Graduate education is experiencing a period of profound transformation driven by evolving academic, technological, and workforce dynamics. Building on discussions from the 2025 Global Summit in Quebec—where the impact of generative artificial intelligence on student success was examined—the 2026 Strategic Leaders Global Summit will broaden the conversation to address the structural evolution of graduate education more comprehensively.
Hosted by Qatar University (QU), the summit will bring together senior academic leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore how graduate education systems can adapt responsibly to emerging challenges while maintaining academic quality, equity, and inclusive access. Discussions will focus on rethinking long-established models to ensure graduate education remains responsive to societal needs and aligned with future workforce demands.
The summit will examine core components of graduate education, including admissions frameworks, program design and delivery, departmental structures, and the evolving role of theses, dissertations, and capstone projects. Through dialogue and shared experiences, participants will consider innovative yet sustainable approaches that support student success and institutional resilience.
The program will feature six thematic panel discussions addressing the following areas:
- Structural transformations in graduate education across local, regional, national, and transnational contexts.
- Reimagining admissions processes to enhance inclusion and identify emerging talent.
- Designing interdisciplinary, impact-oriented graduate programs.
- Flexible modes of delivery to serve an increasingly diverse graduate student population.
- Rethinking theses, dissertations, and capstone projects for 21st century learners.
- Redefining student success models to align with learner aspirations and evolving workforce needs.
