News and Events

The VET2050 project is launching a series of vision workshops bringing together practitioners, policymakers, employers, and learners to co-design what high quality vocational education and training could look like in England by 2050. These workshops explore long-term challenges and opportunities, from technological change to regional inequalities, and invite participants to imagine ambitious, evidence informed futures for the sector.

VET2050 is funded by the Youth Futures Foundation and delivered by the Institute for Employment Research (Terence Hogarth, Emily Erickson and Stef Poole) in collaboration with colleagues at SKOPE, University of Oxford (James Robson and Yushan Xie ). Our recent blog post provides more detail on the project’s aims, approach, and how these workshops contribute to a wider programme of research and engagement.

If you’d like to stay informed about upcoming workshops, publications, and project activities, we warmly invite you to join the VET2050 mailing list by visiting the our project website.

Register your interest here!Link opens in a new window

Dr Jason Anderson travelled to Assam, India on the invitation of the Government of Assam to deliver an invited talk: “Translingual English-medium instruction (EMI): A pathway to multilingual and multidisciplinary efficacy for international higher education institutions”, and signed a research MOU with Padmini Boruah of the University of Gauhati as part of the conference: International Perspectives on Multidisciplinary Education and Attainment of SDGs in Higher Education, Guwahati, Assam, 29-30 Jan, 2026.

See slides here: https://www.jasonanderson.org.uk/downloads/anderson_2026_translingual_emi.pdfLink opens in a new window

Dr Anderson also delivered an invited lecture at the University of Gauhati entitled: "Exploring the potential of AI with project-based learning: Pedagogy for higher education in the 21st century."

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate an outstanding member of our SELCS alumni community, Sue Sentance (Education Studies) following her recognition in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

This is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the impact Sue has made through her work and dedication. Being recognised in this way highlights her exceptional contribution and the difference she continues to make.

Sue's success is an inspiration to our students, alumni, staff, and wider SELCS community. Huge congratulations from everyone in SELCS!

Read more about the Warwick alumni and honorary graduates from a range of fields, who have been recognised in the recent Kings Birthday Honours and Garter Day here.

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Diversity in Data Visualization (Diverse CDT) is a pioneering, fully funded four-year PhD programme jointly delivered by City St George’s, University of London and the University of Warwick.

Applications for PhD studentships with Diverse CDT are now open for 2026 entry.

We have rolling deadlines across several months and the first deadline for submitting an application is 4pm, GMT on 30th January 2026.

Further details here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/cim/apply-to-study/phd-programmes/diverse-cdt/

We are delighted to share some positive results we have received from National Student Survey 2022.

Final details of the programme for the 2026 conference of the Association for the Study of Religion, Economics, and Culture (ASREC), being hosted by Warwick in Venice, have now been announced.

Co-ordinated by Professor Sascha Becker (Warwick) and Dr Valeria Rueda (Nottingham), this year’s conference will take place on 25 and 26 September at the Warwick in Venice Centre, Italy and brings together researchers from across the social sciences to explore how religion and culture shape societies, economies and political systems.

Three prestigious keynote speakers are confirmed:

• 2025 Nobel Laureate Professor Joel Mokyr (Northwestern University). Professor Mokry researches the economic history of Europe with a focus on 1750 – 1914. He was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (with Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt) for his pioneering work on the historical foundations of innovation-driven growth.
• Dr Mara Squicciarini (Bocconi University). Dr Squicciarini is internationally recognised for her research on the economics of religion and culture, investigating how beliefs, education and institutions influence innovation, political outcomes and long-term economic development.
• Dr Saumitra Jha (Stanford University). Dr Jha researches how economic institutions, trade, and financial markets can foster trust, reduce conflict and polarization, and strengthen cooperation across diverse communities.

The programme also features a suite of parallel sessions led by experts in the field, exploring topics including the influence of religion on innovation, and gender, religion and social norms.

Founded in 2000, ASREC is a leading international network for scholars studying religion and culture through the lens of the social sciences, with a distinctive focus on economic approaches and interdisciplinary research.

Professor Sascha Becker said:

“It’s a privilege to co-organise ASREC Europe at Warwick’s premises in Venice. We are delighted to have attracted three top researchers as keynote speakers, including Nobel Laureate Joel Mokyr. The conference will be a highlight of the academic calendar this year. “

• Conferences | Association for the Study of Religion, Economics, and Culture

Details of more successes for our students

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) are hosting a conference to showcase breakthrough technologies, practical deployment strategies and collaborative opportunities to help employers prevent work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

The event will include speakers from organisations including British Airways, BUPA, Transport for London, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Institute for Employment Research. It will also feature experts on the use of ergonomics and robotics, plus start-ups developing innovative workplace solutions for MSK health.

The conference takes place on 13 October 2026 at the Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London W1. Further information and booking can be found here.Link opens in a new window

The Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) is delighted to announce an outstanding set of results in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026. PAIS has been ranked among the top two Russell Group Politics departments for the eleventh year in a row, including eight years at No. 1. In this year's survey, PAIS was ranked 1st in the Russell Group, while significantly increasing our scores across every category. * **

The University of Warwick’s Philosophy Department has risen to 38th place globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, marking a significant leap in its international standing. Philosophy is one of ten Warwick subjects now ranked in the global top 50, reflecting strong performance across teaching and research.

University leaders highlighted that this year’s improved rankings underscore the department’s growing global reputation and its commitment to high‑impact scholarship. The climb also contributes to Warwick’s strongest overall subject‑ranking performance since 2020, showcasing broad excellence across its academic disciplines. Read the full story here

The University of Warwick’s Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) has received a glowing report following a recent Ofsted inspection, highlighting the exceptional quality of training and support provided to its teaching trainees. The inspection report underscores the University’s commitment to nurturing future educators who are well-prepared and passionate about their careers.