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The Financial Conduct Authority has announced a review into the protection market, which will examine how products are sold and the use of commission arrangements. This podcast hears from industry experts Ian McKenna and Alan Lakey about what the industry must do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Part 1 of a 2-part series focusing on men's mental health, Dr Ian McKenna shares his wealth of experience in clinical psychology, what makes us a distracted society, plus his 2 simple but powerful steps in accessing our profound wellness. We also share inspiration gained on the journey of rebuilding from deep loss.Presented by Stella Grace:stellagraceholistics.comIG: @stellagraceholistics/Facebook: Facebook PageKindaSound Radio:Catch The Gifts Within Adversity every second Friday at 11:00 UK on KindaSound Radio: KindaSound.orgListen to all Stella's episodes at kindasound.org/giftswithinadversityThe music we play on the radio is removed from podcast episodes due to copyright limitations.Follow KindaSound on Instagram and Facebook.Connect with the KindaSound team on Telegram: https://t.me/ksradioNew podcast episodes on the Tuesday after they air.
Jason talks to Ian McKenna, founder of advisersoftware.com. Ian is a guru of advisor technology in the UK and has a great lens on both the UK and technology around the world. He is here to capture his and Jason's casual and informative discussions about the industry's past, present, and future, offering listeners a valuable perspective on the fintech landscape.Episode Highlights:02:08: Ian introduces advisorsoftware.com, initially focused on UK advice technology but evolving into a global platform to address the international nature of financial planning.03:48: Jason and Ian plan to delve into various topics, starting with the evolution of software in the UK and then expanding to a global perspective.05:16: Ian envisions a future where Fintech seamlessly integrates into everyday digital life globally, making it the norm rather than a separate entity.11:57: Jason and Ian explore the irony that tougher regulation, especially in consumer protection, has proven beneficial for financial advisors' success.13:29: Jason reflects on the future landscape, where technology becomes an integral part of every business, echoing the sentiment that companies will be either technology-driven or obsolete.15:18: Ian reflects on the impact of greed in past generations, citing the shift from nationalized utilities to the privatization of shares, ultimately leading to profit-driven organizations.19:39: Jason discusses the global trend in regulation, praising Australia's commitment to the right end state despite occasionally going too far. He acknowledges the UK's balanced approach and the US's focus on the fiduciary duty.23:32: Ian discusses the challenge for US vendors in scaling globally, emphasizing the historical tendency to prioritize the US market and the increasing competition from Australian companies that build with a multi-jurisdictional approach.31:59: Ian shares tricks, such as withholding data, to encourage technology use. He expresses his passion for creating enabling solutions through technology, emphasizing flexibility in savings options.Key Points: Ian McKenna discusses the evolution of advisorsoftware.com from a UK-focused platform to a global solution for international financial planning.Jason and Ian explore challenges faced by banks entering advisory services, regulatory dynamics, and the positive impact of stricter regulations on financial advisors' success.The conversation highlights the increasing importance of technology, envisioning a future where it seamlessly integrates into daily business operations globally.Tweetable Quotes:"Companies will either be technology-driven or obsolete in the future financial landscape." - Jason Pereira"Financial advice should be a utility accessible to all through technology, not a luxury reserved for the wealthy." - Ian McKenna"Flexibility in savings options, like Micro Savings, can empower individuals to save more through technology." - Ian McKennaResource Mentioned:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – Sponsorhttps://www.advisersoftware.com/Podcast Editing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FTAdviser speaks to Josh Butten, director of financial planning firm Boosst, and Jon Doyle, founder of Juniper Wealth Management, about the future of adviser technology, straight after their session with Ian McKenna at today's CISI conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, FTAdviser reporter Jane Matthews is joined by Financial Technology Research Centre founder Ian McKenna, and Chet