Thursday 3 September 2026
& Friday 4 September 2026
This event is open to bronze, silver and gold members or by invitation only
SUMMER UNIVERSITY
Shaping our future to 2040
For the past six years, the Ideas Network 2030 has provided an informal framework for individuals of the centre-right of British politics – along with other stakeholders interested in long-term trends and their effects on our economy, politics and society – to meet, discuss, evaluate and assess their relevance and importance to current politics in the United Kingdom and Europe.
The Ideas Network 2030 Summer University is our principal annual meeting place. It is one of the few events that focuses on critically important emerging issues that will impact public policy and personal agenda. In September 2026, our Summer University will look forward to a 2040 horizon providing insights from leading British and European speakers into global trends, security, digital transformation, national and global economic factors and sustainability.
The 2026 Summer University will be held in Corpus Christi College in Oxford on September 3-4. It will serve as the culmination of a series of IN2030 events planned for 2025-26 on key issues. These events are aimed at engaging policy makers and potential sponsors in discussions with local, national and European stakeholders from across politics, business, academia and society in sharing insight and analysis of global trends that impact the UK and its neighbours.
Its location in one of Oxford’s oldest colleges provides a single venue for plenary sessions, breakout groups, refreshments and formal dining. Corpus Christi College offers state of the art conferencing facilities set in an historic Oxford University environment. There is also the opportunity to take advantage of the college’s accommodation facilities, thereby enabling participants to establish a unique base in one location to network and develop connections with speakers and other delegates.
We will work with our partners to design an attractive event, bringing together an excellent array of challenging speakers to generate powerful ideas looking towards 2040. We expect that this will encourage participants to help shape their future. All sessions will have a rapporteur. The conclusions will provide the basis for our work program for the year ahead 2026/2027.
Getting to the Summer University and accommodation
Oxford has excellent public transport links. Its railway station is served by GWR, Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry trains, and runs frequent and speedy services to London. The Oxford Tube, a London to Oxford coach service, runs 24/7. For those arriving by car, parking is limited near Corpus Christi and in Oxford, so we recommend you use Park and Ride. There are various sites, operating between the outskirts of Oxford and the city centre, plus there is parking approximately 15 minutes walk from the College at the Westgate Shopping Centre.
We have reserved some accommodation at the College for Thursday evening for those wishing to stay at a cost of £130 + VAT per night which can be booked directly with the College. Details will be available later on how to book.
Why join us at the 2026 IN2030 Summer University?
There are many different reasons to join us in person at the Summer University in Oxford including an excellent program of plenary and breakout sessions, examining the key issues looking forward to 2040; fantastic networking opportunities both during the daytime activities and during the Annual Dinner; a unique venue in the heart of Oxford with the chance to stay at one of the finest colleges overnight; and also the chance to extend your stay in the Oxford area if you wish.
We will be publishing more details soon, and working with our partners to develop the full program.
Our historic venue
Corpus Christi, Oxford
Since its foundation in 1517, Corpus Christi has grown into a vibrant close-knit Oxford college known for academic excellence. The ancient buildings look out over gardens and meadows and are among the most beautiful in Oxford.
Corpus Christi College was built between 1512 and 1520 on land bought mainly from neighbour Merton College. Buildings from this time include the front quad (with the Tower, Hall and Library) and the Chapel.
The Chapel was built as part of the foundation of the College in 1517. The marble floor was laid, and the stalls and reredos were added during 1675-77; the screen was added slightly later. Although largely Anglican in its style of worship, the Chapel welcomes and attracts members of the College from a variety of traditions and of all faiths and none.
The Hall, where we will have our annual dinner, with its hammer-beams, pendant bosses and decorative wooden frieze, was completed in 1516. It was re-panelled in 1700, when the Tudor windows were removed.
The College has also invested in a modern auditorium which is built into the bastion of the ancient city wall and both preserves and accentuates original features such as the arrow-slots and embrasures of the bastion. The design includes large picture windows that bring natural light into the Auditorium and also incorporates two seminar rooms that can serve as 'break-out' rooms.
