Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Higher education is facing a crisis of trust and purpose. The institutions, norms, and practices that have long sustained the pursuit of knowledge are under pressure — from political interference, institutional timidity, cultural polarization, and a crisis of public trust. The question is no longer whether the academy must change; it is already changing. The questions we face now are who will show up to shape those changes, and how they will be done.
That is why this year's theme is a call to action. Renew. Reform. Rebuild. is a rallying point for academic insiders who love their universities and want to do more than talk about the problems they face. HxA's members have never been mere disruptors — we are principled reformers committed to taking practical steps to rebuild an academy grounded in open inquiry. Over three days, we will convene scholars, educators, and academic leaders to ask: What does a healthier academy look like, and what can we all do right now to get there? What are we building toward, and what must we be willing to leave behind? And how do we build together in a moment that tempts us toward faction or retreat?
Attendees can look forward to three days of insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring plenary speakers. But the conference is about more than presentations and panels. It's also a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to creating cultures of open inquiry on our campuses. Whether you are a seasoned academic or a student just beginning your journey, you will find ample opportunities to network, share ideas, and collaborate with peers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Join us heterodoxacademy.org/2027-annual-hxa-conference
Higher education is facing a crisis of trust and purpose. The institutions, norms, and practices that have long sustained the pursuit of knowledge are under pressure — from political interference, institutional timidity, cultural polarization, and a crisis of public trust. The question is no longer whether the academy must change; it is already changing. The questions we face now are who will show up to shape those changes, and how they will be done.
That is why this year's theme is a call to action. Renew. Reform. Rebuild. is a rallying point for academic insiders who love their universities and want to do more than talk about the problems they face. HxA's members have never been mere disruptors — we are principled reformers committed to taking practical steps to rebuild an academy grounded in open inquiry. Over three days, we will convene scholars, educators, and academic leaders to ask: What does a healthier academy look like, and what can we all do right now to get there? What are we building toward, and what must we be willing to leave behind? And how do we build together in a moment that tempts us toward faction or retreat?
Attendees can look forward to three days of insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring plenary speakers. But the conference is about more than presentations and panels. It's also a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to creating cultures of open inquiry on our campuses. Whether you are a seasoned academic or a student just beginning your journey, you will find ample opportunities to network, share ideas, and collaborate with peers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.
Join us heterodoxacademy.org/2027-annual-hxa-conference
