Manuel Barcia, University of Bath

Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.  

Curious; efficient; good humoured.

What do you like most about your job? 

I wake up each day knowing I’m building bridges (between continents, disciplines, perspectives, etc) and ensuring that research and education aren’t extractive but mutually enriching. Creating equitable global partnerships and seeing them develop from scratch is almost addictive.

Best work trip/Worst work trip? 

Best: A trip to Ghana last year while I was still a dean at the University of Leeds. Not only did we manage to start something that I hope will blossom into a great partnership, but during our visit to Kumasi, we were invited by the KNUST’s vice-chancellor to attend the silver jubilee of their chancellor, who also happens to be the King of Asante.

For someone who is also working on a book on the First Anglo-Asante War (1823-31), getting the chance to attend this event, to join a dancing procession behind the Asante drummers as they exited the university hall, and to even shake the hand of the King, made this trip truly special.

Worst: There have been those inevitable times when a partner institution abruptly responds with bureaucracy or unequal expectations, perhaps a stalled collaboration because remote partners didn’t feel truly included. Frustrating, yes, but those are the moments that have reinforced my commitment to ethical partnership standards.

If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why? 

Basque. I have deep roots in the Bilbao region, and I would love to be able to go there and speak Euskera. It’s a very difficult language to learn, and sadly Duolingo doesn’t offer it yet, in spite of my multiple requests over the years.

What makes you get up in the morning? 

The belief that higher education can lead global transformation if it’s inclusive and principled. Knowing that today I might start a conversation that empowers a researcher in the global south, or one that diversifies our student body, gets me out of bed. Also, I don’t underestimate the appeal of a good espresso before tackling time zones.

Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?

Oh, there are many, many here I could name, but I think I am going to go with Vivienne Stern. Few people advocate for UK higher education with such clarity, diplomacy, and integrity, especially on the global stage. She understands the importance of international partnerships not as transactional arrangements, but as long-term relationships built on mutual respect.

Whether she’s in Westminster or representing us abroad, she always keeps the sector’s values front and centre – particularly around openness, inclusion, and academic freedom. Also, anyone who can keep their cool while explaining global student mobility to a Select Committee deserves applause, and possibly a medal.

Best international ed conference and why?

There are several conferences I could mention, but one that stands out is the inaugural Times Higher Education conference in Central Asia, held last autumn in Tashkent. It was the first event of its kind in a region that genuinely captivates me.

On a personal level, having grown up in Cuba, this was my first visit to the former Soviet socialist republics (I also visited Kazakhstan), and I was struck by how familiar it felt. I even got to see a welcoming Misha bear (the 1980s Olympics mascot) as soon as I hit the road there.

Professionally, it was equally memorable. Meeting so many colleagues from across the region, all passionately committed to transforming their institutions and improving opportunities for their students and peers, was a deeply affirming experience.

Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?

Well, as a historian perhaps my preferences here are a bit unusual. There are plenty of self-help books and podcasts now, many of them quite useful, giving advice as to how to be a good leader and warning about the potential pitfalls ahead of anyone making its way in the sector today.

To me, the book that does that better than any other is To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. The way in which Atticus Finch, the protagonist, confronts the many challenges that come before him offers us a model of ethical leadership, integrity and courage that is second to none. A must-read for anyone wanting to become a better leader and person.

Worst conference food/beverage experience

I am not sure about food, but my worst beverage experience is coffee – any coffee – served in any conference, anywhere in the world. My personal challenge wherever I go is to find a place that serves a decent espresso, away from the so-called coffee I’ve found served at conferences everywhere so far. Definitely a sector-wide, global issue we may need to tackle as well.

Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.

At the University of Bath, I’m currently working with colleagues to develop a network of strategic global partners.

We’re looking for institutions that share our values and ambition; partners with whom we already have strong foundations of collaboration, and where there is clear potential to deepen that work through high-quality, high-impact research and, whenever possible, also student education. We’ve begun piecing the network together and holding initial conversations, which have been both exciting and full of promise.

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