This initiative connects nine universities across the OxCam (Oxford to Cambridge) arc region, bringing together students and experts to explore ways to drive innovation and development in the area. As part of the panel, I participated in monthly fireside chats on topics such as Connectivity and Built Infrastructure, as well as Business and Investment / Knowledge Networks. These discussions provided valuable opportunities to engage with industry leaders and connect with organisations like East West Rail and the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership. Inspired by these sessions, I wrote a blog post on Skills and Learning in the region, which you can read here.

One highlight of my involvement was participating in a study for East West Rail, where I provided insights on how I travel in the region and what factors are most important for me to succeed. I also contributed to blog posts and co-moderated a discussion on Built Infrastructure and Business Networks, broadening my understanding of how different sectors can work together to shape the region’s future.

The culmination of these efforts was the Student Summit held on 5th November at the University of Bedfordshire. After months of planning, the event brought together industry experts, academics, and student representatives for a packed day of keynotes, panel discussions, and networking. The day began with an introduction by Prof Andrew Church, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bedfordshire, followed by a keynote from Matt Allen. Matt emphasised the importance of universities collaborating with the private sector to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. This message resonated with my own research into ethical practices in design and engineering, where I strive to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges. Yet, as was highlighted in the discussion, there is still much to be done to embed PhDs into industry settings, enabling researchers to solve pressing problems more effectively and in a timely manner.

One of the key themes of the day was the role of East West Rail as a catalyst for innovation in the OxCam region. Discussions explored how improved connectivity could enhance collaboration, economic development, and talent retention. The region’s infrastructure was presented as a critical enabler of its potential to become a leading hub for innovation. A representative from UKRI also spoke about the funding opportunities available for research and innovation. As the UK’s largest public funding body, UKRI invests £8 billion annually across disciplines and sectors, offering significant support for projects that align academic research with public and private sector needs.

The 3-Minute Thesis challenge was another highlight of the day, where PhD students presented their research in creative and concise ways. From using props like a pair of jeans to visuals from Disney’s Aladdin, the presentations demonstrated the breadth of research happening within the OxCam region. Feedback from the panel was constructive and encouraged the participants to refine their work further.

One of the most engaging sessions of the day was a keynote by Mariella Noto, which focused on bridging the gap between higher education and industry, particularly in the field of environmental education. During a workshop that followed, we explored how stakeholders like academics could better align research with real-world needs. A notable example came from a PhD student collaborating with the government, whose research timeline was expedited to three years due to its critical importance. The discussion reinforced the idea that research must address timely and relevant issues, especially in a world where change happens so rapidly.

During the student panel session, we were asked to imagine a manifesto for the OxCam region and propose key priorities. Ideas ranged from sustainability and talent retention to affordable and accessible transport. My contribution focused on affordability, as the high cost of living in the region forces many to work elsewhere while enduring long and expensive commutes. This dynamic makes it difficult to build local connections or a sense of community. Without addressing such disparities, the region risks losing talented individuals who bring innovation and creativity. This gap between wealth and poverty in the region continues to widen, and addressing it is essential to fostering a thriving, inclusive community.

The final session of the day centred on imagining the future we want to create. Discussions touched on the challenges of envisioning positive change, highlighting how we often find it easier to imagine dystopias than utopias. This “imaginary crisis,” as described in Geoff Mulgan’s The Imaginary Crisis, stems from a lack of social imagination and limits our ability to take meaningful action. One of the key takeaways for me was the idea that society often views the status quo as inevitable, but every aspect of our world is shaped by choices. This perspective aligns with my own research into ethical design practices, where exploring dystopian scenarios helps identify risks and encourages the creation of more responsible solutions.

Reflecting on the day, it became clear that the OxCam region holds immense potential to become more than a UK version of Silicon Valley. Instead of replicating the innovation-for-profit model, we could cultivate a culture of meaningful innovation that prioritises community betterment and sustainability. To achieve this vision, we need to leverage our collective imagination, engage in collaborative action, and address systemic barriers to inclusivity and equality. The future of the region depends not only on infrastructure and investment but on our ability to imagine and work toward a better world.