Specialist subject network launched

* A network of 24 specialist subject centres is to be launched by the Institute for Learning and Teaching at a cost of Pounds 30 million over the next five years.

English is the only subject area still to be allocated. Cliff Allen, programme director of the Learning and Teaching Support Network, said two tenders had been rejected because of location and management problems.

At the hub of the network will be the Learning and Teaching Centre, which will advise the individual subject centres on issues affecting HE as a whole.

The centres will develop subject networks, promote IT in teaching, learning and assessment and maintain links with professional bodies. "We hope the centres will have considerable status. We recognise that subject discipline communities are where many academics communicate with their peers," Mr Allen said.