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NUI Galway is holding an online seminar with the heads of universities from four countries this week on the challenges facing higher education with COVID-19.
COVID-19 has created immense difficulties for universities, both in being forced to close early and the disruption the followed, and the challenges that will come with the new year.
Issues that are frequent topics of discussion include how to proceed with teaching while abiding by social distancing, when the past format has relied on lecture halls with potentially hundreds of students.
The financial position of institutions is under threat due to reliance on international students to fund the system and reduced income generally.
At the same time, NUIG is keen to point out the role that universities have played in producing vital research in the pandemic.
The seminar, ‘Universities and the COVID-19 Crisis: Problems, Prospects and Pathways’ involves the leaders of four major universities: NUI Galway; University of Bristol, UK; University of St. Andrews, Scotland; and Uppsala University, Sweden, to discuss these challenges.
It is a rare opportunity to hear from people in charge of diverse institutions about their approaches and the way forward for higher education during the crisis and its aftermath.
The session features contributions from internationally recognised authorities:
- Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, NUI Galway
- Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol, UK
- Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St. Andrews, Scotland
- Professor Eva Åkesson, Rector, Uppsala University, Sweden
Professor Daniel Carey, Director of the Moore Institute at NUI Galway, has convened the session which will address university staff members, students, alumni and the public.
Speaking about the importance of the occasion, Professor Carey said “This is a unique moment for higher education, with huge risks but also the chance to make a difference and to find new ways to teach, research, and address social challenges.
“Leaders based in four different countries will provide perspectives on problems and pathways during the current crisis.”
The seminar will take place on Thursday, June 11 at 4:30pm online at facebook.com/nuigalway/live/.
