UUK backs student complaints overhaul
Students should have access to an independent complaints procedure, according to Universities UK, which said that the government should introduce a UK-wide system that could look at problems raised about courses, pastoral support and the conduct of academics. (Times)
'Elitist' Royal Society faces funding clash
A clash is looming between MPs and the Royal Society over whether the organisation, which gives out millions of pounds of government money every year, is the dynamic voice of science it claims to be or an elitist club. Members of the Commons select committee for science and technology are to visit the society's headquarters tomorrow to decide whether to hold an inquiry into how it handles the £25 million in parliamentary grants in receives annually. (Guardian)
More employers use psychometric tests
More companies are using psychometric and leadership tests to select candidates for graduate jobs, a report published today claims. This year, nearly half of firms (46 per cent) will use psychometrics - in which a candidate takes a test of ability and completes a questionnaire to gauge personality - to select graduate trainees. (Independent)
Scientists to warn of GM dangers for babies
Babies given genetically modified food may be more vulnerable than adults to developing allergies, Britain's most distinguished scientific body will warn today. In a report on the safety of genetically modified food, the Royal Society will say that GM products licensed for sale in Britain are safe. (Independent)
Gene test 'is bowel disease lifesaver'
A reliable non-invasive test that can detect bowel cancer at its earliest and most curable stage has been developed by scientists at Johns Hopkins University. The two-part test, which identifies genetic markers of the disease, will not be available for three years. (Daily Telegraph)
Improve teenagers' basic skills, employers say
Employers will today warn the government to concentrate on improving the basic skills of teenagers in the forthcoming overhaul of secondary school education for 11 to 19-year-olds. (Financial Times)
Gene cure trials for blood-clot disorder
Doctors are preparing to run the first British clinical trial of a radical treatment for haemophilia, the blood-clotting disorder inherited by one in every 5,000 babies. The trial will involve injecting volunteers with a genetically engineered version of the common cold virus containing a human blood-clotting gene. (Independent)