University to host LTFC manager, STEM advocate and leading academic in trio of free public events

Wed 14 January, 2026

The University of Bedfordshire is excited to announce three public lectures taking place in early 2026, bringing together inspiring voices from sport, social impact, and education.

Open to students, staff and the wider public, these exciting events are free to attend and designed to spark conversation, share expertise and highlight the real-world experiences of leading industry figures.

Among the highlights is the launch of Powered by Experience, a brand new public lecture series, focused on the University’s mission of Career-Powered Education – ensuring students graduate with not only a degree, but also the skills, knowledge, and industry connections to thrive in their chosen careers. Alongside this exciting new series, the University’s inaugural professorial lecture series returns.

The events will welcome:

Luton Town FC manager, Jack Wilshere, on Wednesday 25 February at 6pm
STEM/STEAM leader, Dr Anne Marie Imafidon MBE, on Thursday 12 March at 6pm
Bedfordshire academic, Professor Enjie Liu, on Thursday 26 February at 6pm

Click on each event below to find out more and register for your free tickets:

Join us for the launch of Powered by Experience, our new public lecture series focused on Career-Powered Education. You can watch this event either in-person in G101 (Luton Campus) or online via a livestream.

Current Luton Town FC first-team manager Jack Wilshere will reflect on his journey through elite football, exploring what drives high performance both on and off the pitch. Led by a panel of students and staff, the conversation will touch on leadership, teamwork, mindset, and resilience, drawing on Jack’s experiences as a Premier League and international player and his transition into coaching and management.

This event builds on the University’s relationship as the Official Education Partner of Luton Town Football Club, which continues to create exciting opportunities for learning, development, and professional engagement for our students.

In her inaugural professorial lecture – held in PM06 in the Postgraduate Centre (Luton Campus) – Professor Enjie Liu will reflect on her research journey across computing and telecommunications, highlighting how rapid technological change has shaped her work. She will explore key milestones in the field and discuss emerging insights at the intersection of communication systems, data science, and intelligent computing.

Coinciding with International Women’s Month, this Powered by Experience event welcomes entrepreneur and STEM/STEAM advocate Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE. You can watch this event either in-person in G101 (Luton Campus) or online via a livestream.

Led by a panel of students and staff, Dr Imafidon – founder and CEO of Stemettes, a social enterprise which aims to engage, inform and connect young women and non-binary people into STEM & STEAM – will explore how we can build meaningful, resilient careers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on her experience across STEM/STEAM, education and social impact, Dr Imafidon will share practical insights on navigating career decisions, career transitions and long-term professional growth – whether you are just starting out or rethinking your path.