EU open access platform must ‘build trust’ among researchers New partnership of Open Research Europe with national research funders could boost interest in the platform, experts say By Emily Dixon 18 February
World Reputation Rankings 2025: results announced The benefits of a strong brand are accruing for universities and academics alike. Jack Grove explores why reputation matters – and examines the latest results in the list of the world’s most prestigious universities By Jack Grove 18 February
Threat of Reform looms large over Labour’s HE policy priorities Growing influence of Nigel Farage’s party could spell trouble for universities seeking to protect rights of international students By Tom Williams 18 February
UK poised to resist pressure to set new international student target Some urge ministers to aim for 1 million enrolments from overseas, but sector divided over whether revised goal would be a good thing By Tom Williams 17 February
Universities lobby hard on QR funding as research cuts fears grow Lack of transparency over how excellence-based allocations are spent makes them vulnerable as Russell Group makes case for flexible research funding By Jack Grove 17 February
Cardiff’s music closure will hasten the fading out of UK musical scholarship Most courses are already performance- or employment-focused. The demise of another scholarly programme will skew the balance further, says Ian Pace By Ian Pace 17 February
Voodoo doll study explores why scientists get harrassed Researchers asked participants to stick pins in ‘stereotypical scientist’ to establish levels of aggression By Patrick Jack 16 February
Work of professional services staff ‘invisible’ in universities ‘Survival guide’ aims to tackle ‘age-old binary that permeates the sector’ By Patrick Jack 15 February
Liverpool and Edge Hill universities both plan staff cuts Academics at Liverpool say ‘unexpected’ announcement has left people ‘shocked’ By Juliette Rowsell 14 February
Third of students don’t think degree will land them higher wages Employment prospects the main motivation for half of students with satisfaction levels dented by high fees and low contact hours By Tom Williams 14 February
Take plunge with European degree label, university leaders urge Label could be ‘first step’ towards automatically recognised continental qualification, experts suggest By Emily Dixon 14 February
Scottish post-92s get extra cash to cover pensions costs Holyrood generosity contrasts with Westminster intransigence over Teachers’ Pension Scheme By Juliette Rowsell 13 February
