2-8 January, 2014. No. 2133

Home , Ivor Crewe, Judith Rees

The weekly magazine Referee tactics for higher education Students shown redcard forbad behaviour 7 We sing their praises THE’s different take on NewYear Honours 24 Public vision and values Elite rewards: pay David Willetts on lifting for Russell Group thecap on numbers 36 v-cs rockets 6 Elementary force www.timeshighereducation.co.uk Sherlock, averyBritish Twitter: @timeshighered superhero 40 The outsiders Non-EU scholars in theUKtell of lifeinterrupted

£2.90 2-8 January 2014 No. 2,133

CONTENTS News People Features 4 The week in higher 22 Obituary 30 Cover story education Rulan Chao Pian Legal limbo 6 As tuition fees rise, 22 HE &me 26 Cap’soff, door’sopen: v-cs’ pay soars Simon Marginson David Willetts on the case 7 Lecturers show red cards 23 THE Scholarly Web for freeing student numbers to Jack the Lad Campus cartels 8 Potential winners: use of Culture tests of thinking skills for Opinion Arts admissions set to grow 5 Leader 40 9 More promotions are The gap between words the aim of axeing of posts, and actions says Kingston’shead 24 The exploitation of junior BBC/HArtswood Films 10 Uclan’sworld of woe researchers by supervisors 11 You’re with us or against must be halted, declares us, King’stells students’ Brian Martin legal champion 24

12 Apersonal angle keeps miles Cole postdocs interested Man of steel true 13 Drive-by beauties Books 14 Campus round-up 42 Old ways 16 Sifting Soviet archives 43 What are you reading? to get to the truth 44 One question: ‘cui bono?’ 16 News in brief 46 Those magnificent men 17 Dealing with dissent and their sailing machines on the West Bank 18 UK-Israel scheme is 48 THEAppointments rebuilding, on many fronts

20 Getty Title matches: an 56 Laurie Taylor alternative honours list 56 Index 26 Status hunger games: Roger Brown on the cost Next week of building brands 27 Kevin Fong We are not worthy: Present and correct why do many academics 28 Letters secretly feel they are not up to the job?

Sir Ivor Crewe on the UK’s Cabinets of Blunders 21 Grant winners Cover/AlAmy

2January2014 Times Higher Education 3 neWs

The year in higher educaTion quoTes

Christmas is over and winter’s lll“I can’t believe you can’t alignment across ateam through always accurate) also produced grip will tighten in the grey weeks think of better questions than this co-creation and addressing all some memorable quotes. “Ready, ahead. The only crumb of dude, Ireally can’t.” THE was needs.” Meanwhile, for Rebecca fire, aim” was the radical strategy consolation offered by the again addressed as “dude” by Price, partner at marketing agency proposed in March by Nick Pet- New Year is the chance to take aman of acertain age –this time Frank, Bright &Abel, universities ford, vice-chancellor of the Uni- stock of the past 12 months and by writer Hanif Kureishi in a trying too hard to emulate their versity of Northampton, who told to learn some lessons for the November “HE &me” interview high-status rivals were like ateen- aconference that universities future in aspirit of clear-eyed after he was appointed professor age girl “who’s got black hair and should “get ready, fire and then self-knowledge. For Times Higher at Kingston University. Was Mr brown eyes who longs to be think about it afterwards” when Education one lesson is crystal- Kureishi skilfully deconstructing blonde-haired and blue-eyed”. In trying new ideas. That strategy clear: never interview Bob Geldof the format of the Q&A interview November, she advised institutions had already been adopted by the again. Here are afew of the most or is he just apain? We leave it “to get to the point where they University of Central Lancashire memorable –and sometimes least to his new colleagues at Kingston realise: ‘Look love, you may not be when it inserted itself into one lucid – THE quotes from 2013. to judge. blonde-haired and blue-eyed, but of the most heavily militarised you’re lovely, and this is how you’ll places on the planet –building lll“Dude, Ihaven’t afucking lllMarketing and branding make the best of it’.” Ms Price’s its Cyprus campus in the United clue.” It may sound like David consultants would tell you that problem was the opposite of Nations buffer zone separating Willetts explaining the long-term their expertise is needed more eatbigfish’s –her meaning was clear. the island’s Greek and Turkish funding plan behind the abolition than ever by universities seeking communities. That brought of student number controls. But it to navigate an emerging market. lllUniversities and the men criticism from the UN secretary was actually Mr Geldof, after But marketing and branding con- who lead them (that’s nearly general, Ban Ki-Moon, who said being asked by THE about the sultants do, also, talk some formid- the campus “raised concerns with topic of aguest lecture he was able nonsense. September brought regard to security, and law and about to give afew minutes later. news that the University of Essex order”, it emerged in January. Speaking before the January event had shelled out for advice from News, page10 at Hult International Business the consultancy eatbigfish and its School, he cheerfully admitted “Challenger Lighthouse Identity lllFinally, there was afond that he had “never heard of the Programme”. The scheme is for farewell to the 1994 Group, place”. Luckily, he managed to brands that “project what they which disbanded in November pull together some thoughts believe like alighthouse” and are with its member vice-chancellors on the lecture topic of leadership “anchored on aproduct rock”. In declaring that it had come to a and entrepreneurship based on what appears to be English, the “natural end point” –sonatural his career in the Boomtown Rats. firm added of the programme: an expiration that it happened at Mr Geldof concluded: “Now “With strategy and execution run- aboard meeting only days before I’ve thought about that I’ll waffle ning together the deliverables for the group was to relaunch after on about that for an hour [for the process are both tangible –a acostly rebranding exercise. the lecture] and that’ll be it… 3-5 year vision and illustrative Hopefully higher education can what was the other thing Iwas executional ideas to accompany it avoid too many sudden “natural supposed to be talking about?” –and intangible –ownership and end points” in the year ahead.

Executive Editorial News editor Deputy chief Advertising CEO,TSL Education Editor Simon Baker sub-editor and marketing Louise Rogers John Gill 020 3194 3293 Tony Sablan Commercial director Chief operating officer, Editor’sassistant Deputy news editor Sub-editor JerryTaylor TSL Education David Suter John Morgan Lorraine Eames 020 3194 3419 Bill Donoghue 020 3194 3077 020 3194 3213 Creative director Classified sales Editor at large and Editorial assistant, Alex Morgan Keyaccount managers Rankings editor news 020 3194 3208 Emma Hare Times Higher Education Phil Baty John Elmes Chief designer 020 3194 3126 26 Red Lion Square 020 3194 3298 020 3194 3315 Alison Lawn 0750 006 6626 London WC1R 4HQ Associate editor Reportersand 020 3194 3187 Sophia Fredrickson 020 3194 3000 Ingrid Curl feature writers Designer 0782 512 2668 timeshighereducation. 020 3194 3479 Holly Else Chris Barber West Scotland co.uk Features editor 020 3194 3247 020 3194 3445 David Patterson Rebecca Attwood Jack Grove Webeditor 0782 553 1347 To subscribe 020 3194 3324 020 3194 3471 Alex Bentley Call 0844 543 0064 Deputy features editor David Matthews (if outside the UK, call Paul Jump 020 3194 3357 +44 (0)1604 251 043) 020 3194 3438 Chris Parr or visit www.tslshop.co.uk/the/ Books editor 020 3194 3449 LSPASA85 Karen Shook MatthewReisz Email all subscription 020 3194 3416 020 3194 3237 queries to Books assistant [email protected] ValPearce 020 3194 3332

4 Times Higher Education 2January2014 LEADER

here’s aline in the sorry tale told by a universities minister to set out the arguments Canadian academic in this week’s Times he would have made in the “lost” chapter of T Higher Education about the UK govern- the higher education White Paper,which was Measured, ment “speaking out of both sides of its mouth”. to have addressed the issue of “public good”. She is referring to its insistence that it wants Whether it convinces depends, perhaps, on to nurture higher education as aglobal trump whether you see the latest policy bombshell – card while simultaneously engaging in the the lifting of the student numbers cap –as but found immigration-bashing that hits overseas staff arelease from state shackles or the unleashing and students. of yet stronger market forces that will further It’sclear that the government has asplit undermine the pure purpose of higher educa- personality on this issue, with the Home Office tion (the waters are muddied further by the wanting? openly at war with the Department for Busi- absence of acredible funding plan). ness, Innovation and Skills –but is it the only It also depends on what you think the example of acontradictory approach to higher impact has been of shifting so much of the David Willetts’ finely balanced education? funding burden from the state to the student. aims for higher education are While David Willetts has been astaunch In our opinions pages this week, Roger defender of higher education as an inter- Brown, emeritus professor of higher educa- too often belied by the impact national export, there is afeeling among some tion, argues that to preserve both the public of his government’spolicies that the universities minister has said one thing and private benefits, “tuition fees need to and done another in the course of his reforms. continue to be counterbalanced with block His willingness to engage with argument grants to universities, regardless of their and to see shades of grey has won him respect, and he has always said the right things about

PETER SEARLE the public value of higher education. Willetts’ critics would say it’s not But, critics would say,it’snot enough to enough to proclaim that you champion proclaim that you are achampion of education as apublic good if your policies encour- education as apublic good if your age adifferent view. policies encourage adifferent view So is it fair to cast the architect of the higher education market as asmiling assassin? Writing in this week’s THE,Willetts states place in the perceived pecking order”. that he has tried to emulate Lionel Robbins, Can the government really claim to put author of the eponymous report that led to the equal value on the public and private benefits expansion of higher education 50 years ago, having switched the financial load so firmly who “achieved aperfect equipoise between to the individual? utilitarian arguments [for going to university] Willetts is right that adegree, whether in and confident appeals to the underlying value physics or philosophy,has wide benefits. of study”. His challenge is to ensure that his determi- [email protected] Robbins “was not embarrassed about nation to be seen as apragmatic “believer” acknowledging the utility of higher education”, translates into policy that feeds both sides he writes, “but at the same time he exuded of the equation, and preserves ahigher afundamental belief in its broad value”. education system that is as balanced as the The article was commissioned to allow the argument he makes.

Displaysales Circulation marketing Editorial board JoyCarter Sir Deian Hopkin Sir Steve Smith Display and events James Nicholson Philip Altbach Vice-chancellor, President, National Vice-chancellor, director 020 3194 3228 Director,Center University LibraryofWales University of Exeter Duncan Verry Joanna Adams for International of Winchester 020 3194 3404 020 3194 3043 Higher Education, Simon Marginson Auriol Stevens Keyaccount managers Production Boston College Ian Diamond Professor of international Former editor, THES MatthewClancy and distribution Principal and higher education, 020 3194 3084 Greg Frost Matthew Andrews vice-chancellor, Institute of Education, Laurie Taylor Classified production 020 3194 3065 Chair,Association University University of London Broadcaster manager Original design of University of Aberdeen Gavin Power Studio David Hillman Administrators Toni Pearce MaryWarnock 020 3194 3008 Matthew Gamble President, National Philosopher and ethicist To email any Bahram Bekhradnia PhD candidate, Union of Students member of the Director,Higher School of Shearer West Times Higher Education Education Policy Computer Science, Nancy Rothwell Head of the team, use the format Institute University of Manchester President and vice- Humanities Division, name.surname@ chancellor,University University of Oxford tsleducation.com Sir Drummond Bone Dennis Hayes of Manchester Master,Balliol College, Professor of education, Michael Worton Oxford University of Derby Alan Ryan Vice-provost, Emeritus professor University College of political theory, London University of Oxford ©TSL Education Ltd 2014. Published and licensed for distribution in electronic and all other derivativeforms by TSL Education Ltd, 26 Red Lion Square, London, England WC1R 4HQ,telephone 020 3194 3000, without whose express permission no partmay be reproduced. Printed by Wyndeham Peterborough Ltd. Distributed by MPS.Registered as anewspaper at the Post Office.

