Social scientists are divided over possible use of citations in the REF
The use of bibliometrics to assess non-science subjects splits academy. Zoe Corbyn reports.
The use of bibliometrics to assess non-science subjects splits academy. Zoe Corbyn reports.

Fight feelings of isolation by part-time students with some creative thinking and a flexible approach to setting work

Kevin Fong on why 'Fong, you're an idiot' was invaluable feedback.
Diversity has always been an integral part of a university, but what are the core principles that should apply to all?
In his nine years in charge of Heriot-Watt University, John Archer helped to raise student numbers by a third, instigated a dramatic restructure, and moved the institution out of a long period of...
Magazine claims the ancient university's science reputation is slipping. Melanie Newman writes.
The unstated component of the current "crisis" in higher education is that of the upgrading of polytechnics to the status of universities ("Are schools failing universities?" 10 January). Simon...
Lord Adonis wants closer links between universities and schools ("We're building bridges to help tomorrow's scholars climb higher", 10 January). But partnership is one thing and sponsorship of...
The current debate on the use of citations for determining future research funding is sad to witness. It raises all that is good and, regrettably, deficient with academic thinking and analysis....
Memory and hindsight are wonderful things, not least when it comes to forgetting. So Alan Ryan tells us that when he arrived at the University of Essex in 1966 the vice-chancellor was telling...
How nice of Alan Ryan to share his thoughts on the 1960s with us. Could I remind him, however, that the institution on the south coast that was attracting so much attention in that decade was the...
Matthew Reisz writes: "Acknowledgments may contain thanks to the author's wife ..." ("Books of revelation", 10 January). Why are such male-centric thought processes still making it into print? If the...