Columnists

Felipe Fernández-Armesto is sceptical about claims cat-owners are smarter

We may be losing printed materials, but let’s not forget we’re also gaining useful digital resources, says Tara Brabazon

Financial woes make a short-term solution tempting. How desperate must I be to jettison my principles?

Each week, Dr Margot Feelbetter poses a dilemma and offers advice for readers to respond to online. This week: Inappropriate attention from a supervisor

Interns deserve meaningful duties, not humiliating tasks, says Sally Feldman

A positive start at a new university makes the possibility of finding the dream job more believable

In the aftermath of J. D. Salinger’s death, Robert Segal looks again at the novel that made his reputation, and asks whether it is relevant today

Kevin Fong offers a few options for the sector in lieu of a realistic strategy

As one contract ends, a fresh determination forms to become a departmental fixture in the future

In this guide, Tara Brabazon gives her top 10 tips for doctoral failure

Alan Ryan favours imagination over exaggeration when it comes to cutbacks

Failure to make the running exposes the problem of having an unconventional background

As the gateway to the professions, universities must do all they can, including considering context in admissions, to ensure fair access, says David Lammy

Less money and control, more stress - will anyone flourish? asks Tim Birkhead

Chris Higgins and Anthony Forster argue that we must stop expecting all universities to deliver on both research and teaching

Being given the opportunity to apply for jobs can make all the difference to one’s state of mind

Let’s abolish it and nurture scepticism instead, says Felipe Fernández-Armesto

Brian Eno’s post-musicianship is a dream for the new humanities, argues Tara Brabazon

Family responsibilities require complex arrangements to allow time for work – but when they break down, they become an acute source of anxiety for the temporary contractor

Tidiness and academic work just don't go together, believes Sally Feldman

The thought of becoming a public intellectual has many attractions but plenty of downsides, too

Post-Copenhagen, it's clear that logic alone won't save us, writes Kevin Fong

The new decade offers exciting technological developments that can transform our learning environment and bring multiple benefits to all university students

It’s difficult to relax and enjoy the holidays with unemployment looming ever closer.

Being interviewed for unsuitable posts and forms that require a PhD in splitting hairs are all part of the ‘fun’ of searching for a permanent post

Scientists offered guidelines to repair the damage caused by the Nutt affair, but the Government’s response threatens to undermine independent advice and must be resisted, writes Evan Harris

Alan Ryan says Labour would be best off abrogating all responsibility for fees

We live in an environment of too much information, and need to develop a more discerning intellectual palate

As the REF consultation winds up, Donald Braben looks back at previous attempts to exploit research. The results were mixed, because future performance in science and technology is virtually impossible to predict

The burden of trying to generate enthusiasm and work is suffocating me

Simplify grant applications and release time for teaching, says Tim Birkhead

A guest lectureship treat can’t compensate for job uncertainties

Academic evidence to the Iraq Inquiry points to the Government’s terrible planning, but the hearings’ remit is too narrow to tackle the big questions: the war’s legitimacy, the state’s culpability and the public’s responsibility. Tim Dunne writes

A latter-day Socrates wouldn't stand a chance, says Felipe Fernández-Armesto

There are plenty of opportunities for academics to take advantage of social media, but it’s important to separate the gems of revelation from the nonsense

Grappling with the frustrating process of applying for grants

The feminist struggle in the 1970s against discriminatory dress codes remains relevant today, says Clare Rose

The Government’s plan for the digital sector displays a lack of understanding of the new modes of cultural production, argue Joss Hands and Jussi Parikka

Sally Feldman mourns the demise of local papers and regional television

Efforts to climb several rungs of the career ladder at once

In light of the unmasking of Belle de Jour as a scientist, Petra Boynton, who blogs about sex and science, says institutions must balance privacy, scholarship and advocacy

Discarding 'unsuitable' proof in policymaking is foolhardy, warns Kevin Fong

Monographs are miniatures of scholarship, but some people artfully build them into microcosmic extravaganzas that inspire Tara Brabazon

Reasons to be cheerful without a proper job

While scientists are easily able to demonstrate the impact of their work, the social sciences are often on the back foot when it comes to highlighting the value of research, says Ziyad Marar

We should learn from the American experience with fees, says Alan Ryan

Wellcome Trust director Mark Walport argues that fellowship schemes are the way forward

Now that her manager has retired, Gloria is left to pick up the pieces

When do you reveal personal reasons behind career choices?

Stage experience is vital for budding performers, says Luke Scott, who enthuses his students with a hands-on approach

Labour’s student-as-customer framework reduces the academy to a glorified apprenticeship system and leaves Donald Braben praying for a predictable future

Some speaking engagements discomfort Tim Birkhead, but he is undeterred

Tara Brabazon turns up the volume of Ghost Town to hear a soundtrack in keeping with our times

A plan is needed for when my contract comes to an end

University curriculums should include an experience akin to online gaming, which could provide an edge in the jobs market, say Graham Manville and Janice Rippon

The decline of criticism is not democratising: it threatens the development of culture itself, argues Tiffany Jenkins

Poor Colombia deserves a happy birthday, says Felipe Fernández-Armesto

A discussion with the head of department proves a mistake

Russell Stannard, a THE Award winner for his work with ICT, offers practical tips on how to increase the visibility of a website with your open education resources

Sally Feldman's mentoring sessions don't follow rules, and that's no bad thing