2January2014 Times Higher Education 5 Paypackets on theupfor Russ Post-£9K fees era brings sharprise in emoluments for research-intensive leaders. Jack Grove reports

University vice-chancellors in the Don Nutbeam, vice-chancellor RussellGroup pocketed substantial of the University of Southampton, pay rises at the same time as tuition enjoyed a£19,015 rise in emolu- fees rose to £9,000 ayear,new fig- ments in 2012-13, which took his ures show. salary to £294,000and overall pay Theaverage vice-chancellorial packageto£333,615. salary in thegroup rose by just over That pay rise came as Southamp- £22,000 to nearly £293,000 in 2012- tonsaw a13per cent drop in under- 13, according to a Times Higher graduate acceptances –the largest Education analysis of 19 of the fall in recruitment of any Russell group’s24members. Group institution. Once pension payments are Professor Nutbeam’spay was “in taken into consideration, those vice- line with other Russell Group vice- chancellors received an average of chancellors” and had increased only £318,500 last year –upfrom once since 2009, aspokesman said. £302,500 in 2011-12. Michael MacNeil, head of higher It means an average salary rise of education at the University and Col- 8.1 per cent and a5.2 per cent rise lege Union, whose members have in overall benefits –significantly held two one-day strikes over this higher than the 1per cent pay deal year’s1per centpay offer,said the agreed with rank-and-file staff that salary riseswould galvanise mem- year. berstofightonfor improved pay. Among those picking up “Itisthe startlinghypocrisy that improved deals last year was the grates more than the actual rises,” outgoing president and provost of said Mr MacNeil. University College London, Sir “Many vice-chancellors have Malcolm Grant, who received a talked down to their staff and told £41,077 increase in his pay and pen- them to accept a1per cent rise as sions package to £365,432, despite it is the best they can expect, while Sterling work the salaryincreases for leaders reflect ‘their roles leading complex inter national having spentonlythree days aweek happily pocketing big sums them- at UCL after taking the chair of selves,” he added. fits rise by £14,000 to £283,000. entrytothe RussellGroup in 2012. NHS England. There were also larger vice- ACambridge spokesman said the There were also rises for chiefs AUCL spokesman said that the chancellorial salaries at the Univer- rise recognised Sir Leszek’s“sus- of non-Russell Group institutions. remuneration board had reversed a sity of Cambridge, which increased tained excellent performance”, For instance, Steve West, vice- 10 per cent pay cut volunteered by the pay package of Sir Leszek Bory- while Durham said the increase chancellor of the University of the Sir Malcolmbackin2010, saying siewicz by £20,000 to £334,000, reflected the university’s“greatly West of England, saw his overall that it regarded his performance as and at Durham University,where improved performance in research pay package rise by £52,434 to “outstanding”. His £65,000 NHS warden and vice-chancellor Chris- and education”, as evidenced by its £314,632 thanks to a£24,158 salary was given to UCL, he added. topher Higgins saw his overall bene- higher league table standings and performance-related bonus and Threestudents’unionshit back at groupmonitorin Three students’ unions have con- Last month, unions at the Lon- that are segregated because it mon- on university campuses” has failed demned agroup that monitors don School of Economics, Gold- itored only Islamic events where the to make fully clear its links to the extremist speakers on campus for smiths, University of London and speaker had ahistory of extreme Henry Jackson Society,athinktank. “targeting Muslim students”. Birkbeck, University of London all views, or where gender segregation Rupert Sutton, aresearcher at the Student Rights, which refutes the passed motions claiming that the was explicitly promoted. organisation, said that the Student students’ unions’ claims, released a groupindulgesin“sensationalism” She also argued that Student Rights report –which he co- report in May 2013 on events organ- around Muslim students. Rights’ focus was disproportionately authored –made it “quite clear” ised by Islamic societies that found These motions have been coordin- on Muslim groups, rather than on that it was not an attempt to moni- that aquarter of thoseitmonitored ated by agroup called Real Student far Right extremists. tor all Islamic societies. had enforced gender segregation. Rights. “I don’tknow what legitimacy The report outlines its method- Thereporthit theheadlines,and One of its supporters, Hilary they have to call themselves ‘Student ology on page three, where it stresses the issue prompted amajor political Aked, adoctoral student at the Uni- Rights’,” she said. “They don’t that it is not an “exhaustive” list of row after Universities UK released versityofBath, argued that theStu- engage students. They should not Islamic events on campus. guidance in November that sug- dent Rights report, Unequal be monitoring students at all.” But Mr Sutton acknowledged gested that universities would legally Opportunity–Gender Segregation Another charge is that Student that “in some cases the nuance have to allow gender segregation if on UK University Campuses,had Rights, which was set up in 2009 to wasn’tpicked up by the press”. areligious speaker demanded it. exaggerated the proportion of events promote “freedom from extremism He said that Student Rights had 6 Times Higher Education 2January2014 NEWS ussell Groupv-cs ALAMY

London School of Economics, where

ALAMY incoming director Craig Calhoun was paid atotal of £466,000 in 2012-13, including aone-off £88,000 relocation stipend. That compared with the £270,000 paid in 2011-12 to interim director Judith Rees, who took over from Sir Howard Davies (paid £285,000 in his last full year,2009- 10) after he left amid controversy over the LSE’slinks to the Libyan Seeing red lecturers have resorted to atechnique used in primaryschools regime of Mu’ammer Gaddafi. Professor Calhoun’sselection panel had to “ensure [his] salary was appropriate” by viewing “comparative university salaries”, aspokes- ‘Shutup–I’m woman said. Meanwhile, thehighest declared basic salary for 2012-13 in the sector belongs to the University of Bir- trying to learn’ mingham’sDavid Eastwood, who picked up £400,000 –afirst for a UK university –upfrom £372,000 Study finds lecturersusing ‘shocking’ tactics to in 2011-12. However,this figure manage rowdy students. David Matthews writes represented his total pay and benefits package –down from £406,000 Students’ in-classbehaviourissome- even expect in secondaryschool”. in 2011-12 –ashelonger received timessobad that lecturersare resort- One student, Pete, described how pension payments in 2012-13. ing to ared and yellow card warning the lads in his first year would Russell Group director general system –atechnique sometimes used indulge in “loudness, messing about, Wendy Piatt said that the salaries of by primary schoolteachers. giggling, laughing in classes and try- vice-chancellors “reflect their roles Undergraduates would “push the ing to get away with stuff and push leading extremely complex inter- teacher as much as they could” so theteacher as much as they could”. inter national organisations’ with hugeturnovers national organisations with annual lecturers were having to police their Other students would chastise the higher pension contributions. turnovers of more than half abillion behaviour in ways “you wouldn’t “lads” fortheir behaviour, Professor AUWE spokesman said the pounds on average”. even expect in secondary school”, Jackson’sresearch found. One lec- bonus was awarded after the insti- Linking the pay rises to tuition according to astudy of “laddism” turer,John, recalled a“very strong tution met aseries of targets, includ- fee increases is “very misleading” among sports science students. lass” turning to the lads and saying: ing those relating to student because “increased income from fees Carolyn Jackson, aprofessor in “will you shut the fuck up, I’m try- satisfaction, financial health and in England has largely offset signifi- the department of educational ing to learn”. graduate employability. cant government cuts to public research at Lancaster University, “And they did…peer pressure One of the biggest increases in teaching grants”, Dr Piatt added. observed lecturers and interviewed gets them alot more because sud- overall pay and benefits came at the [email protected] students and academics at alarge denly they’re made to look fools by post-1992 institution in the south agirl,” the lecturer said. of England between 2011 and 2013. Another lecturer said the card “Laddish” behaviour included system was used “because football ingextremism on campus “talking and generally being loud students understand this rule very (which disrupted classes); being well”, Professor Jackson recalled. covered far Right groups, including “Simplyfor writingabout [these ajoker; throwing stuff; arriving late; But the paper suggested that after the National Culturists group oper- issues] you’re smeared as an anti- and being rude and disrespectful to the first year,the most disruptive atingatthe University of Liverpool, Muslim bigot,” he said. Mr Sutton lecturers”, according to her paper, students had been “weeded out” as and so it was “unfair” to suggest added that the group’sadvisory “‘Lad Culture’ and Learning in many failed their first-year exams. that it “was going out of our way board included both Labour and Higher Education”. Last year the National Union of to ignore far-right speakers and tar- Conservative politicians and that it “Some lecturers told alarming Students published That’sWhat She geting Islamic speakers”. worked with students “across the stories of aggressive and very antag- Said,areport on women’sexperi- The group did scrutinise more political divide”. onistic confrontations between lec- ence of “lad culture” in universities, Islamic speakers than those from the Regarding the Henry Jackson turers and male students,” it adds. which documented boorish, heavy far Right, he said, but this was sim- Society –towhose principles David Presenting her paper at the drinking, misogynist and homopho- ply because there were more extrem- Willetts, the universities and science annual conference of the Society for bic behaviour by male students. ists on campus from the former minister,isasignatory –hesaidthat Research into Higher Education in However,Professor Jackson’s group than the latter. Student Rights was “a project of” Newport, Wales, in December,Pro- research found almost no evidence On the demand that Student the thinktank and shared an office fessor Jacksonsaidlecturers hadto of sexual harassment or “rape- Rights should cease its monitoring with it, but it raised funding inde- use “shocking” behaviour manage- supportive attitudes” by lads, and of events, he said this would give pendently. ment techniques,suchasthe card homophobia was “rarely mentioned”. extremist speakers a“free ride”. [email protected] system,something one“wouldn’t [email protected] 2January2014 Times Higher Education 7 Alreadyatesting process, entrymay getevenmoreso

“Certainly in the short to medium The tests help to identify students Oxbridge pair predict more use of assessments term, the schools that will adapt the who have done well in educational of potential in admissions. David Matthews writes fastest[to newAlevels and GCSEs] systems with an “emphasis on rote are already the schools that are suc- learning” but who lack the critical Apply to the universities of Oxford Speaking to Times Higher Edu- cessful in getting kids into Oxford thinking skills prized by the univer- or Cambridge these days, and even cation,Mike Nicholson, director of and Cambridge,” he said. sity,heexplained. before the interview,there is areason- undergraduate admissions and But other students who are pre- Mr Nicholson also said that the able chance aquestion such as this outreach at Oxford, and Simon dicted to do poorly in the new scrapping of AS levels could deter will crop up: Beeston, director of Cambridge’s Alevels could still perform well in students from less privileged back- “Dates may be written in an eight- Admissions Testing Service (which the TSA, he said. grounds from applying because they digit form. For instance, 19 January offers the tests), argued the casefor Theintroductionofspecific tests would no longer have the confidence 2005 may be written 19-01-2005. In the exams. at Oxford pre-date the mooted boost of good results in Year 12. what year will the next date occur for According to Mr Nicholson, they A-level changes, he noted, and have Mr Beeston argued that such spe- which all eight digits are different? will give Oxford “stability” in its been aresponse to agreater “diver- cific admissions tests could help to 2013, 2134, 2145, 2345 or 2456?” admissions process as the govern- sity” of candidates, about 30 per encourageunconfidentpupilsinthe This conundrum is taken from ment embarks on alengthy shake-up cent of whom now have non A-level absenceofASlevels. “[There is] the the Thinking Skills Assessment, of the school exams system. qualifications, often from overseas. suggestion that admissions testsare which was rolled out at the Univer- away of excludingpeople, but sity of Oxford in 2008 and is now AlAmy Ithink you could make an argument required for seven courses, while its for the opposite.” use at the University of Cambridge He added that other universities varies by college. had been carrying out pilots of the At Oxford there has also been a service’stests, although he cautioned proliferation of subject specific tests, that it was “by no means certain” for courses ranging from Classics to that the A-level changes would trig- Oriental languages.Meanwhile, the ger a“proliferation” of extra uni- BioMedical Admissions Test is used versity exams. by Oxford, Cambridge, University One new adopter is the Univer- College London, Imperial College sity of Leeds medical school, which London, the Royal Veterinary College has announced that it will require and, for graduate entry,the Brighton applicants to take the Bmat for entry and Sussex Medical School. in 2015. The tests generally claim to assess Meanwhile, any students facing an individual’sintellectual potential the TSA might like to know that the and thinking skills rather than answer to the above is 2345, knowledge, and it has been sug- although it is just one of 50 questions gested in some quarters that univer- to be answered in 90 minutes: amere sities may increasingly adopt them 1minute 48 seconds per question. Show your thinking the TSA aims to identify intellectual potential for their admissions. [email protected] Universitiesdig deep to keep scholarshipsalive Anumberofuniversitieshave cial support by £1,000 to £2,000. with awards falling to £2,000. amount available in cash to £2,000. decidedtouse theirown fundsto But some institutions have The University of York has dug That follows criticisms by the replace state scholarship money that decided to use their own reserves to up some £350,000 to cover about National Union of Students that was axed last year. try to plug the funding gap. half the cuts, withstudents now able scholarship awards in the form of Most higher educationinstitu- The UniversityofLeicester will to claim £2,000 in accommodation fee waivers were a“con trick” tionshavebeenforcedtocut the stump up some £700,000 to replace fee discounts. because students will never,onaver- number of studentawards made the sum it expects to lose next year, Universities were told to resubmit age, earn enough to pay back the under the National Scholarship allowing it to fund the 233 scholar- their 2014-15 access plans for final third of their loans. Programme after its budget for ships, worth £3,000 each, that widening access to higher education The Higher Education Funding 2014-15 was unexpectedly slashed would otherwise be lost. by 15 December,taking the cuts into Council for England, which has by £100 million in November. University College London will account. said that it expects institutions to Ministers have suggested that contribute £600,000 to ensure that According to asurvey of the maintain the total level of access institutions should halve the number 315 awards are made next year,while revised plans by Media FHE, many funding, welcomed the decision by of awards to students from families the University of Warwick has found universities were unable to fully com- some universities to increase their earninglessthan£25,000 ayear, £500,000 to cover two-thirds of the pensate for lost scholarship funding, spending. while reducing the maximum finan- amount it is losing from thescheme, although several are doubling the [email protected] 8 Times Higher Education 2January2014 news

