The Burton Symposia – Professor Andrew Thompson (LGS 1986)

‘Humanitarianism on Trial’: How a global system of aid emerged from the end of the empire

Spanning a broad and varied range of thought-provoking topics, the Burton Symposia is a series of talks designed to spotlight themes that delve deeper than the curriculum. The university-style lectures are open to our pupils, staff and members of the wider community, encouraging listeners to broaden their knowledge and absorb perspectives they may not normally encounter. 

We have an exciting schedule of talks planned for the 2026-27 academic year, beginning with Professor Andrew Thompson (LGS 1986), a leading academic and adviser on international humanitarian policy who has worked at the highest levels of government, on Monday 12 October, 17:00-18:00. 

Professor Thompson’s talk ‘Humanitarianism on Trial: How a global system of aid emerged from the end of the empire’ will explore the future role of the United Nations at a time when humanitarian intervention, global governance and international cooperation are under increasing pressure. Drawing on new research for his forthcoming book, being published this spring, he will examine whether the UN remains fit for purpose and what must change if it is to meet the challenges of the coming decades. 

Future Burton Symposia speakers will include Professor John Dickie (LGS 1981), Professor of Italian Studies at University College London, and Professor Paul Leeson (LGS 1989), Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist, Academic Lead for Innovation, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford. 

Inspiring inquisitiveness and a passion for learning, audiences will gain fascinating insight into topics that are often confined to higher education studies. For our pupils, this is not only an opportunity to experience the format of university-style lectures, but it also enables them to take their passion for learning beyond their classroom studies and discover new areas of interest.