What is the fundamental purpose of a university in the 21st century?
Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026 | Time: 18:00 - 21:00 (GMT)
Location: Lloyds, 10 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7AE | Get directions
- Guest speakers
What should a university be in the 21st century - a launchpad for careers, a hub for innovation, a guardian of truth, or a force for social change?
As the world transforms through technology, globalisation, and shifting values, universities face growing pressure to redefine their purpose. Are they here to train workers, shape citizens, solve global problems, or all the above? This debate challenges us to rethink the core mission of higher education in a world that demands both adaptability and integrity.
Meet the panellists
Host: Professor Jane Robinson (Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Business, Partnerships & Place, Newcastle University)
As Pro-Vice-Chancellor Jane leads the University’s Business, Partnerships and Place Strategy, focussing on building partnerships to enhance our contribution socially, economically and culturally. She is also the executive lead for sustainability and social justice. Previously, Jane was Durham University’s Chief Operating Officer with strategic oversight of operations and external engagement.
Before taking up her position at Durham, Jane was Chief Executive of Gateshead Council. Jane also played a leading role in the establishment of the North East Combined Authority and the Commission on Health and Social Care Integration. Jane has also held leadership positions in the cultural sector, including Director of External Relations at Arts Council England, where she led major corporate initiatives that included Local Government liaison, creative industries development and overseeing capital programmes.
Jane holds an MBA and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature. She is Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear and a Fellow of the RSA. Jane chairs the North East Confederation for British Industry (CBI) and Insights North East and holds a range of non-executive positions, including the Centre for Life and Centre for Cities.
Ilsa Hartley (President, Newcastle University Students' Union)
Ilsa is currently the President of Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU), after completing a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Curating Art, both at Newcastle University.
As a full-time Sabbatical Officer, Ilsa is the lead on democracy, governance and communications within the Union, ensuring students can feedback on the issues affecting them the most, and that their voices are heard in the rooms they are most needed.
Ilsa also chairs NUSU’s Board of Trustees and helps steer strategic planning for NUSU.