IE University and Imperial College London bring together 40 leading global universities and institutions to rethink Higher Education in the age of AI

Presidents, Provosts and Chancellors from 40 leading universities and academic institutions worldwide take part this week in Reinventing Higher Education 2025, the international forum led by IE University and co-organized with Imperial College London, where experts from around the world gather to rethink Higher Education in the age of AI and  reflect on the future of education. The conference, held at the Financial Times headquarters and at Imperial College London’s South Kensington campus, focuses on the theme "Higher Education 4.0: Embracing Science, AI and Lifelong Learning for a Human-Centered Future."

Over three days, academic leaders, institutional representatives and innovation experts will discuss how universities are addressing the major challenges of our time, including the opportunities of international mobility, the potential of AI to enhance the academic experience, trends in lifelong learning, and the role of science in driving social transformation.

Speakers at Reinventing Higher Education 2025 include Santiago Íñiguez de Onzoño, Executive President of IE University; Peter Haynes, Provost and Deputy President of Imperial College London; Dr. Jess Wade, British physicist and Royal Society University Research Fellow at Imperial College London; Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of IE School of Science and Technology; Zheng Xinye, Vice President of Renmin University; Ahmad Hasnah, President, Hamad Bin Khalifa University; Deborah Prentice, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge; and Juan Pablo Murra, Rector of Tecnológico de Monterrey.

"The greatest breakthroughs in science and society emerge when talent and knowledge move freely across borders. Our responsibility as educators is to build bridges between disciplines, between nations, and between humans and technology, so that learning remains the most powerful force for progress," said Santiago Iñiguez de Onzoño.

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how we learn, research, and connect, but our purpose remains deeply human. Higher education must harness the power of this technology to open opportunity, spark curiosity, and serve society. By working together across borders and disciplines, we can shape a future where innovation and inclusion advance hand in hand," added Peter Haynes, Provost and Deputy President of Imperial College.

Now in its 15th edition, Reinventing Higher Education continues to consolidate its position as a global platform that brings together leading universities from around the world to discuss the key challenges shaping the future of higher education. During the event, the organizers announced that the next edition of the conference will be held at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) from October 20 to 22, 2026.