The World 100 Reputation Network Conference is the key annual opportunity for highly ranked universities - both members and non-members - to share reputational achievements.

The W100 Annual Conference 2019 took place at The University of Manchester in Manchester, UK, from 9 – 11 September. Sally Sykes, Director of Communications and Marketing, and Alan Ferns, Associate Vice-President of External Relations and Reputation, were our hosts. The conference focused on how universities can build reputation through working with their communities and wider society.

The theme ‘A Reputation for Relevance – Universities Engaging with Society’ allowed us to explore how universities are building a reputation for working with local communities; how students are prepared for roles as citizens; how we prove higher education is contributing to society.


Conference Highlights


Taking science to the masses | Professor Brian Cox OBE, The University of Manchester
Britain’s most popular cosmologist and Renaissance man takes us behind the scenes of some of his global engagement and the impacts it has had on physics and Manchester. 

Dutch City Innovation Ignition | Rowinda Appelman, Dutch Government
How 19 Dutch cities are driving innovation in education.

Demonstrating impact | Nicky Old, Universities UK
The story and purpose behind #MadeAtUni – a campaign to brings to life the impact of universities on people, lives and communities. 

The Liberty Paradox | Monique Mourits, Utrecht University & Renee Merkx, Leiden University
How should universities respond to freedom of speech challenges in relation to developments in both social media and in politics?

Our Speakers

Professor Brian Cox OBE
The University of Manchester

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell
The University of Manchester

Johanna-Lowe-Sydney

Johanna Lowe
The University of Sydney

Renee Merkx
Leiden University

Nicky Old
Universities UK

Rowinda Appelman
Dutch Government

David Estok

David Estok
University of Toronto

Jonathan Grant
King’s College London

Philippe Beauregard
Concordia University

Monique Mourits
Utrecht University

Members Day | 9 September 2019

Our Manchester hosts put together a fantastic Members’ Day*, with an optional trip to Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United, or to the BBC studios in Salford. This was followed by a boat trip along the canal from Salford Quays to Castlefield and a walking tour of the city. The Members’ Day dinner took place in the awe-inspiring Living Worlds gallery at the Manchester Museum.

*Members only – one place per institution

Study Tour | 12-13 September 2019

Following the conference in Manchester, a group of W100 members headed across to Belfast for a couple of days at Queen’s University Belfast – a prestigious Russell Group UK university which is building a global reputation. Guests heard about the university’s unique challenges around research communications, with senior staff leading sessions and in-depth discussions, and there was also a chance to experience the vibrant city of Belfast and its many cultural attractions.


Become a Member

The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.

find out more