French universities eye ‘disruptive project’ if Macron re-elected Current administration has pushed through important reforms, but reorganising a complex sector around universities will be a tougher sell By Ben Upton 24 February
Augar response: ‘highest earners benefit’ in student loan revamp Westminster government unveils major student finance changes creating ‘more sustainable’ system, as sector voices concern on minimum entry bar plan By John Morgan 24 February
Minister: minimum entry rules ‘not definite direction of travel’ Westminster government ‘starting a conversation’ on minimum entry bar, and proposals would affect only ‘tiny proportion’ of students, says Michelle Donelan By John Morgan 23 February
Augar response set to restrict English student numbers Westminster government appears set to publish consultation on series of policy changes, including minimum entry requirements By John Morgan 23 February
Oxford and Cambridge overtake rivals on state school intake About seven in 10 Oxbridge entrants now come from state sector, in a marked uptick By Simon Baker 23 February
UK scholars ‘more likely to self-censor’ when teaching Chinese students Research aims to gather evidence on whether international links with autocratic states pose threat to UK academic freedom By John Morgan 23 February
USS: v-cs push through UK university pension cuts despite strikes Dispute over future of Universities Superannuation Scheme far from over, says union By Chris Havergal 22 February
Imperial College London finance chief quits after bullying report Chair acknowledges that publication ‘caused renewed disquiet, frustration and anger’ By Chris Havergal 22 February
UK funders seek views on ‘rolling’ research excellence framework Staggering REF over multiple years could cut costs and reduce ‘perverse’ hiring practices, consultation suggests By Jack Grove 22 February
Labour reform creates uncertainty for 25,000 Spanish researchers Job insecurity has been exacerbated by legislation intended to end it, with universities facing spiralling recontracting costs and no extra funding By Ben Upton 22 February
Examiners quit en masse over Queen Mary’s threats to freeze pay Tone of threats ‘of a different calibre than before’ says examiner who left her QMUL post By Pola Lem 22 February
‘Rethink needed’ on UK pension cuts as USS scheme rebounds Improving deficit of Universities Superannuation Scheme post-pandemic strengthens case for further valuation, says union By Jack Grove 21 February
