Latest UK news

£675 million windfall for research
The first allocation from the government’s Science Research Investment Fund has divided £675 million between more than 100 English higher education institutions. Separate allocations will go to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The money will be used for research facilities.

E-university takes shape
The e-university, which aims to offer online courses developed by British universities and colleges, has appointed an interim management team with Nick Winton, an independent business consultant, as chief executive; John Slater, of the Institute for Teaching and Learning, technology director; and Keith Palmer, of N. M. Rothschild & Sons, as commercial director.

Blackstone raises hopes on access for poor
Higher education minister Baroness Blackstone has raised hopes that the government may increase money paid to universities for recruiting students from poor areas. Speaking at an Action on Access conference, Lady Blackstone did not rule out increasing the widening participation premium - a per capita sum paid by the funding council - from the current five per cent average. Education department sources have indicated the premium may be doubled.