Northumbria staff threaten to strike over plan to switch pensions Industrial action also planned at University of Derby as rows over employment conditions deepen By Juliette Rowsell 13 November
Student Success UK&IE: Employment focus could ‘skew’ skills policy Wider range of graduate outcomes must be considered over longer time horizon, say panellists at THE event By Chris Havergal 13 November
Student Success UK&IE: ‘Few universities prioritising access’ University leaders should advocate for grants to be diverted to early years education to reduce later attainment gaps, conference hears By Helen Packer 13 November
New OfS strategy signals more hands-on approach to financial risk Regulator indicates it will act when financial pressures impact student choice and ‘supply of critical skills’ By Tom Williams 13 November
Wave of local strikes as ‘divisive’ ballot enters final straight Tension within union over whether pay dispute is a distraction, or helpful in galvanising branches trying to halt job cuts By Juliette Rowsell 13 November
‘Strained’ clinical placements need ‘fundamental rethink’ Lack of supervisors and ‘uneven’ quality ‘deterring’ students, paper says, arguing that radical overhaul is needed By Juliette Rowsell 13 November
Student Success UK&IE: International fee levy ‘likely’ in Scotland ‘Clever’ linkage to maintenance grants could encourage Scottish policymakers to adopt Westminster proposal, conference hears By Helen Packer 12 November
Social mobility ‘flatlining’ despite increased HE participation Link between higher education and higher earnings weakens across many OECD countries, showing need to strengthen alternative options By Patrick Jack 12 November
French universities fear ‘collapse’ as unfunded extra costs mount New health and welfare payments mandated in country’s budget will leave institutions ‘unable to fulfil their mission’, scholars say By Emily Dixon 12 November
Rapid reduction in animal tests ‘push too hard’, scientists warn Timetable for phasing out testing on animals for antibody research and drug analysis is too demanding and may risk patient safety, argues expert By Jack Grove 11 November
‘Broad but shallow’ support leaves public unsure of R&D benefits Strong levels of ‘instinctive’ backing for UK research cannot be taken for granted given lack of personal connection, warns science campaign group By Jack Grove 11 November
Vallance targets ‘mutually beneficial’ research with China trip UK delegation to Beijing paves way for ‘cautious, sensible and informed international science cooperation’ says minister By Jack Grove 11 November
