Impact and engagement

The United Nations’ goals provide a useful framework for institutions to demonstrate their impact and work in partnership – activities that are increasingly important in the age of Covid-19, says Duncan Ivison

Universities’ reputations will increasingly be driven by their work related to sustainable development, says Stuart McCutcheon

Institutions face both praise and criticism while seeking a proper balance, with the University of Chicago contributing a multimillion-dollar package that includes free meals and cash grants

Equitable collaborations are key to ensuring that universities can best respond to the SDGs, says Joanna Newman

Out of the fires and into virus land, academics and institutions find myriad ways to help

A new alliance of 40 of the world’s top climate change research universities will ensure better access to the facts, say Ian Jacobs and Matthew England

Coronavirus crisis may make institutions more eager to please to students, but ‘tensions’ already in evidence

The namesake cities in the US and UK are both home to internationally renowned universities whose industry collaborations are proving highly successful. But while that is good news for national economies, where does it leave the locals priced out of their own neighbourhoods? Paul Basken and John Morgan report

But institutions warned against United Nations framework becoming a ‘tick-box exercise’

As a global pandemic is declared, public health experts in universities have never been more visible. But do they think this episode will reshape perceptions of academia after the years of Trump and Brexit?

But social media spats also reflect people’s desire for truth, social justice and greater openness, says Jingtai Tang

The Middle East and North Africa have large youth populations and growing university participation. But with high unemployment, low female workplace participation and universities focused on STEM and the public sector, is all this human capital being wasted? Simon Baker reports 

We should not be apologising for the way the humanities have been used in the Trump era, but striving to harness their force, says Sara Guyer

Helping Americans understand and value science is vital to nation’s continued supremacy, conference hears

Canada’s excess of directive funding programmes risks hobbling scientific imagination and progress, says Jim Woodgett

Don’t overlook universities’ warnings or their contribution to disaster prevention and mitigation, representative body tells government

Virginia leader sees lesson in companies vowing social concern

Excessive focus on teaching and research is undermining a key function of academia, inquiry to hear

Despite its tainted origins, genetics provides many of the essential tools for challenging racist thinking, argues UCL fellow and science broadcaster

Huge rewards could ensue if governments bankroll the systematic sharing of research data, but experts warn of unintended consequences

‘Commercial entanglements’ a deadweight on prosperity, Australian university insists

UKRI’s decision to axe the impact sections of grant applications could hobble consideration of the process and politics of research, says Jude Fransman

The Buckingham education professor’s musings on educational decline are a mainstay of the British press. But is academia right to be dismissive of his views and unusual modus operandi?

Reversing the relationship between authors and publishers would ease perverse incentives that impede progress, say Hilal Lashuel and Benjamin Stecher

Research England throws weight behind new innovation project that promises to raise nearly £1 billion in private capital

Capping the public contribution to degree costs means universities can’t move to address skills gaps, says David Lloyd

New organisation should help build partnerships between academics and content developers

Participation in assessment likely to be a condition of receiving Research England funding from 2020-21

In an era of anti-expert populism, it is more important than ever to stand up for scientific truth. But it is also harder, coming with a high risk of personal attack. Anna McKie speaks to those who have paid a high price for their advocacy, and draws out the lessons for those who want to take up the cause

Scientific excellence is not the only relevant criterion – either morally or legally, says Alex Conway 

Universities have the right track record on place-making and innovation, argues Brookings Institution fellow and report co-author

‘MIT of the North’ idea seen as ignoring imbalances in research funding that undermine regions

Leader says that desire to maintain tranquillity can deter islanders from pushing ideas to ‘breaking point’

Universities must face up to some legitimate complaints, but they can also play a key role in helping the new government meet its ambitions, says Alistair Jarvis

Event will explore how universities can contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 16

A$100m agreement ‘first cab off the rank’ for new foreign interference guidelines

Germany’s research ministry wants academia to provide the public with ‘answers’, but scholars say it’s not that simple

The plan promises big leaps in innovation, quality assurance and lecturer training, say Youmin Xi and Xiaojun Zhang  

Institutions can bid for funding to host network that will drive civic university agenda, as it gains political traction

Michael Sabia promises Toronto’s Munk School a boundary-crossing outlook

In a fraught political climate, it is even more difficult than usual for researchers to grab the attention of ministers. Diana Beech imparts her insider’s tips

Some students have been murdered while others are living on the streets, says Lynn Dobbs

Academics to try aiding US president with record of cutting expert advisers

Universities, local authorities and others must heed the Centenary Commission on Adult Education’s recommendations, says Jonathan Michie

More sharing of impact will improve understanding of how it can be promoted and evaluated, says Peter Tufano

New chair of main higher education grouping promises to resist complacency

Lord Kerslake, chair of UK2070 Commission, calls for ‘MIT of the North’ and ‘HE-FE systems’ in deprived towns

Amanda Power considers some of the deeper attitudes that can still inhibit academics from fully engaging in essential policy issues

Philosopher and Extinction Rebellion campaigner highlights ‘genuine synergies’ between academia and activism

‘Investment, policy support and consistency’ crucial to university role in regional development

Students believe that institutions must walk their talk when it comes to the future of the planet, Sydney summit hears

Academy faces challenge of overcoming a sceptical White House and reluctance of some of its members

Repository of research findings to help social scientists see ‘what we’re actually grappling with’

Sir Konstantin Novoselov sparks debate over who should be responsible for commercialising research discoveries

If the point of missions is to win taxpayers’ support for an increased science budget, accountability will be vital, says Harry Farmer

A report offers academics advice on the increasingly vital – if daunting – business of sharing their expertise via the media

The impact agenda is often portrayed a diversion from the real activity of research, but it can also provoke new lines of enquiry, says Alix Green

Duncan Ross outlines what’s new for the 2020 edition of the University Impact Rankings and how universities can get involved 

Academic lawyers have helped to resolve legal puzzles, but wider engagement can be demanding and ineffective, says Kenneth Armstrong

Many scientists believe publicly debating the Alternative for Germany is pointless, but one new study suggests rebutting deniers can be useful