Nip and tuck for externals? A radical facelift is required Quality assurance experts disappointed that review ignores major problems. Rebecca Attwood reports By Rebecca Attwood 12 August
Standard Response: Good tools but you need to show how they work Universities value the "toolkit" they use to set academic standards, but the kit is doing little to reassure the public, a review has found. By Rebecca Attwood 12 August
Tory rift with sociologists threatens 'Big Society' David Cameron must overcome bitter Thatcherite legacy. Hannah Fearn reports 12 August
Cut REF work: Check the best and sample the rest RAE assessor suggests a way to reduce costs, save time and improve quality. Paul Jump reports By Paul Jump 12 August
10 rules for a successful long-distance relationship Academics and administrators from nine nations back research guidelines. Sarah Cunnane reports By Sarah Cunnane 12 August
Sector link-ups must mind the cultural gap Research reveals positives and pitfalls for Sino-UK university joint ventures. John Morgan reports By John Morgan 12 August
SNP urged to re-evaluate fees Opposition calls on Holyrood to consider option in wake of Budget report. Hannah Fearn reports 12 August
The heat is on: official hints that cuts could rise to 35% Warning to v-cs suggests per capita funding could fall to lowest in living memory. John Morgan writes By John Morgan 12 August
The principles of Confusionism Prepare yourselves. Rebecca Attwood reports on students' exam howlers in our annual competition By Rebecca Attwood 12 August
Is the Israeli academy facing a McCarthyite era? Political interference could put freedom of speech in universities at stake, says Matthew Reisz By Matthew Reisz 7 August
Criminal minds betray the academy's higher principles As bad behaviour mars the US sector, observers point to lack of ethical code for all scholars. Jon Marcus reports By Jon Marcus 5 August
Time to free research elite from the grant 'treadmill' UCL professors say 'major restructuring' will be needed to sustain UK sector. Paul Jump reports By Paul Jump 5 August
Iran's publish 'at any cost' mentality blamed for surge in academic fraud 51国产视频 of Tehran scholar condemns quantity over quality approach. Hannah Fearn reports 5 August
UK and India commit to world-class partnerships Prime minister's delegation agrees joint research projects and greater cooperation. Paul Jump reports By Paul Jump 5 August
Reform for externals excludes register No evidence of 'shortcomings', but review proposes measures to boost clarity. Rebecca Attwood writes By Rebecca Attwood 5 August
Loss of ally adds to Welsh unrest Civil servant's departure leaves department with 'dearth of experience', Hannah Fearn writes 5 August