ENLIGHT Academic Leadership Programme Continues in Galway with Focus on Leading Change
The third in-person meeting of the ENLIGHT Academic Leadership Programme took place at University of Galway from 4 – 6 March 2026.
This programme focuses on university leadership, change management and the development of academic talent and high-quality performance in a rapidly changing world. In addition, it investigates the need for transparency and accountability in today’s European universities. Through this programme, participants benefit from a peer-learning environment combining academic expertise, international and ENLIGHT perspectives on leading higher education institutions, and diverse approaches to leadership.
The aim is that this programme will contribute to increased cooperation between the ENLIGHT universities, with a focus on strategic leadership. They will form international leadership networks within ENLIGHT and develop and share knowledge and experience of international trends, problems, and solutions in an open and safe environment.
The theme of the Galway meeting was “leading change” and explored how change affects people in different ways, and how leaders can be mindful of their responses and determine effective ways to lead their team through change.
Following a welcome address from Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, the 28 participants from across the 10 ENLIGHT Universities participated in three productive days of sessions from University of Galway colleagues. Sessions ranged from ‘Leading Change to Cultivate Inclusive and Equitable Universities’ to ‘Embedding Sustainability in University Leadership & Practice’, and attendees also took part in participatory sessions in mindful meditation and traditional Irish arts.
“This collaboration between HR and ENLIGHT on this Academic Leadership Programme has been a huge success to date and our recent hosting of the 3rd session has allowed us to showcase the huge talent within university of Galway as well as the great work carried out here. Colleagues and participants have benefited from sharing successes and challenges across the alliance.”
– Mark McGuinness, Learning and Development Manager University of Galway?
“It was fantastic to welcome these senior leaders and ENLIGHT colleagues to Galway to continue their leadership development journey and to further enhance connections across the alliance.”
– Pamela Devins, Head of ENLIGHT
The next, and final, session will take place from 27-29 May 2026 in Ghent University and will explore Identity in Higher Education. To learn more, visit https://enlight-eu.org/university-about-us/activities/783-academic-leadership