Is University Broken? Interdisciplinary Solutions for Future Skills | Carl Gombrich

Is our traditional education system, with its focus on narrow subject specialisms, adequately preparing students for an increasingly complex and interconnected world? In this episode, Alex sits down with Carl Gombrich, a pioneering figure in interdisciplinary education and the Dean of the groundbreaking London Interdisciplinary School (LIS). Carl, whose own journey spans physics, philosophy, and professional opera, shares his insights on why a multifaceted approach to learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity. They discuss the limitations of siloed disciplines, how to cultivate true expertise for real-world problem-solving, the challenge of shifting established mindsets, and the crucial skills needed to navigate the "Terra Incognita" of our future in an age of AI. Discover why it's time to rethink education from the ground up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The modern world's complexity demands interdisciplinary thinking, as single-subject approaches are too rigid.
• True expertise lies in understanding and solving real-world problems, not just mastering isolated academic disciplines.
• Students often need to "unlearn" the narrow focus of secondary education to embrace broader, connected learning at university.
• A significant majority of employers prioritize skills and adaptability over specific undergraduate degree titles.
• The future is an unknown territory ("Terra Incognita") where a diverse range of skills is essential for navigation and success.
• In the age of AI, teaching critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and understanding knowledge sources is paramount.
• A balanced understanding of both scientific/technical principles and human/social sciences is crucial for modern citizens.
• Actively seeking and making connections between different fields of knowledge is a vital habit for lifelong learning.
• Despite clear needs for change, traditional university structures often exhibit significant resistance to fundamental innovation.
• Focusing on external, real-world problems can be a powerful pathway for personal development and student well-being.

BEST MOMENTS

• "Single subjects are almost by definition, anti-complexity... that just doesn't fit anymore. It's simply too rigid."
• "The dominant metaphor of our age is the network... Our education is totally different... it is not a network."
• "Most graduate jobs now require you to be much more of an expert in a thing [rather than just an academic subject]."
• "86 to 90 percent of graduate employers don't care what undergraduate degree you've done."
• "The world we're moving into now is very much a terra incognita... What do you need... there? You're going to need a range of skills."
• "The fundamental thing education has to teach... is where knowledge comes from and why."

ABOUT THE GUESTCarl Gombrich: Carl is the founding Dean of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), the UK's first new higher education institution in around 50 years to have degree-awarding powers from inception. With a diverse academic background including degrees in physics and philosophy, and a former career as a professional opera singer, Carl is a passionate advocate for interdisciplinary learning. Before LIS, he established the pioneering Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc) degree at University College London (UCL), the first of its kind in the UK. He is a leading voice on educational innovation and preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century.

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Connect with Carl Gombrich & LIS:LIS Website: [suspicious link removed](You can also search for Carl Gombrich on LinkedIn and X, and the London Interdisciplinary School on Instagram and LinkedIn)