Mandatory PhD policies lead to boom in academics with doctorates Latest Hesa data reveal big jump in staff with a doctorate, although numbers remain static at some institutions By Simon Baker 8 March
Pensions strike ‘poisons relations’ on UK campuses USS dispute has also revealed deep divides among vice-chancellors on way forward for the sector, experts say By Sophie Inge 8 March
Academics asked to check visas of international visitors Concern about scholars being ‘put in a position of proxy border guards’ By Sophie Inge 8 March
Female leadership moves backwards in world’s top universities Analysis of THE World University Rankings data shows number of women leading highest-ranking institutions has waned By Ellie Bothwell 8 March
Elizabeth Kiss: moral education should be at the heart of university life The next warden of Rhodes House on growing up in a family of political refugees and why universities must prepare graduates to be good citizens By Ellie Bothwell 8 March
Career advice: how to transition from PhD student to senior lecturer Publish before your viva, distinguish opportunities from time-drains and have a strong online profile, says Helen Coleman By Helen Coleman 8 March
Oxford poised to reverse position on USS pensions dispute Vice-chancellor convenes special council meeting after academics vote overwhelmingly to change institution’s stance By Sophie Inge 7 March
Europe set to miss flagship open access target Despite some progress, researchers are still reluctant to switch journals because of fears it could hinder their careers By David Matthews 7 March
London Met: John Raftery’s shrinking success story? Outgoing vice-chancellor reflects on four years in what many regard as English higher education’s toughest job By Jack Grove 7 March
Minister accused of ‘retreat’ from post-Brexit EU research deal Sam Gyimah has been criticised for failing to commit to associate membership of Framework Programme 9 By Jack Grove 6 March
UK universities rely on casual staff ‘for up to half of teaching’ UCU estimates that most UK higher education institutions use hourly paid teachers for between 15 and 40 per cent of their teaching, with an average of 27 per cent By Sophie Inge 6 March
No deal as USS pensions strike talks get under way Negotiations between UUK and UCU due to resume on 6 March By Chris Havergal 6 March
