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Join Universities UK International (UUKi) and a vibrant community of global mobility professionals for an energising day of discussion, insight, and inspiration.
As the landscape of student mobility continues to shift, this in-person event offers the space to share best practice, reflect on progress, and explore where we go next. From the future of mobility schemes to inclusive access for all students, attendees will engage with high-level strategic debates as well as on-the-ground realities.
With expert speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities to network with peers and partners, the Global Mobility Conference 2026 is your chance to help shape the next chapter in international student mobility.
Who should attend?
This is a unique opportunity to continue to develop the exciting discipline of global mobility. This event is open to all and welcomes representatives from a variety of organisations. It would be particularly useful for leaders of international teams at UK universities and those looking to expand and develop their strategic and management skills. Job titles for those who may find the event of particular use include:
This list is not exhaustive and Global mobility conference 2026 is open to all.
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Below, you can explore the four breakout sessions of our agenda. Once the session allocation is confirmed, it will be displayed in their allocated breakout track in the main agenda tabs.
The academic scholarship on international student mobility has, over recent years, been influenced by what has been called the ‘infrastructural turn’, highlighting a variety of structures that have facilitated the movement of students across educational borders for purposes of education. These have included educational agents, education fairs, and social networks, as well as universities themselves. In this session, we show how a new type of infrastructure has emerged, closely linked to the changes wrought by Brexit and the UK’s exit from the Erasmus+ mobility programme. These ‘third party providers’ are characterised by their focus on the provision of mobility opportunities of very short duration and, for the majority of organisations, their roots in the ‘gap year’ volunteering sector.
We demonstrate the impact such providers are having in reframing understandings of international student mobility – in terms of norms about duration, geography and content. In turn, these changes raise various ethical issues that the higher education sector may need to grapple with, not least the extent to which this new infrastructure provides an effective means of opening up access to more disadvantaged groups, and whether short periods of volunteering are an effective means of furthering the educational objectives of the Turing Scheme.
Postgraduate researcher (PGR) mobility is increasingly recognised as a powerful way to enrich research, foster collaboration, and enhance student experience - but it comes with unique opportunities and challenges. This session will share insights from the University of Surrey’s PGR mobility initiatives, exploring both the practicalities of delivery and the impact on students.
Drawing on PGR student experiences, we will highlight how international mobility has enabled PGRs to broaden their research horizons, build networks, and develop skills with lasting impact. Alongside these success stories, we will examine the practical and financial challenges: from navigating sensitive jurisdictions and visa restrictions to balancing UK living costs with short-term mobility opportunities.
We will also discuss institutional approaches including funding models, the role of faculties and doctoral colleges, and the importance of top-down support. We will invite delegates to share experiences and approaches, including whether and how they use Turing Scheme funding or other resources to support PGRs.
The session will provide a space for open discussion, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration on how to make PGR mobility more accessible, sustainable, and impactful.
Despite sending outbound students on exchange for decades, selection methods continue to change and evolve. Indeed, when this topic was first raised at EAIE it was shown that there is a surprisingly huge diversity between universities when it comes to how students are selected for outbound exchange. This session considers how inclusive different selection methods are when comparing different students from different departments and courses. It considers how do our processes shape the make-up of who gets to study abroad and the impact this has on staff and students alike. This session focuses on three diverse selection methods, including: academic grades, drawing lots and peer-to-peer marking. It looks at the relative merits of each system and steps that may be taken to further nuance and improve them.
Sustainability is essential—but for global mobility teams juggling multiple priorities, turning ambition into action can be challenging. That’s why 14 universities have come together to create a practical toolkit designed to support UK mobility teams in embedding climate action into their work.
Join us for an interactive session where we’ll explore the toolkit, share real-world case studies from practitioners and students, and walk through clear, actionable steps to help you get started. You’ll also take part in breakout group discussions to exchange ideas, reflect on challenges, and identify tailored next steps. You’ll leave with practical insights, peer connections, and a path forward to drive sustainable change.
In registering for this event, you agree to the following terms: cancellations must be received in writing (to [email protected]) by 9 January 2025 to qualify for a refund. We regret that no refund can be made for cancellations received after this time; however substitute delegates will be accepted. If sending a substitute delegate please provide the registered delegate’s full name and the substitute delegate’s full name, job title, organisation, and email address to [email protected].
