Wednesday 21 October 2026

Taking place on Imperial’s Commemoration Day 2026, the Acland Centenary Reunion was a unique celebration of the Imperial prizes issued to celebrate humanities and languages at Imperial, particularly the Acland prize which celebrates its centenary in 2026. 

We were honoured to be joined by a stellar list of speakers as well as returning students, prizewinners and guests. Talks addressed the vital role of humanities and languages in a STEM university context, and world more generally, with a focus on looking forward to Imperial's Class of 2030 and beyond.  

Hetan Shah addresses the Acland Centenary Reunion

Speakers: 

  • Professor Alan Spivey, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience): Welcome remarks. 
  • Dr Ana Costa-Pereira, Director, Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication: CLCC overview. 
  • Dr Caroline Clewley: I-Explore and I-Leap.  
  • Hetan Shah, CEO British Academy: Humanities and Social Sciences in a STEM context. 
  • Darren Paffey MP, chair of APPG on Modern Languages: Languages in a STEM context. 

Prize chairs: 

  • Dr Iria Gonzalez-Becerra: Field Leader - Languages. 
  • Dr Michael Weatherburn: Field Leader - Humanities & Social Sciences. 
  • Catherine Webb, Teaching Fellow in Science Communication.

The event closed with a reception held in the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication where guests had the opportunity to explore the Acland Legacy Exhibition, curated by CLCC's Dr Ana Riera Mora.