Join us in Stockholm, Sweden, from 5–7 October for the THE World Academic Summit 2027, hosted by KTH Royal Institute of Technology as it celebrates its 200th anniversary. For two centuries, KTH has contributed to the development of Sweden and to addressing some of society’s most important challenges through education, research, innovation and collaboration.

Today, universities are operating in a rapidly changing world. Geopolitical tensions, growing inequalities and declining trust in institutions, technological transformation and climate change are challenging established ideas about the role of higher education. At the same time, universities have never had greater opportunities to contribute to positive change.

Against this backdrop, ‘Dare to lead’ asks a fundamental question: What does it mean for universities to lead in a world where knowledge, openness and innovation are increasingly critical to society’s future?

Bringing together university leaders, policymakers, business leaders and other key voices from around the world, the summit will examine how universities can combine academic excellence with responsibility, openness with resilience, and innovation with a commitment to the common good. It will explore not only what universities achieve, but also what they stand for, and the choices they need to make to remain trusted and relevant institutions in a rapidly changing world.

The event features the exclusive reveal of the THE World University Rankings 2028, and an in-depth masterclass from THE’s data team with detailed analyses and insights into the key findings, trends and stories from the data.

Redefining excellence

Universities must rethink excellence beyond research performance, teaching quality and reputation. Amid geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and societal challenges, institutions need to balance competitiveness with responsibility, innovation with integrity, and global ambition with public value. This theme explores how universities can build trust, advance society and measure lasting impact sustainably.

Discovery to implementation and catalysing sustainable change

Universities can turn breakthrough research into solutions for climate resilience, resource management, public health and social inclusion. By nurturing entrepreneurship, cross-sector partnerships and supportive innovation ecosystems, they can accelerate progress from discovery to implementation. This theme examines how institutions can empower changemakers and deliver sustainable, meaningful benefits for society worldwide.

The next 100 million students

Demographic change will reshape global demand for higher education, as ageing societies face fewer young people and Africa’s youth population grows. Universities must reach new learners, remain competitive and respond to artificial intelligence’s transformation of work and learning. This theme asks how institutions can support education and transitions throughout life.

Future-proofing universities

Universities are civic institutions as well as centres of learning and research. As trust, democratic values and social cohesion face mounting pressure, they must foster informed citizenship, dialogue, critical thinking and intellectual diversity. This theme explores how universities can protect academic freedom, bridge differences and continue serving the public good.

Melanie Arndt

Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Sustainability

University of Freiburg

Joan Guàrdia Olmos

Rector

University of Barcelona

Nancy Ip

President

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Dag Rune Olsen

Rector

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Rory Preddy

Principal AI Advocate

Microsoft

Anders Söderholm

President

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

20% discount for groups of 3+ with promo code GROUP

Attend as a delegate

Gain practical insights from global higher education leaders, connect with peers and partners across the sector, discover innovative solutions and stay ahead of emerging issues. Book your ticket.

Speak in a session

Our high-quality speakers are essential to ensuring our events engage audiences and provide relevant, up-to-date and innovative content for our delegates. Submit a speaker application.

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