Latest UK news

Hefce funds fee impact study
Funding chiefs are examining how tuition fees affect the participation and choices of higher education students. The study is one of five research projects to be funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The others will examine:
• the collaboration between higher education institutions and further education colleges to raise participation in higher education
• the appointment, retention and promotion of academic staff in institutions
• student demand and the costs of supporting diversity
• efficiency and the marginal cost of expansion.

Soas and King's to merge geography departments
The geography departments at the School of Oriental and African Studies and King’s College London are to merge. The institutions are preparing to sign the final documents. Subject to funding council approval, the agreement could be completed by August 1.

Researchers develop Alzheimer's test for living
Scientists at Dundee University are developing a test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in living patients for the first time. A team led by pharmacologist Kieran Breen is using a marker protein to gauge the health of brain cells. The test may allow patients to get drugs that help alleviate some symptoms in the early stages.