Latest news

Anthrax scare blamed for SAT delays
Postal delays in the United States caused by anthrax alerts have been blamed for holding up vital college admissions test papers affecting up to 7,800 would-be students. The College Board, which administers the SAT, is offering re-sits and calling on colleges to be considerate and flexible when handling affected students’ applications.   

DTI boost to technology transfer
A directorate is being set up within the UK Department of Trade and Industry to encourage stronger links between the research community and industry. It will boost the technology transfer and innovation programmes overseen by the Office of Science and Technology.

Poor take-up for foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are proving less popular than hoped. 85 per cent of the places on 32 prototype programmes - and 1,300 students - have been filled since they began recruiting last spring. Higher education minister Margaret Hodge will make a statement about foundation degrees on Tuesday.

McConnell unveils new-look learning portfolio
There is growing speculation that Scotland’s new first minister, Jack McConnell, will bring together tertiary and school education under a single ministerial portfolio. Further and higher education are now in the enterprise and lifelong learning portfolio. In an interview before his installation today, Mr McConnell said his priorities would be education, health, transport, new jobs and crime reduction.

Seven new centres for AHRB
The Arts and Humanities Research Board has announced seven new research centres. They range from a centre for surrealism and its legacies to one dedicated to intellectual property and technology law.