The Research Excellence Framework, often regarded as the formidable arbiter of research prowess, stands as a behemoth in the British educational landscape. Despite its undeniable prominence, it is not impervious to critique. This influential process not only shapes the allocation of university funding but has also ingrained itself in the very fabric of academia, guiding the judgments of aspiring faculty and prospective students seeking to assess a university's allure.

In this episode, we embark on the intricate realm of academic research assessment, casting a light on the machinery of the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Our conversation, enriched by voices from education and industry, examines the next chapter of the REF. As we navigate this exploration, we also introduce innovative solutions that hold promise as potential indicators of success in tertiary education. Among them, we showcase illuminating case studies, such as the Swedish startup ecosystem—a fertile ground that has birthed renowned unicorns like Spotify and Klarna.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of the REF and journey beyond, uncovering the evolution of determining success in tertiary education.

Embracing public engagement as a meaningful dialogue for mutual benefit envisions a future where it becomes an integral part of tertiary education, enriching institutions, researchers, and society. In recent years, we have seen increased public scrutiny of scientific knowledge production, especially catalysed by the recent pandemic, and public engagement activities can be useful tools to build relationships and trust and help institutions deliver their civic missions.

Dr Mhairi Stewart, a renowned public engagement expert, sheds light on the evolving landscape of knowledge exchange, the ethical challenges of developing engagement programs, the skills required for effective public engagement, and the benefits of public engagement for researchers and society.

The Sustainable Development Goals encompass a wide array of objectives, and education itself is a pivotal goal, seeking to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Goal 4 aligns perfectly with national efforts in Scotland to widen participation and expand lifelong learning opportunities. However, the connection between tertiary education and the Sustainable Development Goals extends beyond this explicit goal.

In this podcast episode, we embark on an exploration of the multifaceted relationship between the tertiary education system and the Sustainable Development Goals. We unravel the complex interplay between education and the sustainability agenda, as these institutions embrace their civic mission, fostering inclusive societies and addressing global challenges through their curricula and research.

Join us as we unpack the profound significance of the Sustainable Development Goals in shaping the curricula of tertiary education, ensuring that students are empowered with knowledge and values to contribute positively to a sustainable future.

Digital skills and technologies offer immense opportunities that continue to shape our society, careers, and daily lives. However, they also present a double-edged sword associated with positive outcomes and potential risks.

As a non-traditional education provider, CodeClan bridged the digital skills gap in Scotland's growing tech sector – providing opportunities for job seekers to gain technical skills and experience to succeed in the tech industry. In this episode, we speak with Loral Quinn, former CEO of CodeClan, on the evolving landscape of digital transformation, its impact on education, job markets, and society, and the need to carefully consider its practical and ethical implications. Loral is a passionate advocate for increasing diversity in the tech industry. We discover the initiatives being undertaken and, more importantly, the actions required to ensure better representation of diverse groups in technical fields which ultimately lead to better products and services.

In a rapidly changing world with shifting societal values, AI, and complex global challenges, the need for ethical leadership transcends traditional boundaries and extends beyond research and tertiary education.

In this episode, we look at the vital role of ethical leadership in preparing tomorrow's leaders, asking what skills and values they should be equipped with to navigate the intricate systems we inhabit in academia and beyond. We ask why early career researchers are increasingly embracing non-academic pathways, and what skills are required to prepare them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by academic careers but also enable them to thrive in other fields of activity. And finally, what lessons in communicating science have we learned in recent years that enable institutions and researchers to better contribute to addressing grand challenges?

Everyone should have access to the benefits of higher education. Solidarity plays a pivotal role in shaping the tertiary education system's landscape, and Dr Neil Speirs provides a compelling vision of what it should look like in the future. Neil introduces the concept of a "pedagogy of hope" And reflects on how it can profoundly empower students and foster their growth. He delves into classism on campus and its adverse effects on students from diverse backgrounds. Listen to gain valuable perspectives on mitigating these effects and creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Join us as we examine how the higher education system can build more inclusive approaches and embrace their social responsibility towards local communities. This thought-provoking conversation seeks to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in education. We aim to uncover transformative insights and practical strategies that can shape a more equitable and united educational landscape.

Let's talk about the future of tertiary education. Join us in exploring the evolving landscape of tertiary education, where we seek to uncover innovative approaches, identify potential challenges, and envision a brighter and more inclusive future for education on a global scale.

Throughout the series, we bring in thought leaders and practitioners who will share their valuable perspectives and experiences on a wide range of themes: from digital transformation and AI to collaboration in the tertiary sector, from skills development to the Sustainable Development Goals. This podcast builds upon the insights from two years of work by the Tertiary Education Futures project. These conversations aim to encourage thought-provoking discussions, spark new ideas, and inspire fresh approaches that can shape the future of tertiary education.

The Tertiary Education Futures project was created by the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) and the Young Academy of Scotland (YAS) as a ‘blue-skies’ thought experiment, informed by sectoral views gathered through a series of investigative roundtables. It aims to stimulate continued creative thinking about how post-school education might evolve over the next few decades and what this means for learners and society.

https://rse.org.uk/expert-advice/tertiary-education-futures-project/