Impact and engagement

In an era of anti-expert populism, it is more important than ever to stand up for scientific truth. But it is also harder, coming with a high risk of personal attack. Anna McKie speaks to those who have paid a high price for their advocacy, and draws out the lessons for those who want to take up the cause

Scientific excellence is not the only relevant criterion – either morally or legally, says Alex Conway 

Universities have the right track record on place-making and innovation, argues Brookings Institution fellow and report co-author

‘MIT of the North’ idea seen as ignoring imbalances in research funding that undermine regions

Leader says that desire to maintain tranquillity can deter islanders from pushing ideas to ‘breaking point’

Universities must face up to some legitimate complaints, but they can also play a key role in helping the new government meet its ambitions, says Alistair Jarvis

Event will explore how universities can contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 16

A$100m agreement ‘first cab off the rank’ for new foreign interference guidelines

Germany’s research ministry wants academia to provide the public with ‘answers’, but scholars say it’s not that simple

The plan promises big leaps in innovation, quality assurance and lecturer training, say Youmin Xi and Xiaojun Zhang  

Institutions can bid for funding to host network that will drive civic university agenda, as it gains political traction

Michael Sabia promises Toronto’s Munk School a boundary-crossing outlook

In a fraught political climate, it is even more difficult than usual for researchers to grab the attention of ministers. Diana Beech imparts her insider’s tips

Some students have been murdered while others are living on the streets, says Lynn Dobbs

Academics to try aiding US president with record of cutting expert advisers

More sharing of impact will improve understanding of how it can be promoted and evaluated, says Peter Tufano

Universities, local authorities and others must heed the Centenary Commission on Adult Education’s recommendations, says Jonathan Michie

New chair of main higher education grouping promises to resist complacency

Lord Kerslake, chair of UK2070 Commission, calls for ‘MIT of the North’ and ‘HE-FE systems’ in deprived towns

Amanda Power considers some of the deeper attitudes that can still inhibit academics from fully engaging in essential policy issues

Philosopher and Extinction Rebellion campaigner highlights ‘genuine synergies’ between academia and activism

‘Investment, policy support and consistency’ crucial to university role in regional development

Students believe that institutions must walk their talk when it comes to the future of the planet, Sydney summit hears

Academy faces challenge of overcoming a sceptical White House and reluctance of some of its members

Repository of research findings to help social scientists see ‘what we’re actually grappling with’

Sir Konstantin Novoselov sparks debate over who should be responsible for commercialising research discoveries

If the point of missions is to win taxpayers’ support for an increased science budget, accountability will be vital, says Harry Farmer

A report offers academics advice on the increasingly vital – if daunting – business of sharing their expertise via the media

The impact agenda is often portrayed a diversion from the real activity of research, but it can also provoke new lines of enquiry, says Alix Green

Duncan Ross outlines what’s new for the 2020 edition of the University Impact Rankings and how universities can get involved 

Academic lawyers have helped to resolve legal puzzles, but wider engagement can be demanding and ineffective, says Kenneth Armstrong

Many scientists believe publicly debating the Alternative for Germany is pointless, but one new study suggests rebutting deniers can be useful

Recent controversy over the future directions of both Stanford and Melbourne university presses have raised questions about the role of in-house publishing arms in a world of commercialisation, impact agendas, alternative facts – and ever-diminishing monograph sales. Anna McKie reports

Weeks after Trump vow to strengthen HBCUs, key Republican senator causes row by tying funding to wider HE legislation

University study centre ‘positive’ on Islam but not Christianity, objects senior Department of Education official

‘Systemic barriers’ hinder universities’ efforts to tackle the territory’s major problems, says report

Jill Liddington’s research into Anne Lister’s diaries inspired the television series Gentleman Jack. John Morgan speaks to her about making a difference locally and the lost tradition of extramural university teaching

There have been big declines in the proportion of humanities and social science papers published in Norwegian, conference told

The pursuit of impact remains controversial, but it has opened doors to more varied careers, says Andrew McRae

Academia has gone green in a big way in recent years, but some doubt whether it will make much difference to the planet. Nick Mayo speaks to scholars and students to assess the sector’s environmental record

Assessment of English universities’ commercialisation activities and industry partnerships to guide allocations ‘in the longer term’

Northwestern head says declining terms of presidents leave serving leaders wondering when they will be pushed out

Campus no place to meet industry partners because ‘you can’t find the building’

Why are an ex-footballer’s views on the game worth so much while academic analysis of the news is worth nothing, asks Peter Wells

Newcastle’s Jane Robinson wants to work strategically with local partners to help address north east’s post-industrial challenges

If universities don’t assert their expertise, demands from ministers and industry will become ever more misguided, says Dawn Freshwater

Decades of racial division hindering academia’s ability to alleviate poverty

LUISS Guido Carli University uses alumni ties to influence political debate

Survey affirms need for boosting human-based concerns in admissions and curricula

Landmark development ‘blurs boundaries between education and research’ and aims to deliver work experience for students

New campus after seven years of CMU operations in Rwanda raises hopes, questions of sustainability

Ex head of UK Civil Service issues warning as Arts Council chief praises universities’ contribution during council funding crisis

Provision of teacher residencies and mentoring by universities seen as key to long-term science improvement

Universities must draw up agreements with local partners that have the public voice at their heart, says Richard Brabner

The well-known economic and social benefits of higher education have been tossed aside for short-term political gain, says Steven Brint 

The alliance of world universities agrees to act on issues including social inequality at first summit

The next EU commissioner for research and innovation must fight for the Horizon Europe budget but resist timetables for scientific delivery, says Jan Palmowski

Our Impact Rankings are global proof positive that universities do a power of good, writes Phil Baty

Academia needs a sweeping cultural change to create the conditions and skills it needs to fulfil its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, says Peter Horton

Despite win, academic acknowledges critics of tactic of rapid-fire attacks on president