Imagine ARU in 2036 Cambridge Symposium
About this Event
What could ARU look like in 10 years’ time?
Over the past few months, colleagues, students and alumni have been sharing bold ideas, creative thinking and future-focused visions as part of the Imagine ARU in 2036 campaign. Now it’s time to bring it all together.
On Monday 22 June 2026, we’re hosting a lively symposium at our Cambridge campus to showcase the most interesting ideas so far, and to create new ideas to keep the conversation going.
Why come along?
This is a chance to:
- Hear some of the most thought-provoking ideas submitted by our community
- Take part in hands-on workshops about the future of AI, learning, research, and life at ARU
- Explore what these changes might mean for how we work, teach and collaborate
- Help shape what comes next, including potential projects, partnerships and ARU’s Institutional Plan
You’ll also hear insights from guest speakers with expertise in futures thinking and AI, offering fresh perspectives on where higher education could be heading.
The day will be interactive, informal and full of opportunities to get involved:
- A plenary session sharing highlights from the 2036 campaign and setting the scene
- Workshops exploring different themes, from learning and research to sustainability and the future of work
- A series of future-focused personas to spark discussion and stretch our thinking
- Panel discussions involving industry, community, teaching and research leads where you can ask questions, share ideas and hear reflections
Programme for the day
- 9.30am Registration and refreshments (LAB 003)
- 10am Welcome and Plenary: Where could we be in 10 years? Introduction with Professor Roderick Watkins – Vice Chancellor of ARU
- 11.15am Workshops (choose one):
-AI and Learning
-AI and Research
-AI and Life
-AI and Work
- 12.30pm Lunch
- 1.30pm Panel session featuring industry experts Dr David Cleevely, Maria Minaricova and Dr Christopher Mitchell, with a Q and A
- 3pm Refreshments
- 3.30pm Panel session, with workshop leads reporting back on key findings, and answering any questions from audience
- 4.30pm Close
Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve been involved in the campaign already or are completely new to it. If you’re curious about the future of HE, or interested in how AI and emerging trends might shape our work (good or bad), this is for you.
[LS 12.05.26]
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
