In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras speaks with Tony Chan about building a Western-style research university inside a rapidly changing Saudi Arabia, the rising political pressure on US academia, and what AI can and cannot do. The through line is leadership that protects the university’s soul while adapting to new realities.

Topics include:

• Why KAUST adopted US-style research culture and governance
• Vision 2030 expectations and national impact pressures
• Fitting KAUST into the local academic ecosystem
• Recruiting global faculty and top Saudi students
• Mobility risks amid US–China tensions for scholars
• Political pressure on US universities and funding threats
• How top institutions might evolve by 2040
• AI hype versus evidence, and the risk of another AI winter
• Practical regulation that protects innovation and society
• Access, inequality, and the power of big tech in AI

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In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, Prof. Ana Mari Cauce reflects on her decade-long presidency at the University of Washington, exploring how authenticity, values, and a commitment to both diversity and free speech guided her leadership through turbulent times.

Topics include:

• The journey from "reluctant administrator" to transformative university president
• Why diversity is not the enemy of excellence and the importance of remaining authentic in leadership roles
• Navigating free speech controversies on campus, including the painful personal connection to her brother's death in the Greensboro Massacre
• How today's campus protests differ from previous eras in their coordination and destructiveness
• The broken compact between government and academia that threatens research progress
• Rebuilding public trust in higher education by creating space for debate and addressing affordability
• The importance of place and staying at one institution to build something meaningful
• Future plans for writing about higher education and fostering greater cooperation among universities

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In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras speaks with Prof Dawn Freshwater, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The conversation covers Prof Freshwater’s unique journey, from leaving school early to becoming a prominent academic leader across multiple continents. They delve into the challenges of higher education; the importance of fairness and justice; the effects of politicization on research; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); the role of universities in contemporary society; and leadership qualities in times of global crises. Prof Freshwater also reflects on her motivations, values and the critical importance of moral courage in leadership.

Topics include:

• Meet Prof Dawn Freshwater: A journey across continents
• Early life and influences
• Challenges and triumphs in mental health
• Gender equity and mentorship
• Facing discrimination and cultural differences
• The role of education in society
• Global research and collaboration
• Navigating institutional neutrality
• Leadership in challenging times

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Academic leaders engage in a candid exploration of higher education's role in society, examining how universities can better articulate their value while staying true to their missions amidst rapid technological and social change.

• The relationship between academia and private industry through the lens of Jurassic Park, where university research prioritizes public good over profit
• Universities as places where humanity is remembered through the integration of sciences, arts, and humanities
• The challenge of maintaining truth and facts in an era of misinformation, with arts education fostering necessary nuance
• The critical need to better communicate university research impacts to the general public
• Addressing affordability concerns by explaining the difference between sticker price and actual cost of attendance
• Moving beyond traditional metrics and rankings to measure what truly matters based on institutional mission
• The unique challenges of keeping pace with accelerating knowledge development while maintaining focus on institutional purpose

We need your help to better tell our story. Follow the Not Alone podcast for more unfiltered perspectives from academic leaders shaping the future of higher education.

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Academic leaders gather at Elsevier's 2025 Impact Conference to discuss how higher education can respond to global disruption and inspire hope through evidence-based solutions.

• Judy Verses (Elsevier) discusses rebuilding trust in academia through open conversations and finding alignment on shared goals
• Trust erosion patterns differ between US and European higher education systems due to structural differences in access and affordability
• Cyril Oberlander (Cal Poly Humboldt) reframes libraries as connectors of people and ideas rather than mere repositories
• Libraries empower students through co-creation, digital publishing, and connecting scholarship to learners in innovative ways
• Catherine Stollar Peters (SUNY) emphasizes the vital role of arts and humanities alongside sciences in research advancement
• SUNY measures impact through strategic research investments driven by bottom-up faculty input in areas like AI and quantum computing
• Leaders discuss the importance of moral courage in academic leadership during challenging times
• AI integration offers opportunities to reduce manual processes and generate valuable insights when trained with reliable data

Join us for part two of this special episode where we continue exploring leadership perspectives on the future of higher education.

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In this episode of Not Alone Leaders in Conversation, hosted by Rafael Bras, Dr. Timothy Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System, shares his vast experience and insights from an extensive career spanning physics, geophysics, and academic leadership. Dr. Killeen discusses his early life in Cardiff, his shift from pure physics to atmospheric sciences, and the various leadership roles he has held in prominent academic and research institutions.  

The conversation covers critical topics like climate change, the role of academia in policy-making, and the importance of maintaining public trust in science. Dr. Killeen emphasizes the significance of student success, inclusivity, and the need for universities to lead societal change. He also touches on the impact of AI, the responsibility of public universities to serve their communities, and the challenges of managing free speech on campuses. Tune in for a compelling discussion that underscores the complexities and responsibilities of modern higher education leadership.

