Conference session

What is the greatest contribution of Canadian research universities? Educated students. In this sense, the goal of education becomes learning how to do research. 

Drawing on my recent book, What Could a University Be?, this session explores new ideas to help us imagine the future of research universities. I propose that all of our students should be learning how to pursue new ideas, new interpretations, new methods of knowledge, to meet the challenges that are coming at us from the future. 

In particular, a more permeable relationship between universities and cities can allow knowledge to flow in multiple directions and renew the relationship between research universities and society. Students live in the city while studying at the university, positioning them to bring questions and challenges from their communities into research. In turn, questions from the university can often be met with bodies of knowledge and practice that inhabit our city.