In 2026 and 2027, the Democratic Education Network marks ten years. What began as a single seminar at the University of Westminster has grown into an international community of students, alumni, academics and support workers reaching from London to Tashkent, Bangkok, Hanoi, Lima and Istanbul, working on what it means for students to be partners in producing knowledge rather than consumers of it. This is the home of our anniversary year. Here you will find a rolling series of interviews and reflections in Inside Westminster magazine, a podcast and short film telling the story of how DEN grew, the launch of a permanent DEN Alumni Network, and the findings of an anniversary research project tracing the themes that have shaped our first decade. Everything is made by the people who have been part of DEN. We hope you will read, listen, and add your voice.
How DEN gave one early alumnus the real-world experience that landed him a tech career Mohammed Khaled, University of Westminster (2017–2020); now working in the technology sector, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with...
From locked-down first year to Vietnam, the DEN conference, and the Civil Service Lucas Iacuzzi, BA Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster (2020–2023); now Civil Servant at HM Revenue & Customs, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into...
How DEN took me from undergraduate project manager to the Embassy of Oman Tasneem Fadel, BA (Hons) International Relations and Development; former Project Manager at DEN (2018–2021); now Academic Advisor and Events Manager at the Cultural Attaché Office, Embassy of Oman, London Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic...
How DEN became my best experience at university Afra Bhuiyan, Politics and International Relations, Class of 2026, University of Westminster (Regent Street), United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I came into contact...
How DEN turned a curious second-year into a society president Negena Mahmoud, second-year Politics and International Relations student, University of Westminster, London (Afghan heritage) Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I first came into...
“Trust the students.” How DEN reshaped one lecturer’s view of teaching Linh, Lecturer, International Studies Faculty, Hanoi University, Vietnam Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I first came into contact with DEN when a...
How DEN turned a module choice into a global education Joshua Morton, second-year English Language and Linguistics student, University of Westminster, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? For my entire first year at Westminster, I...
DEN AT 10 · IN THEIR OWN WORDS Rita, a final-year International Relations student from Ukraine, reflects on the blog that started it all, presenting her research at the 2026 conference, and three articles in DEN’s annual book. Rita · International Relations, final year · University of Westminster · Ukraine Q1. Tell us who you...
Que Anh, known to everyone as Cinny, a Hanoi University graduate now working in youth development in Vietnam, reflects on three international conferences, friendships that crossed borders, and learning to value questions over answers. Que Anh (Cinny) · Development Studies, Hanoi University · Vietnam Q1. Tell us who you are and where you are based....
How DEN altered my university experience for the better Katie Bracci, BA graduate, University of Westminster (2021–2025), United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? I had no idea about DEN in my foundation year, but in...
Jamie Greenfield, a Politics graduate, University of Westminster (2019-2022), now working within corporate retail, reflects on field trips to Hanoi and Geneva, finding his research voice through DEN, and the friendships that started at the gates of Wells Street. Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. Q1. ...
This year is my first experience with the DEN conference, and I am filled with gratitude and growth. From the initial submission of my abstract to the thrilling experience of presenting my paper, each step of the process has been enriching and transforming. My journey to the DEN conference started in February when Westminster International...