Speakers
Deborah Adeniran
Programs and Partnership Manager, International Cancer Centre Abuja
Deborah Adeniran is a distinguished cancer researcher and healthcare leader who has dedicated her career to advancing oncology research and improving cancer care across Africa. As a proud alumna of the University of Glasgow, she completed her MSc in Cancer Research and Precision Oncology as a prestigious Chevening Scholar, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Currently serving as Program Manager at the International Cancer Centre Abuja, Deborah designs, implements, and supervises comprehensive healthcare programs including volunteer initiatives, community outreach campaigns, and strategic media programs. In this role, she leads the micromanagement team and chairs the Medical Advisory Committee, ensuring excellence in patient care and research standards.
Beyond her institutional responsibilities, Deborah founded CancerAid_Africa, a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming cancer care across the continent. This innovative initiative focuses on advancing cancer research in Africa, driving drug discovery efforts, exploring complementary and alternate medicine approaches, and implementing impactful community awareness campaigns throughout the region.
Through her dual roles in cancer research and organizational leadership, Deborah continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and accessible healthcare delivery, embodying the University of Glasgow's commitment to creating positive change in communities worldwide.
Amy Baker
CEO and co-founder, The PIE
Amy Baker is CEO and co-founder of The PIE and worked as a journalist for many years covering the international education sector. A previous winner of the IEAA Award for Excellence in Professional Commentary, she regularly speaks and chairs panels focusing on trends in international education.
Professor Kathy Belov
Pro Vice Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement), University of Sydney
As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement), Professor Belov has responsibility for pivotal areas of the University’s Research Portfolio related to academic research partnerships, centres and institutes. She leads the Office of Global Engagement, oversees the University’s multidisciplinary initiatives and stewards relations and agreements with the University’s affiliated research institutes. She also focuses on developing the University’s national and international partnerships to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Aisling Conboy
Senior Program Director, Wilton Park
Aisling joined Wilton Park as Programme Director in January 2023. She has worked leading and developing international partnerships and programmes for almost twenty years within government, universities and the charitable sector. At Wilton Park Aisling will convene dialogues on trade, diplomacy and education themes.
Aisling was the first ever Higher Education Specialist in the UK Department for International Trade (now the Department for Business and Trade) for almost five years until 2021, promoting UK higher education exports and strategy, and leading UK government trade missions and participating in trade talks and global and bilateral forums. Prior to this, Aisling was International Partnerships Director at the University of Greenwich with oversight for transnational education and global mobility, overseeing one of the largest portfolios for transnational education in the UK. Aisling is a founding member of Education Investor’s Business Women in Education Network.
Her previous roles included leading on international partnerships Strathclyde Business School, as an Educational Adviser at the US-UK Fulbright Commission and managing the fellowship programme at the John Smith Trust with a focus on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. She studied Politics and History at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and spent an undergraduate exchange year at Penn State University in the USA and received her MA degree in Comparative History from Central Michigan University, USA. She also taught US and Michigan History to undergraduate students as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Her studies focused largely on women’s and civil rights and social movements in the US, Europe and Africa.
Aisling is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), a member of Chevening reading panels and Fulbright summer institutes panel member. She volunteers in London with Migrateful, an award-winning UK charity with a mission to support migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in their journey to integration.
Linda Cowan
Managing Director, Kaplan International Pathways
Linda is SVP and Managing Director of Kaplan Pathways, with extensive experience in international education. Throughout her time at Kaplan, Linda has played a key role in shaping pathways and forging partnerships with universities. Before joining Kaplan, she led an education company in India, gaining valuable experience in international education and student mobility. Prior to this, Linda held roles at several UK universities including the University of Birmingham, University of Newcastle and the University of Abertay. Linda’s work has consistently focused on international education, partnership work, developing strategic initiatives to support students and institutional collaborations.
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.
Professor Jenny Dixon
Provost, U21
Professor Jenny Dixon is Provost of Universitas 21. She is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the network, working closely with Presidents, the U21 Executive Committee, and Senior Leaders.
Jenny leads engagement with our stakeholder groups to deliver a distinctive portfolio of activities and programmes designed to share knowledge, build networks, and co-create solutions to global challenges. She is based in New Zealand and works with the Secretariat in Birmingham both remotely and in person for some parts of the year. She takes the opportunity to visit network partners wherever possible when attending U21 events and related activities.
Emma Etim
U21 Leaders of the Future Award Nominee
Emma supports research and teaching as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Geography at the University of Nottingham, contributing to the analytical and methodological training of undergraduates.
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.
Moira Fischbacher-Smith
Vice-Principal (Learning and Teaching), University of Glasgow
Moira Fischbacher-Smith is Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching) at the University of Glasgow, and Professor of Public Management in the Adam Smith Business School. She leads the University’s strategy and policy development for learning and teaching, has responsibility for teaching quality including leading the University’s Tertiary Quality Enhancement Review and its underlying internal processes. She works with colleagues across the University to support student and staff development in relation to teaching and learning. Her role also entails considerable responsibility for elements of the learning and teaching environment such as teaching space design, capital investment in teaching and study spaces, and development of the digital learning environment.
Matt Foster
Chief Executive, Cara (Council for At Risk Academics)
Matt Foster joined the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA) as its new Chief Executive in April 2025. He has previously spent his career working at the Open University UK, leading their work to expand open distance learning internationally, and as Chief Impact Officer at Forum for the Future, an organisation focused on systems change for sustainable development. He has extensive experience working with universities to respond to social challenges, including teacher shortages in South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, new innovative forms of professional development for front-line humanitarian workers, and supporting the resilience of higher education in Myanmar. He is now leading work at Cara to respond to the growing risk to academics globally – Cara has been providing a lifeline to academics at risk since 1933 by working with 135 UK university partners.
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.
Doctor 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 DBE
Chancellor, University of Glasgow
Katherine Grainger is one of Britain’s most successful female athletes with Olympic medals from 5 consecutive Olympic Games. Originally from Glasgow, Katherine studied at Edinburgh University, where she took up the sport in 1993. Alongside her rowing career, Katherine attained an honours LLB, an MPhil in Law and a PhD in the sentencing of homicide. Katherine is currently the Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.
Outside of academia, Katherine spent 8 years investing her considerable talents into the role of Chair at UK Sport, the UK’s high performance agency where she has successfully built on the commitment to excellence that she witnessed as an athlete.
In 2025 Katherine joined the British Olympic Association, who are responsible for leading Team GB athletes at Olympic Summer, Winter and Youth Games. She became the first female Chair selected in their 120 year history.
Professor John Gyapong
Secretary-General, African Research Universities Alliance
Professor John Gyapong is the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), bringing to the role a distinguished record of leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing research and higher education across Africa. Before his current appointment, he served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences from 2016 to 2022, and as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana from 2011 to 2016. He has also held the position of Adjunct Professor of Global Health at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. From 1987 to 2010, Professor Gyapong practised as a medical doctor in Ghana, during which period he rose to become Director of Research and Development at the Ghana Health Service, where he oversaw health systems and implementation research. Professor Gyapong has made significant contributions to the higher education landscape in Africa, as well as to global research governance and university leadership. He serves on several international research granting bodies and review panels. His primary field of expertise is the epidemiology of infectious diseases, particularly neglected tropical diseases. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians.
Prof. Dr Sari Lindblom
Rector, University of Helsinki
Rector Sari Lindblom’s new five-year term of office began on 1 August 2023. During her term, Lindblom’s responsibilities will also include matters related to wellbeing, 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.
Sari Lindblom has served as Rector of the University of Helsinki since 2020, in addition to which she served as one of the Vice-Rectors and deputised for the former rector from 2017 to 2020. Moreover, Sari Lindblom worked as the Director of the Centre for University Teaching and Learning HYPE from 2004 to 2017.
Sari Lindblom is the 2nd Vice Chair of Research and Innovation Council lead by the Prime Minister of Finland. Rector Lindblom sits in the Board of Directors of LERU (The League of European Research Universities). She is also a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Berlin University Alliance.
Sari Lindblom, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Professor of Higher Education.
Jess Lister
Director (Education), Public First
Jess is a Director within the Education Practice and leads Public First’s higher education work both in the UK and internationally. She has written extensively about higher education policy for Wonkhe, Times Higher, and Research Professional. Before joining Public First she held multiple roles at the University of Cambridge, helping the university respond to regional, national, and international policy developments and advising senior leaders on political strategy.
Jess has an undergraduate degree from Cambridge and an MSc (Distinction) in Education at Birkbeck, focusing on higher education & public policy
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.
Maura Mahoney
Senior Editor, Chronicle Intelligence
Maura oversees Chronicle Intelligence editorial projects, ensuring that they meet the Chronicle’s journalistic standards and engage audiences; directs content strategy and creation through management of staff reporters and freelance teams; conducts interviews with subject matter experts for virtual and live events; and helps develop overall editorial strategy with members of the editorial, marketing, and sales teams.
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.
Doctor Brian McBride
Chair, Trainline PLC and Chair of the Public Interest Committee, KPMG
Brian is one of the UK’s foremost digital leaders, having lived through Moores Law and seen the Mainframe era supplanted by PC’s, mobile phones, social media and now AI. He has worked in leadership roles for global digital giants like IBM, Xerox, Lucent, T-Mobile. He was CEO of Amazon UK in its high growth stage 2006-11, he helped take AO public, Chaired ASOS the fast fashion business, currently chairs Trainline, and has had NED roles with Celtic FC, the BBC, Huawei, the UK Ministry of Defence, and KPMG. He is an alumni and former member of the Court of the University of Glasgow and was a former President of the CBI from 2022-224.
John McGhee
Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council
John McGhee oversees education services for the council including almost 300 early years, primary and secondary schools in Glasgow.
