Mistaken identity

The talk at Unesco's world higher education conference may have centred on issues of globalisation, but it was still a surprise to see Clive Booth, chairman of the Teacher Training Agency and former vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, sitting in seats reserved for the delegation from Tonga.

Possibly a case of wishful thinking, but not, sadly, an indication that the agency's staff had relocated to sunnier climes than a London tower block. Professor Booth had been forced to move when Baroness Blackstone's entourage filled the seats allocated to the UK delegation.

IN ALL BUT THE NAME

Kevin Apps, the 25-year-old Sussex University student stargazer who guided wise men from around the world to a new planet by showing them where to look, is thrilled to be listed as the planet's co-discoverer. Sadly though there is no chance of a planet Kevin joining the galaxy. Instead it keeps the infinitely duller name of planet HD2107.

MUSIC TO THE EAR

Since it is the time of year when thoughts turn to conferences, the Association of University Teachers is already planning the entertainment for its jamboree next year. While on-the-spot caricatures of participants were a hit this year, the "university challenge" quiz became far too competitive with participants telephoning weeks later to check on the questions and answers. Special request for this year is apparently karaoke.

APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

Geneticist Steve Jones of University College London is acutely aware of the jokes doing the rounds as a result of his recent promotion of Renault's new "evolved" Laguna. But Professor Jones is taking it in his stride as his career evolves in a new direction. His latest book is a rewrite of Darwin's On the Origin of Species. "My colleagues may mock me for the advert - wait till they see this book!" he warns.

ONE CAREFUL OWNER

Standards in higher education are certainly slipping, if not in science then in punctuation. The following advertisement appeared in the University of London convocation newsletter: "Iain Allison would like to purchase privately a second-hand University of London PhD science degree, hood and gown."