Biographical Note:
Prior to taking up his appointment to the University of Liverpool, Sir Howard was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (Bristol), a university with a similar background and history to AUT. In the course of a distinguished career in tertiary education, Sir Howard has carried out comparative research on Higher Learning Institutions within the OECD and is regarded as one of the leading educators in the European Union. At a time when Higher Education in New Zealand is undergoing major changes, to have access to Sir Howard's expertise, experience and knowledge provides New Zealand with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the European Union's leading educators.
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Addresses:
During his early April 2008 visit Sir Howard was involved with three addresses as well as informal conversations:

1. “Knowledge Exchange: a new approach to knowledge transfer” BRCSS seminar presented via Karen: Wednesday April 2nd  (Powerpoint 552kb)
2. “OECD Globally Competitive – Locally Engaged: Higher Education and the Regions” Public Lecture on Tuesday April 8th.   (Powerpoint 516kb)
3. Rural Sociology in the UK (A ‘roundtable on Wednesday April 9th)

The Rural Economy and Land Use Programme (RELU) uses joined-up science to tackle key challenges facing the UK's rural areas. It is a radically interdisciplinary programme funded by a collaboration between three research councils and two government departments. There are four major themes: sustainable food chains; integration of land and water use; environmental basis of rural development; and economic and social interaction with the rural environment. Knowledge exchange with potential users of the research is embedded in the research design.