King's and Humboldt Presidential Conversation: The Evolving Societal Role of Universities

King's College London. Photo: Adobe Stock / William

As the 30th anniversary of their partnership approaches, King’s College London and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin are celebrating with a showcase of their multifaceted collaboration, highlighted by an in-depth Presidential Conversation between Professor Shitij Kapur and Professor Julia von Blumenthal.

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Partnership spotlight

An opening panel will provide a brief overview of 30 years of collaboration through the European Law School, the Joint PhD Programme, and the Circle U. alliance—reflecting on the past and present while also exploring future opportunities for the partnership.

Professor Oana-Andreea Stefan, The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London
Professor Matthias Ruffert, Faculty of Law, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Professor Anne Enderwitz, Department of English and American Studies, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Dr Áine McMurtry, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, King’s College London
Moderator: Yolanda Rother

Presidential Conversation: Universities in Society

The highlight of the evening will be a dialogue between HU-president Julia von Blumenthal and King's-president Shitij Kapur. Drawing on their respective backgrounds, they will discuss the role of universities in democratic and social transformation, exploring how these institutions can balance resilience, responsibility and innovation to remain vital in times of change, particularly in capital cities like Berlin and London.

Professor Julia von Blumenthal (President, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
Professor Shitij Kapur (Vice-Chancellor & President, King’s College London)

Reception

Time

Thursday, 6 November 2025, 6.00 – 8.00 pm

Location

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin

Main Building, Senatssaal (first floor)

The event will be held in English.