Knowledge Futures Symposium

During this hybrid event we will reflect on the rapidly evolving 21st Century knowledge ecosystem, considering the impact of new technologies, changing societal norms regarding what is valued as knowledge, the threats to and attacks on knowledge, and the exclusion of communities from knowledge generation due to imbalanced power and privilege structures.

In a time of rapid technological change, global challenges, and shifting digital landscapes, the symposium will address critical themes, including:

🔹 Knowledge and its impact on humanity and society

🔹 Breaking knowledge hierarchies and democratising knowledge

🔹 Impact of technologies (such as AI) on knowledge, trust and intellectual property

🔹 Decentralising and decolonising knowledge production

🔹 Digital inclusion, accessibility and closing the knowledge divide

🔹 Misinformation, disinformation and knowledge assurance

We are currently finalising the full programme for the day; however, we are pleased to announce the following confirmed keynote speakers and panellists, with further names to be shared in due course:

🔹 Prof. Christopher Smith (Executive Chair of the AHRC)

🔹 Amina Shah (National Librarian and Chief Executive of NLS)

🔹 Prof. Jeff Grabill (Pro-Vice-Chancellor - Student Education, University of Leeds)

🔹 Prof. Nick Plant (Pro-Vice-Chancellor - Research & Innovation, University of Leeds)

🔹 Jonathan Bengtson (University Librarian of the University of Victoria)

🔹 Lindiwe Soyizwapi (Director of Library Services at University of Pretoria)

🔹 Dr. Rangashri Kishore (Ex Founding Director of Ashoka University & Ex Dean of Library Services of Krea University India)

🔹 Dr. Allan Sudlow (Director of Partnerships and Engagement at AHRC)

🔹 Dr. Hilde van Wijngaarden (Director University Library, VU Amsterdam)

🔹 Dr. Maria Soledad Ramirez Montoya (UNESCO/ICDE Chair Open Educational Movement for Latin America)

🔹 Ian Wiggins (Director of International Affairs, The Royal Society)

🔹 Bella Abrams (Group Chief Technology Officer, Jisc)

🔹 Patti Cheung (Associate University Librarian, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library)

🔹 Dr. Rachel Bruce (Head of Open Research, UKRI)

🔹 Prof. Bridget Bennett (Professor of American Literature and Culture, University of Leeds)

🔹 Sophie Bramley (Institute Manager, Institute for Societal Futures, University of Leeds)

🔹 Claire Knowles (Associate Director, Research and Digital Futures, University of Leeds)

🔹 Josh Sendall (Director of Library Services, University of Leeds)

🔹 Masud Khokhar (Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection, University of Leeds)

Knowledge Futures Symposium Programme - Friday 27th June 2025

Here is the overview of the programme. All timings are given as BST.

09:00 - 09:30 Registration & refreshments

09:30 - 09:45 Welcome & introductions [Online opens at 09:30 BST]

09:45 - 10.55 Interwoven Realms: The Intersection of Knowledge, Culture, and the Arts

10:55 - 11:20 Coffee & networking [Online break]

11:20 - 11:50 Libraries and Knowledge Production in 21st Century Scholarship

11:50 - 12:30 The Future of Knowledge: Integrating Technology, Global Perspectives, and Ethical Values

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch [Online break]

13:30 - 14:40 Knowledge as a Catalyst: Transforming Society and Humanity

14:40 - 15:10 Coffee & networking [Online break]

15:10 - 15:40 International Perspectives on Knowledge

15.40 - 16.00 Symposium closing remarks [Online closes at 16:00 BST]

16:00 - 17:00 Drinks reception & networking

Please note that in person places are now fully booked, but it is possible to book to attend online.