Socrates UK
  • In Person
  • Seminar

Socrates UK 2026 Seminar

Note: This is a past event, additional resources may be available below.

Date

Mar 5 – 7, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm GMT

Location

Cambridge University
Madingley Hall
CB23 8AQ

The Leadership Paradox:
Regulation, Risk, and Innovation in Uncertain Times
(Sold Out)

How can leaders balance regulatory frameworks, risk, and the drive for innovation in an uncertain world?

In an era of rapid technological change, shifting political landscapes, and increasing scrutiny, leadership requires a delicate balance – navigating complex regulations while fostering innovation and strategic agility.

Aspen Institute UK’s Cambridge Leadership Seminar invites a select group of senior leaders from across business, government, civil society, and the non-profit sector to explore this crucial challenge. Over three days, participants will engage in dynamic, expert-moderated discussions, challenge their leadership assumptions, and build meaningful cross-sector connections.

The seminar will be led by Ruth Girardet. Ruth has been moderating Aspen seminars in the UK and Europe since 2013 and has over 20 years of professional experience in corporate responsibility and ethics. She has extensive knowledge of how the corporate and charity sectors can work together to address issues of social justice.

Taking place at the University of Cambridge’s Madingley Hall, the programme will include cultural activities and dinners over the three days to make the most of the seminar location and a chance to interact with fellow participants.

This seminar is part of the Aspen Institute’s globally recognised Socrates Program, which provides an interactive forum for influential leaders to debate the ideas shaping our world. For more information, click here.

If you would like to attend, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

Moderator: The seminar will be led by Ruth Girardet. Ruth has been moderating Aspen seminars in the UK and Europe since 2013 and has over 20 years of professional experience in corporate responsibility and ethics. She has extensive knowledge of how the corporate and charity sectors can work together to address issues of social justice.

Held in partnership with the Aspen Initiative UK, the Socrates UK Seminar will take place from March 5th to March 7th, 2026. This Socrates international seminar will include three sessions, program meals, and local excursions/tours.

Please email [email protected] if you want to know more about future international seminars.

To register your interest in attending this seminar, please fill the expression of interest form. Aspen UK may not be able to accept every application as we curate each cohort to ensure there is a real diversity of participants.

Communicating for Policy
Event

Communicating for Policy

Learn the basics of communicating your ideas for policy impact to stakeholders both in and outside of government in this 1-hour webinar.

2026 Fall Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar
Event

2026 Fall Hurst High School Great Ideas Seminar

The four-day seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students living in the Roaring Fork Valley.

2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Rifle
Event

2026 Teen Socrates Seminar – Rifle

The three-day seminar is dedicated to enhancing leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills for high school students in a setting conducive to thought and fellowship.

Aspen Policy Academy Director Betsy Cooper and another guest facilitate a panel with former Mayors London Breed and G.T. Bynum. The 4 speakers sit in chairs on stage with the Aspen Policy Academy logo displayed on a projector screen behind them.
Event

Running for Office

Learn the fundamentals of running for elected office with 2 former Mayors in this 1-hour webinar.

In the Arena: Cohort 2
Event

In the Arena: Cohort 2

In the Arena: Cohort 1
Event

In the Arena: Cohort 1

How to Tell Governments What You Think
Event

How to Tell Governments What You Think

Learn how to tell government actors what you think about their ideas in this 1-hour webinar.

Two people sitting at a desk leaning over a laptop.
Event

Scam Fighters Workshop

Participants will learn how to advocate for stronger scam fighting and cybersecurity infrastructure in their communities.

Writing an Op-Ed
Event

Writing an Op-Ed

Learn how to draft an op-ed to advance a broader goal of policy change in this 1-hour webinar.