DEN’s News & Views platform showcases student-led public scholarship, connecting classroom learning with global projects, people, and impact. We have the latest events, celebrations, and awards, alongside quick takes from students and staff.

Recent Events

Student Leadership Workshop with the Chinese University of Hong Kong

On 26 March 2026, the Democratic Education Network (DEN) at the University of Westminster hosted a Student Leadership Workshop for visiting students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The event brought together students from both universities to explore themes of student leadership, democratic participation, and cross-cultural collaboration in higher education.

The workshop began with an experiential field visit to the City of London, where students explored the historical development of London as a global financial and political centre. In the afternoon sessions at Westminster, participants engaged in interactive discussions on leadership practices within universities, cross-cultural perspectives on student leadership, and the design of student-led initiatives that could enhance university life.

DEN student leaders also shared their experiences organising conferences, conducting research collaborations, and building international partnerships, highlighting how student-led initiatives can contribute to academic communities and global engagement. The workshop concluded with a reflection session exploring future collaboration opportunities between Westminster and CUHK students.

The event reflected DEN’s commitment to student-led learning, international dialogue, and collaborative knowledge exchange across universities

DEN–CUHK Student Leadership Workshop Programme

KU Social Sciences Conference 2025 (Bangkok)

DEN joined Kasetsart University’s 2nd National / 3rd International conference on “Social Sciences for Sustainable Development.” A roundtable explored how social sciences turn the SDGs into local action through cross-disciplinary work and community partnerships. Dr Farhang Morady shared how DEN mobilises democratic practice and sustainability projects across cultures. Student reflections will appear on our online magazine.

Students as Changemakers: DEN Takes Sustainable Tourism Global

Farhang Morady presented “Sustainable Practice: The Democratic Education Network’s University Living Labs” on behalf of the Democratic Education Network (DEN) at the International Tourism Research Conference 2025 in Sri Lanka. The main message was clear: when students work together with communities and businesses, campuses become living labs. In these labs, people solve real problems, reduce waste, improve visitor experiences, and create fairer local economies. This is what impactful learning looks like, and it is just the start. We invite partners and students to join us in expanding this work to more destinations.

Celebrations

Milestones and community moments across DEN — new partnerships, publications, and showcases.

Awards & Recognition

Our wins and shortlists (e.g., Green Gown finalists, Guardian Awards) and what they mean for our work.

Featured Award — City and Islington College (May 2024)
We are delighted to share that DEN was honoured with an award from City and Islington College in May 2024. This recognition reflects our strong collaboration with the college and reaffirms our commitment to high standards of diligence, respect, care, and cooperation. It motivates us to keep delivering meaningful, positive impact for our communities.

Views

Short opinion pieces and reflections linking practice to the UN SDGs and ethical AI.

Share your story

Send 80–150 words and 2–3 photos to f.morady@westminster.ac.uk. We’ll lightly edit for clarity and credit you by name, course, and year.