IAU-EAIE Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue 2026
Leading Internationalisation in Turbulent Times
The IAU and EAIE invite you to join us for the 2nd Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue hosted by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 from 9:30 – 14:30.
Meeting internationalisation leaders' challenges
Internationalisation and global engagement in higher education are complex and constantly evolving phenomena, the approaches to which vary widely depending on institutional, national and regional contexts. What is similar across contexts, however, is the turbulent environment in which higher education institutions operate. Indeed, today’s unprecedented era of polycrisis presents significant challenges and opportunities for carrying forward effective and transformational internationalisation strategies. This work thus requires energised and empowered senior internationalisation leaders.
However, those with seniormost responsibility for the internationalisation / global engagement portfolio at their institutions often operate without easy or regular access to peers facing the same complex circumstances. As such, they require substantive opportunities to connect with such peers in order to reflect, exchange ideas and explore creative solutions to achieve desired outcomes.
The EAIE-IAU Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue is specifically designed to address this need: providing a meaningful opportunity for participants to strengthen their peer networks and engage in candid conversation with colleagues who share similar high-level responsibilities.
Key information
Participants
The Dialogue is designed for individuals with seniormost responsibility for the internationalisation / global engagement portfolio for their entire HEI (ie at central level). Examples of roles with this type of profile include: Vice-Rector, Vice President, Deputy/Pro Vice-Chancelor, Deputy/Vice Provost, Strategy Director etc.
Registration
Before confirmation of admission to the Dialogue, applicants are requested to submit a brief description of their current role and responsibilities to ensure alignment with the participants’ profile.
Timing and duration
The Dialogue is conveniently scheduled to precede the EAIE’s 35th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Glasgow (8-11 September 2026), on Tuesday, 08 September 2026, 09:30 – 14:30 (including lunch). Participants are cordially invited to an optional post-event campus tour. [TBC]
Content
The programmewill be developed specifically around the interests of the confirmed participants. These interests will be gathered via a pre-event questionnaire designed to capture the core issues, challenges and concerns that the participants are keen to explore in the context of the Dialogue.
Format
The Dialogue will consist of facilitated peer-to-peer discussions and networking in a safe and confidential environment. A maximum of 25 participants will be welcomed to the Dialogue, in order to ensure high-relevance, in-depth conversation and engagement.
Anticipated outcomes
Participants in the Dialogue can expect the following outcomes:
Gain insights from peers in different contexts
Receive input on professional dilemmas
Build relations with colleagues with similar high-level responsibilities
Trusted partners
The International Association of Universities (IAU) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE) are globally recognised organisations with deep expertise in the field of higher education internationalisation. They share a common understanding of internationalisation of higher education as an intentional process undertaken by universities and other higher education institution to improve the quality of education and research and, ultimately, to achieve a better, more equitable world. The University of Strathclyde is a leading technological university right in the heart of Glasgow, one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic student cities. It is multiaward winning university known globally for worldclass teaching and research. The University of Strathclyde places emphasis on "useful learning" – its founding purpose over 200 years ago. Today, that means practical, forward-thinking learning that helps students meet their goals and prepares them for a fast-changing world beyond study.
Cost
120€ per participant to cover local organisation costs
Application Deadline
Apply to participate by 30 June 2026.
Download the programme description here.
Read reflections from the 2025 IAU-EAIE Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue here.
