Eminent sociologist leads Distinguished Lecture Series
16 May 2011
Professor Michael Burawoy
“The golden age of university autonomy is over and institutions must move forward and reinvent their public mission”, an eminent sociologist will argue in a keynote lecture at the University.
Professor Michael Burawoy of the University of California, Berkeley, is a leading proponent of public sociology, a renowned author, and a close observer of industrial workplaces in countries around the world. Most recently, he has turned to the study of his own workplace – the university – to consider the way sociology itself is produced and then disseminated to diverse publics.
On 9 June 2011, he will deliver the first of the University’s new Distinguished Lecture’s speaking on the subject of ‘Universities in Crisis’. Based on his current research, Professor Burawoy’s lecture will explore how universities around the world are subject to intensified regulation and marketisation. Because of this, Professor Burawoy suggests that the professional and policy dimensions are emphasised by universities at the expense of the critical and public dimensions.
Ahead of the lecture the Schools supporting the event – the School of Social Sciences, the School of City and Regional Planning and Cardiff Business School - will be outlining their cutting-edge research in a series of seminars and workshops.
Running from 2pm – 5pm the seminars take place at the Glamorgan Building and are open to all. To attend the afternoon seminar series please contact Sandra Bonney, School of Social Sciences on Bonney@cardiff.ac.uk
Professor Burawoy’s lecture will be held at Birt Acres lecture theatre, Bute Building, Cardiff and starts at 6.00pm, with a reception beforehand starting at 5.30pm.To reserve a place at the lecture please email publicbookings@cardiff.ac.uk or call 029 2087 6935.
The Distinguished Lecture Series is a new initiative by the University Research Committee which aims to bring eminent and influential guest speakers to the University and a wider audience to showcase their work.
Professor Graham Hutchings, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Chair of the Research Committee, said: “The Distinguished Lecture Series has the specific objective of contributing to the establishment and consolidation of Cardiff’s international reputation for academic impact. By inviting a high-profile lead speaker to deliver a key-note lecture as part of a wider programme of activities, Schools and therefore the University, will also have an opportunity to showcase excellent research to a series of eminent and influential guest speakers, as well as to a wider audience.”
Three further Distinguished Lectures will take place throughout 2011/2012.
