This thoughtful volume challenges widely accepted, traditionalist scientific notions of ‘the academic’ – prevalent in higher education institutions globally – in order to promote best practice, and redefine the field as accessible, inclusive and forward thinking. This book situates itself away from the dominant discourse on academia and eschews the common tropes that have proved prohibitive to furthering the field and research within. By releasing ‘the academic’ from the restrictive, narrow boundaries typically imposed, Representations of the Academic opens up a form of public sphere where the contributors bring together their innovative views to propose a new normative form. Chapters explore examples of good practice that demonstrate alternative ways of thinking and, in doing so, the book continues an emergent tradition of investigating the origins, nature and purposes of academic work at a time when critical values are under threat.The book will be of interest to students, academics and researchers in the fields of education, educational research and higher and professional education more broadly. Those involved with interdisciplinary and intercultural studies, ethics and values in research will also benefit from this volume.