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As UK universities desperately seek savings, open science advocates must press both their moral and selfish cases, say Marcus Munafò and Neil Jacobs

University handed record fine over free speech breaches claims ruling gives ‘free rein’ to racists and sexists

Efforts to rationalise complex web of English local authorities – and hand them more powers – seen as a way of creating potentially strong partners for institutions looking to innovate locally

UK sector faces ‘critical moment’, says institution’s vice-chancellor as she announces plans to ‘resize’ the university

Former banker who chaired last funding review says recommendation that fees be frozen ‘taken too far’

Increased Treasury support must be accompanied by a greater risk appetite among institutions and investors, explain the University of Edinburgh scientists who recently sold their medical spin-out for millions of pounds

Alan Langlands to chair taskforce set up to look at teaching and research offer of stricken institution

‘Lingering doubts’ over future of higher-level opportunities adds to anxiety for institutions that have become more financially reliant on levy money

OfS’ free speech director tells institutions to ensure they are meeting ‘regulatory obligations’ after Sussex fine

‘Academic inbreeding’ results in lower research productivity but greater growth in student numbers, Italian study finds

Third straight year that number of first-class degrees awarded falls, although some UK universities continue to buck the trend

Medr hatched last year with a radical remit to oversee both further and higher education. But will its baptism of fire singe its wings or provide it with an opportunity to find its teeth and reshape the Welsh university sector for the national benefit? Juliette Rowsell reports