Teaching and Research in the Twenty-First-Century University

The expansion of specialist research and teaching roles in academia draws into question the very nature of academic work and the function of the university. What is the connection between teaching, research and engagement? The chapter draws on in-depth focus group discussions between teaching staff and managers, debating the future of academic work and the wider public purpose of universities. The discussions open up a number of existential questions for the higher education sector, which are explored here to generate debate about how to shape this institution for the twenty-first century.