he debates will discuss societal issues affecting higher education, and how universities themselves can be part of the solution.
Convened and hosted by Keele’s new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, the ‘Keele Debates’ series has been centred around a range of themes designed to provoke “open disagreement” and constructive debate on the many factors affecting and influenced by the higher education sector in 2026 and beyond.
A range of speakers from across the worlds of politics, education, technology, and enterprise have been lined up for the debate series, which will focus on issues including internationalisation, AI, and graduate employability, and how universities can both adapt to these challenges and help to address them.
These speakers include nationally renowned thought leaders and experts from a wide range of sectors.
The first debate, titled: “The Global University: Are we exporting education or exploiting students?”, will include influential speakers such as:
The debates will be open to all, with guests able to attend in person or online.
Professor Kevin Shakesheff (pictured) said: “Higher education has a profound and transformative impact on society. Precisely because of that influence, universities must be open to challenge, scrutiny and debate, and be willing to ask difficult questions about how they serve students, communities and the wider world.
“The Keele Debates are designed to create space for disagreement and constructive dialogue across education, business and civic life.
By bringing different perspectives together, we want to generate practical insight that helps universities adapt and continue to enhance lives locally, nationally and internationally as we look to the future.”
The first debate will be held in the university’s Westminster Theatre on Tuesday 17 February starting at 6pm and livestreamed.
Register and find out more information about the series.