AleAp forwArd: decline in the number of AnimAls used in reseArch in the uk

The European Commis- same time, the number %changeinthe number of selected animals used for research in the UK, 2008-11 sion released the of birds used in research 250% latest data on the rose by athird (37,775). number of animals In total, the number used in science last of mice, rats, hamsters 200% month. Across Europe, and guinea pigs used in researchersused UK science fell by more 11.5 million animals than 165,750 between 150% in 2011, down half 2008 and 2011. How- amillion compared ever, the number of other with 2008. rodent species used 100% In the UK, scientists during the same period used 2.05 million ani- went up by more than mals during first-time half to 3,243. 50% procedures in 2011, Although reptiles com- which is 10 per cent prised just 0.02 per cent 0% fewerthan in 2008. More of all the animals used in than half of them were 2011, scientists used two mice (56 per cent of the and ahalf times as many -50% total), followedbyfish of them as theyused in (21 per cent) and rats 2008. The biggest drop (12 per cent). in numbers for aspecific -100% Compared with 2008, animal type was in the greatest drop in the amphibians, with scien- number of animals used tists using 80 per cent was among rats (the fewerin2011 than they Mice Rats Guinea Hamsters Other Birds Reptiles Amphib- Fish Total number used fell by did in 2008. In 2011, -5% -26% pigs -30% rodents (excluding 251% ians -13% -10% 90,852), then fish (down amphibians comprised -61% 66% quail) -81% 63,730), mice (down 0.22 per cent of all ani- 30% 56,323) and guinea pigs mals used. Sources: Commission Staff Working Paper –Reportonthe Statistics on the Number of Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes in the Member States of the European Union in the Year 2008,published in 2010, and Commission Staff Working Paper –Reportonthe Statistics on the Number of Animals Used (down 17,736). At the Holly Else for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes in the Member States of the European Union inthe Year 2011,published in 2013 Kingston v-cdefends lastpostfor principal lecturersand readers

plete nonsense”. “Wehad some peo- had been invited to receive verbal Move will speed promotion track, Weinberg says, ple who are more research-oriented feedback on their submissions. “It but UCU remains critical. Jack Grove reports who didn’tget through because we is not, in any way,aredundancy wanted them to do more teaching,” process,” he added. Kingston University vice-chancellor tion” and that principal lecturers he said. Scrapping the principal lecturer Julius Weinberg has rejected criticisms play avital, often undervalued, role Severalindividuals whofailedto post, which is generally found only of his institution’sabolition of the in running academic departments. win associate professorships had in post-1992 universities, was positions of principal lecturer and Senior staff turned down for “failed to engage in the [reapplica- required because“it meantnothing reader,saying that the move will help associate professor roles had often tion] process” and had “not taken outside avery narrow range of senior staff to become professors. received only one or two lines of it seriously enough”, Professor universities”, whereasthe associate As part of anew academic pro- feedback, said Julian Wells, acting Weinberg added. professor role was recognised inter- gression and promotion system chair of Kingston’sUniversity and Several unsuccessful candidates nationally,Professor Weinberg said. introduced at Kingston in 2013-14, College Union branch. “Wewould included “some individuals who Thosewho took therole, which all academic staff on grade 10 –two be rebuked by management if we happened to be active in the union” included directors of studies and pro- ranks above senior lecturer –have supplied such cursory feedback to who were “confusing their own per- gramme coordinators, often ended been invited to apply for new “asso- our students,” Dr Wells said. sonal disappointment [with unhap- up swamped by administrative tasks ciate professor” roles. Initial comments from staff also piness aboutthe process] andare that hampered their promotion to Of 222 staff eligible to apply,167 suggested that those with ateaching- stirring”, he added. the professoriate, he added. submitted an application and 117 focused application for an associate However,staff who failed to gain “This is about developing aclear were successful, taking up their new professorship might have been associate professor roles were wel- and effective career pathway for the posts this month. treated less favourably than those come to reapply and would receive future,” he said. Another 20 senior staff took vol- with aheavier emphasis on research, support over the next five years to “This is agreat opportunity for untary redundancies in the summer he added. do so before they were shifted down academics, and people have been ahead of the changes, according to But Professor Weinberg said to grade 9, Professor Weinberg said. telling me that they wish it had hap- union leaders, who say the reappli- that such accusations of bias in “It is an extremely supportive pened 10 years ago,” he added. cation process is “de facto grade dilu- favour of researchers were “com- process,” he said, noting that staff [email protected] 2January2014 Times Higher Education 9 Global plans cause local difficulties for Uclan Thailand, Cyprus and Sri Lanka campuses bring fiscal losses and criticism. John Morgan reports

Last year was not avintage year for in October 2012, has also been the University of Central Lancashire’s under pressure to prove that Cyprus attempts to gain afoothold in over- is afertile ground for student recruit- seas markets. ment; the University of East London In November it emerged that it was forced to close its Cyprus cam- will lose up to £3.2 million in the pus in 2013 after recruiting just 17 collapse of its planned Thailand students. campus. The university set up ajoint venture company with the president Reputational risk warning of aThai duty-free storage company With UK universities increasingly that would own and run the campus, looking to expand overseas, some Global game in considering its campuses overseas, Uclan’sboard was ‘fully aware of the which was to open later this year. believe that Uclan’sdealings raise But the joint venture failed to com- importantquestions forhigheredu- ment,inconsidering itsoverseas out the fall in UK students, Uclan plete the purchase of all the land cation as awhole. campuses,its boardwas “fully forecasts: “The number of overseas needed after its partner’s“circum- Sally Hunt, the University and aware of the risks and was satisfied students studying on Uclan or part- stances changed”. College Union general secretary, anymoniesinvestedwould notput ner institution campuses abroad will In the same month, Uclan won said: “Uclan’ssorry episode in Thai- theuniversityatrisk. It wasalso rise, assisted by the development of praise from UK foreign secretary land should be awake-up call to satisfied that anymoniesinvested Uclanjoint venturecampusesin William Hague over its plans for everyone in the sector.UKuniver- wouldnot be from UK public Cyprus,Thailandand SriLanka, expansion into Sri Lanka, where the sities’overseasadventuresare plac- sources.” moving to greaterlevelsofin- government has given the go-ahead ing their funds, asset bases and In Uclan’scomplex corporate countryteaching.” forittobethe first overseas univer- reputations at risk. To avoid this, structure, theoverseasventures– Last year,Uclan also signalled the sity to open acampus in South Asia. universities need to come clean Uclan Cyprus Limited, Uclan Lanka importance of its overseas campuses Accusations of war crimes have abouttheir overseas projects and (Private) Limited and Uclan (Thai- by moving to a“group structure”, been levelled against the Sri Lankan open them up to proper public scru- land) Company Limited –are all in which the international offshoots government after up to 40,000 tiny and regulation.” subsidiaries of Uclan (Overseas) are managedseparately from the UK people were killed during the brutal On Thailand, Uclan’s2011-12 Limited. The 2011 Uclan (Overseas) campus –with all campuses under conclusion of thecountry’scivil war accounts, published ayear ago, accounts show asudden £9.3 mil- the overall leadership of Malcolm in 2009. Uclan praises the govern- explain that some of the land for the lion increase in cash deposits com- McVicar,formerly vice-chancellor ment’s“commitment to engage” campus had been bought outright pared with the previous year. and now group chief executive. with the United Nations Human and the rest secured with a30per Asked what the source of this Butone obviousquestioniswhy Rights Council “in aspirit of open- cent deposit. It appears from the funding was, and whether it was Uclan chose overseas campus loca- ness and constructive dialogue”. But accounts that the project –ajoint public funding in some form, a tions that are all, in different ways, Amnesty International UK told venture with Thai businessman Sitti- Uclan spokesman said: “The money problematic. Times Higher Education that Uclan chai Charoenkajonkul in which came direct from Uclan and was In the case of Sri Lanka, there are should “take note of the country’s Uclan holds a49per cent stake –ran builtupfromother overseas activi- potential advantages in working with appalling human rights record”. into trouble trying to secure the por- ties (in China) over several years.” agovernment that is eager for foreign Both these episodes came just tion of the land secured by deposit. Uclan’scorporate plan, updated investment. According to Sri Lankan months afteritemerged that Uclan’s “The partner’scircumstances for 2013-14, explains the broader pressreports,the Uclancampus, to Cyprus campus was criticised as a have now changed and restructuring thinking behind the overseas open in 2015 in a“free investment security risk by the UN secretary gen- negotiations are currently under- ventures. zone”for education, will enjoya eral, Ban Ki-Moon, who was con- way,”the accounts state in an enig- “Over the next five years, we 15-year corporate income tax holiday. cerned by the campus’ location in the maticpassage on theThaidealings expect to see some decrease in full- Uclan said in its statement that buffer zone separating the island’s that came before thefinalcollapse time undergraduate numbers on UK although Sri Lanka “has had atur- Greek and Turkish communities. of theproject. campuses,” says the plan. bulent recent history,the country Uclan, which opened the campus In general, Uclansaidinastate- As part of its aim of balancing has stabilised and is making signif- 10 Times Higher Education 2January2014 NEWS Getty Appeals lawyer loses King’stitle College rescinds honorarylectureship of barrister representing students in disputes. Chris Parr writes

