Universities and pension bosses at loggerheads over USS future Vice-chancellors criticise level of contributions proposed by Universities Superannuation Scheme By Chris Havergal 13 November
Universities ‘moving closer to the centre’ of political conflict UK’s chief scientific adviser for national security says threat to universities’ values is most significant risk By Ellie Bothwell 13 November
Call for mission-focused ‘collaboration zones’ to boost UK R&D Vice-chancellors and business leaders urge tighter focus and fresh funding incentives to drive up industry-academia innovation By Chris Havergal 13 November
Academics back refusing funding over human rights concerns Survey finds one in five scholars self-censored their teaching when students from autocratic states were in their class By Ellie Bothwell 13 November
V-cs back ‘post-qualification offers’ admissions system for UK Vice-chancellors say confirming offers after results day would increase ‘fairness for applicants’, with switch proposed for 2023 By Anna McKie 13 November
Anger as UKRI rules out blanket funding extension for PhDs Extra funding will be prioritised for those in final year or those with ongoing support needs, with other students urged to adapt their projects to existing deadlines By Simon Baker 12 November
Universities told to resist ‘creeping securitisation’ of?fieldwork Academic says some safety requirements increase risk to researchers and encourages institutions to take flexible, academic-led approach By Ellie Bothwell 12 November
Government response to Augar still expected with spending review English sector awaits details of rebalancing towards further education, along with HE policy statement and campus free speech bill By John Morgan 12 November
Locked-down students had less time in class but felt more engaged Annual survey of UK students also reveals significant increase in students’ caring responsibilities and paid work By Anna McKie 12 November
Elite universities urged to investigate graduate gender pay gap Figures suggest that graduates of UK’s highly selective institutions and specialists have widest differences in pay By Simon Baker 12 November
Government plan will ensure students can celebrate Christmas safely Support must continue beyond 9 December for those with positive Covid-19 tests, international students and others, says minister Michelle Donelan By Michelle Donelan 11 November
Ministers ‘still working through’ plans for new research funder Key issues on mission, leadership and position of ‘Arpa’ agency within wider system yet to be decided, MPs told By John Morgan 11 November
