Defining the responsible university: society, impact and growth Higher education is increasingly target driven. Universities compete for rankings, student numbers, and research funding, and need to balance complex budgets. In this environment, what kind of underlying ‘responsibility’ do they have to wider social and economic objectives? What does a responsible university look like, and how do institutions achieve this distinction? Where most universities have a statement of responsibility, how is this practically applied to the direction and management of these institutions? About the conference The ACU Conference of University Leaders is a biennial conference for international leaders in higher education. Hosted in partnership with Vice-Chancellors' Ghana, this year's conference will provide a platform for senior university staff to debate key issues in higher education and explore shared solutions with a diverse range of international colleagues. It will be one of the most high profile higher education events in Africa this year and the ACU's first event in the region since 1971. The three-day conference will engage members and non-members alike in discussions focussing on the impact of universities on innovation, research and development, civil society, funding and access, employment, and the role and place of government and the corporate sector in building the skilled leaders of tomorrow.