King’sCollege London has termin- King’s’ decision is of no general ated the contract of an honorary interest, but the attitude it reflects senior lecturer who set up abusiness –the apparent distaste for students offering legal advice to students who seeking paid legal help to appeal wish to challenge their exam results. against university decisions they Daniel Sokol will cease being consider to be unfair –should be.” honorary senior lecturer in medical In his letter to THE,DrSokol ethics and law at the institution from describes the missive he received 26 February after less than ayear in from King’sasreferring to lawyers the role. targeting students and charging The university said that it was hefty fees for poor service. concerned about any perceived asso- “There is agood reason why stu- ciation between King’sand his dents who believe they have been Alpha Academic Appeals business, unfairly treated turn to lawyers,” he which charges students between says. “They know that, by and large, £500 and £1,000 for help in exam- they will get better representation.” ination appeals. Aspokeswoman for King’ssaid The university took the decision that the letter had expressed concern to terminate Dr Sokol’scontract about “the activities of law firms after Times Higher Education pub- seeking to target students in the area lished articles in which the barrister of complaints and appeals” when defended his company against students can access free represen- claims that it was profiteering from tation through the Academic Advice of the risks and was satisfied yman onies invested would not put the university at risk’ the fears of students, and encourag- Service of the university’sstudents’ icant progress…While much has are ongoing but the construction ing alitigious culture in the acad- union. been done in termsofdomesticrec- remains unauthorised,” said a emy.Hereceived aletter from King’s “Wehave made clear to Dr Sokol onciliation, peace consolidation and spokesmanfor the UN’speacekeep- on 26 November 2013, giving three our concerns about the perceived economic development, it is the ingforce in Cyprus. months’ notice. association between the College and growth of thecountry’s higher edu- The campus is owned by ajoint “Upon reading the letter,one his appeals business, which the Col- cation infrastructure which can play venture company in which Uclan might have been forgiven for think- lege does not endorse. apivotal role in the future.” holds a51per cent stake; the rest is ing that Ihad set up abrothel for “Wehave explained to him that However,Allan Hogarth, head owned by agroup connectedwith a students, with an endless supply of in light of that, we no longer believe of policy and government affairs at Cypriot developer,Hassapis Group. class Adrugs,” Dr Sokol says in a that arelationship with Dr Sokol is Amnesty International UK, said Sources have raised questions letter published in today’s THE,in beneficial to the College in general Uclan “should look beyond the Sri about who runs the campus on a which he claims that universities that or the School of Medicine in par- Lankan government’sspin and take day-to-day basis and how much prohibit legal representation for stu- ticular,” she said. note of the country’sappalling influence the developer has in the dents are denying them afair hearing. [email protected] human rights record”. management of the site. “The wisdom or otherwise of Letters, page28 “Amnesty disputes thedepiction Lee Chatfield, rector of Uclan’s of Sri Lanka as acountry where ‘rec- Cyprus campus, left in October. onciliation, peace and progress’ Uclan said his two-year secondment abound,” he said. hadcometoanend andhewas now RUSSell Sach Mr Hogarth added of the govern- retiring. His replacement, Melinda ment’srecord: “There has been a Tan, was previously head of the consistent failure to address the School of Languages and Inter- atrocities that took place at the end national Studies at Uclan in the UK. of the war where civilians were Sources suggested to THE that Dr deliberately targeted, and hospitals Tanisthe only UK academic per- shelled…Today in Sri Lanka, far manently based at the Cyprus cam- from the progress the government pus. However,Uclan rejected this attempts to portray,there is acon- claim. tinued move to silence critics and Uclan said its original plan “pro- consolidate power.” jected that thecampuswould break even in year three, and losses were UN questions Cyprus undertaking anticipated in the early years of its In Cyprus, the UN is still concerned development”, and that 338 stu- aboutthe positioningofUclan’s dents are now enrolled. Terminated Daniel Sokol’scontract with King’swill be ended in February campus in the buffer zone. “Talks [email protected] 2January2014 Times Higher Education 11 ahead that are built into forecasts. Ieuan Ellis, chair of the Council of REUTERS News in brief DeansofHealth, said that theplans may “help reverse some of the damaging cuts to nursing education Big Data Institute made in previous years”. But he UCL pledges to retain open access added that to meet future needs, the University College London says its planning process must involve partnership with the huge publish- healthcare providers outside the ing and information company NHS, such as those working in social Elsevier on anew BigDataInstitute care and education. will not affect its commitment to open access.The institutewillbring together Elsevier staff and UCL Religious T-shirtdispute researchers to explore “new tech- LSE head apologises to students nologies and analytics as applied to Twostudents who were forced to scholarly content and data”. Elsevier cover up T-shirts depicting the has been criticised in the past for Prophet Muhammad and Jesus at a being slow to adopt open access and freshers’ fair have received an apol- In sync personal values playalargepartinchoices about careers to permit the data- and text-mining ogy from their university head. Chris of its papers. But Stephen Caddick, Moos and Abhishek Phadnis were vice-provost for enterprise at UCL, manning an Atheist, Secularist and said the institution’scommitment to Humanist Society stall at the Lon- Personal paths open access would not be affected donSchoolofEconomics’Freshers’ by the partnership. “Webelieve the Fair on 3October when they were combination of our academic expert- asked to cover their T-shirts, which ise and Elsevier’sexpertise will pro- displayedpicturesfromthe satirical lead to academia vide an opportunity to do things that comic strip Jesus and Mo.The pair would be very difficult otherwise,” were told by student union officers he said. Ron Mobed, Elsevier’schief that displaying the T-shirts might Research scientists would prefer to align work executive, said:“This is asignificant constitute harassment of areligious with own values, study reveals. Holly Else reports investment by Elsevier in UK science. group. The students formally Our aim is to help scientists do bet- appealed to the institution on The personal values held by post- To learn more about the decision- ter research and do it faster.” 12 November over the incident and doctorate scientists play abigger making processes of those consider- have nowreceivedapublicapology part in determining whether they ing an academic career,DrGibbs from Craig Calhoun, director of the decide to pursue acareer in aca- and Dr Griffin held 11 focus groups Employment contracts LSE. Professor Calhoun wrote to the demia than previously thought, with 38 biomedical scientists who UCU to aid in zero-hours review students acknowledging that, with according to new research. had gained PhDs between 2006 and The University and College Union hindsight, the wearing of the T-shirts Theauthors of astudy published 2011 and analysed the results. is to contribute to agovernment on this occasion did not amount to last month say that giving research- They found that research per- review of zero-hours contracts. Some harassment or contravene the law ers more opportunities to align their formance and relationships with 24,000 academicsand otherstaff are or LSE policies. work with their own values may PhD supervisors did not explain dif- employed on the controversial deals help to stem the loss of talented ferent attitudes to faculty careers. –which do not guarantee employees FOLLOW US ON researchers from biomedical science. Instead, personal values were the aminimum number of hours – Kenneth Gibbs, afellow at the “primary driver” of whether they across 71 higher education institu- US National Science Foundation, chose to stay in academia or not. tions, according to union research and Kimberly Griffin, an associate The paper,“What do Iwant to be released last year.UCU general sec- Last week’sstoryonUcas’ End professor of student affairs at the with my PhD? The roles of personal retary Sally Hunt said she wanted of Cycle Report on this year’s University of Maryland, examined values and structural dynamics in ministers to focus on “the exploita- admissions to university sparked the factors that influenced the career shaping the career interests of recent tive nature of zero-hours contracts”, comments on our website. decisionsofpostdoctoratesamidthe biomedical science PhD graduates”, adding that “employers cannot hide Ian Brightarse wrote that the changing landscape for academic states: “If what scientists felt was behind flexibility as adefence for article provided evidence of dumbing careers over the past few decades. important to him or her personally their continued use”. “Without a down on entrystandards. “I’ve Just 40 years ago, the majority of and professionally could be best guaranteed income, workers on made the point before, but I’ll make scientists who obtained PhDs man- achieved in an academic setting, he zero-hours contracts are unable to it again: ‘modern’ universities are aged to secure auniversity academic or she pursued afaculty career,” the make financial or employment plans exercising their judgement in favour position, says the paper,published authors write. on ayear-to-year,oreven month-to- of their balance sheet, and are in CBE-Life Sciences Education. They also find that the lack of month, basis,” Ms Hunt said. forcing down academic standards In comparison, today,only 14 per structured career development activ- in the process.” cent of life scientists go on to hold ities in many PhD courses means RobertSlack agreed but said apermanent –orthe prospect of a that students form expectations of Health training provision that an evenmore important point permanent –position (tenure or academia based on the working lives Future plans ‘must be widened’ was that “weaker students” being tenure-track) five or six years after of more experienced colleagues – Universities have welcomed arecent put through “weak” courses would graduation. many of whom are seen struggling report by Health Education England cost themselves and society more. Early career researchers who to secure facultypositions,juggling detailing aboost in the number of want to stay in academia now face demanding workloads and having nursing places and afuture plan for Plus significant hurdles that may discour- apoor work-life balance. Young thehealthworkforce.But they have More opinion, news and reader age them, such as the supply of post- researchers cite these as reasons for raised concerns about the lack of debate. doctorates far outstripping the eschewing academia, the paper says. understanding of the services www.twitter.com/timeshighered number of academic jobs available. [email protected] required by patients for the years 12 Times Higher Education 2January2014 NEWS

ODDS AND QUADS

These pictures are from The fi first rst British lesbian co-edited abook called work focused on sexual the Showgirl,for example, lesbian photography. the archive of the to be politically active Ecstatic Antibodies (with fantasy and on lesbian, explored cross-dressing, Alongside her own lesbian photographer, around the issue of Aids, Sunil Gupta, 1990) and gay, bisexual and trans- gender and safe sex; practice as aphotogra- writer and performance Ms Boffin worked on a co-curated an exhibition gender themes, offering while the book Stolen pher,MsBoffin taught artist Tessa Boffin project called The Slings of the same name, manyevocativeinsights Glances: Lesbians from 1990 to 1993 at the (1960-93), now held and Arrows of Outrageous looking at the role of into such communities Take Photographs Kent Institute of Artand by the University for the Fortune: AIDS and the images in the Aids crisis. in the 1980s. Aproject (co-edited with Jean Design, which became Creative Arts Farnham. Body Politic.She also Other photographic titled The Sailor and Fraser,1991) celebrated partofUCA Farnham. Verging on the unexpected: get a glimpse of life beside the fast lane

their utilitarianism, finding the at high speed,” Mr Chell said, “but MatthewReisz is carried along by the beauty extraordinary within the ordinary, they form natural as well as indus- revealed in neglected parts of our landscape which is visually very refreshing.” trial corridors, creating what nature This interest in “neglected terri- writer Richard Mabey calls ‘Britain’s An artist and academic fascinated argued, sightseeing has meant tories” had led Mr Chell to study largest unofficial nature reserve’.” by “edges, borders and the scraps of “going to places with views, which environments such as stairwells, One result, Mr Chell said, is that land people tend not to care about” are in some sense edifying. Motor- connecting corridors, doctors’ wait- plants such as scurvy grass (a salt- hascompleted abookand exhibi- ways aren’tlike that, because we ing rooms and supermarket car tolerant coastal plant) can be found tion projectdevoted to theunex- rush through them and they are very parks. “burgeoning” all over the country. pected “untrammelled and untrod” utilitarian. But, similar to alot of He secured an Arts and Human- “You get extraordinary plant life landscapes around motorways. places we tend to ignore, there are ities Research Council fellowship for because there are no agrichemicals Edward Chell, senior lecturer in hidden gems when we look for them. the academic year 2012-13, which and relatively little pollution,” he fine art at the University for the Cre- Iamfascinated by the beauty of released him from teaching and added. ativeArtsCanterbury, grew up near enabled him to carry out the research Well aware that few other people Halifax and remembers cycling for the exhibition and book, both share his “passion for this sort of along the not-yet-completed trans- titled Soft Estate. territory”, Mr Chell nonetheless Pennine M62, where the vast signs Motorway verges are rather argued that “it affects ahuge range gave the motorway a“monumental, harder to explore, he explained, of users, so the habitat deserves a even sublime” feeling. except from thesafetyofacar park bit more attention: this is here, this He was astonished by the amount or aslip road, so he is careful to is what it is like –and it is often of wildlife around him when he was wear afluorescent jacket and hard beautiful”. once stuck in atraffic jam on the hat. These environments are The multimedia show –which M2. And he is intrigued by how inaccessible and seem deliberately includes silhouette images of road- motorways such as the M40 consist closed off, butthe fact that they are sideplants (seeleft)–isatthe Blue- of “a succession of staggering not often encroached on gives a coatinLiverpool until 23 February. ‘reveals’”, as each bend opens up a sense of “nature bubbling up”. [email protected] new panorama. “Motorways areverycontrolled ● www.thebluecoat.org.uk/events/ Sincethe 18thcentury,MrChell environments to funnel people along view/events/1868 2January2014 Times Higher Education 13 University of Southampton, work- University of Essex ing in collaboration with Micro- Declaration of intent soft Research and the University Multicoloured chalk was used to of Rochester in New York, said spell out the articles of the Univer- the device could help tackle over- sal Declaration of Human Rights eating. Removable sensors moni- at auniversity campus last month tor the wearer’sskin and heart for to mark International Human signs of changing physical param- Rights Day.The annual “chalking eters that could indicate mood. of the steps” by students at The data are sent to the wearer the University of Essex, led by through asmartphone app and its Human Rights Society,took can be used to indicate when place on 10 December –the comfort eating is likely to occur. 65th anniversary of the signing of the declaration. Marte Lyngstad, president of the society,said: “The De MontfortUniversity declaration may have taken place Clearing the path more than 60 years ago, but there Auniversity is teaming up with remain corners of the world where the private education company communities do not have access Isis to open acentre dedicated to basic human rights such as the to preparing international right to education.” students for higher education. De Montfort University’sInterna- tional Pathway College, which University of Huddersfield will open in June, will provide Lung odds improve both English language training Researchers have been given and qualifications related to £105,000 by apharmacy chain students’ chosen fields of study. to develop abreathalyser to detect The university’svice-chancellor lung cancer.The donation from Dominic Shellard said: “I believe the S.G. Court Group will be that through initiatives such matched by the University of as [this] we can provide our Huddersfield, whose academics domestic and international will run the project. Lung cancer students with far-reaching accounts for 6per cent of all UK opportunities and help to ensure deaths, largely because treatment the university’sgrowth in the is often ineffective by the time future.” the disease is diagnosed. The researchers hope to find achemi- cal biomarker in exhaled breath Royal Holloway,University of London that will indicate the cancer in its Plastic poison early stages. Litter levels in the Thames are likely to be worse than previously thought, scientists have claimed. Cranfield University Researchers at Royal Holloway, Winging it University of London pulled more A3Dprinting process that could than 8,000 pieces of plastic from revolutionise aircraft production the river bed of the upper Thames the latest developments in aero- sessions by Mr Harrison, aformer has been pioneered at aUK estuary in just three months using dynamics and fuel efficiency. artist-in-residence at Bart’sPathol- institution. Researchers at Cran- nets designed to catch Chinese Adrian Cole, director of innov- ogy Museum in London, are field University have developed mitten crabs. The previously ation and enterprise at the designed to encourage students’ “additive manufacturing”, which unseen amounts of plastic on university’sFaculty of Technol- draughtsmanship and observation enables large structural parts to British riverbeds, which release ogy,Engineering and the Envi- skills. be fabricated more cheaply and toxic chemicals, may be harming ronment, said the event will quickly.The process has already wildlife, the researchers warn. highlight how crucial the produced a1.2m component that automotive industry is in Middlesex University forms part of an aircraft wing in “ensuring aprosperous future Pilot initiative just 37 hours: previously the Birmingham City University for the region”. The budget airline easyJet is process would have taken weeks. Driving ambitions to launch adegree programme Stewart Williams, professor of Aworld motorsport symposium for pilots in association with a welding science and engineering at will be hosted by aUKuniversity Royal VeterinaryCollege London university.Pilots will Cranfield, said: “This is an excit- next week. Engineers and motor- Animal artistry study for aBSc in professional ing technology with huge poten- sport experts from around the Veterinary students have been aviation pilot practice at tial for the aerospace industry.” world will gather on 6and asked to look at animals differ- Middlesex University’sInstitute of 7January at Birmingham City ently by their institution’sartist- Work Based Learning while doing University for the Race Tech in-residence. Geoffrey Harrison flight training with firm CTC University of Southampton World Motorsport Symposium. has run several workshops for Aviation. The partnership will Underlying emotions Delegates will be given access to aspiring vets at the Royal Veteri- allow trainee pilots to access Academics have designed asmart aseries of sessions, presentations nary College since his one-year student funding to help finance bra that can detect mood changes and debates about the future of Leverhulme Trust-funded resi- their flight training and degree in the wearer.The group from the the motorsport industry and dency started in September.The courses, easyJet said. 14 Times Higher Education 2January2014 CAMPUS ROUND-UP