Non-payment of an invoice does not count as cancellation and you will still be liable for the full cost. Non-appearances on the day are also liable for the full cost. Refunds for places paid for online using a credit or debit card will be returned minus the transaction fee charged by our booking site.
Please note, this event is exempt from VAT.
Zero Tolerance Statement
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We will respond promptly to any reports of incidents. If you experience poor or inappropriate treatment during your visit today, please talk to a member of the Universities UK events team.
We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available for #Global2026. Please contact Donna Taibe, Head of Events and Engagement, for more information: [email protected]
To explore available sponsorship and exhibitor packages, please access the brochure here (opens as a PDF link).
The Global mobility conference 2026 welcomes academics and professionals passionate about all things HE mobility. Below, you can explore the job titles and organisations that attended the previous edition.
EU Education Director
Erika Boak is the EU Education Director at the British Council. Working closely with British Council EU offices, she provides strategic oversight of EU mobility, UK EU research partnerships, UK EU TNE partnerships and also EU youth engagement strengthening focus and impact. She has scaled up British Council support for UK EU scientific partnerships helping to position the UK as R&D partner of choice. Prior to joining the British Council, Erika was the Head of International Strategy and Partnerships at the Department for Education (DfE). Before DfE, Erika worked internationally including for UNESCO and UNICEF.
Professor of Higher Education
Rachel Brooks is Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford. She is also chair of the executive editors of the British Journal of Sociology of Education and co-editor of the ‘Research into Higher Education’ book series, published by Routledge and the Society for Research into Higher Education. Rachel’s research focuses primarily on the sociology of higher education. Particular areas of expertise include international student mobility (and processes of internationalisation and Europeanisation in higher education more generally); student politics and protest; and ensuring equity in access to and outcomes within higher education.
Director Erasmus+ National Agency Higher Education Germany
Director of the Erasmus+ National Agency Higher Education within the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) since 2020 and Vice-President of the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) since 01.01.2025.He has been working for the DAAD since 1999. Prior he has been Head of Division Transnational Education and Cooperation Programmes. Before he was Director of the DAAD Paris Office, Secretary General of the Franco-German University and Scientific Coordinator at the German Historical Institute of Paris. He studied History, Sociology and Roman Languages at the University of Bielefeld, the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris and at the Institute d’Études politques in Paris. After earning a master’s degree in history, he continued his studies at the École nationale d’administration (ENA). In 2012 he finished his PhD in History at the University of Bochum. He has published on European and international higher education exchange.
Director NA Erasmus+ Education & Training
Noor has been director of the National Agency for Erasmus+ Education & Training at Nuffic since October 2025. In this role, she leads the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme in the Netherlands. She has over fifteen years of experience in international cooperation, student mobility and strategic policymaking for innovation and impact. At Nuffic, she held various key roles, including deputy director of the National Agency and team leader of various teams. Previously, she gained experience in higher education and at the intersection of marketing, communication, and strategy. Noor studied at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid and the University of Groningen, where she obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication and Information Sciences.
Associate Vice President for External Engagement
Amelia joined the University of Surrey in January 2019 as Head of the Department of Politics, and Chair in European and International Affairs. Previously she worked as Director of the Centre for European Studies (CEFEUS), a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at Canterbury Christ Church Uni (2013-2018), after positions in Brussels at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels and the Institute for European Studies, where she directed the Euromaster degree, as well as the Educational Development (EDU).
Amelia is a long-standing Jean Monnet Chair in European Foreign Affairs, allowing her to successfully obtain Erasmus+ funding for the University of Surrey’s Centre for Britain and Europe (based in the Department of Politics), establishing it in 2020 as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. Amelia’s researching, teaching, consulting & postgrad supervising covers a wide range of areas on EU foreign and security policy, as well as new forms of EU-UK relations. These include Common Foreign and Security Policy, Common Security and Defence Policy, EU-US and EU-Canada relations, EU-Russia relations, EU Neighbourhood Policy, EU Development policy (with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa), as well as Arctic & northern governance issues. Additional areas of interest include foreign policy analysis, international and diplomatic history, the role of sovereignty in political history, International Relations theory, international political economy, public policy analysis, the Commonwealth and EU education policy.
Amelia is regularly called upon as a guest speaker, external supervisor, research partner, consultant and media pundit on areas of EU foreign affairs, and of late, EU-UK relations.