Velani, chief executive of EV, to discuss the impact artificial intelligence will have on the financial advice profession. Velani and McKenna outlined some of the potential benefits AI poses for the world of advice and gave examples of things advisers can already be doing to integrate artificial intelligence into their business models. The pair also raised concerns over the potential impact the adoption of AI will have on the paraplanning profession. The FTAdviser Podcast is the podcast for financial advisers, brought to you by FTAdviser. Each week, FTAdviser is joined by guests fro the industry to discuss the week in news and pressing industry issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We are on the cusp of major change. Is virtual reality, AI or Amazon part of your future business plans? Ian's unique perspective is global in nature and arguably one of the most diverse given his extensive travels around the world to see what people are doing, (or not), in our industry. Join us as we chat with futurist Ian McKenna and discuss the future of financial advice delivery and what advisors need to think about to stay relevant today.Ian, Adam & Derek discuss:One of the hardest things an advisor needs to do is help clients visualize the lifestyle their preparing for (VR can help do this very easily)A lot of advisors and the companies they represent are not adapting their commercial models to stay in business 5-10 years from now - it's time to consider reinventing how we charge clients (especially the younger generation)why is the US life insurance industry is 40 years behind the rest of the worldA symbiotic relationship between regulation and tech needs to exist to really achieve the highest levels of regulation with the latest techAmazon insurance already happening in UK (we discussed this over a year ago, it's coming to a computer near your clients)AI financial advice will be here in less than a decade AND using VR GlassesAnd lots more!Resources:Connect with Ian McKenna on LinkedInFollow Ian McKenna on TwitterLearn more about the Financial Technology Research CentreCheck out AdviserSoftware.comLearn more about ProtectionGuroFollow RethinkFA on LinkedInApply to be a guest on the RethinkFA Think TankRethink Podcast on YouTubeConnect With Adam Holt:Schedule an Asset-Map DemoAsset-Map LinkedIn: Adam HoltFacebook: Asset-MapTwitter: Asset_MapConnect With Derek Notman:Schedule a Call with DerekConneqtorLinkedIn: Derek NotmanLinkedIn: Conneqtor Twitter: Derek Notman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amy Austin, news editor at FTAdviser speaks to Keith Richards, CEO of the Consumer Duty Alliance, Ian McKenna, chair of the CDA Tech Forum and Russell Facer, early Affiliate of the Alliance about how the new body will help advisers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
But what happens when the kingpin of big data and clever, tailored marketing to each of its consumers decides to take on financial services? The potential for Amazon to become a shop front for life insurance brokers or wealth managers has become clear in recent years. But while the regulatory niceties will need to be worked out, what do we make of the model that Amazon can offer in becoming a one-stop shop for clients? And what do we make of large entities in regulated financial services attempting to counter this potential threat by becoming all things to all people? Talking to FTAdviser editor Simoney Kyriakou on this podcast is Ian McKenna, founder of fintech consultancy F&TRC, and Hugo Bedford, chief executive of JM Finn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about the importance of cyber security and digital ethics. We are joined by Ian McKenna, Founder & Director of the Financial Technology Research Centre, and Melissa Collett, Professional Standards Director of the CII.
In recent months, discourse on the role social media plays in news consumption has focused on how it can be a vector of disinformation and divisiveness, rather than good-faith conversation. Gen-Z news consumers on TikTok are demonstrating that it's possible to engage with platforms, with news publishers, and with each other in a radically different way. With humor and optimism, young people across the political spectrum are creatively harnessing this video-first medium to participate in authentic conversations, seek out facts, and shape their views on important issues and elections. Hear from NowThis' Ian McKenna (@nowthispolitics), The Washington Post's Dave Jorgenson (@washingtonpost), and Creator, Actor, and Human Rights Activist Jackie James (@fatraco0n) on the tactics publishers are using to build relationships with young audiences on TikTok, and the content that moves audiences to action.
