The British Academy invites you to the second round of Shape the Future workshops on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for policy, society and research.

As you know, the British Academy has been actively responding to the pandemic and demonstrating the importance of the humanities and the social sciences alongside medical and other sciences.    

Over the last few weeks, we have convened a first round of virtual workshops in order to harness our collective insights on how to shape a positive post-pandemic future, exploring opportunities to rebuild society and culture in light of the COVID-19 crisis. We are delighted to update you that we are now launching a second round of workshops to further build on this dialogue.  

A range of issues will be explored in the virtual workshops over the coming weeks and we will release new topics and dates for sessions on a weekly basis. We would be hugely grateful if you could join us for these discussions to ensure we are as inclusive and creative as possible.  

Please see the attached table for a list of the initial sessions and details of how to sign up. Session dates range from 1 June to 26 June.

Each workshop will explore  what we know about the context and knowledge base for topics, what we need to know and what the relevant policy questions are across different contexts. Please do not feel constrained because you think you may not have relevant subject expertise; the only requirement is your participation and your willingness to be flexible and try out this new format with us.    

Initial outputs from each workshop will include a short, focussed, one-page summary of each discussion. Collectively, across all the sessions, we will produce an overview of key reflections for policy, for society and for research. This will be used for a more public launch of the initiative in June and to signal this is the start of a longer conversation.   

Best wishes,