Arts and Humanities in the UK: Where Next?

A new report from the Higher Education Policy Institute has highlighted the unique strengths and enduring importance of the humanities in the UK.

Humanities research metrics in the UK are outperforming global and disciplinary averages. Humanities teaching is equipping students with the vital skills and approaches most desired by employers across all sectors. Meanwhile, REF 2021 has evidenced the profound impact of UK arts and humanities research across the breadth of social, cultural and economic arenas. But where do we go from here?

How do we continue to build on the successes of our existing arts and humanities infrastructure? What steps do we need to take to strengthen our connections within and across disciplinary boundaries? And how do we position ourselves strategically in the shifting landscape of UK research and innovation going forward?

This panel discussion reflected on the key findings of the report, and prompted a broader consideration of the challenges and opportunities for arts and humanities disciplines in the UK today.

Chair:

• Professor Clare Lees; Director, Institute of English Studies; Vice Dean, School of Advanced Study

Panel: 

• Professor Marion Thain; Executive Dean, Arts and Humanities, King's College London
• Professor Nigel Harkness; Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Newcastle University
• Professor Charles Burdett; Director, Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies
• Professor Katherine Harloe; Director, Institute of Classical Studies
• Professor Barry Smith; Director, Institute of Philosophy