The newsroom blog

Matthew Reisz reflects on the advantages and disadvantages of detachment for those pursuing ghostly research

System expansion is not enough. Admission to higher-tariff institutions must somehow be opened up, says Paul Jump

When credible concerns emerge about research validity, universities and journals must move quickly, writes John Ross

Perspectives on the state of English studies around the world reveal how disciplines are vulnerable to changes in society, policy and technology

A spell of globetrotting shows that no matter their location, universities, and those they serve, face challenges that cannot be tackled alone

Matthew Reisz discovers what anthropologist Ruben Andersson learned behind bunkers in Bamako

Tips from THE’s editor on how universities can shift the negative perceptions of higher education to reassert their value to society

Good PhD supervision is life-changing – and not only for the few who succeed in making it as researchers

The Chinese tech giant’s challenge for universities will be far from an isolated case and universities are not prepared for the nuanced reaction required, says John Ross 

Universities normally resist being used by states to further an ideological goal. Why should it be any different when it comes to the EU? asks David Matthews 

Big datasets linking higher education participation to a range of socio-economic factors are useful and fascinating, but their translation into policy remains fraught 

Many institutions’ missions mean they do work that changes lives but never wins wide attention. Our new University Impact Rankings aim to recognise them

It would be easy for universities to cede the frontiers of research in AI to industry. But history – and the experts – tell us that would be a mistake

Republicans in Congress are far less ideologically driven to avoid deficits and increase military spending this time, writes THE’s North America editor Paul Basken

A large world-class university may eclipse a less renowned neighbour, but an education ecosystem rich in diversity can benefit all in the area

Matthew Reisz considers the work of researchers who have shed light on the ‘invisibility’ of social class in US universities

Lack of detail, not due process, is at the heart of concerns about medical research handouts in Australia, writes John Ross 

Matthew Reisz meets an expert on tracking the movements of animals which are sometimes fierce and virtually impossible to catch  

Upholding the ideal of free speech on campus knowing that conservative politicians hold the keys to the safe puts college presidents in a difficult position

Too often, the life-changing work of less prestigious universities goes overlooked. THE’s University Impact Rankings aim to change that, says Phil Baty

Male voices are over-represented in our pages. We know that we have more to do to better reflect all those in the sector, but we need women’s help

Cutting-edge scientific research requires freedom from political constraint. To maximise progress, both Asia and the West should reflect on their priorities

The hostility pervading online platforms is stifling provocative opinion and reasoned debate, and eroding the foundations of higher education

Academic turned wrestler Dan Mathewson is just one of many educators willing to go the extra mile for scholarship and learning, says Jack Grove 

Fixating on how research misconduct might impact the figures could distract the scholarly world from bigger questions about the future direction and conduct of science, explains Simon Baker

If popular books trump scholarly monographs, what’s the point of academic publishers? asks John Ross 

Matthew Reisz describes talking to Jordanian molecular biologist Rana Dajani about body image, the West’s view of the East and breaking into science’s big league

In sharing his side of the conversation about England’s post-18 education review, Chris Skidmore gives insight into the battle going on inside the government, John Morgan writes

Everyone appears to be behind open access, but scratch the surface and you’ll find that it’s something of a touchy subject in academia, says Rachael Pells 

The idea of mistakes being intrinsic to success has become an educational mantra – but for many students and academics, messing up is not an option

Evidence of strong public demand for access to papers is scant. Might a sophisticated database of lay summaries be more valuable?

But the former education secretary’s interview also makes plain that No 10 – with a hostile agenda towards the sector – has brutally overridden DfE, writes John Morgan

UK university leaders might be bullish on the subject of institutional failure but the divide between managers and staff needs serious redress