TEDx University of Leeds event to explore human connections

Date

University of Leeds students are joining forces for a day of inspiring speeches that explore human connections.

The TEDx University of Leeds event, on 19 September, invites participants to re-discover and foster meaningful connections. 

Inspiring individuals taking to the stage will include: four-time Paralympic champion and TV personality Kadeena Cox OBE; global philanthropy advisor Minhaz Abedin; Nigerian entrepreneur Victor Okpala; co-founder of Too Good To Go, Jamie Crummie; and University of Leeds Dean of Online and Digital Education Margaret Korosec.   

Speakers will share their insight and experience on what it means to be human and have human connections. Audience members will be encouraged to take action, connect with each other in meaningful ways and make a positive impact in the world.  

Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education at the University of Leeds, said: “The TEDx University of Leeds event showcases our University as a hub of innovative ideas and expertise. Organised by our students, this event highlights their exceptional talents and wealth of skills. The event brings together our local and global community and creates a variety of exciting and meaningful opportunities for all those involved.” 

The University of Leeds is a place where ideas are supported and celebrated by peers, faculty members and the University management team.  

Tanweer Hassan, MBA student and organiser of the TEDx University of Leeds project

Tanweer Hassan, a Master of Business Administration Student (MBA) and TEDx organiser of the University of Leeds project, discussed the idea during the initial week of his MBA. Tanweer received support from Professor Grabill, Professor Edgar Meyer, Deputy Dean of Leeds University Business School, Richard Hodgett, current MBA Director, James Roberts, former MBA Director and Catherine Porter, MBA Programme Co-ordinator.

He added: “The University of Leeds is a place where ideas are supported and celebrated by peers, faculty members and the University management team. The team of student organisers is enthusiastic about igniting conversations that bring the University of Leeds community together for open discussions on topics like the environment, innovation and life. We are really looking forward to the event and hearing from a variety of different speakers.”  

Event Highlights 

Margaret Korosec, Dean of Online and Digital Education, said: “I've been following the TED community for many years as a source of inspiration and reflection. The TEDx University of Leeds event is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how we all have a role in our borderless communities.

"I am honoured to participate in this event during a time of exponential change in education and in our society. I am certain the day will nourish the soul and open the doors to the lived experiences within our community."

Other speakers at the event include: 

  • Anu Shah – Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist and former Product Lead at Meta 
  • Behnaz Elhaminia – Postdoctoral Researcher and AI Developer 
  • Joe Ryle – Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign 
  • Jasdeep Singh Degun – UK-born Sitarist, Composer and Producer 
  • Radhika Borde – Lecturer in Sustainability Transitions and Social Justice  
  • Rachael O’Connor – Associate Professor, University Academic Lead for Personal Tutoring and LITE Fellow 
  • Theo Youds – Aerospace Engineering MEng student and Found and Director of Leeds University Rocketry Association.  

Alongside the speakers, there will be musical performances and an evening drinks reception at the University’s state-of-the-art innovation hub, Nexus.  

Further information: 

For more information please contact Rebecca Hurrey at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds press office.  

To purchase your ticket, please visit the TEDx University of Leeds ticket site.  

Picture Credit: Alexander Hogan.  

For more information about on TED and TEDx events please visit TED.com