NCL in Action 25/26 officially underway with launch events in Newcastle, New York and London
This Autumn we have united Newcastle University alumni, colleagues, students and partners around the world to deep dive into the rifts and shifts facing society in 2025 and beyond. But this is just the start!
23 October 2025
Thank you to all those in our global university community who helped us kickstart NCL in Action 25/26: ‘Rifts and Shifts: Our Changing World’.
The world in 2025 is characterised by shifting geopolitical power dynamics, hopes – and concerns – for technological advancements, economic uncertainty and a ticking clock against climate change. Over the course of the 25/26 academic year, Newcastle University invites its global community to explore how these ongoing changes and challenges can be tackled together.
Almost 300 alumni, students, colleagues and friends signed up to help us launch this year’s NCL in Action programme, with jam-packed events in Newcastle, New York and London.
First in the calendar was an intimate fireside chat with esteemed alumnus and historian, Professor Paul Kennedy CBE FBA (BA Hons History, 1966; Hon DLitt, 1991). Alumni Stateside gathered in New York on 29 September to hear Paul’s expert opinion on world affairs as he explored how we’re witnessing historical change in the making.
A North East native, Paul is internationally renowned for his writings and commentaries on global political, economic, and strategic issues, and currently lectures at Yale University in the USA.
Following this thought-provoking start to the programme, we returned across the Atlantic to celebrate the start of NCL in Action 25/26 with our partners at Lloyds, in Newcastle (in the impressive Council Chambers of Newcastle Civic Centre) and London (at Lloyds Banking Group HQ).
These events brought together a panel of experts from our alumni community to tackle the most pressing challenges of our era - and the bold solutions we need - in a discussion titled "Global Uncertainty: Catalyst for Innovation or Barrier to Progress?". Our panels touched on national security and foreign policy, technological advancement and AI, the climate crisis, politics and global conflict, and how business leaders can navigate these turbulent times.
With thanks to our panels for sharing their insights and wisdom:
- Martin Farr – Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History at Newcastle University (Host)
- Adrian Orchard – Director, UK Ministry of Defence
- Dr Angus Armstrong – Chief Economic Adviser, Lloyds
- Benjamin Saoul OBE – Minister-Counsellor National Security and Foreign Policy, British Embassy (Paris)
- Rob McCargow – Technology Impact Leader, PwC UK
- Ruth Sunderland MA, FRSA – Award-Winning Business Journalist, Senior Editorial Leader and Broadcaster
- Sameena Bashey – Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant
- Sarah Wire – Head of External Engagement, Lloyds Banking Group
Guests also had opportunities to network with fellow alumni, current students and colleagues as well as friends from Lloyds. And those who joined us in Newcastle had exclusive tasters of the upcoming CPD courses in the NCL in Action programme, delivered by Newcastle University Business School and Debate Mate.
Next in the NCL in Action programme
There are two more in-person events taking place this term for alumni based in South East Asia to get involved in the programme and reconnect with their university community. Plus, alumni around the world have the opportunity to upskill and enhance their career progression.
How Newcastle University is stepping up to tackle these rifts and shifts
This November, colleagues from the university’s senior leadership team will be visiting Singapore and Malaysia to speak with our alumni community and showcase how we’re responding to these global challenges – and preparing our students.
Join our Regional Provost & Group CEO (East & Southeast Asia), Professor Dennis Wong (pictured), in Malaysia on Wednesday 12 November, or Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Chris Day CBE, in Singapore on Friday 14 November.
Navigating change in your career
Newcastle University is here to help you strengthen your career and navigate this period of intense change professionally.
Following the taster session at our Newcastle launch event, registrations are now open for our free three-part CPD course with Newcastle University Business School. Join Dr Lucy Hatt (pictured), Reader in Entrepreneurial Education, at three interactive webinars across consecutive weeks to explore human-centred responses to change, resilience through innovation, and career planning in a rapidly evolving world. The course begins on Wednesday 12 November.
Or take 60 minutes to talk with a fellow graduate about how to navigate some of the global upheavals that are affecting your career right now. You will be matched with a fellow graduate who is working in a different industry to discuss a major topic that is causing change and disruption in your industry and/or in your career trajectory.