World news

‘Race law’ cited in imposition of reductions

Salaries for full-time faculty members at US colleges and universities are slowly recovering after years of below-inflation rises, although higher education institutions are increasingly reliant on part-time staff, a report has revealed.

Australian academics should not be contractually bound always to split their time equally between teaching and research, the vice-chancellor of the University of Adelaide has said.

Canadian human-rights case highlights disquiet at practices of Beijing-funded centres up on foreign campuses

Experiences highlight potential risks of overseas ventures for UK universities

US president Barack Obama’s announcement that $100 million (£66 million) is to be invested in an initiative to map the human brain has been welcomed by the country’s higher education institutions.

By Ry Rivard, for Inside Higher Ed

British Council discussions are under way, reports Donna Bowater from Rio de Janeiro

A powerful union, weak teaching and outmoded curricula are hampering progress. Matt Krupnick reports from Oaxaca

Senior humanities and social science academics come out in support of move to ‘take knowledge out of silos’

By Ry Rivard, for Inside Higher Ed

Scholars tired of ‘constant’ data requests. Frances Mechan Schmidt writes

Obama’s State of the Union address draws line in sand, QAA conference hears

By Ry Rivard, for Inside Higher Ed

University vice-chancellor reveals the struggle to educate students who have been brutalised by civil war

For long-term prosperity, universities in war-torn countries must focus on rebuilding infrastructure, conference hears

David Matthews meets a Syrian doctoral student at a UK university who is struggling to secure her future

Scholars in arts and humanities departments vulnerable to subsidy cuts are fighting back. John Marcus reports

By Allie Grasgreen, for Inside Higher Ed

University of Manouba hosts conference as dean Habib Kazdaghli faces trial said to ‘lack merit’. Matthew Reisz reports

Whoever wins the next election, uncapped enrolments and a big student loan book must be addressed, say observers

Death of Hugo Chavez unlikely to lead to changes within Venezuela’s ‘isolationist’ university system, says expert

State cuts lead sector to impose ‘arbitrary’ student targets. Phil Baty reports from New Orleans

EUA advises greater coordination for ‘confused’ system

Report identifies ideal environments for UK. Jack Grove reports

Emirate’s flagship aims to integrate partners in postgraduate programmes as part of ‘2030’ plan

Research gains in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Korea are not necessarily in their strongest suits, finds Thomson Reuters

Ambassador discusses efforts to combat perceptions of hostile sector

Jack Grove on a European institution’s mission to foster cross-border scholarship

Plans would expose colleges and universities to competition from lower-cost alternatives, say observers

New UK-validated for-profit college to sell itself on sun, sea and low fees

‘Change of tone’ will not arrest falling student numbers, critics argue. David Matthew reports

New assessment scheme will not be used to direct cash to institutions

Degree programme aims to give graduates edge in job market

Global push complicated by mainland links

US president Barack Obama has said that taxpayers “cannot continue to subsidise higher and higher and higher costs of higher education” in his annual State of the Union Address, and published proposals that would require colleges to meet performance thresholds to qualify for federal funding.

The next European Union research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020, has been allocated a budget of almost €71 billion (£60.4 billion) in an agreement reached on 8 February.

‘Web star’ predicts bonfire of the inanities in US sector

US academy considers impact of cuts and competition

Leeds scholar’s calls for Cambodian reform backed by US president

‘Exiled’ institution’s temporary Lithuanian home offers opportunity for critical thinking. Matthew Reisz reports

By Scott Jaschik, for Inside Higher Ed

French concerned by lack of entrance requirements at private institution. Clea Caulcutt reports

Uclan’s Cyprus outpost of ‘particular concern’ to UN secretary general. John Morgan reports

Affirmative action judgment could have repercussions across US. Chris Parr reports

Reddit co-founder’s death may bring closer what activist hoped for in life. Jon Marcus reports

Hungary’s higher education reforms are facing fierce student opposition, as Kata Ámon reports

The number of Indian students studying at UK universities fell by 24 per cent last year, as the government’s tightening of the student visa system took effect.

A university will this week welcome 90 academics from a single Japanese institution in what thought to be the biggest international symposium of its kind held in the UK.

The Council for Assisting Refugee Academics (Cara) has called for urgent support to be given to Syrian academics and students caught up in the country’s civil war.

Academy’s use of financial instruments worries politicians. Martin Mevius reports

Universities hope California’s referendum on state funding may set a precedent. Jon Marcus writes

Chinese students who study in Britain return to their home country more open-minded and tolerant, according to a new study.

Ten Australian universities are performing “above the world standard” for research, including four performing “well above” world standard, according to an evaluation of Australian research.

Internationally diverse departments outperform others, study finds. David Matthews writes

All eyes are on Brazil’s academy and its rising research output, generous funding and willingness to team up internationally in a bid to become a major player. Elizabeth Gibney reports from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

Gandhi is the inspiration for a rail-based college. Joanna Sugden reports from New Delhi