RAE under fire for 'pressurising' researchers
Young researchers feel under pressure to choose topics to suit the perceived preferences of the research assessment exercise, according to a study published this week. More than a fifth of those...
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Science opts for GM animals
The use of genetically modified animals in scientific procedures increased by 14 per cent last year, according to Home Office figures published this week, writes Caroline Davis. The annual Statistics...
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Ignored arts 'need council'
The distinction between the arts and the sciences is "anachronistic" and their relationship needs to be strengthened with the creation of a new research council, according to a senior government...
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Patent law may stunt genetic therapies
Gene patenting legislation could cripple the development of genetic tests and therapies, according to a British Medical Association paper published this week, writes Caroline Davis. The BMA...
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Sheffield bids to cut down on bureaucracy
Sheffield University hopes that a new computer system will free academics from hundreds of hours they spend on bureaucracy. The university said the system could save as much as 25 per cent of the...
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Student fears at 'fudged' review
Student leaders have warned that vice-chancellors' plans to set up an ombudsman for student complaints could be "fudged", writes Phil Baty. The National Union of Students said this week that the...
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College to double postgrad numbers
Goldsmiths College, University of London, is aiming to double its postgraduate population to bring its proportion of graduate students to 50 per cent. And it is embarking on a multi-million-pound...
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Myth-making
John Taylor, a 21-year-old student at St Andrews University, this week gave a one-man performance of Homer's Odyssey on Pittenweem beach on the Firth of Forth. His performance featured music and...
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Union calls for QAA's power to be curtailed
Top universities and the union that represents most of their lecturers want the Quality Assurance Agency's powers curtailed amid fears it wishes to re-introduce subject-level inspections by stealth....
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Colleges fear new exam is too tough
Further education college chiefs have warned that a rigid grading system adopted for the new "vocational A level" may send failure rates soaring. College heads have already reported worryingly low...
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Why a degree could be good for your health
Getting a degree makes you less likely to get depressed or drunk, but more susceptible to eating disorders, according to new research, writes Alison Utley. John Bynner, director of the Institute of...
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Scotland faces clearing crush
Students hoping to gain a place through clearing at a Scottish institution should expect a far tougher ride than those seeking a course south of the border. A bumper year for applications combined...
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Drama students to get state cash
Students at some specialist dance and drama schools will no longer have to pay high private tuition fees but will instead be funded largely by the state. An order creating a new Conservatoire for...
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Nursing deans plea for lighter touch from QAA
Nursing deans are lobbying the Department of Health and the Quality Assurance Agency to include National Health Service-funded courses in the "lighter touch" quality assurance blueprint. The Council...
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Scheme proves an eye opener
Volunteer optometry students and lecturers from around the world helped to run the first Opening Eyes programme in the United Kingdom at Cardiff 2001 Special Olympics last week. More than 200...