Tidal treasures REUTERS The recent storms that have battered Scotland’s coast mayhaverevealed newarchaeological sites, sayscholars. The Univer- sity of St Andrews is working with Historic Scotland and the charity Scottish Coastal Archaeologyand the Problem of Erosion to appeal to local people to informthem if important historical sites have been damaged by the storms. But erosion by high tides could also have uncov- ered newfinds, the organisations say. Volunteers can send information about coastal sites through an Android or iPhone app via www.scharp.co.uk

social enterprises grow and University of Wolverhampton Liverpool John Moores University Glasgow Caledonian University evolve. Invaluable experience Stub it out Prescription for health Aproject helping graduates Sport and physical activity Auniversity has launched a to find paid work placements can be effective in changing series of research projects in University of Sunderland has won local government fund- children’sattitude to smoking, abid to find out if social enter- Kick and rush ing. The University of Wolver- auniversity study has shown. prises can help Scotland to lose Footballers playing in lower divi- hampton’sStep programme puts SmokeFree Sports, an initiative its label as the “sick man of sions of English soccer run further graduates into extended work by Liverpool John Moores Europe”. Academics at Glasgow but complete fewer successful experience placements, helping University in partnership with Caledonian University’sYunus passes than their counterparts in them to gain vital training and Liverpool City Council, ran a Centre for Social Business and the Premier League, research indi- earn money while doing so. Now, school-based programme for Health plan to discover whether cates. Astudy of 300 players in thanks to asuccessful bid to more than 1,000 Year 5children the estimated 2,000 such the Premier League, Champion- Wolverhampton City Council, in 32 Liverpool primary schools, organisations in the country can ship and League One, led by the university will be able to offer with 11 Knowsley schools acting address Scotland’s“appalling” Paul Bradley,senior lecturer in more placements next year via as acomparison group. Children record for health inequalities. sport and exercise science at the nearly £90,000 in additional took part in activities that raised The project has received University of Sunderland, suggests funding. Helene Turley,employer awareness of the dangers of £2 million from the Medical that players at higher levels are engagement manager at the smoking on health, the effect of Research Council and the more skilled and do not use the university,said the programme the practice on sports perform- Economic and Social Research “long ball” game common in “fosters close relationships with ance, how to avoid peer pressure Council. Asecond study will lower divisions. But when players local employers and gives gradu- to take up the habit, as well as involve researchers working moved from the Championship ates vital work experience and the manifold benefits of physical with colleagues across Europe to the Premier League they still training”. activity. to find out more about how ran as far,itfound. 2January2014 Times Higher Education 15 deputy director general of the Henan provincial government’sForeign and News in brief Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, visited Panjab University last month, The Times of India reported. Mr Archival battle United States Hao said that Zhengzhou University Majority interest and Henan University were open to Apollo Global, asubsidiary of collaboration, including teacher and Apollo Education Group, has agreed student exchange programmes. to acquire amajority stake in Aus- Panjab’sregistrar,A.K.Bhandari, wits with theap tralian online learning company welcomed the delegation’splans and Open Colleges Australia. The US invited Chinese universities inter- for-profit, which owns the Univer- ested in collaboration to write to Historian Sheila Fitzpatrick tells MatthewReisz sity of Phoenix, said the deal would him so that he could assess the about lifeand scholarly workinthe Soviet system be financially beneficial in the long proposals. term. Apollo Global has agreed to Aleading expert on Soviet history cation and culture), and realised that purchase 70 per cent of the out- has set out to explore the complex “the second level of Soviet politics standing shares for $98.5 million United States personal factors that often drive was driven by conflicts based on (£60.2 million), as well as contin- Status update: fired research. bureaucratic interest”. This was gent payments of up to $47 million AUSstate’sboard of regents has Sheila Fitzpatrick recently backed up by conversations with primarily based on 2014 operating approved apolicy permitting uni- returned to her native Australia after Lunacharsky’sadopted daughter, results, The Wall Street Journal versities to fire employees if they agap of nearly 50 years. She is now Irina Anatolevna Lunacharskaya, reported. It also has the option to make “improper” use of social honorary professorofhistory at the and his brother-in-law and assistant, purchase the remaining shares in the media that damages the institutions’ University of Sydney,working on Igor Alexandrovich Sats. future. It noted that it does not reputations. The Kansas Board of scholarly books about “Stalin and Sats in particular became ahugely expect the deal –anticipated to be Regents devised the policy follow- his team” and the fate of displaced important, quasi-paternal figure to completed during the second quar- ing atweet by David Guth, aUni- persons after the Second World War. Fitzpatrick: he introduced her to terofthe 2014 fiscalyear–to have versity of Kansas academic, whose She has also just published ASpy in some people, warned her off others amaterial impact on its financial anti-National Rifle Association com- the Archives: AMemoirofCold War and, she freely admits, has deeply results. ments at the time of the September Russia. influenced her scholarly work ever 2013 shootings at the Navy Yard in The book offers avivid account since. Washington DC caused national of the daily trials of living and work- “My first book owes an enor- Australia uproar.Professor Guth was placed ing in Moscow on astudent mous amount to Igor,” she explains Demand for graduates dips on administrative leave after post- exchange in 1966, where maps and now, “simply because Iwas writing Graduates in Australia are finding ing his tweet. Under the unani- telephone directories were unavail- aboutthe particular ministry where it tougher to get jobs straight after mously approved social media able and asign in the university buf- he hadbeenthe assistanttothe study because of lower demand in policy,the chief executive of astate fet read “No milk. And won’tbe.” minister.Sometimes Ifound some- the labour market, data suggest. university now has the authority to Helpful or flirtatious young men thing opaque or pointing in acertain Almost 11 per cent of the Class of suspend, dismiss or terminate any were best avoided, since they had direction and there was actually a 2013 had not found full-time work facultyorstaff member whomakes probably been sent by the KGB. And backstory Igorknewabout, which four months after completing their improper use of social media, the the ruthlessness required on buses made it quite different.” studies, arise of 2percentage points Lawrence-Journal World reported. left such amark that, back in As their friendship developed, on 2012, asurvey by Graduate Oxford, Fitzpatrick found herself however,Igor began to “talk agreat Careers Australia shows. “These “shamelessly elbowing aside little deal about the Stalin period, about new employment figures suggest that Egypt old ladies in Sainsbury’s”. what life was like, the strategies of the recruiters of graduates remain Protest song’s low volume Notably hard on her younger self, survival, what happened to differ- cautious in their hiring plans,” an The Egyptian minister of higher she recalls an appeal to the director ent kinds of people. When Icame analysis accompanying the survey education and deputy prime minis- of some archives she wanted to con- to write Everyday Stalinism [1999], states. “The survey says short-term ter has downplayed the effect of pro- sult, who “looked [her] over –a an attempt to get the texture of job prospects for graduates have tests on the country’suniversities, small 25-year-old whom all Russians urban Russia in the 1930s, Igor’s been poor since the global financial saying that only five institutions instinctively classified as amere girl, footprint was all over it.” crisis although their longer-term have been affected. In apress con- illateasewiththe language,lacking career outlookremainedbright.”It ference highlighting points from a either feminine charmormasculine Revisionist vanguard also shows that the proportion of recent Cabinet meeting, Hossam authority”. When he turned her Her sense of the “conflicts based on graduates available for full-time Eissa said that the Muslim Brother- down, she burst into tears, which bureaucratic interest”withinSoviet employment fell from 64.8 percent hood’s political goal was to halt the unexpectedly proved “exactly the policymaking helped to push Fitzpat- to 61.6 per cent between 2011 and educationalprocess,anaim “they right thing to do”. Grandly declar- rick into becoming one of the found- 2013, suggesting that some had been have failed to implement”. The Anti- ing “grown-ups don’tcry”, he ers of the “revisionist” school of discouraged from seeking places in Coup Alliance (an Islamist coalition granted her the access she was Sovietology.This used detailed arch- the full-time labour force, The Aus- formed to oppose the overthrow of seeking. ival research to get beyond the offi- tralian reported. President Mohamed Morsi, who cial story and thereby challengedthe was deposed in July) and Muslim Paper chase “totalitarian” model then dominant Brotherhood websites say that stu- Once loose in the archives, Fitz- among Cold Warpoliticalscientists. China/India dents in the country’suniversities patrick writes that she became When she moved to the US in Team building have been protesting “constantly “addicted to the thrill of the chase, 1972, Fitzpatrick soon found herself Adelegation of education officials against the coup”. However, the excitement of the game of subject to ferocious attack and even from aChinese province are consid- Mr Eissa claimed that the only insti- matching my wits against that of smear campaigns. ering drafting amemorandum of tutions with “noteworthy” protests Soviet officialdom”. She started “The critics said that the revision- understanding between auniversity were Cairo, Mansoura, Zagazig, researching Anatoly Lunacharsky, ists were ‘soft on communism’,” she from the region and an Indian insti- Assiut and Ain Shams universities, the first Soviet people’scommissar recalls, “and minimised repression, tution. Ateam led by Hao Lijun, the Daily News Egypt reported. of enlightenment (or minister of edu- monolithic Stalinist control and so 16 Times Higher Education 2January2014 NEWS

FROM WHERE ISIT eofwill and West Bank balance On 18 November,Brandeis Uni- faced by universities worldwide). versity,aliberal arts college in Yetareport by Brandeis’ Inter- Massachusetts that describes national Center for Ethics, Jus- itself as the only non-sectarian tice and Public Life, released apparatchiks Jewish-sponsored institution in on 9December,concludes that the US, suspended its partnership Al-Quds’ staff responded with Al-Quds University,aPales- “promptly and appropriately” in tinian institution with campuses investigating the event and calls in East Jerusalem and on the on Brandeis to resume and West Bank. “redouble” the partnership. Brandeis said in astatement: The challenges faced by “The Nov.5demonstration on Al-Quds are exceptional. Its two the Al-Quds campus involved main campuses are 7km apart. demonstrators wearing black The sites, one in East Jerusalem, military gear,armed with fake are separated by the West Bank automatic weapons, and who barrier and it can take over an marched while waving flags hour to travel between them. and raising the traditional Nazi The university can, as aconse- salute. The demonstration took quence, register neither as an place in the main square of the Israeli institution nor as a“for- Al-Quds campus, which was eign” one –the status given to surrounded by banners depicting other Palestinian universities by images of ‘martyred’ suicide Israel’sCouncil for Higher Edu- bombers.” cation. This has implications for Photographs of the rally its funding, but also for students. were circulated online and For example, if an Al-Quds grad- prompted widespread criticism. uate in medicine lives in Jerusa- In response, Brandeis’ president, lem, his or her degree is not Frederick Lawrence, called on recognised there. his Al-Quds counterpart, Sari The main campus is in Area B Nusseibeh, to unequivocally of the West Bank, which is under condemn the demonstration. joint Israeli-Palestinian control. Nusseibeh issued aletter to While Iwas there, classes were students, saying that the cover- disrupted several times by tear age had misrepresented the uni- gas fired by Israeli Defence versity “as promoting inhumane, Force soldiers on to campus. anti-Semitic, fascist, and Nazi On 17 November,mycolleagues ideologies”, but Brandeis at Al-Quds reported that 40 described his response people, including alarge as “unacceptable and number of students, inflammatory”. had been shot with Ispent a rubber-coated semester teach- bullets during ing English an IDF raid literature at on campus. Al-Quds Students at earlier in Al-Quds face 2013. The practical scale and obstacles on significance adaily basis, Cold Warfieldwork Sovietologist Sheila Fitzpatrick, pictured by the Moskva of the rally has on campus and River in 1969, went on to explore ‘survival strategies’ under Stalin been exaggerated. in travelling to it. on. There was atendency to say that believed that her intensive work in Around 40 students Yetthe vast majority anyone whose main topic was not the archives was bringing her “closer participated out of astu- of them respond with repression was missing the big issue to the truth than other people. dent body of 13,000. One under- courage, dignity and humour. about the Soviet Union.” Lookingbackyou seeverystrongly graduate wrote to me afterwards: Ihope the Brandeis partnership Rumours even made the rounds the various personal factors that are “I’m sure 80 per cent of our stu- is restored. There is much that that she “had acommunist father, there and mould your reaction to dents have no idea it happened, undergraduates in the US and back in Australia, and that he had everything you come across.” Her while tens of pro-peace conven- the UK might learn from their arranged for me to get into the new book is dedicated to untangling tions and exchange projects go counterparts at Al-Quds. archives” (he was actually anon- these perplexing questions. unnoticed outside campus.” communist leftist with no Soviet [email protected] This is not to discount that TomSperlinger is asenior connections). ● Sheila Fitzpatrick’s ASpy in the the rally raises questions for teaching fellow at the University As ayoung researcher,Fitz- Archives: AMemoir of Cold War Al-Quds about how to manage of Bristol. patrick reflects, she was very “strong Russia was recently published by dissent and extremism (an issue News analysis, page18 on the notion of objectivity” and I.B. Tauris. 2January2014 Times Higher Education 17 Israel-UKalliance offers regenerative plansand properties

