In contrast to previous academic years, it’s doubtful many would have described their 2020 university year as ‘fun’ in many ways. Perhaps ‘challenging’ or even ‘stressful’ would be more likely descriptors.

But as the 2021 academic year begins, it seems likely university staff and students will face the same sorts of challenges. However, whatever the conditions may be, Dr Stuart Middleton, Senior Lecturer in Strategy at the University of Queensland Business School, believes we must bring the fun back to university and motivate and engage students.

Middleton was recently awarded the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management ‘Innovative Management Educator of the Year’ award for 2020 and joined me to discuss this important topic.

For Middleton, ensuring fun and engagement on campus in 2021 will be critical for a generation he describes as facing multiple challenges - demographic, the blurring of public and private worlds and, of course, the pandemic.

He also underscores the importance of connections on campus, as well as using technology for personalisation, not efficiency.