The ICHEM conference at the School of Management, University of Bath (19-20 June, 2023) brought together, scholars, leaders, managers and students from 25 countries to discuss contemporary issues in higher education around the globe. The two days were filled with inspiration and collaboration, and the enthusiastic feedback we received as conference organisers was simply overwhelming.

A selection of photographs from the conference

We had a carefully selected line-up of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and shed light on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Arnoud De Meyer (Singapore Management University) uncovered the ways in which Singapore leapfrogged its higher education and science systems into world class. Rajani Naidoo (University of Bath) discussed the implications of the rise of AI for the future role and responsibilities of universities. Simon Marginson (University of Oxford) unfolded the changing dynamics of global science and its consequences for competition and collaboration around the globe. Jose Restrepo (EAI University, Colombia) shared his leadership insights on rethinking higher education to transform our futures. Aslam Fataar, Therese Fish, Najwa Norodien-Fataar and Leslie van Rooi (University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa) shared their insights and experiences from the global South on the transformation of university practices for the public good. Joanne Curry (Simon Fraser University, Canada), Michael Hannon (Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland), Nigel Healey, (Limerick, Ireland), Emma Hunt (Falmouth University, UK) Sheila LeBlanc (University of Calgary, Canada) and Roxanne Stockwell, (Independent HE, UK), all of them DBA alumni and successful university leaders, shared their experiences and insights in higher education leadership careers in two highly interactive parallel sessions.

In parallel sessions, 50 papers showcased research and innovative practices around key issues in contemporary higher education: Organisation, leadership and management; Internationalisation and globalisation; Education and students; Academic life and career; Higher education policy; Accountability and accreditation. Altogether, they highlighted the lasting dynamics of change in universities within a turbulent environment.

This conference served as a wonderful meeting point for academics, higher education leaders and managers, and students to come together and engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations on the future of higher education. As Co-Directors of ICHEM, we would like to thank all speakers, session chairs, and delegates for making this such a successful event.

We would also like to say a special word of thanks to our Vice-Chancellor, Ian White, and our Dean, Steve Brammer, for welcoming our guests and for all the support that the University of Bath and the School of Management provided. Many thanks to Professor Richard Mawditt, the founder of ICHEM and the DBA, for his inspiration and support, to Dan Davies, Ludovic Highman, Gina Wisker, and Lesa Cross from the DBA team. A special thank you to Jacqueline Stockley and the organising team who have worked tirelessly to make this conference a reality. Last but not least, very many thanks to Dan Davies and his band performing for us and making us dance!

Jurgen Enders and Rajani Naidoo, Co-Directors ICHEM

• Prof Jurgen Enders Conference Chair
• Dr Dan Davies
• Prof Rajani Naidoo
• Mrs Jacqueline Stockley Conference Coordinator
• Mrs Lesa Cross