Coronavirus

A new alliance of 40 of the world’s top climate change research universities will ensure better access to the facts, say Ian Jacobs and Matthew England

An economic downturn prompted by the virus outbreak creates many uncertainties, but could public backing for science investment actually increase?      

UNSW Sydney-led network highlights coronavirus and climate change parallels on need for global coordination

Without the structure of campus routine, a student with autism says it’s impossible to complete assignments and he’s worried about finishing his degree

The shuttering of university campuses leaves security guards watching their screens for tumbleweeds, says George Bass

Analysts advocate hands-off assistance package, with universities unlikely to share latest government bailout

The gao kao, taken by 10 million students annually, will be delayed until July because of pandemic

Questions abound over entitlement to A$130 billion economic stimulus, as expert warns of ‘imminent’ financial crisis

As campuses and labs close amid the coronavirus crisis, Jack Grove hears how senior scientists are managing their teams and research projects

Coronavirus crisis may make institutions more eager to please to students, but ‘tensions’ already in evidence

One epidemiologist called a colleague a “charlatan” over his coronavirus tweets. Should academics “stay in their lane”  when commenting on the pandemic?

Swift decisions are needed on contact hours, attendance and assessment, says Benjamin Tak Yuen Chan 

Research funders, regulator and bureaucrats ease pressure on academics and universities as coronavirus blows out timelines

Our students will be burdened with paying back current emergency spending and they deserve a fighting chance, says Sir Keith Burnett 

An unheeded call for tuition fee refunds in Hong Kong echoes concerns around the world

Alarmed by losses, main institutional group eases previous opposition to reopening

Call for universities to extend casual contracts to protect staff and stop them losing jobs because of coronavirus disruption

City, University of London professor calls for the creation of a food security council to feed academic expertise to ministers

To stop economic destruction, we need to refocus vast resources from other productive activity – a truly grand prize might do the trick, says Chris Callaghan

Whether it is establishing new departments or working at breakneck speed, Britain’s research base is mobilising in extraordinary ways to combat Covid-19

Slashing research will be a dangerous temptation for politicians desperate for savings, warns Jan Palmowski

New controls will ‘only be used when absolutely necessary’, minister assures educators

Australian and NZ rumblings reflect UK qualms about politicians’ selective ears

A solution that works for some might not work for others. Each student’s circumstances must be considered, argues Simon Hunt

Western universities will have to ‘hunt’ for scarce overseas students, warns leading internationalisation scholar

Professor helping to advise ministers says meeting daily deadlines for the government makes it difficult to share findings and research with standard ‘polish’

Rapid change of tack from the UK government raises questions about interaction between science and policy

Universities will have to rethink online provision, while the social and economic factors of the pandemic will affect demand, writes Simon Marginson 

It’s this element of higher education that will help universities make a quick recovery after this unprecedented crisis, says Steve Smith 

Commentators say the English regulator’s ‘sensible’ change in policy and tone should become the norm after the coronavirus crisis ends

Scientific advisor network starts collating examples of research influencing, and failing to influence, policy

Communication must improve and students should be consulted on finding new assessment methods, says Brian Wong

Finding writing partners online can impose some productive accountability, says Alice Kelly

Research Excellence Framework 2021 put on hold to allow universities to focus research efforts on virus battle

Spike in student demand driven by economic woes could force government to bring back demand-driven system

Science minister announces new joint team of government departments to consider assistance for sectors

Delay midyear intake or risk losing subcontinent students to Britain, association warns universities

Both are too resource-intensive to be sustainable during this crisis, and their objectives can be achieved through other measures, argues Dorothy Bishop

The coronavirus will have a ‘massive effect’ on the international student market, and UK universities need to be clearer about their guidance and support for those students, experts have warned

The erection of borders, disrupted transport and fear of infection mean many will have to stay put, but their mental health could be at risk, universities are warned

Good online pedagogy is all about readability, comprehension checks – and endless clicks, says Nicholas Murgatroyd

Australian stimulus package risked making it ‘more profitable’ to be jobless than studying

ARC balances acknowledgement of disruptions with need to keep future funds flowing

The arrival of many Chinese international students has stoked prejudices that were, unfortunately, already growing, says Justin Fendos

Radical changes may be on cards after stock market crash and interest rate cuts, say experts

Research losses could be small but wider national epidemic control measures may prove a ‘once-in-a-century evidence fiasco’, according to experts

Identifying high-risk students early and communicating what support is available will be essential, says Toby Chelms

Researchers studying coronavirus-related attacks urge universities in Europe, North America and Australia to do more to protect Asian students

Cash injection will allow Australian university to ramp up manufacture at same time as vaccine is tested

Western universities may soon need to operate with far fewer international students thanks to the Covid-19 contagion, says Salvatore Babones

Project delays, as universities and labs shut down, prompt grant flexibility – but levels of leniency vary

Having actionable plans already in place can help universities ride out the storm of global emergencies, says Cormac Bryce 

Students will also have the option of sitting an exam in September, as NUS says proposed methodology is ‘heartening’

Imminent deadlines could hinder international student arrivals for coming academic year, say experts

Australian universities’ online flight continues, as government tightens noose on indoor gatherings

Taking all large classes online quickly required clear communication and a whole university approach, says May Lim

Having a colleague in the house is good to bounce ideas off of, but who will stay on top of the potty training? Theresa Mercer and Andrew Kythreotis share their experience of working from home during a pandemic

Pandemic may tip some institutions ‘over the edge’ financially, but others may be able to capitalise on increasing numbers of people ‘at home with a lot of extra time on their hands’

Exclusion of non-nationals could close the door to vital expertise, governments warned

UUK says students ‘should not lose out on opportunity to go to university’ after exams cancelled