Perfect Timing Podcast Episode 28: Find out How Ian McKenna Uses His Gift For Gardening To Bless Others Host: Sydnie Chandler Monet' - Podcaster | Speaker | Community Activist Guest: Ian McKenna - Expert Gardener, Community & School Leader Discussion Topics: *About Ian McKenna *How Ian's Mom influenced him to start gardening *Ian's classroom conversation that led to his Non-Profit work *Ian's Recognitions and Awards for Community Service Produced by Elite Conversations Podcast Media https://www.eliteconversations.com/mypodcast.html
As we've learned from recent episodes, we've learned a ton about companion planting. Ian McKenna shares some of his favorite combinations in his donation gardens. Connect with Ian McKenna: Ian McKenna is a youth hunger advocate, growing food for insecure children and families since the age of 8. Garden for Hunger Buy Birdies Garden Beds Use code EPICPODCAST for 5% off your first order of Birdies metal raised garden beds, the best metal raised beds in the world. They last 5-10x longer than wooden beds, come in multiple heights and dimensions, and look absolutely amazing. Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge: Order on Amazon Order a signed copy Follow Epic Gardening YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group
Succession planting is always confusing, and it was for Ian McKenna when he first started growing. But now he succession sows all of the time so he can donate more food to families in need. Connect with Ian McKenna: Ian McKenna is a youth hunger advocate, growing food for food insecure children and families since the age of 8. • Instagram: Garden for hunger Buy Birdies Garden Beds Use code EPICPODCAST for 5% off your first order of Birdies metal raised garden beds, the best metal raised beds in the world. They last 5-10x longer than wooden beds, come in multiple heights and dimensions, and look absolutely amazing. Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge: Order on Amazon Order a signed copy Follow Epic Gardening YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group
You've grown a ton of food, but you don't have any way to donate it. Where to go? Ian McKenna shares his favorite locations Connect with Ian McKenna: Ian McKenna is a youth hunger advocate, growing food for food insecure children and families since the age of 8. Instagram: Garden for hunger Buy Birdies Garden Beds Use code EPICPODCAST for 5% off your first order of Birdies metal raised garden beds, the best metal raised beds in the world. They last 5-10x longer than wooden beds, come in multiple heights and dimensions, and look absolutely amazing. Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge: Order on Amazon Order a signed copy Follow Epic Gardening YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group
We think of producing food for OUR families, but what about others? Ian McKenna has some incredible tips on how to re-think the purpose of your garden Connect with Ian McKenna: Ian McKenna is a youth hunger advocate, growing food for food insecure children and families since the age of 8. Instagram: Garden for hunger Buy Birdies Garden Beds Use code EPICPODCAST for 5% off your first order of Birdies metal raised garden beds, the best metal raised beds in the world. They last 5-10x longer than wooden beds, come in multiple heights and dimensions, and look absolutely amazing. Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge: Order on Amazon Order a signed copy Follow Epic Gardening YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group
Ian McKenna is a 16 year old who has grown for over 8 years. He grows food and donates to food insecure families in the Austin, Texas area and has a ton to share with us this week. Connect with Ian McKenna: Ian McKenna is a youth hunger advocate, growing food for food insecure children and families since the age of 8. Instagram: Garden for hunger Buy Birdies Garden Beds Use code EPICPODCAST for 5% off your first order of Birdies metal raised garden beds, the best metal raised beds in the world. They last 5-10x longer than wooden beds, come in multiple heights and dimensions, and look absolutely amazing. Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge: Order on Amazon Order a signed copy Follow Epic Gardening YouTube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Facebook Group
The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep. 50: Why Advisors Should Love Regulation with Ian McKenna appeared first on Wealth Management Today and was written by Craig Iskowitz. "Regulation is a catalyst for innovation, not a restriction on it. In order to deliver on tighter regulations, invariably you need more technology. Regulation drives the demand for technology and and moves the industry forward in a very positive way." — Ian McKenna, Founder & Director, Financial Technology Research Centre (FTRC) After 15 years working […] The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep. 50: Why Advisors Should Love Regulation with Ian McKenna appeared first on Wealth Management Today and was written by Craig Iskowitz.
The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep. 50: Why Advisors Should Love Regulation with Ian McKenna appeared first on and was written by Craig Iskowitz. “Regulation is a catalyst for innovation, not a restriction on it. In order to deliver on tighter regulations, invariably you need more technology. Regulation drives the demand for technology and and moves the industry forward in a very positive way.” — Ian McKenna, Founder & Director, Financial Technology Research Centre (FTRC) After 15 years working […] The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep. 50: Why Advisors Should Love Regulation with Ian McKenna appeared first on and was written by Craig Iskowitz.
