Alice Sullivan

Miyako Ikeda from OECD and Professor Alice Sullivan from UCL discuss if reading for pleasure is the biggest factor in a child's success. They explore the impact of reading on academic performance, student engagement, literacy scores, and bridging the achievement gap. The podcast questions the claim that reading for pleasure is the sole determinant of future success.

Judith Suissa, a philosopher of education, and Alice Sullivan, a sociology professor, dive into the ideological battles affecting academia. They discuss the implications of diversity and inclusion initiatives on free inquiry and how these shifts can stifle open debate. The duo highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive topics like gender and the fear junior researchers face in expressing dissenting views. They advocate for academic freedom, calling for an environment where critical discussions can thrive without the fear of backlash.