I present myself as a sociologist and professor of higher education at the University of Bristol where I direct the Centre for Higher Education Transformations (CHET). As a policy-focused and explicitly ‘engaged’ researcher, my expertise and passion strongly complement the aims and values of CDBU and its efforts in the custodianship of the university as an authentically public, autonomous and democratically free institution. I am a constant voice as relates to concerns of critical autonomy, academic freedom, social inclusivity and intellectual leadership as found within or absented from universities; concerns which form the bedrock to my scholarly identity and contribution. On these, I have vigorously advocated across scholarly, policy and public-facing media.
Concurrently, as an ‘engaged’ researcher, I have worked closely with the UK’s academic trade unions, mission groups, and many higher education support organisations, in addition to UK and devolved government departments in ensuring these concerns are not only seen and heard but wherever possible, acted upon. I aim thus to be not only critic and conscience but activist and ambassador. My offer is a humble contribution to CDBU’s leadership – a scaffold to the vast import of its mission at a time of mission critical.
