As the UK votes in a general election, universities hope for a change of approach. In return, they must deliver for a country facing a host of problems
Some right-wing politicians seem to view a university collapse as a prize to be fought for. But in reality, a disorderly exit would be disastrous for all
As universities in both the UK and Australia fight to protect vital international recruitment, there is also a need for fresh thinking for future prosperity
Universities are in a funding cul-de-sac, blocked in by negative rhetoric about their role and value. Will a likely change of government provide a way out?
As battles over industrial relations and identity politics rage, higher education’s fault lines are increasingly a matter for the courts. Is anyone winning?
The desire of bereaved parents to establish a statutory duty of care towards students is understandable – but for universities it remains a fraught issue
After years of warnings, a dip in international enrolments risks tipping universities into crisis. It is deeply strange that government seems not to care
For over a decade, the UK government has urged ‘challenger’ institutions to shake up the higher education status quo. But there is scant evidence of success
Revised freedom of speech guidelines are pushing universities to be both more active in heading off problems before they start, but also less political
There is near-universal dismay among scientists over continued delays to UK association to Horizon Europe. It is time to replace bean-counting with vision
Trying to forecast the future of higher education tends to leave heads spinning, but new analysis from the OECD’s data guru brings some trends into focus
The UK prime minister has invested political capital in science and innovation. It is vital that it is not wasted on ill-considered populist ideas about research
After a tumultuous 2022, what will the new year bring for higher education? Some of the UK sector’s respected crystal-ball gazers offer their predictions for 2023
It’s been a bleak year as war brought more pain to a world still shaken by the pandemic and other pressures. Universities will be glad to put it behind them
Addressing extreme social stratification is a responsibility of all universities. But focusing excessively on action at the top of the pile is a mistake
For two decades, Times Higher Education’s rankings have both tracked and contributed to an ever more connected world. Now universities face an unwelcome shift in global dynamics
Sector experts offer their advice for Liz Truss and her new Cabinet on some of the biggest issues facing UK universities, from finances and R&D to culture wars and common ground
To sustain its world-leading universities and science, the next UK prime minister must listen to Tory heavyweights and move on from ‘sugar-rush’ policymaking
The pursuit of truth is at the heart of academia. But public perception is also crucial if universities are to sustain themselves – and fiction can help
The REF may no longer be the only game in town, but it remains a dominant force in UK research. So as the REF 2021 results are released, is it still fit for purpose?