tries such as Germany,Italy and Scientific share options flourish despite Japan, which are less relevant [to calls for boycott. MatthewReisz reports his research], but not the UK.” Although initial plans for BIRAX Just arrived from Cambridge and candle-lighting ceremony at No 10 date back to 2008, the initiative was about to set off for areception at with David Cameron. greatly scaled up in 2011. the House of Lords, Yuval Dor is But not everyone is in favour of As soon as the beefed-up pro- sitting in his London hotel on agrey these links: asmall butvociferous gramme was launched late that year, November day with “a bag full of band of British lecturers demand an Dor and Cooke “decided to put in cellular mouse tissues” that his co- academic boycott of Israel. That ajoint proposal…It was awonder- researchers had gathered for him. forms an interesting background ful opportunity to leverage my inter- “I’m going back to Israel with a against which to consider BIRAX. action and to exchange materials, bag of biological specimens to ana- So what is Dor’srole in all this? methods, mice and reagents,” he lyse. Ihope Iwon’tbearrested: ‘Did He is an expert on the regeneration says. youpackeverythingyourself?’‘No, of insulin-producing beta cells in From about 50 applications from Ididn’t.’” the pancreas. This has great poten- joint Anglo-Israeli research teams, Dor,assistant professor in the tial for the treatment of type 1dia- theirs was one of seven selected. department of developmental biol- betes, but will work only if scientists Others address the fundamental ogy and cancer research at the can find away to stop the immune challenges of using stem cells in Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is system attacking the regenerating treatment, nerve cell regeneration in London for UK-Israel Science Day. cells. and new approaches to the treat- He is part of an Israeli delegation Although the two processes are ment of multiple sclerosis and Pressing the case MatthewGould (right), the British including Yaakov Peri, minister of “highly interactive”, notes Dor,they Parkinson’sdisease. science and technology,inthe are often “dealt with in separation”. “It’snot an artificial pairing just The impetus for BIRAX came country to celebrate the progress Oneofthe leadingresearchers on to get the money and run,” insists largely from the British ambassador of the Britain-Israel Research and the immunity side is Anne Cooke, Dor.“What Idointhe course of the to Israel, Matthew Gould. Academic Exchange Partnership professor of immunobiology at the project totally depends on input “He made much of the running,” (BIRAX) Regenerative Medicine University of Cambridge. from Anne. And what she does explains Alan Gemmell, director of Initiative. “Wehad met at European Union depends on insights from my own the British Council in Israel, “secur- On the schedule are lab visits, a conferences, been part of the same research. Hopefully in two or three ing the majority of £4 million com- presentation at a“Cosy Science” FP7 consortium and said it would years’ time, we’ll get amajor paper mitted, but the next stage and the meeting, discussions with David be interesting to collaborate,” con- from both our labs saying something delivery of the current commitments Willetts, Peri’sUKcounterpart –and tinues Dor,“but there was no plat- new about how the autoimmune sit within the British Council. even an opportunity for the Israeli form to allow us to work together. process affects, and is affected by, “Weare trying to create ajoined- minister to take part in aHanukkah Israel had bilateral links with coun- beta cell regeneration.” up science and education pro- MAtI MIlStEIn EBREw unIvERSItY of JERuSAlEM ,H uvAl DoR’S lAB .Y PRof

The research and the researchers imageofanembryonic pancreas from YuvalDor’slab; and international collaborators Sharona Even-Ram and Kevin Shakesheff

18 Times Higher Education 2January2014 NEWS MAtI MIlsteIn

the British ambassador to Israel, was adriving force behind BIRAX, according to Alan Gemmell, the director of the British Council in Israel gramme in Israel, which runs from eering at theHebrewUniversity, which will hopefully solve aproblem Boycott ‘not an issue’ promoting the UK as aplace to actively sought aBritish research in getting their cells into the body.” What potentially could put adamper study to investing in early career partnerwithcompatibleskillsso Over and above this particular on BIRAX, of course, are calls for researchers and the BIRAX pro- that they couldcombine expertise partnership, however,Shakesheff an academic boycott of Israel, gramme, and hopefully institutional in the understanding of blood vessels sees abroader synergy between although these have been far louder links that will lead to translational with tissue engineering in order to British and Israeli researchers in the in the humanities than in the sciences. research with an economic prosper- create afunctioning liver from field. “The boycott is not an issue in ity objective for the UK.” human stem cells. “There’sbeen big UK investment relationtothis programme,” claims The ideal collaborator turned out in regenerative medicine through Gemmell, “which demonstrates that Hooking up to be Holger Gerhardt, head of the Catapult centresand regenerative Britain and Israel want to work When BIRAX was scaled up in 2011, Vascular Biology Laboratory at medicine platform hubs,” he together.When you get the theme the decision was made to focus on Cancer Research UK’sLondon explains. “We’re getting really good right, great scientists in both coun- regenerative medicine (both countries Research Institute. translational research in the stem cell tries want to partner.” are leading players in the discipline); For others, however,itwas the field, so that makes us useful when Dor confirms that his own pro- to create ahigh-profile UK-Israel Life Negev conference itself that threw we are talking with fundamental ject hasbeen“unaffected”, arguing Sciences Council to select the best unexpected people together. stem cell biologists, because we pro- that “boycotting Israeli academia is joint projects; and to organise a It was there, for example, that vide aroute whereby they can over- damaging the only sector in Israeli major conference at Ben-Gurion Uni- Kevin Shakesheff, professor of come some of the big problems in society that actively opposes the versity of the Negev that year. advanced drug delivery and tissue actually getting [such cells] into occupation and the settlement”. Among the 250 experts attend- engineering at the University of Not- patients.” Not onlyishis work“addressing ing the conference were 60 British tingham, met Sharona Even-Ram, For researchers used to inter- auniversal health issue”, he adds, scientists from 20 universities. principal investigator at the Hadas- national collaborations, Shakesheff but “my lab is full of Palestinians”. All this, in Gemmell’swords, sah Hebrew University Hospital. continues, working with Israeli He says: “I have atechnician who meant that BIRAX put on the table “There was areally diverse range scientists poses no particular chal- comes every day from Ramallah, a “the credibility and cash” to facili- of people youdon’t meet on thenor- lenges, since they are required to graduate student from East Jerusa- tate “incredibly innovative ways to mal conference circuit,” he recalls. work abroad before getting perma- lem, asurgeon now doing aPhD in bring different capabilities and inter- “She is ahardcore stem cell biologist nent domestic posts, with most my lab from the [occupied] territo- ests to focus on one problem”. looking at how the cells can be used spending time in postdoctoral study ries.It’sthe one place where you do And so the matchmaking began. to cure Parkinson’s. I’m on the mater- at major US universities. see some normalcy between Israelis Dorand Cookehad long been keen ials science side, and know about This means “the culture when andPalestinians. Damaging that to work together.Yaakov Nahmias, how cells interact with materials. We they set up their own labs is quite wouldbeapity.” director of the Center for Bioengin- had atool they hadn’tconsidered, similar”, he says. [email protected] 2January2014 Times Higher Education 19 Interview Mistakes weremade… quiteafew An eminent former v-c studying Whitehall bungles found no dearth of material, MatthewReisz hears

Along-serving vice-chancellorofthe National Audit Office reports.” University of Essex and former pres- While stressing the difficulty of ident of Universities UK, Sir Ivor making comparisons, Crewe says Crewe is now master of University he suspects that things have “prob- College, Oxford, and has just been ably got worse in the past 30 years”. named president of the Academy of He also sees an “impressionistic” Social Sciences. Yetthroughout his case that “some comparable democ- time as auniversity leader he has racies don’tmake as many mistakes, been “absolutely determined to have including many of the northern aresearch project”, with his latest European democracies and some work exploring the “blunders” of smaller ones such as Switzerland”. post-war British governments. All this makes him exceptionally well Revolving-door policies’ pitfalls placed to cast abeady eye on recent Among the dysfunctional features higher education policy. of the UK system, in Crewe’sview, Oops!…they did it again the poll tax is one of manyserious government blunders, and Sir To examine the general issue of is “the very high turnaround of min- public policy failures, he joined isters and senior officials, so the case in point. While adiverse coali- fees at the same level, given that forces with Anthony King, professor incentives to think long term and get tion of “fiscal conservatives and higher education is a“prestige of government at Essex, on an Eco- things right aren’tthere, while the feminists, moral authoritarians and good”, where“what partly matters nomic and Social Research Council- incentives to make an impression as welfare champions” lined up behind is the prestige and status of the uni- funded project that led to their quickly as possible, to catch the “the idea that errant fathers should versity,and one of the ways you sig- recent book, The Blunders of Our prime minister’seye as ameans to be made to pay”, Crewe says, afew nal that is by the price”. Governments. further promotion, are very strong”. social scientists were among the lone On the recent lifting of the cap They specifically excluded scan- The failure of governments to take voices “warning that it carried alot on student numbers, Crewe worries dals, reasonable judgement calls that account of serious research can be of risks of not working, because they that “until there are more convinc- turned out to be wrong, initiatives blamed both on “the speed with understood how poor families make ing answers than we’ve had so far, that made apositive but disappoint- which impatient ministers want to decisions about how to handle the one naturally has some suspicion ingly modest impact, and anything design and implement major poli- break-up of afamily and find main- that it will be paid for either by to do with foreign policy. cies” and on prior ideological com- tenance for children. This was sim- reducing expenditure for research, So the “blunders” that he and mitments. ply waved aside, dismissed as the reducing public funding of access King studied, Crewe says, were The Child Support Agency is a special pleading of interest groups initiatives or detrimental changes to restricted to “very serious failures” with an agenda.” the terms of the loans”. that “don’tachieve what they set out GETTY So how do these issues play out Although he is opposed to all to achieve and often achieve the in relation to higher education? these options for making the figures opposite, waste alarge amount of Although he is on record as sup- add up, Crewe says he would sup- public money and/or cause avery sig- porting student tuition fees, Crewe port a(politically unlikely) “gradual nificant amount of human distress”. fears that the reforms introduced by raising of the cap on fees. I’m not in Yeteven confining their investiga- the coalition government “will turn favour of another massive hike, but tion to matters that met these out to be ablunder in the sense that they should be index-linked and demanding criteria, the authors had the purpose of the policy was to save there is acase for loosening the cap, no shortage of material and “don’t the taxpayer money,todecrease the for example allowing universities to feel we have said the last word on deficit, and there’sincreasing evi- increase their fees each year by infla- the policy performance of UK dence that it’snot going to save the tion plus asmall x per cent each. governments. We want to take taxpayer money”. That would provide some predict- account of the coalition government He adds that it was “entirely pre- ability and give all those who have and have bulging filing cabinets of dictable” that virtually all English to find the money time to adjust.” Public Accounts Committee and universities would opt to put their And how can the Academy of 20 Times Higher Education 2January2014 News

care: scoping review,case GETTY studies and international Grant winners comparisons

