Freshly inaugurated US president Joe Biden owes his election victory to swing states in America’s Rust Belt. But is his plan to revitalise them by creating ‘millions of new manufacturing and innovation’ jobs realistic? And how best can universities play their part? John Morgan reports
The president-elect may have academic connections, but the path from campus to cabinet is rarely travelled successfully, say three political scientists
Fearful of lagging behind the US and China, the continent now has multiple Darpa-like agencies. But they face challenges securing political independence, funding, and turning prototypes into reality
With global warming a priority for the next US president, the International Universities Climate Alliance can lead the academic response, says Ian Jacobs
For a successful transition to open access, we must respect the needs and requirements for different types of output and disciplines, says Rhodri Jackson
UPP Foundation calls for universities to take greater role in rejuvenating ‘left behind’ regions in England, as pandemic job losses loom in these areas
Parliaments routinely seek scientific advice, but a Dutch pilot goes one step further, asking academics to directly critique what the government is proposing
The modern university should be an honest broker who sets self-interest aside and works for the common good across all areas of its activity, says Sally Kift
Legal proceedings over LED light bulbs could pave the way for more universities to claim royalties − and illuminates venture capital firms as potential allies
We have published the methodology for the 2021 edition of the table, which makes it easier for postgraduate institutions to take part, says Duncan Ross
German researchers let members of the public fire questions at them in 20-minute slots, and the result is a deep, albeit narrow, form of science communication
Senior figures from Chicago, King’s College London and Melbourne say new metrics could be incorporated into global league tables to prove value of higher education
Many young universities have an explicit service mission, while others organically aligned their work with local needs. John Ross explores new institutions’ affinity for civic engagement
As universities accept that online learning is here to stay, we hear from three experts how to ensure students are able to effectively engage with remote teaching
Universities are under intense financial pressure but we should not ignore the outstanding work they are doing for the benefit of society, says Duncan Ross