About GSS
The Global Scholars Symposium (GSS) is a landmark project that Gates and Rhodes scholars collaboratively founded in 2008, which connects postgraduate scholars and influencers across the globe. This annual student-run symposium aims to bring scholars together to engage in thought-provoking dialogue, with the help of dynamic speakers who challenge scholars to think and act in new ways. The GSS aims to forge fellowship of fellowships and generate ideas for change through a two-day immersive programme. This annual event features six keynotes, six panels, and two sets of small-group, interactive workshops. Each year’s symposium theme is chosen by the organising committee, which provides the contour to the highly interdisciplinary discussion. GSS has historically attracted remarkable speakers including the Dalai Lama, David Suzuki, Wanjira Mathai, former Canadian prime minister Paul Martin, Dr Mo Ibrahim, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Dr Joseph Nye, Dominic Barton, and Professor Jeffery Sachs.
The GSS takes place annually, with the location alternating between Oxford (the Rhodes House) and Cambridge (the Cambridge Union). The GSS is primarily funded by an endowment given by the John McCall MacBain (JMM) Foundation to the Rhodes Trust, and made possible by the generous support of the Gates Trust.
The GSS is entirely student run, and the leadership represents the close collaboration of Gates and Rhodes Scholars. The symposium is currently open to all postgraduate students in the UK through an application process. The symposium attests to the Gates Trust and the Rhodes Trust’s commitment to reaching out to the wider community of scholars across the UK, and to create synergy in a world punctuated by divisions.
The GSS takes place annually, with the location alternating between Oxford (the Rhodes House) and Cambridge (the Cambridge Union). The GSS is primarily funded by an endowment given by the John McCall MacBain (JMM) Foundation to the Rhodes Trust, and made possible by the generous support of the Gates Trust.
The GSS is entirely student run, and the leadership represents the close collaboration of Gates and Rhodes Scholars. The symposium is currently open to all postgraduate students in the UK through an application process. The symposium attests to the Gates Trust and the Rhodes Trust’s commitment to reaching out to the wider community of scholars across the UK, and to create synergy in a world punctuated by divisions.
Uniqueness of GSS
Entirely Student Run
GSS is a collective of future global leaders The only symposium which brings together recipients of UK's most prestigious scholarships.
Cross-disciplinary Approach
GSS scholars represent more than 140 nationalities and a wide array of disciplines. The platform brings together impactful ideas aimed at addressing shared global challenges.
Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Sharing
GSS scholars although from immensely diverse backgrounds, are united by a deep commitment towards knowledge creation.
GSS is a collective of future global leaders The only symposium which brings together recipients of UK's most prestigious scholarships.
Cross-disciplinary Approach
GSS scholars represent more than 140 nationalities and a wide array of disciplines. The platform brings together impactful ideas aimed at addressing shared global challenges.
Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Sharing
GSS scholars although from immensely diverse backgrounds, are united by a deep commitment towards knowledge creation.