New English minister signals end to ‘needless’ university bashing Striking a different tone from that of his predecessor, Chris Skidmore says value for money is about ‘much more’ than graduate salary figures By John Morgan 31 January
Small town or London universities ‘may be allowed to go under’ Sussex vice-chancellor predicts ‘variable’ approach to regulatory support for vulnerable institutions By John Morgan 31 January
Female students in ‘sexy’ clothes seen as less competent Dressing ‘sexy’ can negatively influence perceptions of competence, effort and performance, finds new study By Matthew Reisz 31 January
REF 2021: funders let universities submit redundant staff’s work Funding councils acknowledge that policy U-turn may have 'unintended consequences for individuals' By Rachael Pells 31 January
One in three unconditional offers made by just seven universities Ucas data show that, at three institutions, three-quarters of all offers made to applicants were unconditional By Simon Baker 31 January
Robert-Jan Smits: in search of the ‘big flip’ to open access The architect of Plan S tells of his next move to become a university leader in Eindhoven and discusses the art of not taking life too seriously By Rachael Pells 31 January
Precious cargo: archaeologist buys plane seat for Neanderthal Christopher Hunt shared row with precious remains after granting of ‘passport’ By Rachael Pells 31 January
Call for sector guidelines on academic freedom on social media Universities and scholars told to establish ‘the boundaries of acceptable speech’ as staff report meetings with managers over online activities By Ellie Bothwell 31 January
REF 2021: an open letter on equality and diversity The next phase of the research excellence framework will address individuals’ abilities to contribute to research output and endeavour to promote equality and diversity throughout, writes Dianne Berry By Dianne Berry 31 January
UK working on ‘domestic alternatives’ to EU research funding Plan needed as UK and EU ‘may not get back into detail’ on association until November, warns science minister Chris Skidmore By John Morgan 30 January
Russell Group head warns of ‘real damage’ from tuition fee cut Tim Bradshaw says capping fees in England at ?6,500 would cost member institutions ?860 million annually By Rachael Pells 30 January
Two-thirds of students think TEF based on Ofsted-style inspection Only one in 50 respondents to DfE survey correctly state that ratings are not based on class observations By Anna McKie 30 January
