German university fears AI takeover could narrow mission Struggling financially, the private Jacobs University is seeking new backers, but academics have been left shocked by plans for it to be turned into an AI institute by software giants By David Matthews 7 December
Universities and business must both commit to greater social mobility The Purpose Coalition will bring together the skills and the jobs needed to create a fairer, greener UK, says Justine Greening By Justine Greening 6 December
UK PhDs doing fieldwork ‘need blanket funding extensions’ Learned society calls on UKRI to boost support for those hit by travel disruption By Simon Baker 4 December
Europe ‘set to gain’ on research from US-China falling out International higher education scholar suggests global science is entering a new era of fragility By Ellie Bothwell 4 December
Bailouts for ‘autonomous’ universities? That’s rich, says Barber Chair of English regulator criticises universities for talking up independence and then seeking support during pandemic By John Morgan 3 December
Lords call for UK to ‘act immediately’ on Horizon and Erasmus Committee of peers says government must confirm it will participate in EU programmes or provide details on alternatives By Ellie Bothwell 3 December
Half of UK undergraduates worried about January return, says poll Survey of UK-based undergraduates reveals fears over spring term restart despite overall satisfaction with universities’ handling of Covid-19 pandemic By Jack Grove 3 December
Students ‘actively encouraged’ to notify OfS of quality concerns English regulator to work with students and their unions to increase awareness of its powers By John Morgan 3 December
Overseas students in US and UK ‘most satisfied during Covid’ Survey finds new international students at UK institutions received most non-academic assistance and support By Ellie Bothwell 3 December
England to stagger students’ post-Christmas return over five weeks Students to be offered Covid tests when they arrive on campus By Chris Havergal 2 December
ICT cuts ‘leave vaccine university vulnerable to cyberattacks’ Campaigners claim forcing staff to reapply for jobs with lower salaries will damage Imperial and leave institution vulnerable By Anna McKie 2 December
Academics ‘not best’ to advise postdocs on leaving academia Event hears calls for improved careers services in universities to help steer PhD students and postdocs on opportunities By Simon Baker 1 December
