Funding focus on research elite set to split sector

V-c's advice to Government would relegate many universities to teaching only, writes Hannah Fearn

'Clever crazies' quitting science

Creatives put off by plodding conformity demanded in modern research careers, writes Zoe Corbyn

The week in higher education

In a plea to the developed world, an academic with experience of the limitations on research in Africa has called for a rethink of how PhD training is made available. Heather Ferguson, research...

Research-led institutions give graduates pay premium

Earning potential is affected by type of university attended, a study claims. Melanie Newman reports

Tories slam new participation 'red tape burden'

A new requirement for universities to report on their widening-participation strategies has been criticised by the Conservative Party as "an extra burden they can do without".In spring next year,...

Think-tank calls for cap on tuition fees to be scrapped

But cost of freedom would be all direct government funding for teaching, writes Melanie Newman

Watchdog wants BNP to be denied right to teach

Members of the British National Party (BNP) working in universities should not be allowed direct contact with students, the higher education equality watchdog has said.Several higher education staff...

Professor reinstated via appeal court

But Durham contends decision has 'very limited practical consequences', writes Rebecca Attwood

Stress and strain blamed on 'bullying culture'

A culture of strained working relationships is endemic in UK universities, according to a survey of almost 10,000 academics by the University and College Union (UCU).One third of UCU members...

Concern greets proposal to include books in journal-ranking system

European Reference Index for Humanities may soon assess monographs' impact. Zoe Corbyn reports

Daytime TV: Snap, cackle, pop

With high expectations for the credible Devil's Whore, Gary Day attempts to avoid a Spanish flu outbreak

Cartoon by Ham

Mantras for modern times

Tara Brabazon on the rise of the soundbite over analysis

Hot papers in environment and ecology, 2006-08

Data provided by Thomson Reuters from its Essential Science Indicators, 1 January 2006-31 August 2008

Time off for medical appointments and family emergencies

Employees will need to take time off from work from time to time for a variety of different reasons, other than planned annual leave. In a previous article we considered time off for public duties;...