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Dear friends,
As we approach the end of another year, the context in which we reflect on progress is challenging. The world around us is badly fractured. We see conflict and suffering continuing to rage across the world - and we have seen a worsening of inequalities for many communities this year, not least those devastated by the shutdown of funding for global health and other international initiatives.
So how do we respond? We continue to take action in whatever ways we can, and we draw on the strength of our global community. I take much encouragement from my visits to Atlantic Fellows and our programs during this period. In this first year of my role, there have been several opportunities to get to know our global community better. I am particularly grateful to the Atlantic Fellow programs for the inspirational exchanges organised in the UK, Peru, Australia, Thailand, Philippines and South Africa.
I have gained important insights into purpose and leadership from my interactions with 150+ fellows through these exchanges and have, additionally, had an opportunity to understand how strategies and programming have evolved through my interactions with staff and governance bodies of the Atlantic Fellows community. These exchanges have provided insight into the cause and context for the Institute’s mission, location and partnerships. It has also surfaced how the Atlantic Fellows community offers not only committed and talented collaborators, but also voices to challenge and strengthen our own ideas and beliefs, and a support network for our shared mission. We have great ambition, but we are only human and we are often vulnerable in our work. Being part of a community that cares for, strengthens and reinforces each other makes a difference.
At the Atlantic Institute, the past year has been a period of listening and building for the future as we move into the next phase of the Institute’s life. I have been delighted to welcome new colleagues to the Institute’s Senior Leadership Team in recent months, and am grateful to a wide range of stakeholders for their wisdom and patience during a time of change. With guidance from the Atlantic Institute Governing Board and the wider community, we expect that 2026 will be an exciting year of identifying and establishing approaches for collective influence and sustained impact.
Atlantic Fellows are extraordinary people united by our commitment to the pursuit of a fairer and more just world. In 2026, we will continue to progress responses to the world’s most pressing challenges. We will continue to listen to others’ perspectives and ideas. And I trust we shall continue to care for each other as we forge change.
I hope you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own year as we near its end, and that you are able to see how the Atlantic Fellows community has provided a positive space for you.
ATLANTIC INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report (July 2024 - June 2025) sets out highlights of the year, with reports of fellows convenings, partnership development and the work of the XR Lab, alongside financial information and reflections from our Executive Director and the Chair of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board.
RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT POLICY
A reminder that the community consultation on the draft Responsible Investment Policy for the Atlantic Institute remains open for written responses until next Monday, 15 December. Virtual consultation discussions will follow in January, to which anyone is welcome - look out for details on the Hub and whatsapp in the new year. In the meantime, please share your thoughts on the draft policy and proposed investment exclusion criteria using the consultation form online.
Thank you for your engagement in this important issue. We look forward to being able to share the final Policy once reviewed and approved by the Atlantic Institute Governing Board and the Rhodes Trustees in 2026.
ATLANTIC INSTITUTE GOVERNING BOARD
Outcomes of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board meeting in Cape Town
November 2025
The Atlantic Institute Governing Board (AIGB) met in Cape Town, South Africa, from 23-25 November 2025. The Board welcomed Cedric Brown to his first board meeting. This was an opportunity, alongside two days of its own board meeting, for the AIGB to connect meaningfully and learn more about the Tekano program, based in Cape Town, and hear from some of its fellows.
It was a moment of deep reflection and conversation, identifying areas of engagement, values alignment and connection for the future. Discussions between the two boards focused on the impact of recent strategic shifts at the Institute, transparency in conversations around the Atlantic Institute’s relationship with the Rhodes Trust, and shared aspirations for stronger collaboration. The two boards also shared their governance successes and challenges, and how they are thinking about key issues of sustainability and lifespan. The AIGB heard powerful stories from Tekano fellows, highlighting the real-world impact of their work and their experience of the Atlantic Fellowship and its extended communities, regional and global. The AIGB is very grateful to Tekano for hosting it in Cape Town, and for sharing their insights and reflections, and looks forward to deeper, more meaningful collaboration in 2026.
The AIGB also heard from Ben Cairns, Director of IVAR, the Institute’s learning partner, on initial findings from the review that IVAR has been commissioned to carry out, looking at the purpose and unique contribution of the Atlantic Institute in light of its recent decision to explore an extended duration. As intended, the study will inform the Institute's work on opportunities for sustained impact and learning. Community-wide discussions on the outcomes of the study and its relevance to the Institute's future strategy will be a priority in 2026. More to come on this shortly.
The AIGB’s Nominations Committee also shared feedback from the Board Evaluation and Skills Audit, reflecting the Board’s commitment to strong governance and continuous improvement. This provided a valuable opportunity for individual and collective reflection on how the AIGB supports the Executive Director and the broader Atlantic Fellows community, and highlighted areas of strength, as well as for improvement. This work will ensure that the AIGB continues to embody the values that underpin its work with the Atlantic community and strengthens its governance practices. The meeting also marked 1 year of the new Executive Director’s tenure with the Atlantic Institute, and the AIGB and the Executive Director took time to reflect on the transition and discuss lessons learnt from the last year that could inform the future.
Looking forward to the new year, the next AIGB meeting will be held in Oxford, on 21 and 22 March 2026.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Being Human When Digital: recording now available in case you missed it!
Last month, the Atlantic Institute hosted a thought-provoking livestreamed event examining the societal and ethical threats posed by Artificial Intelligence. Laura Bates, acclaimed feminist campaigner and author, and Nasser Eledroos, Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity, joined XR Lead, Alice Wroe to discuss AI’s impact on equity and the urgent need for responsible action.
The experimental event, held at the Institute’s XR Lab at Rhodes House, Oxford, pushed hybrid programming to its limits, as both speakers joined using telepresence technology, allowing them to engage with the live audience as well as those online in a new, immersive way. The successful turnout and enthusiastic engagement demonstrated strong interest in understanding and addressing AI’s societal challenges. We look forward to the second part of the series, on AI and Hope, early in the New Year.
The livestream is available here, please watch and share!
Congratulations to Chris Oechsli on being awarded an Honorary Fellowship by The London School of Economics and Political Science in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the School and his global leadership in philanthropy and social equity. Read more on our website.
Renard Siew, Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity in Southeast Asia, was among those from our community who attended COP30 in Brazil in November. Read his reflections on Trust, Timelines and Tangible Transitions on our website.
During COP30 Atlantic Fellows co-hosted a meet and greet with the Oxford Climate Alumni Network and Rhodes Trust. Many new connections were made. Thanks to all who attended.
Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE), supported by the Atlantic Institute and in partnership with The University of British Columbia, brought together Atlantic Fellows from multiple programs for the “Global Indigenous Futures” gathering in Canada in November.
Gathering on the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver before travelling to Kelowna on the lands of the Sylix Okanagan Nation and their people, this Indigenous-led and focused convening explored significant historical and political developments in global Indigenous recognition and reconciliation. Participants were provided with space to discuss pressing contemporary challenges and to learn how local communities were advancing their rights to self-determination, land, culture and truth.
The thematic gathering provided a timely reminder of the power of Indigenous peoples and allies, from diverse backgrounds, convening to share stories, to forge new connections, and to envision innovative responses to complex issues. You can read more about the convening here.
In November, the XR Team joined Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Karen Meenan and Mike Hanrahan at Creative Brainwaves 2025: A Day of Inspiration, Innovation and Creative Wellbeing in Dún Laoghaire. Fresh from their XR Residencies at the Atlantic Institute Lab, the Fellows were eager to bring their emerging tech experiences to their communities. After delivering a talk on XR and brain health, Richard and Alice led an ambitious 360° workshop, co-creating a VR film with all attendees, produced and premiered within an hour to close the day.
Lysa John, Executive Director, and Owen Pringle, Director of Community Engagement and Global Impact at the Atlantic Institute, visited Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in South East Asia (The Equity Initiative) last month. Lysa published a blog reflecting on the diverse and impactful work these Fellows are doing, and the lessons they had to share about navigating leadership in times of opposition. Read Lysa’s piece here.
ARTICLES AND NEWS COVERAGE
Recent articles on the Atlantic Institute website include:
Unequal Scenes: Communicating Aerial Photography and Neuroscience in Berlin Science Week. Johnny Miller (Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity) and Agustin Ibanez (Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health) collaborated to explore what ariel photographs of divided cities and brain scans of aging people might have in common.
Can we reimagine our future? Harpinder Collacott, Director of Innovations and Partnerships at the Atlantic Institute reports on a discussion at the UN of Eco-Social Contracts for Sustainable and Just Futures. This book, co-edited by Najma Mohamed (Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity) and featuring a chapter by the Institute's Executive Director Lysa John, makes an urgent case for bringing together people, the planet, and the institutions meant to serve both.
