The World of Higher Education

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand, about the country's new University Advisory Group. The discussion covers the challenges facing New Zealand's higher education system, including declining government funding and the impact of COVID-19 on student numbers. Whelan explains the purpose and scope of the advisory group and outlines the potential obstacles to implementing its recommendations. Tune in to understand the complexities of New Zealand's higher education landscape and the government's efforts to seek expert advice for its future.

In this episode of 'The World of Higher Education' podcast, Alex Usher speaks with co-editor Miles Taylor about 'Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960s.' They delve into the distinctive characteristics of universities founded during this period, the vision behind their creation, and why these institutions often ended up very different from their founders' original plans. They also discuss the lasting legacy of these 'utopian' campuses and the role of architecture and interdisciplinarity in shaping their identities. 👉 Episode Links:Book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/utopian-universities-9781350138636/Quarterly Policy Briefings with Alex Usher: https://higheredstrategy.com/quarterly-policy-briefings

Join host Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast as he interviews Dr. David Baker, coauthor of 'Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production.' They delve into the historical transformation of universities into major scientific research hubs, covering the evolution from individual labs to global mega-science collaborations. The discussion touches on the rise of the university science model, the significant role universities play in producing research publications, the impact of research commercialization, and how educational access has facilitated this development. They also explore international cooperation despite political and economic challenges, and the future scope and challenges of global science collaboration. 👉 Episode Links:Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production by by David P. Baker, Justin J.W. Powell

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the dramatic changes in Dutch higher education funding with Marijk van der Wende, Distinguished Faculty Professor at Utrecht University. They explore the recent election of the Party for Freedom, PVV, and its impact on government priorities, including a significant cut in higher education funding. The dialogue touches upon the challenges faced by Dutch universities due to the decline in per-student funding and restrictions on international student intake. Van der Wende provides insights into Dutch government formation, the socio-political landscape, and the potential wider European implications of these policies. 👉 Episode Links:Wende, M.C. van der (2024). How open can it be? The promise of open systems and open science under siege. In: Engwall, L. (Ed.). Internationalization in Higher Education and Research: Perspectives, Obstacles and Alternatives, Cham: Springer.See p. 108 onwards for the NLWende, M.C. van der (2023). Opportunities and challenges for open systems in global context. in: Marginson, S. Cantwell, B. Platonova, D & Smolentseva, A (eds). Assessing the Contributions of Higher Education: Knowledge for a disordered world. Edward Elgar Publishers. Pp. 111-130.See p. 116 for theoretical part (trilemmas combined)Wende, M.C. van der (2021). Neo-Nationalism and Universities in Europe. In: J. Douglass (ed). Neo-Nationalism and Universities: Global Perspectives on Politics and Policy and the Future of Higher Education. Johns Hopkins University Press.See p. 127 ow for the NL (and Denmark – much in common)Additional PDFs: Publications - Prof. dr. Marijk van der Wende - Utrecht University (uu.nl)👉 AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Postsecondary Education

Mary C. Wright, Associate Provost of Teaching and Learning at Brown University and author on educational development, shares her expertise on Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs). She discusses how CTLs are transforming to focus on student success and inclusivity while navigating structural challenges. Wright introduces the HITS framework, highlighting how different strategies drive change. She also draws comparisons between U.S. voluntary models and international mandates, outlining the evolving role of CTLs post-COVID in fostering resilience and integrated resources.

In this episode, Alex speaks with Francisco Marmolejo about the origins and evolution of the Qatar Foundation, which was established by the royal family of Qatar in 1995. They delve into the unique approach Qatar took by partnering with top international institutions to build a robust education system aimed at transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Francisco discusses the distribution of students at Education City, the collaborative efforts between various universities, and how the Foundation's initiatives have contributed to the country's development. They also explore the long-term vision for the Foundation and its impact on Qatar's future.Episode Links:Qatar Foundation websiteAI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the potential effects of a second Trump administration on U.S. higher education with Brendan Cantwell, a Michigan State University professor. The conversation delves into the federal government's role in higher education, potential changes to student financial aid and research funding, and the influence of the Supreme Court on educational policy. They also explore the challenges and risks higher education institutions may face under another Trump presidency and compare them to a possible Kamala Harris administration. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of the political landscape and its implications for higher education.Blog Links:How the federal government could kill higher education.Higher Ed Policy Goals for a Second Trump Presidency

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses the financial challenges facing higher education in the UK, focusing on England, with Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute in London. They explore the impact of the Conservative Party's 14-year rule, the policy directions of the new Labour government under Keir Starmer, and what this means for universities and students. The conversation highlights funding issues, strategies universities are employing to cope, and the potential future scenarios for the sector. Tune in to hear an in-depth analysis of higher education policy developments and the prospects for UK universities.

Join host Alex Usher and guest Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, as they discuss the current state of global higher education in this inaugural episode of Season 3 of the World of Higher Education podcast. They explore which countries are thriving, the implications of geopolitical tensions, the evolving missions of universities worldwide, and the challenges faced by the higher education sector amidst growing populist attacks and state control. Discover Simon's views on the roles and influence of big American universities, China's educational advancements, and the critical balance between employability and academic freedom.

In this discussion, William C. Kirby, a Harvard professor and author, delves into the evolution of universities in Germany, the U.S., and China. He shares insights from his experiences teaching in all three nations, highlighting the historic rise and fall of Humboldt University. Kirby argues that money is essential but not enough for excellence, emphasizing talent and resource management. He explores the rapid improvement of Chinese universities, noting their competitive advantages. Lastly, Kirby contemplates the future of higher education, urging collaboration over competition.