The international conference Access to Higher Education in the 21st Century – Policies and Outcomes, organized by the University of Bucharest’s interdisciplinary research group HES-Higher Education Studies and with support from the project Access to higher education in post-communist Romania, took place on October 19–20, 2023. The event was held under the auspices of the Interdisciplinary School of Doctoral Studies (ISDS) and was hosted by Professors Bogdan Murgescu and Romiță Iucu. This international conference brought together at the Rectorate of the University of Bucharest, scholars and policymakers to discuss diverse aspects of access to higher education, including public policies, societal challenges, and innovative solutions. At the same time, the event highlighted global trends and national perspectives in this critical area.
The two-day event featured keynote lectures by renowned academics Peter Scott (UCL Institute of Education) and Liviu Matei (King’s College London), focusing on contemporary challenges and strategies in the higher education sector. Discussions spanned an array of topics, from affirmative measures and policies for marginalized groups to the democratization of education systems and transnational collaborations. Contributions also explored the delicate balance between increasing educational access and maintaining quality standards, particularly as societies strive to adapt education systems to meet labor market demands.
A highlight of the conference was its focus on cutting-edge themes, such as the emergence of micro-programs and their role in broadening educational accessibility. Presentations also addressed regional developments, including the expansion of European higher education and its global implications. Social equity remained a key thread, with discussions addressing opportunities for disadvantaged groups, and the need for robust frameworks to support inclusive education systems.
The conference included exchanges among participants and discussions on future collaborations. Accepted papers, reviewed by the scientific committee, will be included into a forthcoming volume.
More information about the event, including the four sessions, is available here.
