Read the interview:
How did Ireland achieve one of the world’s highest COVID-19 vaccination rates — and what role did universities play in that success? In this clip, Brian MacCraith reflects on leading the national vaccination effort, emphasizing the power of coordinated leadership, data-driven strategies, and trusted voices from academia. He shares how universities not only contributed to public understanding during the crisis but also adapted rapidly to remote learning. Drawing from his experience as president of Dublin City University during the early months of the pandemic, MacCraith discusses the long-term shifts sparked by COVID-19 — especially in digital learning and institutional engagement. He argues that higher education can no longer operate as it once did; instead, it must embrace a third mission: to add tangible value to society.