From today's UK papers

FINANCIAL TIMES

Scientists fed up with failing to get their message across to the public are to set up an independent science communications centre in London.

THE GUARDIAN

Thousands of students are being excluded from university because they are unable to pay tuition fees, Peter Knight, vice-chancellor of the University of Central England, has said.

Local councillors in Buxton, who have struggled to reverse an economic decline which has lasted for a century, are celebrating the arrival of the University of Derby.

Last year a third of Cambridge students graduated with a first, compared with only 10 per cent at Durham.

Michael Brown, vice-chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, defends the university following an examiner's stinging attacks.

John Brennan, director of further education development at the Association of Colleges, warns that a six-term year may suit schools, but could devastate colleges.

DAILY MAIL

Stress at work is spiralling out of control, with many employees in danger of burning out, John McLeod, a professor at Abertay University, Dundee, has claimed in a study.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Michael Laidler, the pyschology lecturer who became mentally ill when his office was demolished, has lost his claim for compensation against New College, Durham.

Dick van Velzen, the pathologist at the centre of the Alder Hey organs row, attacked a Daily Telegraph photographer last night.

MISCELLANY

Aston University has drawn up contingency plans to charge students top-up fees. ( Daily Telegraph , The Times )

Oxford University discriminated in favour of pupils from comprehensive schools during the year that Tyneside student Laura Spence applied, according to the local Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris. ( Guardian , Daily Mail )

Life may be common throughout the universe, say scientists at the Nasa Ames centre and the University of California at Santa Cruz, who have created the ingredients of primitive cells in harsh conditions typical of deep space. ( Guardian , Independent , Daily Telegraph , The Times )