department Chair from 2010–2015 and is currently the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry and a Ludwig Distinguished Scholar. Dave shares the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Benjamin List “for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.” He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2022. His research interests encompass a wide range of organic chemistry, including the development of new areas in organocatalysis and photoredox catalysis.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Chairperson, Biocon Group
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a pioneering biotech entrepreneur, a healthcare visionary, a global influencer, and a passionate philanthropist. The impact she has made as a leading woman in science has made her a role model globally. She is committed to equitable access to healthcare through affordable innovation as she pursues a path of making a difference to billions of lives globally. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2005) and the Padma Shri (1989) most coveted National Civilian awards and has several other global recognitions to her credit. She is the first woman business leader and second person from India to sign the Giving Pledge initiative in 2016, committing to give the majority of her wealth to philanthropic causes.
Brian McBride
former Amazon UK CEO, ASOS Chair and Confederation of British Industry (CBI) President
Brian McBride is Chair at Trainline PLC and Lead Non-Executive Director on the Board of the UK’s Ministry of Defence, a UK Prime Ministerial appointment. He is also a Senior Adviser with Scottish Equity Partners. He has recently stepped down as President of the CBI having led the organisation through the greatest crisis in its history.
He was CEO of Amazon.co.uk from 2006 to 2011. He held senior roles at IBM in USA and UK, VP UK and Northern Europe for Dell Computers and as Managing Director of T-Mobile (UK).
Brian was Chairman of ASOS PLC from 2012 to 2018. He has been a Non-Executive Director of Celtic Football Club PLC, SThree PLC, Computacenter PLC, AO.com, Kinnevik AB, and Abrdn PLC (was Standard Life). He was a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the BBC, a member of the Huawei Advisory Board and a Senior Adviser to Lazard’s Global Financial Advisory business.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
President, Royal Society of Edinburgh
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli was Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Glasgow from 2009 to 2025. An economist, his research interests are monetary economics, central bank independence, fiscal policy, international finance and macroeconomics. Sir Anton is President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He is a member of the University Grants Committee, Hong Kong and also Chair of its Research Group. From 2017-2020 he was Chair of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities. He has been a member of the Scottish Government’s Council of Economic Advisers, a special adviser to the UK House of Commons Treasury Select Committee on monetary policy and has advised the European Commission and the World Bank. He holds honorary degrees from McGill University and Nanka University.
Professor Jane Norman
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Nottingham
Professor Jane Norman became the 8th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham on 1 January 2025. In this role, she ensures excellence in academics, research, student experience, and sustainability, while promoting the university’s global mission and fostering partnerships. She also represents the university to key stakeholders, including governments, donors, and international organisations.
Jane holds a Medicine degree from the University of Edinburgh (1986) and an MD (1992). Before joining Nottingham in 2022, she held senior positions at the University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, and University of Bristol. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and other prestigious organisations, and serves as a Non-Executive Director at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston.
Her research over the past 30 years has focused on preventing preterm birth and stillbirth, leading large trials on treatments and interventions. Her work has influenced global healthcare guidelines, including those from WHO and NICE. Jane has also chaired major grant panels and was awarded the Eardly Holland Medal in 2020.
Professor Rachel Sandison
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Glasgow
Rachel is responsible for leading the University of Glasgow’s strategy for external engagement covering an integrated portfolio of International Policy and Partnerships; Marketing and Communications; Brand and Reputation Management; Transnational Education; Student Recruitment and Admissions; Widening Access and Lifelong Learning; Development and Alumni Relations; and Civic Engagement. Rachel is also the University’s Sanctuary Champion. Rachel is the University’s Universitas 21 network Senior Leader, a Board member of the University’s European network, The Guild, and the University lead for the CIVIS European University Alliance. Rachel is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a Global Trustee and chair-elect of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Scottish Commissioner for Fulbright US-UK and the Scottish Government's Trade and Investment Envoy for International Education whilst also contributing to several sector advisory boards.
Professor Andy Schofield MA, PhD, FInstP, SFHEA
Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Glasgow
Professor Andy Schofield is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, having assumed the role on 1 October 2025. He succeeded Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, becoming the University’s 51st Principal.
Prior to joining the University of Glasgow, Professor Schofield served as Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University from May 2020. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at the University of Birmingham, where he was Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
His academic interest focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics. Professor Schofield specialises in correlated quantum systems, including non-Fermi liquids, quantum criticality, and high-temperature superconductivity. He studied Natural Sciences at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge, where he also completed his PhD at the Cavendish Laboratory. In 1992, he was awarded a College Research Fellowship, followed by a postdoctoral position at Rutgers University in the United States. He later returned to Cambridge as a Royal Society University Research Fellow.
