Latest news

Two human embryo research licences granted
The Centre for Genome Research at Edinburgh University has been granted one of the two first licences for research on human embryos following a landmark decision on cloning by the House of Lords. The other clinic granted a licence by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is at Guy’s Hospital, London.

Global monitoring satellite Envisat enters orbit
Enivsat, one of the largest and most advanced satellites ever launched, was sent into orbit today after ten years of development, part of it at the University of Leicester Space Centre. Envisat, launched from Kourou in French Guiana, will record information on environmental changes, including global warming, ozone layer depletion, earthquakes, volcanoes and floods.

Lord Sainsbury's personal fortune totals £3bn
Science minister Lord Sainsbury is the 76th richest person in the world with a £3 billion fortune, according to the Forbes Global magazine list of the world's billionaires. Microsoft supremo Bill Gates remains the richest man on the planet, having amassed a £37.4 billion fortune.

Edexcel passes first stage of government test
Embattled examining board Edexcel has successfully completed the first stage of remedial work ordered by the government. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said today that Edexcel had provided a rundown of "lessons learned" from last summer on time, an action plan for this year's tests, and assurances that it could deliver results competently.

Ulster experts assist Nigerian conflict resolution
Two Ulster University conflict resolution specialists have gone to Nigeria to help universities there develop conflict resolution programmes as ethnic and religious conflict continues to grow. Gillian Robinson and Cheyanne Church are based at the Incore research and policy centre, set up jointly by UU and the United Nations University.