The U.K.-based Times Higher Education (THE) will partner with the University of South Florida (USF) to hold its annual Young Universities Summit in Tampa, June 5-7. Previously held in Barcelona, Spain and Brisbane, Australia, among other international cities, this year’s three-day event marks the first time a university in North America will host the summit.
“We’re delighted to be bringing this global event to the U.S., where young universities have been an absolutely vital part of making it the great economic and scientific research powerhouse it is today,” Phil Baty, editorial director for Times Higher Education’s global rankings, said. “These institutions are pioneers, they’re risk-takers, and they all possess a dynamism that makes for an exciting and inspiring meeting. They may not have centuries of history or global reputations, but they may be even be better situated for success than their ancient counterparts in this rapidly-changing world.”
The summit celebrates the world’s top research universities founded in the last 70 years, over which time higher education has experienced a period of unprecedented expansion, and many national flagship universities have been established. Nearly 200 university presidents and other senior leaders from institutions across the globe are expected to attend.
Founded in 1956, USF has ascended to become a top 50 U.S. research university, a model for student success through closing graduation gaps by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, and a leader in economic development - ranked No. 5 among American universities and No. 11 worldwide for the number of new U.S. patents generated.
“The fact that USF will be the first university in all of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to host the Young Universities Summit reflects our growing international stature,” USF System President Judy Genshaft said. “Our amazing story is similar to those found at other young universities, and the summit will help thought leaders from around the world develop networks with like-minded institutions focused on creating positive change in higher education and in society.”
Among the summit’s scheduled speakers will be keynote Andrew Hamilton, president of New York University and former vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, who will share his experience working in established institutions of higher education. The summit will also feature two full days of interviews, debates, discussions and networking events.
During the summit, THE’s 2018 Young University Rankings and Golden Age University Rankings will be released, while participants will gain access to exclusive insights on data collection and methodology. The summit will also highlight THE’s new Global Innovation and Impact Ranking, which will be released for the first time in April 2019.
For more information about the Young Universities Summit, including a full program, list of events and speakers, visit the event website.