UK research policy

Removing fees not enough to make system accessible to talented would-be applicants, says research group

Research intensive universities warn steady decline of excellence-related funding is ‘undermining’ their work and adding to financial pressures

National AI institute looks set to forge ahead with focus on defence work despite leadership changes and Cabinet reshuffle

Three-month review of Research Excellence Framework could trigger more radical rethink on institutional priorities and spending, sector figures warn

Departure of Peter Kyle as science secretary raises hopes that his successor Liz Kendall will offer a more sympathetic ear on research concerns

Research England hopes transparency pilot could lead to more accountability but critics fear bureaucracy and government control

Research England to use REF pause to consider whether institutions must meet baseline performance measures as a condition of receiving funds

Using REF to tackle research culture risks making it too ‘bureaucratic and burdensome’, university leaders warn as Vallance rethinks changes to weightings

Ian Chapman backs ministers’ calls for more research specialisation by universities in first public comments since taking over at £9 billion-a-year research funder

Outgoing chief says it is ‘right time for new leadership’ after political pressure to switch to defence focus

Science secretary wants institutions to use their ‘colossal resource’ to lead innovation drive, expressing concern about research cuts

Science minister announces review of controversial changes to research environment assessment

Analysis of publications shows influence of research on government, with under-pressure humanities departments often having the most impact

Vibrant academic communities in all parts of the UK will allow rising stars of humanities and social sciences to shine, says Alex Lewis

Threat of financial collapse is causing universities to double down on an officious management style that is sapping academic morale, undermining excellence and damaging collegiality between academia’s different tribes, says Tin Sulejmanpasic 

Churning out so many PhD graduates into a weak academic labour market and marginalising innovative doctorates is immoral, says Ianis Matsoukas

Decline in degree programmes, student interest and graduate jobs likely to hold back development of UK’s semiconductor industry as government looks to boost economy

UKRI handed more cash for betting-related research but campaigners claim ‘industry-friendly’ funding call stops ‘fresh start’ from old regime

AI institute pledges to support national goals and ‘deliver innovation’ on a level not possible in individual universities

Warnings UK failing to keep up with international competitors as real-terms research expenditure declines

Omission of northern institutions from fund to attract top researchers does not add up, says select committee chair

Sector lobbyists may be partly responsible for the Public Accounts Committee’s over-emphasis on commercial outcomes, says B.V.E. Hyde  

Ban on uninvited resubmissions of proposals at Natural Environment Research Council may cost system dearly, warns expert

Omission of UCL, Manchester and the Francis Crick Institute from international talent scheme ‘looks just plain odd’, claims researcher

Nuffield Foundation says it wants to generate ‘viable solutions to the key social questions facing the country’ under new strategic direction

Setting UK’s main research funder clearly defined objectives can bolster the case for R&I investment, finds Public Accounts Committee

Internal modelling released under Freedom of Information enquiry reveals extent of PhD scholarship cuts, with academics fearing impact could be greater still

Universities and institutes to receive funding to pay to relocate 60 to 80 researchers, with five of 12 winners hailing from Greater South East region

Research-intensive universities face £315 million bill for proposed fee levy, adding to pressures caused by massive erosion of fee value, says lobby group