We'll build firm foundations for academic independence
Libya plans campus construction and closer UK links as preparation for greater university autonomy, minister tells David Matthews

Libya plans campus construction and closer UK links as preparation for greater university autonomy, minister tells David Matthews
Research is a global effort, so all must sign the White House petition for open access, argues Cameron Neylon

Aldwyn Cooper, head of Regent's College, explains why he has no plans to turn a profit if the institution gets degree-awarding powers
Open-access publishingWhite House petition hits targetA petition asking the Obama administration to implement an open-access mandate for all publicly funded research has reached the required number...
Elite to put a price on their greatness, rather than having it thrust upon them, writes Elizabeth Gibney
'Conservative' client group must invest to continue outstanding performance. John Morgan reports
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH RESEARCHHealth Services and Delivery Research programme• Award winner: Rachel O'Hara• Institution: University of Sheffield• Value: £168,690Decision-making and safety in...
Greece's academy is long overdue for reform, Giorgos Vavouranakis says, but Law 4009's discredited neoliberalism is not the answer

Government set to cap loans and bring alternative providers under QAA scrutiny. David Matthews writes
A new open-access journal that will allow researchers to publish a paper every year for a one-off fee of just $99 (£64) has prompted hopes that a more competitive market in open-access fees may soon...
Sky's not the limit for international recruitment, British Council report cautions. Jack Grove writes
It is still difficult to win funding grants for interdisciplinary study from the UK's research councils despite "lip service" to the contrary because academics who assess proposals are "nervous"...

A Welsh-language version of a film documentary that followed a team of Swansea University glaciologists on a field trip to Greenland had its premiere last week.
Scholars join up as veil of secrecy lifts, outgoing MoD chief scientific adviser tells Elizabeth Gibney
Complaints over penalties a growing concern for the sector, says OIA. Jack Grove reports