This event is postponed.

Welcome to the Alumni Forum 2020

Alumni are invited to a series of panel discussions, in-conversations and presentations that will explore the University of Bristol’s role as a local and international institution and the integral ways our alumni community contribute as citizens of the world.

A global buffet lunch will be served and an afternoon tea break later in the day.

Guests are invited to make their preference for Session Two and Session Three. Please indicate if you are joining us for lunch.

Please see below for more information on the different sessions. Click 'Register' on the right to make your preferences.

10.30 am: Arrival

11.15 – 11.30 am: Welcome with Jonathan Phillips, Chair, Alumni Association

11.30 am – 12.20 pm: Keynote Address
What does Global Citizenship look like in an increasingly complex world? How do our decisions and life choices impact others around the world? Madhu Krishnan, Professor of African, World and Comparative Literatures and alumna Dr Marie-Annick Gournet (PhD 2007), Senior Lecturer in English and Community Engagement seek to explore the ways your University and alumni community participate as global citizens.

12.30 – 1.20 pm: Lunch

1.30 – 2.20 pm: Session Two

Session 2A - Digital Technologies: Supporting Sustainability
Join Chris Preist, Professor of Sustainability and Computer Systems and Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly for an in-conversation on the ways digital technologies support sustainable living and industry.

Session 2B - How will Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus help meet real world challenges of the future?
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is one of the University’s most exciting new initiatives, creating new opportunities for learning, culture and industry. How will it help prepare students, the University and local partners to meet real world challenges of our future? Join a lively presentation hosted by TQEC Community Engagement Lead, Professor Tom Sperlinger and explore the ways the University is creating a new accessible civic space.

Session 2C - Food and the Community
What’s your favourite recipe? Where did it come from and what is its story? Mini Chandran Kurian (MSc 2015), food history and culture writer and former journalist for The Times of India and Kalpna Woolf (Honorary DLitt 2019) Author, Founder of 91 Ways and award-winning BBC Executive enchant us with the remarkable ways food and recipes are linked with memory and culture, celebrating Bristol as a multicultural food hub with enormous community spirit.

2.25 – 2.45 pm: Tea Break

2.50 – 3.40 pm: Session Three

Session 3A - Telling stories of our planet
What responsibilities do artists have to share stories about our planet? Dr Mimi Thebo, Reader in Creative Writing and Carnegie nominated author of young adult fiction is in-conversation with alumnus Mike Gunton (BSc 1979), Head of the BBC Natural History Unit about the transformative experience of the arts on our perception and understanding of the natural world. Bringing together two pioneering creatives, this session offers a thought provoking insight into the role of art in today’s world.

Session 3B - Tackling a Global Health Crisis
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the world’s primary global health crises. Matthew Avison (BSc 1994, PhD 1998), Professor of Molecular Bacteriology and Director of the University of Bristol’s Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Research Network, demonstrates the world-leading interdisciplinary research underway to help tackle the AMR challenge. Join Matthew and colleagues for a lively discussion.

Session 3C - Inspiring the next generation
Join one of our alumni mentors and Alex O’Driscoll, Student Inclusion Manager and Ann O’Malley (BSc 2013) from the Bristol Mentors team to explore the ways the University is widening participation and delivering a more inclusive student experience.

4.00 - 4.30 pm: In-conversation with Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor and President

Do you have a question for the Vice-Chancellor? Submit your questions to alumni@bristol.ac.uk with the subject line 'Question for VC at Alumni Forum' ahead of time for the chance for it to be answered, or you can enter your question when you click through to register.