A special event celebrating the launch of Work-Net International, a groundbreaking global network dedicated to advancing research on work and employment, will take place on Tuesday, 21 January 2025.
The event is part of the Work Equalities Institute's two-day Sixth Fairness at Work conference, hosted by the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) at The University of Manchester.
The launch event will welcome 26 of Work-Net International's 31 founding members to The University of Manchester - bringing together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the network's potential to influence international policy and academic discourse on critical issues related to work and employment.
Event highlights
The launch event, beginning at 4pm, will feature distinguished speakers, including:
- Professor Jill Rubery, Executive Director of the Work and Equalities Institute (WEI) at AMBS, and Chair of the Work-Net International steering group
- Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester
- Sangheon Lee, Director of the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Employment Department.
Sangheon Lee, in anticipation of the launch, remarked:
"It is extremely timely as the world of work is going through profound transformations with growing political and social uncertainty, which urgently require coordinated and informed policy actions at both national and global levels.
"This impressive global network should help the ILO advance debates and seek new policy solutions."
Two key panel discussions will frame the event, with contributors from the Network's Steering Group. The first panel will explore the rationale for establishing Work-Net International, and the importance of interdisciplinary and comparative research in addressing the challenges and opportunities in work and employment.
The second panel will examine how holistic research can inform policy debates, focusing on ways to improve the organisation of work and employment in a rapidly changing world.
A new platform for global collaboration
Work-Net International aims to connect research centres and institutes across the globe, providing a platform for collaboration and mutual support.
With 31 initial members spanning North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the network is poised to make significant contributions to academic research and policymaking. Future plans include expanding its reach and influence to more regions.
The network emphasises the pivotal role of work and employment in economic and social development, recognising that major shifts in these domains require innovative, inter-disciplinary research and solutions. Its activities will range from supporting early-career researchers and developing study groups to fostering international research collaborations and policy dialogues.
A vision for the future
Colette Fagan, Vice President for Research at The University of Manchester, expressed her excitement about the initiative:
"I am delighted that the Work and Equalities Institute (WEI) is launching this new international network to connect centres and institutes studying work and employment across the world.
"This network will help advance research and accelerate influence on national and international policy debates, building from the WEI’s established record of international and interdisciplinary research collaborations."
By fostering an international and inter-disciplinary approach, Work-Net International aims to address critical challenges and opportunities in work and employment. The network envisions influencing global policy, advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and improving the quality of work life for individuals worldwide.
Learn more about Work-Net International on the Work and Equalities Institute website.