In January 2021, Amelia was appointed Dean International of the University of Surrey, leading the International Engagement Office in supporting the strategic goals of the university on partnership with other universities and networks world-wide, enhanced cutting-edge research cooperation, as well as staff/student mobility. From October 2023, Amelia was appointed Associate Vice-President of External Engagement, helping to deliver the University of Surrey’s international strategies, alongside community engagement, public affairs, and developing new partnerships at local, regional, national and international level.
In December 2024, as a result of her work with UNITAR, the UN’s research and capacity building agency, and complementing her role as Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Centre of Excellence on Ageing (April 2023), Amelia was appointed inaugural Director of the CIFAL Surrey Centre, a knowledge exchange hub based within the Institute for Sustainability, dedicated to training and capacity building climate literacy, climate leadership and sustainability more broadly.
Head of Global Mobility and Study Abroad
I'm Eduardo Lees, Head of Global Mobility at the University of Westminster. Passionate about inclusive leadership, I work to widen access to international experiences. My role oversees Exchanges, Work Placements and short-term global opportunities for Westminster students alongside incoming Study Abroad programmes. I have over 15 years’ expertise in delivering global programmes and cultivating strong international partnerships, including at Goldsmiths and the British Council. I co-chair the UUKi Climate Action Working Group and am excited to share our work with the sector. Outside work, I volunteer with Southwark Youth Justice Service and am a qualified career and life coach.
Deputy Head, Global Opportunities & Experience
Joining Durham University’s International Office in 2019, Simon experienced a sink or swim introduction to staff and student mobility, managing the multiple challenges of: civil unrest, a pandemic, Brexit and wars. Despite this, over this period he has also managed an overhaul of Durham’s mobility programmes, from a narrow study abroad focus to a global opportunities platform that offers students a full range of choice including work, study, art, research and more. While overhauling Durham's Global Opportunity portfolio, Simon introduced a new selection process for exchange opportunities, which sought to address some of the systemic challenges associated with selection.
Head of Partnerships and Mobility
Liz has over 11 years’ experience in International Mobility, starting at the British Council working on the Language Assistants programme and Generation UK India. For the past five and a half years, she has led the International Mobility activities at the University of Surrey, driving student participation in global opportunities including study exchange and study abroad, summer programmes, and work / research placements abroad. Her remit spans all levels of study including PGR mobility. Liz also leads the University's external mobility funding and serves as Chair of the UUKi Turing Operational Group.
International Mobility Coordinator
Jane has worked with postgraduate researchers (PGRs) for 5 years, initially working within the Doctoral College at the University of Surrey administering a UK based work placement programme for postgraduate researchers. For the last 2 years she has worked in International Mobility, supporting work and research placements at all levels of study, and administration of the Turing Scheme. With responsibility for coordinating postgraduate researcher international placements, Jane has worked to streamline processes to improve PGR experience, capture the impact and outcome of PGR mobility for the University, and to ensure that Surrey meets regulatory requirements.
Affiliate Student Experience Coordinator
Lizzey has worked in global mobility for over six years and has experience working in inbound, outbound and short-term mobility across several UK universities. In their current role, Lizzey supports incoming study abroad students at UCL, working closely with academic departments and sending institutions from around the world to develop improved processes and experience for Affiliate students. Lizzey delivers bespoke communications and events for Affiliates and is committed to developing a positive and inclusive Affiliate student community. As a member of the UUKi Climate Action Task & Finish Group, Lizzey is passionate about embedding sustainability into their work.
Head of Global Mobility
I am the Head of Global Mobility at De Montfort University and have responsibility for the management and delivery of the DMU Global programme. I have been in this role for 12 years, and have worked in the Education sector for 17 years.
Deputy Director
Oscar is Deputy Director for International Evidence and Trade in the Department for Education. This role includes international benchmarking surveys such as PISA and the International Education Strategy. He has previously worked in a range of leadership, policy and delivery roles across the UK civil service including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Home Office and Cabinet Office and in Brussels supporting the Council of the EU.
Professor of Human Geography
Johanna Waters is Professor of Human Geography and Co-Director of the Migration Research Unit at University College London. She is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and an Editor of the journal Global Networks.
Head of Unit
Filip van Depoele is an economist by training (University of Leuven, Belgium) and subsequently studied European Economic Integration (College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium) and International Relations (Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy). He worked for a number of years in the private sector (banking) before joining the European Commission in 1997. He is currently heading the International Cooperation unit in the European Commission department in charge of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. In this capacity, he was involved in the negotiations on the UK’s association to Erasmus+.