In 1999, he joined the University of Birmingham and was promoted to Professor of Theoretical Physics in 2002. Over the following years, he held a series of academic and strategic leadership roles at Birmingham, including Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy (2010-2015), culminating in his appointment as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (2015-2020).
Professor Schofield contributes to national research and policy through several key roles. He is the Senior Independent Member of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Chair of the USS Employers Pensions Forum, and a Board Member of the Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association (UCEA). He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Manufacturing Technology Centre and a strong advocate for international collaboration through the UK International Campus Alliance Network (UK-ICAN).
Sir Steve Smith
International Education Champion, UK Government
Professor Sir Steve Smith is the UK Government International Education Champion. He was previously Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter from 2002-2020. In November 2020 he was also appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education.
Sir Steve holds a BSc, an MSc, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Southampton. He served as President of the world academic body in his field (the International Studies Association) from 2003-2004.
Sir Steve was President of Universities UK (UUK) from 2009-2011; Chair of the UCAS Board from 2013 – 2019; Board member of the Russell Group (2012-2020); Chair of UUK’s International Policy Network and Chair of UUK’s International Strategic Advisory Board (2015-2020); Member of the UUK Board (2006-2020). He is currently a Fulbright Commissioner, a Non-Executive Director of Unite Students, Chair of the Liveable Exeter Place Board, and a Patron of Exeter College.
From 2007 until 2010, he led for higher education on the Prime Minister’s National Council of Excellence in Education. Sir Steve was knighted in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to higher education locally and nationally.
Professor TAN Eng Chye
President, National University of Singapore
Professor Tan Eng Chye was appointed NUS’s fifth President in 2018. As the University’s 23rd leader, he has propelled NUS to greater heights along numerous fronts – innovating education, building a deep bench of top talent, raising research impact, expanding the innovation and enterprise ecosystem, and championing organisational excellence.
A strong advocate of interdisciplinary education, Professor Tan spearheaded the launch of the College of Humanities and Sciences, College of Design and Engineering, and NUS College to equip students with knowledge and skillsets across a sufficient breadth and depth to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and fast-changing work environment.
Professor Adam Tickell
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Birmingham
Adam has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham since January 2022, after five years as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex. Prior to this, he held posts as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) and then Provost and Vice-Principal at UoB, and he has also worked in leadership roles at the University of Bristol and Royal Holloway, University of London. Adam trained as an economic geographer at the University of Manchester, and, amongst other things, his research explored the political economy and regulation of finance, English regionalism, and the economic ‘common sense’.
Dr Susan Tighe
President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University
Susan Tighe is the ninth President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She began her term July 1, having previously served as McMaster’s Provost and Vice-President Academic and as Deputy Provost at the University of Waterloo. Recently appointed Vice-Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities, Dr Tighe is a champion of research and teaching excellence and a powerful advocate for students. A professional engineer since 1995 and Professor of Civil Engineering since 2000, she is recognized in the private and public sectors as a leader in the development, design, and management of sustainable concrete and asphalt transportation infrastructure.
Sai Shraddha S. Viswanathan
President, NUS Scotland
Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan is the first international student to be elected to the position, and will take office from July 2024 for a two-year term.
Current NUS Scotland President Ellie Gomersall will continue in the role until then, during which time she will continue to represent and campaign for students in Scotland – with key focus on NUS Scotland’s Fix Student Housing campaign and publishing a roadmap to a new education system for Scotland.
Sai was elected on a manifesto that outlined some of her priorities for NUS Scotland during her term including building a strong and accessible student movement; protecting vital education funding; and fostering a culture which is representative and supportive of the diversity of Scotland’s student, recognising all students - college and university, international and domestic, and apprentices.
Professor ZHANG Xiang
President and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Hong Kong
Professor Xiang Zhang is the sixteenth President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong. Prior to joining HKU, he served as the Ernest S. Kuh Endowed Chair Professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Professor Zhang is a world leader in nanophotonics and material physics, renowned for his groundbreaking inventions like the first optical superlens and the world’s first optical “invisibility cloak”. He has received prestigious awards including the Fitzroy Medal, Julius Springer Prize, Max Born Award, Eringen Medal, and SPIE Mozi Award. He is dedicated to encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and compassionate values at HKU.