The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep 4: Revolutionary Wealthtech with Ian McKenna appeared first on and was written by Craig Iskowitz. “In a digital world, seven years is about the same as two generations.” –- Ian McKenna Ian McKenna founded Financial Technology Research Centre in 1995 nearly two decades before “FinTech” became part of the industry lexicon. A boutique consultancy, the firm focuses on how personal finance organizations can communicate more effectively with their customers and […] The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep 4: Revolutionary Wealthtech with Ian McKenna appeared first on and was written by Craig Iskowitz.
The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep 4: Revolutionary Wealthtech with Ian McKenna appeared first on Wealth Management Today and was written by Craig Iskowitz. "In a digital world, seven years is about the same as two generations." –- Ian McKenna Ian McKenna founded Financial Technology Research Centre in 1995 nearly two decades before “FinTech” became part of the industry lexicon. A boutique consultancy, the firm focuses on how personal finance organizations can communicate more effectively with their customers and […] The post #ItzOnWealthTech Ep 4: Revolutionary Wealthtech with Ian McKenna appeared first on Wealth Management Today and was written by Craig Iskowitz.
Welcome to the podcast from Morningstar UK, the leading provider of investment news, views and analysis. This week we’re at the Morningstar Investment conference speaking with investment experts about the latest trends in the market and where they are seeing risks and opportunities to look out for? Our first guest today is Sebastian Lyon, Founder of Troy Asset Management who warns investors that quantitative easing and low interest rates have propped up stocks and bond prices and so investors should be nervous about markets. With Sebastian urging caution, our next guest, Jupiter's James Clunie tells Emma Wall reasons to stay positive when stock markets look negative. stock markets look overvalued across the spectrum, but you can protect yourself against severe losses. Next up, Mark Costar of J O Hambro Capital Management tells Emma Wall that misallocation of capital and failure to embrace technology impact companies more than economics How do you profit from innovation? Is it just about investing in technology stocks? Interestingly, Our next guest, Guinness fund manager Ian Mortimer finds innovation through industrials and consumer stocks. A key theme at this year’s Morningstar Investment conference was Artificial Intelligence. What exactly is Artificial Intelligence And how can investors profit from the innovation in computer learning? Next up, Ian McKenna of the Finance & Technology Research Centre says Digitalising financial services can drive down costs and improve end investors' experience so it’s important that Financial advisors embrace technology What Will Happen to Politics Post-Brexit? Why was the Brexit vote such a shock to many? And will it spell the end or the beginning of populist politics? Professor Matthew Goodwin makes his predictions in our next interview. Will US Tax Reform Lead to Growth or Inflation? Will Donald Trump's proposed tax reform in the US prolong the economic cycle or cause inflation to jump? We ask JP Morgan’s Market strategist Karen Ward. Subscribe to our podcast on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/morningstar-uk/id965873075?mt=2 http://www.morningstar.co.uk
Martin talks to Ian McKenna about the Fintech Startup Cafe at the Festival of Financial Planning. A Financial Technology Evangelist, Futurologist and Singularitarian who is passionate about how technology can help people better understand their money and improve the quality of their lives. Ian believes there has never been a more exciting time to work in the personal finance market and that emerging technology can help advisers and other financial services businesses make a real difference to their clients financial health. He travels the world seeking out those firms that are transforming financial advice and guidance for consumers. Ian fervently believes that technology will democratise the advice process, expanding its reach from the 15% of the population serviced today, to enable the vast majority of the population to be able to access affordable advice on how to better manage their finances After 15 years working for insurers and financial advice businesses in 1995 Ian set up F&TRC, a specialist consultancy which focuses on the operational key issues around the distribution medium and long terms savings vehicles, other packaged financial products and the supporting technology. Having briefly worked as a personal finance journalist he continues to be a regular columnist for Money Marketing. F&TRC have recently launched to information services DigitalWealthInsights.com and AdviserForum.com. Specialities: The Future of Financial Advice. Operational issues within intermediated financial product distribution. E-Commerce in Financial Services. Supplier selection/Due Diligence on adviser software, restricted advice panels and platforms. Tuesday 18:40 - 19:10 The future of digital client engagement Digital Advice is increasingly enabling advice firms to work with clients in new ways. This can involve using technology to be able to service clients for whom traditional may no longer be economically viable in a post RDR environment, or to attract the next generation