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Western Global Impact Conversation
A WAFAR initiative
Hard questions, thought leaders and an open invitation.
Each year, the Western Academy for Advanced Research (WAFAR) will bring a distinguished speaker to Western University to take on a pressing global issue in a conversation that is timely, thought-provoking and open to everyone.
About the Conversation
Some of the most consequential conversations happening in research and experiential learning are not yet reaching the public audiences who need them most. The Western Global Impact Conversation is designed to be that bridge.
Once a year, WAFAR will invite a leading international thinker to campus to explore a globally significant topic in a way that is engaging, accessible and intellectually honest. The event is open to students, staff, faculty, community partners and the general public.
What to expect
Every Conversation centres on a topic that is:
- Timely: connected to a current and evolving global conversation in research, policy or public life
- Thought-provoking: raising important questions that invite genuine reflection and debate
- Accessible: designed for a general audience, not only academic specialists
Our speakers
Each speaker is an internationally recognized expert, public intellectual or thought leader with a connection to a current or past WAFAR research program.
Speakers and topics are selected each year with input from WAFAR's faculty and University Leadership, so that each Conversation matters both globally and locally.
Why it matters
The Western Global Impact Conversation aims to:
- Bring world-leading thinkers to Western to engage the university and the wider community
- Translate complex, interdisciplinary research into compelling public conversation
- Show the real-world relevance of WAFAR-funded research
- Position Western as a convener of serious, globally relevant scholarship
This year, we welcome Dr. Samantha Nutt, on Feb 10, 2027.