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What does integrity mean to a university? Our sector is strong, dynamic, and used to evolving in order to do things better. Universities have been doing this for centuries. Indeed, staying true to themselves, while adapting to changing circumstances, is the very foundation of their success. Solidly rooted in our sector's common values and ethical principles, this integrity has long enabled universities to seek original and non-conventional solutions to problems old and new. As societies, and universities, now respond to transformations driven by multiple forces, be they (geo)political, environmental, social, or economic, this integrity is more valuable than ever.
The 2024 EUA Annual Conference will be hosted by Swansea University, UK, from 10-12 April. Entitled ‘Integrity in a Time of Change’, it will investigate and showcase universities’ capacity to deal with change and to shape societal transformation while staying true to their core character, values, and missions. This theme will be addressed from a variety of perspectives, by looking at teaching integrity, integrity in international collaboration, research ethics and integrity, and integrity in university leadership. Conference sessions on these topics will encourage an in-depth reflection on how universities, including their leadership and communities can effectively balance integrity and change to the benefit of their institutions and society at large.
It is an honour to be hosting the 2024 EUA Annual Conference here at Swansea University, and we look forward to working with EUA colleagues to stage another successful and engaging event within our city.
Swansea University was founded by industry and for industry in 1920. Our institution was forged within the Welsh industrial heartlands of the time, and our strong commitment to meaningful collaboration – whether with the private, public or academic sectors – has become an enduring legacy of our unique history.
Since becoming Vice-Chancellor in 2019, I have been proud to lead our university into its second century, building upon its tradition for both world-class research and teaching excellence. While our institutional grant capture, rankings and league table positions all attest to this excellence, we are also committed to providing something more – whether to our students, our staff or our local community.
Our motto is ‘Gweddw crefft heb ei dawn’ (‘Technical skill is bereft without culture’), which reflects our critical role as an advocate for the distinctive culture, heritage and language of Wales. It also encapsulates our desire to instil our diverse and international student community with a broader spirit of intellectual inquiry, and to become the change-makers and global citizens of tomorrow.
I actually started my academic career as a junior lecturer at Swansea University in 1991, and the outstanding natural beauty of our region and its characteristically warm Welsh welcome were key factors in my decision to return. I very much look forward to being able to welcome you to our city and to sharing the unique beauty of Swansea, Wales and its people with you all.
Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor, Swansea university
©Swansea University
Swansea University is a research-led university that has been proud to make a difference since 1920. The University’s community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.
Our stunning waterfront campuses make us a desirable location for students and staff from across the world, and our diverse international community enriches us with a global perspective, enabling those who join us to develop skills and knowledge that set them on successful and enriching careers.
Swansea University has an international reach with staff, students, partnerships, and research links stretching across the globe. Our campuses are vibrant and diverse with staff and students from over 130 different countries.
We are, and will continue to be, a principled, purposeful, and resilient university that balances excellent teaching with world-leading research and innovation in an open environment. While we are valued globally as a trusted partner, we are deeply committed to our region and are proud to be a university for Wales.
Boasting a wealth of culture, traditions and heritage, Wales is known as a land of song and a country steeped in myth and legend. With rolling hills, dramatic mountains, hundreds of castles, cascading waterfalls, rare flora and fauna and a coastal path that runs along the entire coastline of the country, in Wales beauty is everywhere.
Swansea is a coastal city located in South Wales, in the UK. It is a unique, historic, and changing city founded on a strong industrial heritage, which has evolved into a contemporary and vibrant waterside destination, offering diverse culture, delicious Welsh cuisine and entertainment opportunities, set in some of the most captivating coastline and countryside in the UK.
Located approximately 300 kilometres from London by road, Swansea is the second largest city in Wales and the twenty-fifth largest city in the United Kingdom. Swansea has over 51 kilometres (32 miles) of stunning coast, with over 50 named beaches, and is home to the largest indoor market in Wales, with over 100 independent stalls, along with Swansea Museum, Wales’ oldest public museum.
Just a short drive from Swansea is the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower. The Gower Peninsula is a rich and varied environment and is as ecologically diverse as it is beautiful – from open, wild moors and dramatic limestone cliffs to golden, sandy beaches including Rhossili Bay, which has featured in the TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards top ten beaches in Britain for the last eight years.
Swansea is a vibrant and welcoming city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking to visit one of the many beaches, explore the local culture, or try the local cuisine, Swansea is the perfect destination.