Topics covered include:

• Meet Dr. Timothy Killeen: From Cardiff to the US
• Early Life and Academic Journey
• Transition to Atmospheric Sciences
• Climate Change and Societal Impact
• Public Trust in Science and Higher Education
• Role of Universities in AI and Technology
• Collaborative Networks for Global Solutions
• Empowering Students in the Age of AI
• The Role of Higher Education in Societal Challenges
• Addressing Inequality in Education
• Balancing Free Speech and Safety on Campus
• Leadership and Influences

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In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, Dr Marcia McNutt, President of the US National Academy of Sciences, reflects on her remarkable journey and experiences in the realm of science and research policy. Dr McNutt, a renowned geophysicist and leader, delves into her early life influences, academic challenges, and career milestones, including her transitions from MIT to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, the US Geological Survey, Science magazine, and her current role. The discussion also explores contemporary issues in science policy, the need for prioritizing scientific investments, international scientific competition, and challenges related to diversity and inclusion. The episode wraps up with insights into climate change, leadership qualities, and the importance of managing time effectively to focus on what truly matters.

Topics covered include:

• Meet Dr Marcia McNutt: a trailblazer in science
• Overcoming early challenges in physics
• Graduate studies and career beginnings
• Transforming the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
• Leading the National Academy of Sciences
• The state of science and international competition
• The role of universities and industry in AI
• Challenges in science policy and DEI
• Addressing climate change
• Leadership lessons and final thoughts
• Conclusion and farewell

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In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras discusses higher education, public health, and leadership with Julio Frenk, the incoming chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. Frenk, a former president of the University of Miami, shares his rich background—from his family's escape from Nazi Germany to his groundbreaking reforms as Mexico's Minister of Health. He delves into his decision to shift from clinical medicine to public health, his influential role in creating Seguro Popular, and his perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frenk also discusses the challenges facing higher education today, and his unique contributions to children's education through his book series on human physiology. This episode offers valuable insights into how evidence-based policy, global cooperation, and enlightened leadership can shape better outcomes in health and education.

00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation
00:51 Meet Julio Frenk: From Mexico to Harvard
01:35 Family Background and Early Influences
06:18 A Diverse and Accomplished Family
09:59 Choosing Public Health Over Clinical Medicine
16:31 Navigating the Political Landscape as Minister of Health
25:41 Creating Seguro Popular and Its Impact
33:16 Massive Loss of Progress in Mexico
33:48 Impact of COVID-19 on Mexico
37:03 Leadership Styles and Pandemic Outcomes
40:02 Gender and Leadership During the Pandemic
41:47 Lessons from the Pandemic
50:11 Higher Education Challenges and Opportunities
01:01:38 Children's Books and Science Education
01:09:51 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

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In the latest episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras engages in an in-depth discussion with Prof Larry Bacow, one of America’s most esteemed academic leaders, having held prestigious positions at MIT, Tufts and Harvard. The conversation, recorded on Oct 16, 2024, covers a wide range of topics including Prof Bacow’s aversion to titles, his career shaped by mentorship and serendipity, the role of parental influence, addressing public perception of higher education, managing institutional challenges, and the current issues of diversity and inclusion in academia. Prof Bacow also delves into his principles of leadership and reflects on his contributions to initiatives on the legacy of slavery and academic admissions. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone in or aspiring to be in academic leadership. 

00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation

00:00:51 Introducing Dr. Larry Bacow

00:01:29 Larry Bacow's Leadership Philosophy

00:04:32 The Role of Mentors in Larry's Career

00:08:10 Larry's Family Background and Values

00:16:34 Challenges and Reflections on Leadership

00:20:29 Navigating Unusual Career Paths

00:31:44 Challenges Facing Higher Education

00:32:25 Public Perception and Cost Control

00:34:01 Research Mission and Economic Impact

00:36:15 Accessibility and Affordability in Elite Institutions

00:42:06 Governance and Leadership in Universities

00:49:59 Supreme Court Decision on Race in Admissions

00:55:08 Addressing the Legacy of Slavery

01:00:09 Reflections on Anti-Semitism and Discrimination

01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Future Optimism

01:07:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, hosted by Rafael Bras, Prof Robert Langer of MIT talks about his impressive career and contributions to medicine, including the co-founding of Moderna and the development of groundbreaking drug delivery systems.  

He shares his early influences, experiences with ADHD, the challenges he faced in academia, and his thoughts on leadership. 

Their conversation also delves into the evolution of biological sciences, the importance of entrepreneurship in higher education, and Langer’s dedication to teaching and innovation. Amid reflections on his significant achievements, including the rapid development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Langer emphasizes the critical balance between academic pursuit and real-world application. 

00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Podcast

00:00:52 Introducing Professor Robert Langer

00:02:19 Early Life and Influences

00:04:02 Challenges with ADD and Academic Journey

00:05:55 Personal Anecdotes and Religion

00:08:04 Collaborations and Family

00:10:22 MIT Career and Department Challenges

00:18:26 Leadership and Mentorship

00:23:21 Balancing Academia and Industry

00:26:22 Advancements in Biology and Health Sciences

00:30:39 Debating the Impact of CRISPR

00:31:42 Future Medical Treatments with CRISPR

00:32:39 Challenges in Treating Diseases

00:34:23 Public Perception of Higher Education

00:36:03 Free Speech and Campus Protests

00:40:11 Entrepreneurship in Academia

00:42:51 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship

00:48:07 The Story of Moderna

00:57:15 Reflections and Personal Insights

01:02:07 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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