● Award winner:Ewan Leverhulme Trust Ferlie Philip Leverhulme Prizes ● Institution:King’sCollege These awards recognise early career London researchers whose work has already ● Value:£490,236 had asignificant international impact NHS top managers, knowledge and whose future research career is exchange and leadership: the exceptionally promising. early development of academic health science networks Engineering ● Award winner:Haider Butt ● Award winner:JoRycroft- ● Institution:University of Malone Cambridge ● Institution:Bangor ● Value:£70,000 University Awarded for conducting ● Value:£448,077 pioneering research concerning Accessibility and implementation the use of nanomaterials to in UK services of an effective develop novel optical devices depression relapse prevention programme: mindfulness-based ● Award winner:Bharathram cognitive therapy Ganapathisubramani ● Institution:University of IN DeTAIL Southampton ● Value:£70,000 Health Technology Awarded for his research in Assessment the area of experimental fluid Programme mechanics Award winner Alun Huw Davies Research Project Grants Institution Humanities Imperial College ● Award winner:Florian London Urban Value £1,479,326 ● Institution:Glasgow Early venous reflux ablation School of Art (EVRA) ulcer trial: arandomised ● Value:£179,389 clinical trial to compare early and Sir Ivor Crewe (belowleft) believesthings have ‘probably gotworse in the past 30 years’ The new tenement versus delayed treatment of Social Sciences make progress on its developed by the AcSS itself and in superficial venous reflux in goal of bringing research more the increasing willingness of academ- ● Award winner:Colin Renfrew patients with chronic venous effectively into governmental ics to embrace social media, from ● Institution:University of ulceration decision-making? Twitter to frequently updated multi- Cambridge About 1per cent of adults suffer “It’sstill the case”, responds authored platformssuch as the Lon- ● Value:£148,329 from ulcers near the ankle, often Crewe, “that most departments pre- don School of Economics’ British Icon and centre in the Cycladic due to varicose veins. Damaged fer to go to the large [private] con- Politics and Policy blog. In the longer early Bronze Age: the implications valves within the veins result in sultancies and take advice from term, he would like to see a“chief of Keros blood flowdownthe leg (reflux). them. They will produce slick social scientist” in government Currently the best treatment is the reports to whatever deadline the alongsidethe chiefscientific adviser wearing of atight compression government asks. Generally aca- and the chief medical officer. National Institute bandagewith multiple layers; this demic social science research is of a Meanwhile, asked about the for Health Research helps to reduce high venous pres- higher quality,but it’salso more cau- storm surrounding UUK’srecent sure but can be uncomfortable. tious, more nuanced, and takes advice relating to gender segregation Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Newertreatments such as sclero- longer to produce. at events organised by Islamic Programme therapyorheat ablation mayhelp “A lot of [academic] research is groups, Crewe notes that although ● Award winner:David Jayne the ulcers to heal more quickly. written in unnecessarily technical he has not read the document, his ● Institution:University The team proposes atrial in language and appears in very “strictly personal” view is that “if of Leeds which patients with aleg ulcer/ obscure journals. It’soften based on societies and organisations want to ● Value:£858,065 varicose veins are treated either old, rather than very fresh, data.” segregate audiences on any basis, Next generation intraoperative by compression bandaging with this should be arranged in private lymph node staging for stratified treatment of varicose veins after Achieving high impact premises and not on university colon cancer surgery the ulcer has healed or by If they hope to have more impact, campuses”. compression bandaging and early Crewe says, academics must take bet- Yetindefence of UUK, he also Health Services and Delivery treatment of the veins. If early treat- ter account of the needs of those who stresses the continuing importance Research Programme ment of varicose veins of these “have to makedecisionsquickly,and of “a single body which can repre- ● Award winner:Martin patients improveshealing rates in have to be able to understand the sent all universities on the majority Roland patients with leg ulcers, there will practical, operational implications of issues. If it didn’t, it would be very ● Institution:University be significant cost savings for of the research they are reading”. much easier for governments who of Cambridge the NHS as well as great benefit Yethealso sees anumber of wished to, to divide and rule.” ● Value:£264,644 for the patient group. promising signs, both in initiatives [email protected] Outpatient services and primary 2January2014 Times Higher Education 21 Obituary HE me Rulan Chao Pian, 1922-2013 &

Simon Marginson,one of the unutterably sad. Who knows what best-known commentatorsonthe he could have accomplished if he internationalisation of universities, had lived as long as Beethoven. joined the Institute of Education, University of London in October ● What has changed most in as professor of international higher (global) higher education in the education. He previously worked past decade? at the Centre for the Study of Global rankings have transformed Higher Education at the University research universities into asingle of Melbourne. world market. But the big game changer,the one that empties out the political economy of higher ● Where and when were you born? education, is Moocs. This might Melbourne, Australia, 6July be the point at which mass higher 1951. The time might have been education slips off the leash. Aleading academic expert on Chinese music has died. 1.30am, but my mother is not Some would say this is agood Rulan Chao Pian was born on 20 April 1922 in absolutely sure. thing, but Iamnot so sanguine Cambridge, Massachusetts, as her father –the prominent about it. Elite higher education Chinese American linguist, Yuen Ren Chao (1892-1982) – ● How has this shaped you? was never on the leash –wedo was then teaching at Harvard University.Although she Melbourne has evolved into a not control it; it controls us. would return to Harvard for her whole academic career global city during my lifetime. and eventually die in Cambridge, she had aperipatetic Ihope that, like the city,Ihave ● What are the best and worst childhood, living in France and several Chinese cities become less provincial and less things about your job? before returning to the US at the age of 16. British, more cosmopolitan and Ilove academic and journalistic After aBA(1944) and then an MA (1946) in Western more Asian. writing but do much too much music at Radcliffe College (which did not begin the process of it. Iwould like to write less and of integration with Harvard until 1977), Professor Pian ● Should Jo Bloggs care about write better.Poets are to be envied. started her professional life at Harvard in 1947 as a your work? Chinese language teaching assistant. Her own book, Universal cures for cancer and ● What keeps you awake at night? ASyllabus for the Mandarin Primer (1961), was to prove diabetes would be more exciting. The unfinished text Iwas working ahighly effective textbook for herself and others. on just before falling asleep. By 1960, Professor Pian had been awarded aPhD ● Have you had aeureka moment? (1960) in East Asian languages and music history by Not exactly,but if you look at ● Tell us about abook, show, film Radcliffe-Harvard, so the next year she added Chinese something long enough you can or play that you love music as an extra string to her teaching bow and began to turn it upside down and inside Only one? The internet. Shake- establish herself as an authority in the field. Her landmark out. If everyone takes it for speare, Coleridge, Dante, Tolkien, book, Song Dynasty Musical Sources and Their Interpret- granted that something is true, Hermann Hesse, Rosemary ation (1967; reprinted in 2003), was honoured by the it probably isn’t. These are the Sutcliff and many others popu- American Musicological Society with its Otto Kinkeldey moves that work for me. lated my childhood. Award for the year’sbest scholarly work on music history. In 1974, Professor Pian became one of Harvard’sfirst ● What advice would you give ● What do you do for fun? female professors, attached to the departments of music to your younger self? Iwrite, read history,prehistory and of East Asian languages and civilisations, becoming Back your gut instinct. Stick to and palaeo-history,garden, visit emeritus on retirement in 1992. She then devoted her piano practice. museums and take photos. efforts to acomplete 20-volume edition of her father’s Travel and go home. Cook and works, published as Zhao Yuanren Quanji in 2002. ● Tell us about someone you’ve eat. Hang out with my partner Famously hospitable, Professor Pian was always happy always admired and my son and daughter. for students to come and consult her private collection of Schubert. Astonishing output in books in the Cambridge house that she shared for 50 years ashort time. His death at 31, just ● What’s your biggest regret? with her husband, Theodore Hsueh-Huang Pian, aprofes- after the last three piano sonatas It’snot aburning regret, but it sor of aeronautics and astronautics. Yetshe also travelled and the great string quintet, is might have been good to have extensively to Hong Kong, Taiwan and, when it became possible, mainland China for her musicological research. She studied the Peking Opera in the 1960s, and in 1969, School of Events, Tourism and along with her father and others, founded the Conference Hospitality,working with the tourism on Chinese Oral and Performing Literature. In 1974, she Appointments industryand contributing to research became the first Western musicologist to lecture in the within the school. People’sRepublic and proved amajor stimulus to scholar- Bernard Lane,asustainable tourism The University of Surreyhas ship in China, notably by donating her research materials, expert, has been appointed visiting appointed David Blackbourn head including 5,500 audio-visual recordings, to the Chinese professor in Leeds Metropolitan of the School of Biosciences and University of Hong Kong. University’sCarnegie Faculty.Inhis Medicine. Professor Blackbourn’s Professor Pian died on 30 November and is survived by newrole, Professor Lane will assist research is focused on viruses that adaughter and agranddaughter. in project development within the are responsible for causing cancer. [email protected] 22 Times Higher Education 2January2014 PEOPLE

Weekly transmissions from the blogosphere

Have you ever noticed how the academic job market is structured likeadruggang? This is the premise of ablog by Alexandre Afonso, lecturer in comparativepolitics at King’sCollegeLondon, on the London School of Economics’ Impact of Social Sciences blog (http://ow.ly/rQaKq). The best-selling economics book Freakonomics has achapter called “Whydrugdealers still livewith their moms”, Dr Afonso explains, which concludes that the income distribution within gangs is “extremely skewed in favorofthose at the top, while the rank-and-file street sellers earned evenless than employees in legitimate low-skilled activities, let’ssay at McDonald’s”. “If youtakeinto account the risk of being shot by rival gangs, ending up in jail or being beaten up by your ownhierarchy, you might wonder whyanybodywould work for such alow wageand [in] such dreadful working conditions,”hesays. The reason, of course, is “the prospect of future wealth, rather than current income and working conditions”, the blog says. “Rank-and file members are ytofread ace this risk to trytomake it to the top, where life is good and moneyisflowing.” So howdoes this compare to academia? “The academic job market is structured in manyrespects likeadruggang,” Dr Afonso continues, “with an expanding mass of outsiders and ashrinking core of insiders.”Evenifthe probability that youmight getshot in academia is “relatively small (unless youmark student papers very harshly)”, there are similar dynamics at play, he says. “Academic systems more or less everywhere rely at least to some extent on the existence of asupply of ‘outsiders’ readyto forgowages and employment security in exchangefor the prospect children earlier and have more of where that degree was earned. of uncertain security,prestige, freedom and reasonably high them. There’snothing better. salaries that tenured positions entail.”Hedescribes the increasing ● Moocs or books? number of PhD graduates as “a bit likethe rank-and-file drug ● Who from history would you Visual stimulation and ease dealer hoping to become adruglord”. most like to meet? of use versus tactile sensation “Because of the increasing inflowofpotential outsiders ready Fred Hirsch, an economist and and sentiment. Is it achoice? to accept [these] kinds of working conditions, this allows insiders financial journalist who died in to outsource anumber of their tasks onto them, especially 1978. Social Limits to Growth ● To what, or whom, do you feel teaching,inacontext where there are increasing pressures for (1976) is abrilliantly insightful most allegiance? research and publishing,” he concludes. “The result is that the core book. The idea of positional We are now self-directed subjects is shrinking,the peripheryisexpanding,and the core is goods explains our ceaseless of modernity,are we not? Iam increasingly dependent on the periphery.” search for betterment and why in control of my own life. In aletter published beneath the blog,Francois vanSchalkwyk, higher education (and society) Although Iamsure it is an aresearcher on the University of Cape Town’sOpenUCT cannot satisfy everyone. illusion! programme, questions whether all PhD students were intent on university careers. “It would be useful to knowwhat proportion of ● What’s an undergraduate ● What philosophy do you live by? PhDs are employedinother sectors outside of academia,”hesays. degree worth? All economy is economy of time. The blog provokedaresponse on Twitter.Andrej Nosko Unfortunately,itdepends John Elmes (@andrejnosko), senior programme manager at the Think Tank Fund in Hungary, warns: “Thinking of doing PhD to improve your job prospects? Read this first and think again.” Juan Cruz,currently director of Bradford. Professor Chaudhuri, who John Bates (@MrJohnBates), senior lecturer in the School of the Liverpool School of Artand is currently associate dean (research) LawatNorthumbria University,takes amore light-hearted view, Design at Liverpool John Moores at the University of Bath, will join asking whether the academia/drug gang comparison stemmed University,has been appointed Bradford in February. from “the moreish nature of crystal REF?”, while Jim Fowler dean of the School of Fine Artat Aberystwyth University has (@Jim_Fowler1) suggests that initiation to academic roles might the RoyalCollegeofArt. appointed Bernard Tiddeman head soon include “a vicious beating from established members”. Julian Chaudhuri has been of the department of computer Chris Parr announced as the newdean of science. He has been at the the School of Engineering and university since 2010, when he ● Send links to topical, insightful and quirky online comment Informatics at the University of joined as asenior lecturer. by and about academics to [email protected]