of customers who either prefer to communicate digitally or are do not yet need, nor can they afford face to face advice This session will consider the various options open to adviser firms when seeking a Digital Advice partner and the merits of different approaches it will explore; • How will your business benefit • How to drive new customers • Key questions to consider • How will the digital proposition align with your traditional advice offering • How to price your service • How will your digital advice solution interact with other technology in your business • Regulatory considerations Learning objectives The key issues to consider when deciding if you should add a digital advice element to your business Regulatory issues to be considered How to approach due diligence Commercial considerations relevant to digital advice
Today on PFS Festival Radio, I'm joined by Ian McKenna. A Financial Technology Evangelist, Futurologist and Singularitarian who is passionate about how technology can help people better understand their money and improve the quality of their lives. Ian believes there has never been a more exciting time to work in the personal finance market and that emerging technology can help advisers and other financial services businesses make a real difference to their clients financial health. After 15 years working for insurers and financial advice businesses in 1995 Ian set up F&TRC, a specialist consultancy which focuses on the operational key issues around the distribution medium and long terms savings vehicles, other packaged financial products and the supporting technology. Find out more about Finance & Technology Research Centre - http://www.ftrc.co/ Find out more at www.pfsfestival.org/explore/festival-radio.
The robots are coming...or are they? Doesn't matter! Because we went to the robots in this episode. In a rare outing from the safe dimness of the studio, the Beer & Bytes team emerged blinking at the bright lights of this week's much-talked-about "Financial Advice in a Digital World" panel discussion in Central London. We caught up with loads of old chums, including co-sponsor Ian McKenna from Digital Wealth Insights, a new robo-advice review service. Back in the studio, we debated the merits of Wikipedia's apparent ban of the Daily Mail as a credible source for its user-generated content. Who needs credible facts when you can get a strong opinion on Theresa May's shoes?! And, as usual, we begged for reviews on iTunes and SoundCloud. You could do that right now, actually. Cheers!
MPAF67 – Ian McKenna on Product Comparisons, Advice and First Class versus Economy With so many high quality and complex protection products out there identifying "the best" is difficult. And what does "the best" even mean? In this episode I talk to Ian McKenna about product comparisons and advice. He argues that we've fallen into a trap believing "First Class" is best. Many clients might be happy with, and be able to afford, "Economy" products instead. Have we contributed to the Protection Gap we all talk about closing? That's all right here in Episode 67 of the Marketing Protection and Finance Podcast. Who is Ian McKenna? A director at the Financial and Technology Research Centre for over 20 years, Ian is a well-known columnist in the UK financial press. His knowledge of provider and adviser technology is unparalleled. Ian describes himself as a Financial Technology Evangelist, Futurologist and Singularitarian who is passionate about how technology can help people better understand their money and improve the quality of their lives. Links and Show Notes. For links to the books and apps mentioned by Ian, please visit http://rogeredwards.co.uk/MPAF (http://rogeredwards.co.uk/MPAF) for the show notes. What is the Marketing Finance and Protection (MPAF) Podcast? It’s the Podcast for Financial Services Professionals looking to share business ideas and inspiration in the world of Marketing, Protection and Finance. The MPAF Podcast is a 30 minute audio show you download from http://rogeredwards.co.uk/MPAF (http://rogeredwards.co.uk/MPAF) , iTunes or Stitcher Radio. Each week I’ll be interviewing financial services providers, advisers, experts and journalists. Interviews to listen to in the car, on the train or on the treadmill. The main focus of the podcast is on what we can do to make protection and finance more accessible to the consumer and how financial services professionals can develop and promote their businesses. We’ll look at financial services products, interesting business models and campaigns with an emphasis on the following: Marketing – talking about how financial services professionals can develop and promote their businesses using traditional marketing tools but focussing on modern content marketing and social media techniques. Protection – talking about life insurance, critical illness, income protection and other protection products Finance – talking about pensions, platforms, savings and investments My aim is to make sure that you will get one or two big business ideas that you can apply to your own business. Whether it is a sales idea, advice idea, product tweak or simply an app that is worth looking at. I’m your host, Roger Edwards. A marketer for 25 years now in business to help you with your business strategy, marketing and social media. I’m the ex-MD of Bright Grey and Scottish Provident and before that held many executive marketing roles. Please subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and I’d be grateful if you would leave a review. http://rogeredwards.co.uk/itunes (http://rogeredwards.co.uk/itunes) Fancy Appearing on the Show? Would you be interested in appearing on the MPAF Podcast? Are you working on a new proposition, campaign or a business model you want to talk about? Do you fancy drawing out some inspirational business and marketing ideas that MPAF listeners can take away to use in their own businesses? Do please contact me if you want to get involved. http://rogeredwards.co.uk (http://rogeredwards.co.uk)
