Our Work
The fourteen domains
Every part of university life.
To turn its mandate into practice, WUF works across fourteen domains of university life. Progress in one strengthens the others. The domains are also the frame through which WUF reads the state of the university, so that every university is seen whole: not research alone, not reputation alone, but everything a university is and does.
01 Excellence in Education
Teaching and curricula built around inquiry, problem solving and real application.
Linked shift: Knowledge provider to cultivator of wisdom; degrees for the young to learning for life
02 Innovative Research
Research across disciplines and borders that answers humanity’s largest questions.
Linked shift: Isolated campuses to permanent networks
03 Sustainable and Smart Campus
Campuses that save energy and resources and serve as living models of sustainability.
Linked shift: Ivory tower to anchor of its land
04 Staff and Student Empowerment
Communities in which students and staff are supported and able to thrive.
05 Leadership and Academic Development
Continuous development for those who teach and those who lead.
Linked shift: Knowledge provider to cultivator of wisdom
06 Total Quality
Quality as a culture across teaching, research and service, not a compliance exercise.
Linked shift: Prestige to impact
07 Creative Collaboration
Partnerships between universities, industry, government and civil society.
Linked shift: Isolated campuses to permanent networks; ivory tower to anchor of its land
08 Effective Recruitment
Fair, global and diverse pathways for students and faculty.
Linked shift: Degrees for the young to learning for life
09 Higher Academic Ranking
New measures that recognize real impact on society, inclusion and innovation.
Linked shift: Prestige to impact
10 AI and Digital Transformation
Artificial intelligence and data used with confidence and with care.
Linked shift: Technology by pressure to technology with purpose
11 Smart Academic Publishing
Open, modern ways of sharing knowledge with the world.
Linked shift: Technology by pressure to technology with purpose
12 Financials and Budgeting
Resilient finances that protect independence and allow investment.
13 Smart and Strategic Governance
Transparent, accountable and agile decision making.
Linked shift: Technology by pressure to technology with purpose
14 University Influence
Universities as anchors of their communities and voices in public life.
Linked shift: Ivory tower to anchor of its land
Read more: The six shifts · Five areas of work