Latest news

Students split over Middle East debate
Tensions are expected between Jewish and Muslim students at Manchester University today as members of the student union vote on a boycott motion condemning Israel's "apartheid regime". Union general secretary Andrew Perfect said students were split over the motion, which opponents say will create a climate of fear among Jewish students.

Women scientists victims of self-perception
A conference will hear today that women's own perceptions, established practices and organisational culture are holding women back in science. The Athena Project, which organised the conference, will launch its latest report looking at five projects addressing the problems and their impact on senior management. The government's chief scientific adviser, David King, was due to speak at the conference.

Scottish 'grid' to save dolphin lives
Marine biologists at St Andrews University are developing a grid to help save hundreds of dolphins' lives each year by preventing them being caught in trawl nets. The St Andrews team is designing the exclusion grid in collaboration with the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association.

Zimbabwean professor charged with treason
University of Zimbabwe law professor Welshman Ncube has been formally charged with high treason by police investigating the alleged plot to assassinate president Robert Mugabe. Professor Ncube, who has held the law chair at the university since 1992, is secretary-general of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, whose leader, Morgan Tsvangerai, has already been charged. They, and a third MDC MP who is also accused, have denied the charge and have been released.