SMU and LSE say universities and global academic culture should prioritise purpose and people
Presidents from Singapore Management University and the London School of Economics discussed the need for universities to prioritize societal impact over traditional metrics like rankings. The forum emphasized the role of academic institutions in addressing global challenges through collaborative research.
Why it matters
It reflects a shifting paradigm in higher education toward 'purpose-driven' research and institutional accountability.
SMU-LSE Global Forum examines what it will take for universities to fulfil their responsibility toward societal impact in a fractured world and puts both universities' strategic partnership into action, with new joint research projects tackling urban sustainability, workforce and longevity challenges in Singapore , the UK and beyond
SINGAPORE , Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In an increasingly fragmented world, universities must rethink not only what they teach and research, but how they demonstrate the value of that work to society.
That was the central message from Singapore Management University (SMU) President Lily Kong and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Pr esident and Vice Chancellor Larry Kramer during a fireside conversation at the inaugural SMU-LSE Global Forum today, moderated by SMU Vice President (Impact) Professor Scott Fritzen.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in