Dear Members,

I am excited to announce that BBC StoryWorks, the commercial creative arm of BBC Global News, will produce a series on higher education for the IAU and the wider higher education community. The purpose is to reaffirm the fundamental values of higher education and its role in transforming societies. In order to do this, we will spotlight the work of IAU Member institutions contributing to this effort around the world.

Higher education is instrumental to the development of sustainable and democratic societies; shaping minds, promoting diversity, leadership and social responsibility. In light of increasing global challenges, HEIs play a key role in addressing the societal transformations that lie ahead.

OUR AMBITION:

• Highlight the importance of core values being implemented at universities to contribute to sustainable and fair societies
• Understand and communicate how universities are central to prosperity, innovation and social change
• Promote strong and diverse higher education systems and institutions

YOUR STORIES:

As part of this process, I would like to invite you to share your impactful and innovative work. We’d like to know about the case studies and stories occurring within your institutions that translate core university values into action.

In order to have real impact with viewers, it is vital that we bring to life work in the areas of internationalisation, technology, leadership and sustainable development. These are not only in line with the IAU’s strategic priorities, but also at the forefront of transformations in higher education today.

BBC StoryWorks will produce mini documentary-style films that tell these meaningful stories. Their creative teams will work with various institutions around the world, to capture their work in a compelling and visually engaging way. Those involved in the project will be able to use this content in their communication, advocacy and fundraising efforts.

THE PROCCESS:

Please express your interest in this project by responding to the three questions below. Selected institutions will be asked to fund the production costs of a mini-documentary. They will have the opportunity to shape the film’s creative treatment using BBC StoryWorks teams’ expertise and knowledge. The series will be distributed to relevant audiences across the globe in a cross-platform campaign managed by BBC StoryWorks.

IAU is committed to ensuring the diversity of voices in this project. Whilst we understand the terms of this project might not be suitable for all IAU Members, we have worked to develop an approach that we hope will enable a broad range of institutions to participate.

This opportunity is open exclusively to IAU Members. We welcome non-member institutions to discover IAU’s membership benefits and join the Association, in order to participate. For more information, please contact Juliette Becker.

TIMELINE:

The deadline for expressions of interest from institutions is April 30. Please respond with the requested information and details before this date, after which point the BBC StoryWorks team will be in contact with those expressing an interest.

Production will then be conducted in advance of the series launch at the IAU 2019 International Conference on 13-15 November in Puebla, Mexico.

We hope this is not only an exciting opportunity for you to profile important initiatives of your institution on a global scale, but also for the higher education sector as a whole.

I look forward to seeing your stories brought to screen, demonstrating the important role of higher education in societal development!

Hilligje van’t Land, PhD
IAU Secretary General
Executive Director