The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol is to speak at the University of the West of England.

UWE has invited Professor Eric Thomas to give the annual Bolland Lecture on Thursday June 16th.

The event will take place in the Glendinning Lecture Theatre at UWE's Frenchay Campus.

Professor Thomas's lecture is entitled 'Higher Education - a Weather Forecast' and he will examine issues facing higher education today and invites his audience to consider whether universities face calm waters or stormy seas.

Prof Thomas said: "The Higher Education Act has been passed and quieter times are said to lie ahead for higher education, with significant additional public investment in prospect. 

"Is this likely to prove an accurate weather forecast? 

"There will certainly be more money but there are also some very substantial challenges on the horizon. 

"How are we going to fund and celebrate diversity of mission amongst universities? How might we fund some universities as global players?

''How do we sustain our values and independence in the face of cries to be economic engines? 

"How do we manage in an increasingly deregulated market?"

The Bolland Lecture was established in 1976 to commemorate Dr Robert Bolland, who held the post of Director of Bristol Polytechnic from its foundation in 1969 to his death in 1974.

The Bolland Lecture reception begins at 5.30pm followed by the lecture at 6pm and supper in the Merchant Suite at 7.45pm.

For more information, e-mail Janetta.Bates@uwe.ac.uk or phone 328 2770