The University of Westminster hosted the 51st Improving University Teaching (IUT) International Conference, welcoming educators, researchers and academic leaders from around the world to promote sustainability and innovation in Higher Education.
The IUT Conference has run since 1975, bringing together Higher Education professionals from across the world to improve university teaching practices. This year’s hybrid conference ran from 16-18 July at the University of Westminster’s Marylebone campus and focused on the theme of Redefining Education: Navigating Sustainability and Innovation in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) World.
The agenda was shaped by current global issues including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate disruption, regional conflicts and rapid technological change, contextualising the critical need for sustainable, relevant and transformative education. Discussions centred around four central subthemes, including Education for Sustainable Development, Enduring Relevance of Education, Transformative Learning and Technological and Digital Emerging Trends.
In attendance were 185 delegates from 19 countries who explored the themes through a blend of onsite sessions at Westminster and remote events, ensuring inclusive global collaboration. Events featured two keynote speeches from industry leaders, 18 paper sessions, 21 workshops, 16 roundtables and two field trips, including several activities hosted by Westminster colleagues.
Dr Doug Specht delivering a presentation
Throughout the conference, participants explored strategies for student and colleague wellbeing in the face of global challenges. This included innovative approaches to equip graduates with adaptable skills relevant for an ever-changing workforce and methods to foster transformative learning and meaningful engagement with diversity on campus.
Attendees also discussed the new opportunities and risks presented by AI and emerging digital technologies, with a focus on integrating innovation into the curricula while safeguarding educational values.
The three-day conference offered a variety of networking opportunities, both face-to-face in London and virtually via an innovative hybrid platform, to share innovative educational resources and best practice.
Networking dinner
About the conference Dr Doug Specht, Reader in Cultural Communications and Head of the Westminster School of Media and Communication, said: “I was honoured to work as the local host to the 51st Improving University Teaching Conference at the University of Westminster. As someone who has attended the IUT conference for a number of years, it was a real privilege to invite colleagues into my academic home at Westminster, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this event so memorable.
“Hosting the conference exemplifies the University’s Being Westminster strategic commitment to shaping sustainable, inclusive and forward-thinking educational practices for the benefit of students and colleagues worldwide.”
The conference directly contributes to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about teaching and learning at the University of Westminster.
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