OXFORD GLOBAL
SCHOLARS SYMPOSIUM
Oxford Global Scholars Symposium 2026
Theme
The University and Beyond
Holistic Systems for a Changing World
Integrating Academic Preeminence, Vocational Agility, and Embedded Innovation
Oxford University's Centre on Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) in Partener with Oxford Centre for Higher Education Policy Studies and OxTEC Global.
23-24 March 2026
About OxGSS
The Oxford Global Scholars Symposium (OxGSS), a collaborative initiative of the University of Oxford’s Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) and Oxford Training and Education Centre (OxTEC Global) serves as a global fplatform for rigorous scholarly and policy-oriented dialogue on the changing roles of universities and tertiary education systems in a global context.
Convened at the University of Oxford, OxGSS brings together researchers, policymakers, and institutional leaders to examine how academic knowledge, vocational capability, and innovation can be coherently integrated to address social, economic, and technological change. Through critical inquiry and comparative perspectives, the symposium seeks to advance understanding of education as a dynamic system shaping, and shaped by, contemporary societies.
Venue
New College was founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. Today, the college sustains a vibrant academic community comprising approximately 420 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students. Its Governing Body includes over 40 Fellows spanning a vast range of disciplines—from Medieval Literature to Artificial Ethics, and from Molecular Biology to Global Governance.
While deeply rooted in centuries of history and tradition, New College regards itself as a dynamic and forward-looking institution, committed to fostering meaningful dialogue and intellectual innovation that addresses the challenges of our time.
This setting—where historic heritage meets contemporary scholarship—provides an inspiring and fitting venue for the global, interdisciplinary conversations that will define OGSS 2026.
OxGSS 2026 Theme
Highlights
Call for Papers & Agenda Overview
The Oxford Global Scholars Symposium 2026 invites scholarly contributions and policy dialogues under the theme “The University and Beyond: Holistic Systems for a Changing World.” In an era marked by rapid technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, and evolving labour markets, tertiary education stands at a critical juncture. This year’s forum challenges participants to move beyond siloed debates and envision integrated educational ecosystems that simultaneously sustain academic excellence, enhance vocational agility, and foster embedded innovation.
We seek papers and case studies that explore the interconnections between:
Academic Preeminence: The role of research-intensive universities in advancing knowledge and cultivating critical thought, and how their missions are evolving within broader educational landscapes.
Vocational Agility: The transformation of applied and technical education to meet dynamic societal needs, including curriculum innovation, industry partnerships, and lifelong learning frameworks.
Embedded Innovation: The systemic cultivation of entrepreneurial mindsets and creative problem-solving within all forms of tertiary institutions, from classroom pedagogy to institutional strategy and spin-off ventures.
OGSS 2026 will provide a platform to critically examine policies, practices, and partnerships that can bridge these domains. We welcome submissions from researchers, policymakers, institutional leaders, and practitioners that offer theoretical insights, empirical findings, or reflective analyses aimed at building more coherent, responsive, and impactful tertiary education systems for the future.
Conveners & Chairpersons
Dr. James Robson
University of Oxford
Director of SKOPE
David. Palfreyman OBE
Bursar of New College
Director of OxCHEPS
Prof. Ken Mayhew
University of Oxford
Dr.Steven Puttick
University of Oxford
Delegates
Each year, the Oxford Global Scholars Symposium (OGSS) convenes a curated and multidisciplinary assembly of delegates from key constituencies shaping and shaped by global education. The OGSS Organizing Committee selectively invites representatives from the following sectors:
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The Policy Community: Government officials, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and think tanks.
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The Academic Community: Researchers, faculty, and graduate students from universities worldwide.
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The Institutional Leadership Community: Senior administrators from universities, vocational colleges, and tertiary education bodies.
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The Innovation & Practice Community: Entrepreneurs, educators, learning designers, and leaders from ed-tech and social enterprises.
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The Donor & Investment Community: Representatives from foundations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, and impact investors.
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The Public Discourse Community: Journalists, editors, independent writers, and public scholars.
We believe that transformative solutions arise when systemic policymaking, rigorous scholarship, institutional strategy, and ground-level innovation enter into sustained and equal dialogue. Too often, these spheres operate in isolation, with agendas set narrowly by immediate political, financial, or academic pressures.
OGSS is founded on the conviction that the complex challenges facing tertiary education—from balancing excellence with equity to integrating AI and fostering employability—require holistic, inclusive, and forward-looking deliberation. We are committed to creating a roundtable where underrepresented perspectives, regions, and sectors are not only present but are essential voices in shaping the agenda.
We expressly welcome participation and paper submissions from individuals across all these communities. Together, we aim to forge new intellectual leadership and collaborative pathways for education in a world in flux.