V-c quits over disagreement with governors
Northumbria University vice-chancellor Gilbert Smith is standing down next year because of a disagreement with governors over the future direction of the institution. He told governors chairman Gavin Black: “The vision which I hold for the university is different from that held by you and your senior colleagues.”
Oxford seals chemistry deal
Oxford University has signed a £20 million deal for a new chemistry building. The venture, between Oxford and Beeson Gregory Group plc, gives half the university's future rights to equity in spin-off companies arising from the chemistry department to Beeson Gregory, an investment bank.
Rail programme increases road deaths
The on-going rail improvement programme is costing lives as people are forced off trains and on to more dangerous roads. Andrew Evans, professor of transport studies at University College London, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the result was perhaps an additional road death each week.