Campus by Times Higher Education

Andrew Hammond, co-founder of Biocentis with a molecular biology background, and Mairi Gibbs, CEO of Oxford University Innovation, delve into the complexities of commercializing academic research. They discuss the critical stages for transforming ideas into viable businesses, the importance of intellectual property, and investor insights. Topics include the societal impact of spin-outs, gender imbalances in funding, and the role of innovations like gene drive technology in addressing global challenges. Their conversations highlight the collaboration needed to navigate this intricate landscape.

As complex organisations, universities need to examine their many and varied functions when seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and advance sustainability. For many, the easier changes have been made so, looking ahead, institutions need to get smarter about how they transform their practices and policies to halt future global warming. In this episode, we speak to two women focused upon driving positive change and reducing emissions in two very different but equally important arenas of university work. Ellen Quigley is principal research associate at the University of Cambridge. She is also co-director of finance for environmental and social systemic change and special adviser in responsible investment to the university’s chief financial officer. Her own award-winning research focuses on the mitigation of climate change and inequality through the investment policies and practices of institutional investors. Drawing on the example of Jesus College, Cambridge, she explains how universities can use their power as investors to influence and press for environmental change across multiple sectors – and work against funding for fossil fuel extraction. Jenna Lowe is the laboratory sustainability officer at the University of Liverpool. She manages the university’s Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) and is a member of the sustainability team. She was shortlisted in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category in the 2024 THE Awards. She discusses how seemingly small adaptations in lab practices can have a huge impact in reducing emissions and waste. You can find more advice and insight on how universities can work towards achieving net zero in our latest spotlight guide here: Higher education’s bumpy road to net zero | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect

Karen Gravett, an Associate Professor in Higher Education at the University of Surrey, explores the ever-complex concept of belonging in higher education. She discusses how a sense of belonging is crucial for student success and well-being, especially post-pandemic. Gravett highlights the blurred lines between physical and digital spaces in cultivating connections. She also shares insights from her research on the powerful roles of safety, non-belonging, and academic discipline in shaping student experiences, offering valuable strategies for fostering inclusivity in universities.

David Garcia, a public policy expert and former gubernatorial candidate from Arizona, teams up with Michael Sanders, Professor of Public Policy at King’s College London and former Chief Scientist in government. They discuss the vital link between academic research and government, sharing strategies for academics to engage effectively with policymakers. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, utilizing unexpected alliances, and simplifying complex ideas for better policy impact. Their insights underscore the need for proactive engagement and collaboration in shaping public discourse.

Lily Kong, the first female president of Singapore Management University, and Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath, discuss the necessity of internationalization in higher education. They highlight how global partnerships enhance research and cultural understanding, improving student opportunities. The conversation addresses challenges like funding disparities and the need for equitable collaborations, especially in tackling global issues such as climate change. Their insights underscore the importance of fostering a globally connected academic community.

Dive into the world of higher education as academics share their insights on tackling mental health challenges faced by both students and staff. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries amidst rising workloads and the impact of the pandemic. Listeners will discover personal strategies for cultivating well-being, such as practicing gratitude and carving out time for outdoor activities. The conversation emphasizes creating supportive environments and the vital role of self-care in navigating academic pressures.

The delivery of quality research is central to the mission of most universities. But there is more to research excellence than headline-grabbing “ground-breaking” discoveries. This podcast episode explores what good research looks like, how it can be supported at an institutional level, and what feeds into a healthy research ecosystem that enables robust studies of all types, at all stages to be carried out and knowledge advanced. We also delve into research security to find out how such scholarly work can be protected from misuse or being weaponised amid ever-changing geopolitical power struggles. You will hear from: Marcus Munafò, who is currently associate pro vice-chancellor for research culture and professor of biological psychology at the University of Bristol, but will, in May, take up the post of deputy vice-chancellor and provost at the University of Bath. He is co-founder of the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) and leads a major project funded by Research England to accelerate the uptake of open research practices across UK higher education sector. Jacqueline Littlewood, director of research security at the University of Alberta in Canada. She took up this role leading the university’s safeguarding research office in 2023 after a 20-year career in government as a policy analyst and adviser, including working with Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. For more advice on this topic, check out our resources offering insight on delivering top quality research, including a spotlight collection on how to demonstrate research excellence.

Susan D. Blum, an anthropology professor at Notre Dame, critiques traditional teaching methods. Catherine Wehlburg, president of Athens State University, focuses on effective assessment practices. Josh Eyler, director at the University of Mississippi, discusses how grades can harm learning. They explore the detrimental effects of 'schoolishness' and the pressures of prestigious institutions on student mental health. The conversation advocates for feedback-based assessment methods, emphasizing authentic learning experiences over mere grades.

Join Gabriele Bammer, a leading voice in interdisciplinary sciences, and Kate Crawford, a pivotal scholar on AI's societal impacts, as they explore the crucial need for breaking down academic silos. They discuss the challenges faced in integrating interdisciplinary methods into education and how collaboration can address complex global issues. Bammer emphasizes effective teamwork and communication, while Crawford highlights the inconsistencies in AI development, advocating for a diverse approach to tackle ethical concerns around technology.

Joining the discussion are Shaolei Ren, an expert in AI's environmental impacts at UC Riverside; José Bowen, co-author of a practical guide on teaching with AI; and Shushma Patel, pro vice-chancellor for AI at De Montfort University. They explore the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water footprint, and argue for a balanced approach to its integration in higher education. The conversation covers strategies for sustainable AI implementation, the need for AI literacy among educators, and the transformative potential of AI for personalized learning experiences.