8th International Conference on World-Class Universities

The Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is pleased to announce that the 8th International Conference on World-Class Universities (WCU-8) will take place through October 15th to 17th, 2019 in Shanghai, China. The general theme of WCU-8 is "World-Class Universities: Globalization and National Models".

The above theme is embedded in the context of an ever-changing and complex world. Changes are taking places constantly in social, economic, cultural and political spheres, such as technological transformation, backlash against globalization and emerging forces of nationalism in various parts of the world, as well as increasing inequality and disparity of wealth, economic and social opportunities. These challenges impact global, national and institutional higher education practices and induce mounting pressure on world-class universities to respond effectively to the ferocity of social change.

World-Class Universities (WCU), commonly recognized as global research universities or flagship universities, are essential in developing a nation's potential for development in the knowledge economy and in seeking conceptual and practical solutions to daunting challenges. The development of WCUs is high on the policy agenda of various stakeholders across the globe in the past decades. To continue and further deepen our previous conferences’ discussion on building a world-class higher education system and the indispensable roles of WCUs in teaching, research, service, and particularly in contributing to the global common good, this conference will shed light on WCUs' challenges, opportunities, roles and strategies in response to the changing landscape of higher education and our society as a whole. Specifically, WCU-8 intends to stimulate important and timely discussion on the following topics:

- How can WCUs balance their roles in enhancing global integration and strengthening nation priorities?

- How can WCUs respond to government policies and needs while ensuring university governance and autonomy?

- How can WCUs promote excellence initiatives while optimizing national higher education systems?

- How can WCUs adapt their missions and practices to the current wave of scientific, economic and political transformation around the world?

All stakeholders, including policy-makers, university presidents and senior administrators, academics and ranking analysts, are encouraged to share their valuable viewpoints and experiences on above and other issues related to a carrying topic of WCU-8 conference. As that in the previous conferences, several prominent keynote speakers have been invited.

Registration: conference website