Breaking news

The chairs of five of the council’s panels have expressed concerns over plans to axe more than 40 scientific projects. Zoë Corbyn reports

Murder of Indian student in Melbourne prompts call for cross-border agency to improve security. John Morgan reports

Students blame parental pressure for dissatisfaction with university choices. Hannah Fearn reports

Robin Baker says changes in sector make time right for move. Melanie Newman reports

Thomson Reuters begins building ‘unprecedented’ database that will inform THE’s World University Rankings. Phil Baty reports

UCU demands that university rules out compulsory redundancies in cost-cutting plan. John Morgan reports

As he was wrapping up for the year, Peter Slater witnessed a disturbing vision of the future

As universities present their Christmas treats, Rose Wilkinson samples the seasonal offerings

Sector responds to festive ‘kick in the teeth for staff and students’. John Morgan reports

Fight against research concentration hots up with analysis finding almost “no direct correlation between volume and excellence”. Zoë Corbyn writes

It’s a case of Salem’s lots and lots as the bloodsucker phenomenon bites the American academy. Jon Marcus reports

Policy’s confirmation is imminent and will put issue on the general election agenda. Melanie Newman reports

Nuclear physicists claim to have been singled out by the STFC for cuts that could destroy the discipline. Zoë Corbyn reports

Chief executive issued ultimatum to London Met governors before mass resignations: leave or risk the institution’s funding. Rebecca Attwood reports

Effort to plug £40 million hole will involve cuts in studentships, fellowships and grants. Zoë Corbyn reports

Governors bow to pressure and resign, but final departures won’t occur until summer 2010. Rebecca Attwood reports

Sector faces ‘incredibly difficult’ struggle to maintain standards in wake of move, leaders warn. John Morgan reports

Sir Deian Hopkin’s analysis calls for overhaul of senior management in wake of processing blunders. Melanie Newman reports

Fees and finance panel makes first call for evidence. John Morgan reports

Protests greet university’s decision to end undergraduate provision at Ambleside. Melanie Newman reports

York St John and University of London name successors. Melanie Newman reports

Along with ketchup containers and an apple-shaped promotional radio, this Rhoda Handbag - designed by Sarah Bayley - forms part of the collection at the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP).

Midway through ten-year framework, investment remains ‘relatively static’ as percentage of GDP. Zoë Corbyn reports

Debate leads to anger over Lord Drayson’s accusation that scientists don’t fully recognise their accountability to taxpayers. Zoë Corbyn reports

Academics claim STEM policies threaten UK’s ‘last remaining world-leading sector’. Hannah Fearn reports

Universities UK head is ‘bluntly’ quizzed over where cuts should be made. Zoë Corbyn reports

University plans 100 ‘targeted’ job cuts while increasing student numbers. John Morgan reports

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz will take the reins in October 2010. Rebecca Attwood reports

At a cross-party debate, both Labour and Conservative representatives set off warning bells about whether science funding will be maintained at its current levels. Zoë Corbyn reports

CIHE launches groups as part of revamped remit. Hannah Fearn reports

More than 1,000 documents relating to climate change research have been stolen from the university and published online. Zoë Corbyn reports

Hefce puts officials on the spot after review finds them responsible for fiasco. Rebecca Attwood reports

Report into overpayments to university finds top officials were aware of problems but took no action. Rebecca Attwood reports

Former head of City named vice-chancellor. Rebecca Attwood reports

Government intends to update rules of engagement regarding policy advisers. Zoë Corbyn reports

‘Outraged’ union intends to fight redundancies as university starts consultation. John Morgan reports

When he returns to research, Sir Keith O’Nions will become acting rector. Melanie Newman writes

It pays to be an academic during a recession, says Jon Marcus

Great and good unveil principles to guide relationship between the state and scientific advice in the aftermath of the Nutt affair. Zoë Corbyn reports

Patrick McGhee to step up to the role in February 2010. Melanie Newman reports

Government’s long-term plan for sector outlines greater industrial involvement in courses and governance. Melanie Newman reports

Former QAA head says row is leading to a significant shift in quality assurance. Rebecca Attwood reports

Freedom from government interference is crucial to building world-class universities, an international gathering has heard. Phil Baty reports from Shanghai

1994 Group chief warns that the sector must dance to the music of ‘value for money’ whether Labour or the Conservatives lead. Melanie Newman reports

Government cracks down after distinguished scientist’s remarks about cannabis. Zoë Corbyn reports

Times Higher Education signs deal with Thomson Reuters

Pairing poor-performing colleges with higher education institutions is not improving provision significantly. John Morgan reports

Advertising Standards Authority upbraids department for misleading claims that qualifications are accepted by all universities

What’s it all about? The winner of the THE Lord Dearing Lifetime Achievement Award has distilled ten facts of university life to share

India and China top list of potential partners as universities race to expand, report says

Report argues that move would increase sector’s reservoir of private funds. Melanie Newman reports

Ex-Kingston lecturer faces six months’ jail if found guilty. Melanie Newman reports

Academic authors to debate the pros and cons of creative writing courses. Hannah Fearn reports

Scholars advised to unite to win vital support from institutions and Government. Melanie Newman reports

Lord Mandelson announces incentives to encourage rapid responses to ‘fill niche gaps in the skills base’. Phil Baty reports

Study shows that the gap between the haves and have-nots is widening

Courses on beneficent outlaw flourish in hard times

Teesside rewarded with top prize in 2009 sector awards

The Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings have made waves across the globe. In America, the figures have fed into a narrative of national decline, while its northern neighbour is not taking success for granted. Phil Baty reports

Concerns are mounting that scientific and technological research funded by business could be undermining universities’ openness and independence. Zoë Corbyn reports