Why Universities Matter: Knowledge, Democracy, and the Purposes of the University

October 28, 2026

Knowledge, Democracy, and the Purposes of the University. What is the purpose of a great research university today? 

A conversation with

Jennifer L. Mnookin
President, Columbia University in the City of New York

and

Andrew Delbanco
Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies

Farah Jasmine Griffin
University Professor

Christos Papadimitriou
Donovan Family Professor of Computer Science; Provost's Senior Faculty Teaching Scholar

Miguel Urquiola
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives; Dean of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Professor of Economics and of International and Public Affairs

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
University Professor; Mikati Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering