The academic flyout culture: what's next

King’s is proud to be an international community that serves the world. Our academics address global challenges through their research, and our many international networks and partnerships enable us to have a global impact and enrich the student experience. However, this international ambition has a significant impact on the climate.

Flights are often taken by an elite few: in academia, research shows that senior male academics travel the most while early-career researchers travel much less. Additionally, at times, early-career academics and non-tenured faculty may feel forced to fly to conferences, despite their climate concerns, due to its normalisation in academia and link to career progression and perceptions of success (EAUC Travel Better).

In the face of the climate crisis, King’s has set a target to reduce business travel emissions by 50% by 2030, compared to 2018/19 (King’s Climate & Sustainability Action Plan). However, instead of seeing a downward trend, business travel emissions are increasing compared to pre-COVID levels.

The third event in our series exploring how we can minimise emissions from air travel while improving diversity and equity in academia, this panel discussion with Q&A will offer further robust debate, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives, and a chance to have your say on this vitally important topic.

Speakers

• Veronica Daly [panel chair]: Chief Procurement Officer at King's College London
• Professor Frans Berkhout [Q&A chair]: Assistant Principal (King’s Climate & Sustainability) and Professor of Environment, Society, and Climate
• Professor 'Funmi Olonisakin: Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) and Professor of Security, Leadership & Development
• More speakers to be confirmed

Structure

• 15:00-15:50 Panel discussion
• 15:50-16:30 Q&A / discussion with audience
• 16:30-17:30 Drinks and networking

This event will be hybrid. 

King’s has been reviewing its travel policy in collaboration with the community, which is due to be published in summer 2024. As an effective policy requires continuous engagement, learning and listening, we invite you to join this event to learn and share your thoughts.

This event is open to the King's community and targeted at those who engage in business travel.

Watch a recording of the first two events: