- Internationally acclaimed author Frans Johansson will deliver a keynote lecture at Aston University
- The transformative lecture, Creating the Medici Effect: A Life at the Intersection of Disciplines, Industries, and Cultures, is on 17 July, 18:00-19:30 BST
- Johansson is visiting Aston University during summer graduation where he will become an honorary graduate.
Aston University will welcome internationally acclaimed author, entrepreneur, and innovation strategist Frans Johansson for a transformative keynote lecture titled Creating the Medici Effect: A Life at the Intersection of Disciplines, Industries, and Cultures.
Taking place from 18:00-19:30 BST on 17 July at Aston Business School, the lecture will explore ideas and insights from Johansson’s research and groundbreaking book, The Medici Effect, which has inspired leaders across science, technology, healthcare, and economic development to think differently and act boldly.
The event will be an opportunity to learn how merging diverse fields, cultures, and disciplines can ignite extraordinary ideas. Johansson will also uncover new ways of thinking to expand innovation and problem-solving capacity which could revolutionise work and life.
The lecture takes place during Aston’s summer graduation where Johansson will become an honorary graduate of the university. He is being recognised for his influential insights on innovation which span science, technology, healthcare, and economic development. He has advised CEOs and worked with organisations and governments worldwide to innovate and drive change. He is CEO of Medici Next, which has converted his ideas into specific actions, backed by behavioural and data sciences, and delivered through AI.
Speaking in advance of the lecture, Frans Johansson said:
“We’re living in a moment where the intersections of disciplines, industries, and cultures hold the key not just to breakthrough ideas, but to solving our most complex challenges. It’s why I believe simplicity—finding clear, bold ways to connect and act—has never been more essential. I’m truly honored to join Aston University to explore these ideas at such a dynamic time, and I look forward to engaging with a community that’s eager to challenge convention and think beyond traditional boundaries.”
The lecture is open to all and free to attend but places must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.
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About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773959 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk