The landscape of higher education is changing rapidly. With 40% of employees needing upskilling and 39% of core skills set to be disrupted (World Economic Forum, 2025), institutions worldwide are grappling with how to adapt. If you're exploring these challenges, this symposium is designed for you.
The Challenge
Higher education institutions face unprecedented pressure to evolve:
- Short form, flexible and portable learning demands new systems at institutional and sector levels
- Pedagogies need modifications to address the needs of non-traditional, working learners
- Place-based civic missions need alignment with institutional strategy and impact
- The skills agenda requires agile, tech-enhanced learning solutions delivered in partnership with employers
- Funding models are evolving – the UK's Lifelong Learning Entitlement will be the only HE funding model post-2027
- Tertiary education systems will need partnership and collaboration to become the norm
- Global momentum is building, with two-thirds of institutions across 96 countries now operating under national lifelong learning legislation
- New models demand cultures where innovation, inclusivity and momentum can thrive.
The symposium will take place fully online and is free to attend.
Want to join?
Date: 21 May 2026
Place: The symposium will take place fully online and is free to attend.
What you'll gain
Connect Globally - Network with peers wrestling with the same questions in different global and local contexts.
Explore Practical Solutions - Engage with new thinking on:
- Designing flexible, stackable learning pathways
- Adapting institutional systems and quality assurance for short-form learning
- Building strategic industry-university partnerships
- Developing civic engagement and community-focused initiatives
- Leading cultural transformation within your institution
Shape Future Directions - Contribute to highly participatory discussions that will influence sector-wide approaches. Return with fresh thinking and concrete strategies for institutional transformation.
Symposium Themes
Global Momentum and Policy Drivers
How are national strategies shaping lifelong learning? What lessons can we draw from countries leading in this space?
Institutional Transformation
How can universities adapt systems, culture, and structures to support lifelong learners? What does future-ready provision look like?
Pedagogies and Curriculum Redesign
Design for flexibility, stackability, and relevance. Explore innovations in microcredentials, curriculum architecture, assessment reform, and interdisciplinary models.
Equity, Access, and Inclusion
How can lifelong learning address global equity agendas and SDGs? What strategies work for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups?
Universities as Civic Anchors
Explore lifelong learning linked to community engagement, neighbourhood programmes, and UNESCO learning cities.
Industry Partnerships and Skills for the Future
What roles can global industry partners and employers play in learning design? Focus on digital, cyber, risk, and transformation skills through co-design.
Leading Lifelong Learning
What do leaders need to know, be, and do to transition to a lifelong learning culture in and through universities?
Technology and Digital Futures
How are AI and digital platforms reshaping lifelong learning? What opportunities and risks do they present?
Organisational Agility and Quality Assurance
What needs to change in our HEIs for short-form learning to be delivered in line with quality standards?
Keynote Speaker
Programme
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Lifelong Learning Symposium 2026 Programme
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Abstracts
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Lifelong Learning Symposium 2026 Abstracts
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Event Format
This online symposium features keynote speakers and diverse session types designed for maximum engagement:
Workshops (40 minutes) – At least 20 minutes of active participation. Group learning, exploratory, or co-creative designs with clearly stated engagement methods and outcomes.
Oral Presentations (15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A) – Evidence-based presentations with visual stimulus.
Lightning Talks (5 minutes) – Grouped sessions followed by collective Q&A.
Thunderbolts (5 minutes) – Provocative, half-formed thoughts designed to stimulate debate and test new thinking. Respectful challenge invited.
Who Should Attend?
This symposium is ideal for:
- Deans, Assistant Deans, and Associate Deans
- Heads of Department and academic leaders
- Pro Vice-Chancellors and Directors (Teaching and Learning)
- Professors, Senior Lecturers, and academics involved in programme design
- Professional services staff in student services, quality, and learning technology
- Educational developers and institutional strategists
- Policymakers and sector body representatives
- Industry partners and funding agencies
- Anyone interested in civic development and learning cities