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Emily F. Henderson, Director of the DEAR Centre, along with collaborator Bornali Borah (Department of Economics, Gauhati University), co-presented keynote sessions entitled 鈥淭he Role of Faculty Members in Addressing Hidden Inequalities in Global Higher Education鈥� at the international seminar 鈥淪haping the Future: Global Perspectives on the Emerging Higher Education Landscape,鈥� held at the University of Calicut, Kerala, India on 26–27 February 2026.

Their presentation explored structural as well as everyday inequalities within global higher education, with a focus on the role faculty members can play in identifying and addressing these challenges. Engaging with a Capability Approach lens, the talk engaged with questions of equity and inclusion, highlighting the responsibility of educators in fostering more just academic environments. The session was well received and led to thoughtful discussions, including whether such inequalities are in fact 鈥渉idden鈥�, particularly in the Indian context. This, in turn, provided an opportunity for the presenters to emphasise how these inequalities are often manifested within processes and lie at the core of the disparities which are otherwise seen in outcomes.

Ann Stewart, DEAR Centre Collective Member and Professor in the Law School, delivered an online presentation on the second day of the event entitled: 鈥淎 Right to Higher Education鈥�. Her presentation explored the contribution of human rights to support a social justice and equity seeking approach to accessing higher education. It explored the evolution of the international rights and policy framework which supports inclusive access to higher education before moving on to focus on the policy and practices of widening participation in the UK. Her presentation revealed the extent to which students from disadvantaged communities still face barriers in particular in accessing 鈥榚lite鈥� or selective higher education institutions. The presentation argued for the need to support equity focused higher education practitioners.

The seminar brought together scholars and faculty members, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and exchange. Participation in the event further strengthened the DEAR Centre鈥檚 engagement with ongoing global conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.