The Latest Breaking News from Academics

New law could see universities sanctioned if they fail to uphold free speech

The government says it will ‘not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views’

The Independent UK · Jul 31, 2025

Universities ‘on notice’ they could face penalties over free speech – minister

Baroness Jacqui Smith said the Government will ‘not tolerate the silencing of academics or students who voice legitimate views’.

The Independent UK · Jul 31, 2025

Study to understand needs of children seeking help from NHS gender clinics

Academics from King’s College London will track up to 3,000 children as part of the research.

The Independent UK · Jul 30, 2025

A Columbia genocide scholar says she may leave over university's new definition of antisemitism

Academics around the country are raising alarm about growing efforts to define antisemitism on terms pushed by the Trump administration

The Independent UK · Jul 25, 2025

In Australia, the rules around academics sleeping with their students can be complicated. But is it ethical?

In Sweet Nothings, author Madison Griffiths investigates the uncomfortable complexities of “problematic sex” between academics and students on Australian university campuses.

The Conversation · Jul 22, 2025

A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach – will countries seize the moment?

Representatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organisations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all be hoping to influence what could be the…

The Conversation · Jul 22, 2025

Pandemic aged our brains – even those who never caught Covid, study finds

Academics suggest that the strain on people’s lives from isolation and uncertainty has impacted our health

The Independent UK · Jul 22, 2025

South African university programmes to support black students aren’t working. What needs to be done

Most universities and colleges have formal and informal programmes and initiatives to support student and staff development. Their goal is to create learning experiences that help students succeed academically. Typically, academic development practitioners design and run these programmes. They are usually academics themselves. To help students, they use tools like…

The Conversation · Jul 20, 2025

Protest crackdown creates 'culture of fear' on campuses

Academics, staff and students have detailed free speech concerns at Australia's top universities after a crackdown on pro-Palestine encampments.

AAP · Jul 18, 2025

Trump’s Homeland Security Agents now just doing ICE’s dirty work, targeting pro-Palestinian academics

You must agree with how MAGA thinks or be targetted.

We Got This Covered · Jul 17, 2025