‘Excessive bureaucracy’ used to block ‘gender-critical’ research Research ethics and events management processes can stifle debate and restrict academic freedom, claims government-commissioned paper By Juliette Rowsell 2 July
One in eight universities retain ‘zero tolerance’ drug policies Two-thirds of institutions moving towards ‘harm reduction’ strategies but charity identifies ‘lingering stigma’ By Tom Williams 2 July
Will defence research throw a lifeline to UK universities? Institutions may be forced to choose between extra research funding and placating students unless narrative around military work changes By Helen Packer 2 July
Research impact’s ‘uneven playing field’ hits small universities Disparities in impact-related support for UK academics may widen funding inequalities from Research Excellence Framework, scholars fear By Jack Grove 1 July
Emran Mian named as next DSIT permanent secretary Former director general for higher education becomes top-ranking civil servant at department that allocates ?13.9 billion R&D funding By Tom Williams 30 June
Birmingham City to axe 340 roles as it shifts focus to teaching Affected professional services staff will be given the chance to apply for one of hundreds of new posts By Juliette Rowsell 30 June
London South Bank hires PwC’s Paul Kett as next vice-chancellor Former director general in the Department for Education joins university that also runs schools and colleges By Tom Williams 30 June
Basic research funding ‘must be protected and grown’ – Vallance Funding for curiosity-driven research ‘easiest area’ for governments to cut, warns science minister By Juliette Rowsell 30 June
Students see affording living costs as ‘own responsibility’ Financial pressures changing nature of student experience as higher education increasingly viewed in transactional terms By Juliette Rowsell 30 June
Teaching students overseas ‘more vital than ever’, says DMU v-c Ability to run courses and research in Leicester relies on income from international operations, leader warns after criticism of expansion plans By Jack Grove 30 June
Ending bullying and precarity should be the Cambridge chancellor’s focus In recent decades, the post has been seen as purely ceremonial. But there is precedent and justification for a more interventionist role, says Wyn Evans By Wyn Evans 30 June
Non-EU fee changes ‘not enough to bring students back to Norway’ Universities to be given power to set own prices after mandatory rules dropped, but sector says plans must go further By Emily Dixon 29 June
