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But the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ decision to stop updating its journal ranking list is a hopeful sign, says Bruce Macfarlane 

Decades-old programmes among those being lost under new system that prioritises each institution’s traditional strengths

Even if delayed grants arrive soon, it is too late to hire postdocs this year, and wider budget cuts will cut the supply of tech skills, says Malcolm Fairbairn

In principle, permanent positions are awarded to the most deserving – but perceptions remain that, in reality, many universities value connections over merit. Phillip Haubrock describes his struggles to find a permanent position in Germany, while João Conde recounts how he finally secured one in Portugal