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Johannesburg
Letlhokwa George Mpedi is a Professor of Labour and Social Security Law and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. He completed his B Juris degree (1996) and LLB degree (1998) at Vista University. In 2001, the LLM degree in Labour Law was conferred upon him by the then Rand Afrikaans University (now UJ). The LLD degree in Mercantile Law was conferred upon him in 2006 by UJ. His most recent publication on leadership is a book, From Predator to Prey: Leadership Lessons from the African Wild and Beyond, by Tracey McDonald Publishers.
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and Distinguished Honorary Professor, University of Glasgow
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli is Distinguished Honorary Professor in the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow, and an Honorary Fellow in the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow. He currently serves as President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy.
From 2009 to 2025, he was Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, leading the institution through a period of significant growth and global recognition. Prior to this, he served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University from 2007 to 2009. His academic career at Glasgow spans over four decades, including roles as Lecturer, Professor, and Vice Principal Strategy and Advancement.
As an economist, Sir Anton’s research interests focus on monetary economics, central bank independence, fiscal policy, international trade and finance and macroeconomics. He has advised numerous national and international bodies, including the European Commission, the World Bank, and the UK House of Commons Treasury Select Committee. He is currently the academic co-chair of the International Finance Forum. He is the current Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Economic Society, and sits on the Governing Council of UKRI-funded Productivity Institute which is run from the University of Manchester. He is also a Senior Adviser for Public First.
He is a member of the University Grants Committee in Hong Kong (UGC) and chairs its Research Group. He also served as a Director of the UK Universities Superannuation Scheme (2015–2024), one of the largest private pension funds in the UK. From 2017 to 2020, he chaired the Russell Group, representing the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.
Sir Anton has held several influential advisory roles with the UK and Scottish governments, including Chair of the First Minister of Scotland’s Standing Council on Europe and membership of the Scottish Government’s Council of Economic Advisers, as well as adviser to the UK Govt and Scottish Parliament’s Commission on Scottish Devolution 2007-12. In the field of Higher Education and research he was a member of the Stern Review on the Research Excellence Framework and a member of the Advisory Board for Sir Paul Nurse’s review of the UK’s R&DI landscape.
In recognition of his contributions to economics and higher education, he was knighted in 2017 and awarded the title of Knight Commander (Commendatore) by the Republic of Italy in 2008. He holds honorary degrees from McGill University in Canada and Nankai University in China.
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 Jan Palmowski
Secretary-General, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities
Jan Palmowski has been Secretary-General of The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, which brings together 23 of Europe’s leading universities – including the University of Glasgow. Located in Brussels, The Guild’s role is to amplify the voice of universities in EU policy-making. With strong input from the University of Glasgow, the Guild has also developed a close partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance, including the creation and support of 22 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence. Jan is a frequent commentator for the Times Higher Education and Research Professional, and in his academic capacity he publishes on higher education and research policy.
Gopalan Rajagopalan
Country Head, TCS Scotland & Sales Director TCS UK/I
Gopalan Rajagopalan is a member of the Tata Consultancy Services UK Management team with responsibility for TCS Scotland as a region and for growing TCS’ UK and Ireland wide customer relationships and new business sales across a cluster of sectors that includes the Education sector, Manufacturing, Utilities, Media & Information Services and Telecoms.
Gopalan is closely involved in TCS’ innovation initiatives, collaborating with universities and research. Gopalan is a member of the Scottish Government’s exclusive GlobalScot network of business leaders and influencers. Gopalan is also a member of University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science Industry Advisory Board.
Gopalan is the business sponsor within TCS for the flag-ship annual Sustainathon event which encourages University students to come up with innovative solutions to tackle real-world sustainability challenges posed by customers of TCS. This event has attracted over 400+ students from 35+ universities in recent editions.
Gopalan also takes a keen interest in promoting STEM education and has led and volunteered in TCS’ STEM programmes aimed at encouraging students from primary school consider careers choices in technology subjects and to help bridge the skills gap in this vital sector.
Gopalan is passionate about the role of digital technology in making a difference to society and people’s lives and in this he brings his wealth of experience in designing solutions for customers that ultimately deliver value, innovation and price performance.
Gopalan has been living and working in Scotland, along with his wife and daughter, for the past nearly 30 years.
Jenni Robertson
Education Strategic Advisor, Apple
Jenni joined Apple in 2020 from the City of Edinburgh Council where she was a Quality Improvement Officer leading on digital strategy across the authority. Jenni is passionate about ensuring leaders, educators and learners have access to the highest quality tools and resources to support, enhance and transform all aspects of the learning environment. She works with leaders and partners across all areas of education in Scotland. Jenni has a Masters in Education and Technology and is currently a student on the EdD programme at UCL exploring technology enabled leadership.
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’.
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 Michael Wesley
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement, The University of Melbourne
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement at the University of Melbourne, Professor Wesley provides leadership across the University, with overall responsibility for strategic guidance and expert advice on external and global engagement, government and corporate affairs, and the University’s cultural estate.
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.