Teaching online: it’s hard, even for old hands, as is staying engaged Having surveyed thousands of instructors on their lockdown experiences, James T. Walker discusses two key findings and their practical implications By James T. Walker 11 January
Italy’s Covid research boost ‘must now be backed by investment’ Data show that Italy’s misfortune to suffer early in pandemic was a benefit for research but it could be short-lived By Simon Baker 11 January
The hand-wringing over the UK’s Erasmus withdrawal is misplaced The European programme’s globe-spanning successor, the Turing scheme, is more suited to meeting today’s challenges, says Louise Nicol By Louise Nicol 11 January
It is tragic that my life-changing Erasmus path is now blocked The Turing scheme’s focus on outbound mobility will take the UK off the map for most European exchange students, laments Barbara Lorber By Barbara Lorber 11 January
Universities told to harness student activism for global good New book calls on ‘natural cosmopolitans’ to find solutions to today’s crucial challenges By Matthew Reisz 10 January
This must be a ‘1968 moment’ for sustainable development Universities may think they have more pressing priorities than the UN’s SDGs. But they don’t, say Martha McPherson and Kate Roll By Martha McPherson 9 January
Manchester, Cambridge and Exeter announce rent waivers Institutions cut fees after students threaten accommodation rent strikes over lockdown By Ellie Bothwell 8 January
Scotland delays students’ return to campuses until March Holyrood revises guidance in light of spread of new Covid-19 variant By Anna McKie 8 January
Put Sage scientists on special contracts, MPs told Informal use of university scientists as independent advisers is unsustainable when health emergencies last for months, warns committee By Jack Grove 8 January
Facing up to lockdown?3.0 with children in?tow Academic couple Theresa Mercer and Andrew Kythreotis are heading into their third lockdown, along with their kids, but this time the expectations are higher and lessons have been learned By Theresa Mercer 8 January
No need for ‘no?detriment’ assessment policy, says Russell?Group More than 13,000 sign petition calling for blanket policy to protect students’ grades from impact of coronavirus pandemic By Chris Havergal 8 January
Student pressure for refunds in England becoming ‘unstoppable’ V-cs urge government to compensate universities over pandemic rent waivers, with fee refunds also expected to become ‘political football’ By John Morgan 8 January