Weaving the roots of systemic change: Reflections from Oxford, UK, provides an overview from Katherine Bond, Global Partnerships Lead at the Atlantic Institute, of a dynamic gathering of network leaders. Led by Foresta, and co-hosted by the Institute with The Skoll Centre, conversations reflected on the need to invest in relational work and the vital importance of nurturing connections and relationships to make systemic change possible.
Find out which Fellows have been in the news in our latest monthly media roundup on the Hub.
PROGRAM UPDATES
On December 10, a special gathering was held to celebrate Professor Brian Lawlor, Founding Director of the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College Dublin, ahead of his retirement at the end of 2025. The event brought together colleagues and friends from GBHI, Trinity, St James’s Hospital, Atlantic Philanthropies, and beyond. As GBHI celebrates its tenth anniversary, made possible by Chuck Feeney’s transformative gift, it was especially meaningful to welcome Helga Feeney to the celebration.
Speakers paid tribute to Brian’s care and excellence as a physician and psychiatrist, his inspiring leadership, and his central role in shaping GBHI and the fellowship program over the last decade—from an emerging concept into a global movement for equity in brain health.
Highlights of the evening included the presentation of a GBHI Memory Book filled with heartfelt messages and photographs from across the globe, and a commemorative video created by the Atlantic Institute. The evening also featured the presentation of Dementia Care and Provision in the Majority World, a recently published book written and edited by GBHI community members, which includes a dedication to Brian. In a joyful celebration of Brian’s lifelong commitment to bridging science and the arts, the event concluded with a rousing sing-along led by fellows, faculty, and staff!
As Brian turns the page to his next chapter, the GBHI and Atlantic Fellows communities extend their deepest thanks and warmest wishes for continued success and happiness.
After many years of supporting our community with care and skill, Carmen Hart will conclude her role as Program & Events Manager at the Global Brain Health Institute on January 15. She will be taking a well-earned sabbatical and looks forward to traveling the world. We are grateful for everything she has brought to the Atlantic community.
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) program is proud to announce its 2026 cohort. The 20 new Fellows are working on a broad range of issues, including public policy and governance, anti-nuclear testing, criminal justice, climate, healthcare, journalism and education. They come from across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific (Fiji, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea and Samoa) have been selected as the eighth cohort of AFSE since the Indigenous-led social equity program was established. Read more.
The 2025 Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity (AFHE) gathered in Iloilo, Philippines, for their Final Convening and graduation, a week shaped in close partnership with AFHE Senior Fellows from the Philippines. It offered a meaningful space to reflect, connect and honor all they have learned and contributed throughout the year. Through shared experiences, courageous dialogue and a steadfast commitment to advancing health equity, the Fellows deepened lasting bonds and affirmed a shared drive for change that will carry well beyond this moment.
Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in South Africa (Tekano), recently convened Umzabalazo, its annual gathering dedicated to reflection, creativity, and collective celebration. This year’s theme, “The Power of Us,” paid tribute to the tradition of collective action that has shaped South Africa’s pursuit of justice. The event brought together fellows, alumni, partners, and friends to reaffirm the importance of community, accountability, and imagination in advancing health equity and social justice. It also marked the transition of Cohort Six from their year-long fellowship into the lifelong Atlantic Fellows community. Read more about the event here.
NEWS FROM OTHER PARTNERS AND ALLIES
The Rhodes Trustees have announced that the next Warden of Rhodes House, and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, will be Chrystia Freeland, journalist, author and former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. She will take up the role from 1 July 2026, and we look forward to working with her. More information about Chrystia and her appointment is available on the Rhodes Trust website.
OTHER RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE INSTITUTE ON WHATSAPP
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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE HUB
Go to gmail.com to activate your atlanticfellows.org email account. When you first log in, you will see an email in your inbox inviting you to activate your Hub account. After that, access the Hub by putting af-hub.org in your web browser: You can discover more about using Hub by watching the videos. If you experience any difficulties with the Hub, contact us at support@atlanticfellows.org
THE ATLANTIC COMMUNITY CAFÉ
The online "café" pairs Fellows and program staff at random to initiate unexpected conversations and connections. Share time with one another for an informal chat. Click here to join the cafe. You can also find details about the Café on People and Resources on the Hub.
Best wishes from the Atlantic Institute team