Today's public universities in Canada and across the globe are intended to serve the public interest. While public universities in Canada are funded by provincial and federal governments, freedom in determining teaching curriculum and research shielded the institutions from the dictates of governments and private interests. The substantial reduction in federal funding of Canada's universities over the past two decades has triggered a new threat to their independence in teaching and research. The shortfall of public money has opened the door to corporate funding of university teaching and research and to other forms of commercialization. The speakers will discuss the challenges of commercialization of Canada's universities and some of the methods employed to prevent excessive influence of private corporate interests. Speakers: Dr. Andrew Hakin is a graduate and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He was awarded a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom 1987. Dr. Hakin joined the University of Lethbridge in 1989, and later served as Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Presently, he is the Vice President of Academics at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. James M. Byrne is a multidisciplinary scientist and associate professor at the University of Lethbridge, with training in earth and atmospheric sciences and engineering hydrology. He is a founding member of the Canadian Water Network (CWN) and served as National Theme Leader in Water Resources Management and a member of the CWN Research Management Committee 2000-04. Dr. Byrne is the lead scientist and producer of the 2002 award winning Global Change three-part Television series; and served the same role for the seven part TV series Water Under Fire broadcast on five Canadian networks. Dr. Ian McKenna is an Associate Professor in the University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management. He teaches courses on law and management, law and corporations and industrial relations. He was a professional officer of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in the 1970s and an elected member of the CAUT Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, including two years as Chair in the late 1990s. He is a former Treasurer of the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association. Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Ericksen's Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)
Today's public universities in Canada and across the globe are intended to serve the public interest. While public universities in Canada are funded by provincial and federal governments, freedom in determining teaching curriculum and research shielded the institutions from the dictates of governments and private interests. The substantial reduction in federal funding of Canada's universities over the past two decades has triggered a new threat to their independence in teaching and research. The shortfall of public money has opened the door to corporate funding of university teaching and research and to other forms of commercialization. The speakers will discuss the challenges of commercialization of Canada's universities and some of the methods employed to prevent excessive influence of private corporate interests. Speakers: Dr. Andrew Hakin is a graduate and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He was awarded a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom 1987. Dr. Hakin joined the University of Lethbridge in 1989, and later served as Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Presently, he is the Vice President of Academics at the University of Lethbridge. Dr. James M. Byrne is a multidisciplinary scientist and associate professor at the University of Lethbridge, with training in earth and atmospheric sciences and engineering hydrology. He is a founding member of the Canadian Water Network (CWN) and served as National Theme Leader in Water Resources Management and a member of the CWN Research Management Committee 2000-04. Dr. Byrne is the lead scientist and producer of the 2002 award winning Global Change three-part Television series; and served the same role for the seven part TV series Water Under Fire broadcast on five Canadian networks. Dr. Ian McKenna is an Associate Professor in the University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management. He teaches courses on law and management, law and corporations and industrial relations. He was a professional officer of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in the 1970s and an elected member of the CAUT Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee, including two years as Chair in the late 1990s. He is a former Treasurer of the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association. Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Ericksen's Family Restaurant (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)