Latest UK news

£252m  boost for genomics and technology
Trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers earmarked £252 million today for research in genomics, e-science and basic technology over three years. The research councils will also get £100 million for work in their own areas, including a bid to become a member of the European Southern Observatory.

100,000 staff prepare to strike
Universities face virtual shutdown, trade union leaders have warned, as four key higher education unions representing almost 100,000 staff secured a mandate for industrial action over pay and conditions this week. But there is little sign of employers improving their 3 per cent pay offer this year.

Scots aim to avoid results fiasco
An early warning system aimed at preventing a repeat of the summer exam chaos was unveiled today by Scottish education minister Jack McConnell. It will give pupils, parents and teachers the opportunity to voice worries about the administration of Standard Grade and Higher exams.

This house agrees: Oxbridge is not elitist
Oxford and Cambridge universities do not operate an elitist admissions policy, according to the Oxford Union. The debating society was host to MPs, students and central figures in this summer’s row in the rejection from Magdalen College, Oxford, of Tyneside student Laura Spence.

Future assured for Office of Science and Technology
MPs heard yesterday that the future of the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology, the body devoted to helping them make sense of issues such as BSE, is assured. There has been a six-fold increase in the number of  science-related questions put to ministers since 1997.

Manchester researcher suggests placements for up to 12 months
Jeremy Howells of Manchester University has called for a new scheme to encourage temporary staff transfers between industry and academe. The aim is to enhance innovation - but ensure that academics who encounter industrial pay levels do not jump ship and fail to return.