Today’s physics news: Tuesday, 12 January

Russell Group of Universities warn of calamitous cut effects

The Russell Group of Universities has united to warn the Government that the £2.5 billion cuts to the UK’s universities could undo 800 years worth of educational progress. The vice-chancellor of Durham, however, has stepped out to say that we need to reconsider the nature of higher education in the UK.  His comments look set to pit the 30 or so globally renowned research universities against a bigger group of universities that, the Durham V-C says, can be left to focus on their own “economic and social environments” at less public expense than the research universities.
Guardian
Guardian comment from Russell Group
Guardian comment from Durham V-C

Brian Cox: STFC cock-up or conspiracy?
Brian Cox, well-known particle physicist, uses the New Scientist’s S Word blog as a forum to speculate on events at STFC, wondering whether the financial mess, which has been unravelling since the initial construction of the UK research council in 2007, is a product of managerial incompetence or sly design.  In related news, Roger Highfield has penned a polemic against the ‘impact agenda’ in today’s Daily Telegraph.

New Scientist
Daily Telegraph

FE colleges welcome nuclear industry
A selection of further education colleges appear to be welcoming the training and job opportunities that new nuclear build brings, particularly in economically deprived areas.

Guardian