2January2014 Times Higher Education 23 Protect your interests Fitting recogn Exploitation of junior researchersbysupervisorsisall too common and must be stopped, asserts Brian Martin miles cole oanne was pleased to be co-author of journals now expect co-authors to apaper with her supervisor –until specify their contributions to papers. Jshe found out that an academic she There is seldom averification process, hardly knew had been added as athird but having to spell out contributions can author. She thought she was being provide alever for negotiation. cheated out of some of the credit. Then Entry-level researchers are also she met James, who told her how a increasingly mobile. Whatever the year’s worth of his research had been negative consequences of this, it does published by his supervisor. James was reduce the scope for patronage and not even credited as aco-author, and exploitation as the competition makes found out that the paper existed only students more likely to assert them- after it was published. selves. These are just two of the ways that Nevertheless, the problem remains supervisors exploit their research serious, with many new students and students. Others include using student junior researchers becoming disillu- nother new year brings another clutch work as abasis for grant applications, sioned as aresult. In arecent article in of gongs for higher education’s great giving talks or media interviews without the Journal of Scholarly Publishing, A and good. But are the right people mentioning student contributions and “Countering supervisor exploitation”, securing titles in the New Year Honours? delaying or preventing students from Isuggest five responses students could This year,weasked Times Higher Education finishing their degrees to take advantage make to exploitation, drawing on my columnists to nominate worthy individuals for of their work. research on strategies against injustice. an alternative THE Honours. The results range But these are not new problems. Probably the most common reaction from the sublime to the ridiculous. Thirty years ago, Iinterviewed some is to accept exploitation as part of the junior researchers, exploring the dimen- career process (from which students can, sions of exploitation. In some cases, it in turn, benefit when they become super- was accompanied by sexual harassment, visors) or change supervisors or drop with productive young women alienated out of research. Unfortunately,these from research as aresult. options do not lead to any change. But the scale of the problem remains Perhaps the most important step is to unclear,since no one seems to be investi- recognise problems and tell others about gating it now,and specific instances are them. Exploitation has persisted for so rarely made public. As far as incoming long because it is hidden. Students do students are concerned, academic not speak out because they fear for their exploitation is awell-kept secret. careers if they do, and honest colleagues Many supervisors are no doubt keep quiet to maintain harmonious meticulous in doing the right thing by collegial relationships. If even afew their students. Indeed, some give their supervisors or students were willing to students more credit than warranted to raise the issues, others would be Stefan Collini help them get started in their careers. empowered. Nominated by Laurie Taylor,sociologist, But when supervisors take undue credit For students, prevention is better broadcaster and Poppletonian columnist for their students’ work, it is effectively than cure. This means finding out about Were you one of the many academics who atype of plagiarism. potential supervisors and avoiding those felt strangely depressed by your involvement Psychological research confirms Lord with abad reputation, alerting other in the research excellence framework? Acton’ssaying that “power tends to students to risks, and having discussions Stefan Collini perfectly captured the nature corrupt and absolute power corrupts with supervisors about authorship of that dissatisfaction in asingle sentence: absolutely”. Supervisors have consider- before research work is initiated. These “It is the alienation from oneself that is able power over students, creating steps seem obvious, but are skipped all experienced by those who are forced to opportunities and temptations to take too often. describe their activities in misleading terms.” credit for their work, which may be why Although academics who do not But Collini has broader targets than the some leaders of large labs seem to want to put their heads above the para- REF.Inrecent years, the professor of co-author virtually every paper pet could alert students to exploitative English literature and intellectual history produced, while spending more time on colleagues by sending anonymous emails at the University of Cambridge has brought fundraising than research. or by writing graffiti on the walls in the the critical literary talents that he honed in Supervisors are also under alot of departmental toilets, lasting change will his classical studies of British intellectual life pressure. Funding bodies require proof come only when honest supervisors take to bear on the crass marketisation of a of productivity and, to obtain grants, amore open stand against exploitation, system of public higher education that was the prestige conferred by asuperlative informing students of their rights and once the envy of the world. While so many publication record is agreat advantage. offering all the advice and support others equivocate and compromise, Collini, Those who scrupulously refuse to be they can. with wit and verve, insists on reminding us honorary co-authors may be jeopardis- of what we are losing as we forget our his- ing funding for their labs and research Brian Martin is professor of social tory,asweforget what universities are for. teams. sciences at the University of Arise, Sir Stefan. But there are signs of hope. Some Wollongong, Australia. 24 Times Higher Education 2January2014 OPINION Fitting recognition: an alternative honours list

Jane Glanville Theresa May Nominated by Malcolm Gillies, vice-chancellor Nominated by Christopher Bigsby, director of the of London Metropolitan University Arthur Miller Centre and professor of American Mission groups, ministers and manifestos studies at the University of East Anglia come and go, but Jane Glanville has led Inominate the home secretary,Theresa May, London Higher since 2002. Now with more for contributions to persistence beyond than 50 members and affiliates,affi liates, the group reason. Who else would preside over a representing the capital’capital’ssu universitiesniversities and department of state that still regards colleges has never been strongerstronger..D Despiteespite the students as immigrants; requires British citi- occasional jousting, eye-gouging and self- zens wishing to bring their spouses into the immolation of her much-honoured flockfl ock of country to be earning at least £18,600 ayear vice-chancellors, Glanville is keeper of the (more if they have children); spends only universal faith: “London is our campus”. Soft £133 million over five years on deportation diplomacydiplomacy,,b behind-scenesehind-scenes collaboration and flights, at £5,000 ahead (a snip at 10 times subtle advocacy are her deadly stock-in-trade, the price of aLondon/New York economy outwittingout witting the shrill sirens of doom, the slick ticket); spends amere £180,000 on trying masters of spin and the self-appointed lords to deport Isa Muazu, 90 days into ahunger of the universe. So InI nominateominate her for Dame strike; sends Tamils back to an ever-welcom- Commander of the Order of the Bath, for ing Sri Lanka; tries to deport the Australian services to higher education in London, above who disrupted aboat race involving May’s and beyond the call of duty. old university; establishes the ever-popular Police and Crime Commissioners; proposes withdrawing from the Human Rights Act; Edward Higginbottom and spends almost £500,000 on “unusable” Nominated by Alan Ryan, who is rubber bullets? No wonder she is 40 places emeritus professor of political above Dawn French in the Woman’sHour theory, University of Oxford, Power List, and only one behind the Queen. and teaches at Princeton And she didn’teven go to Eton. University Edward Higginbottom hashas been director of music at Miley Cyrus crotch. Some call it girl power.Most condemn New College, Oxford, since Nominated by Sally Feldman, senior fellow in her brazen strutting as deplorable, degrading 1976. He is due to retire next year. creative industries at the University of Westminster filth. But at least she’sgot our feminist mojos Aknighthood would be an appropriate I’m nominating the singer Miley Cyrus for working, reminding us what it is we really, retirement gift and recognition of his her energetic contribution to the debate really hate. So I’d like to award her agreat big extraordinary achievements as achoirmaster about women’sbody image. With more juicy,golden twerky. and scholar.Inthe 37 years of his tenure, he than 400 million views of her YouTube has extended the range of an already distin- video for the song Wrecking Ball,she has guished college chapel choir and brought raised awareness on an unprecedented scale. into circulation much lost or neglected early Cyrus, who until recently was best known as choral and keyboard music. From the auster- the star of the Disney Channel’spre-teen tele- ities of Renaissance liturgical settings to the vision programme Hannah Montana,has music of John Tavener and Arvo Pärt and grown up with avengeance. Now 21, she’s compilations of English folk songs, anowa- famed for her uninhibited sexual antics or days world-class and widely travelled choir “twerking”. These include anaked lap dance of men’sand boys’ voices performs an on aconcrete ball and chain; performing extraordinary variety of music. Higginbot- fellatio with asledgehammer; simulating sex tom’sreach is not confined to the UK. Build- with agiant foam finger; and grinding her ing on his graduate work in Paris in the early bottom against co-singer Robin Thicke’s 1970s, he has not only contributed to French organ music but has also brought about something of arenaissance of French male- voice choral music. The French Ministry of Culture has appointed him Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. It would be an appropriate gesture if the British, in their turn, could see their way to aknighthood for services to music. It would also acknowledge the labours of generations of parents who helped him to transform unruly boys into aunique musical instrument.

● For alist of higher education ﬁgures named in the real New Year Honours, visit www.timeshighereducation.co.uk 2January2014 Times Higher Education 25 tional status. But even more significant is the belief on the part of many governments that Reputational damage markets are the best way of organising the supply of public services, causing universities to adopt business-like practices such as The reckless and wasteful pursuit of rank and ‘brand value’ is attending very closely to their “brand value”. the biggest crisis facing the UK academy,argues Roger Brown At the same time, the “information revolution” makes it much easier to obtain and analyse data about comparative institutional performance, in turn stimulating commercial vendors to publish such information, which is then pored over by university managers and le edwin murray

da governments. There is little justification for the pursuit of status. Educationally,the influence of their peers on each undergraduate is much weaker than it is in school-level education, so status obsession cannot be expected to spur students on to greater effort. Economically,itisawaste of the sector’sresources because, by definition, in apositional market one university can only gain at the expense of another.Socially,it reduces social mobility since the more selective universities’ incentive to make greater use of “contextual information” to recruit students from awider range of backgrounds falls foul of the imperative to appear more selective and, thereby,“elite”. How can these detriments be avoided? Agood starting point would be to reaffirm the view that, paraphrasing the late American higher education scholar Martin Trow,higher education is aprocess and not an outcome. Recognition that it should not be organised as amarket need not rule out some carefully conceived competition for resources. We need abalanced funding system. The sources of money and the way in which it is channelled to institutions must preserve both hen the University of Exeter responded that acquired the title of “university” under the public and private benefits of higher to the revelation that it and the the Higher Education Act 2004 have sought education. So tuition fees need to continue WRussell Group’s three other most and obtained research degree-awarding to be counterbalanced with block grants to recent recruits had agreed to pay £500,000 for powers, even though this is no longer a universities, regardless of their place in the the privilege, it argued that membership of the requirement. Having such students almost perceived pecking order.Ifthe average annual group was “a brand asset” and “well worth” certainly costs these institutions tens of thou- cost of educating afull-time undergraduate is the cost. sands of pounds ayear,bearing in mind the £7,500, this would suggest afee of no more In my view,such pursuit of status for its fact that they get so little of the postgraduate than £4,000. own sake is the biggest crisis facing the sector. research money provided by the funding and It may be necessary for governments to We continue to teach students and conduct research councils. intervene to limit variation in the level of research, but the increasing efforts we are Look, too, at fee levels. In 1998, no univer- resources available to different higher educa- putting into such academically worthless sity charged less than the £1,000 top-up fee tion institutions. We should also protect or activities as marketing and branding suggest limit permitted by the government. In 2006, promote their diversity by limiting their ability that it is rank that really commands our only four institutions charged less than the to pursue activities that may raise their status attention. £3,000 variable fee and they soon fell into line but which reduce the range of opportunities Further evidence can be found in the fact with the rest. The government began the most offered by the sector as awhole. This might that every university and higher education recent set of reforms by saying, and apparently include discouraging universities from focusing college will be entering the 2014 research actually believing, that the average fee would on research at the expense of teaching and excellence framework, even though for be £7,500 and that £9,000 would be “excep- ensuring that where research is conducted, it most departments and institutions the net tional”. Yetthe average fee after waivers is enhances rather than detracts from education financial impact of doing so will be negative now more than £8,600 and this academic (with students genuinely taught by cutting- or nugatory.When sensible proposals were year most institutions will be charging the full edge researchers, rather than their PhD put forward to compensate institutions for £9,000 for their courses. Clearly,institutions students, for example). Surely even the most not entering departments in the REF’sfore- want to maximise their incomes. But the real status-obsessed vice-chancellor would runner,the research assessment exercise, or driver is the fear –perfectly rational in what is welcome that. for adifferent assessment method to be effectively apositional market –that by charg- employed for institutions still developing their ing less than £9,000 they will be viewed as Roger Brown is emeritus professor of higher research, they were quickly rejected by all second rate. education policy at Liverpool Hope University. parts of the sector.Itseems that everyone has The reasons for their anxiety are manifold. He won the Lord Dearing Lifetime to have aplace on the honours board, even if One important point is that, as plentiful Achievement Award at the 2013 Times Higher it is only amodest one. research attests, students, employers and Education Awards, held on 28 November. Meanwhile, nearly all of the institutions potential donors are highly sensitive to institu- Feature, page36 26 Times Higher Education 2January2014 OPINION Follow the stars The gift excellence frameworkwill raise present standards, says Kevin Fong

ythe time you read this, it So my system of Christmas against one another not as indi will all be over –the cele shopping is unsustainable and viduals but as families. It is all

UL HAMLYN brations, the mince pies, the needs rethinking. We could all supposed to be aplayful rivalry, PA B holidays. Afew resolutions will take note here. It is anational designed to make sure we get the have gone by the wayside, too. scandal. These are tough times best out of everything. Tryto Another year and what have we and year after year people squan calibrate your attitude more learned? Very little, frankly, and der resources inefficiently.Surely towards awarm fluffy game show that has got to change. Despite there has got to be abetter way. such as Family Fortunes and my best attempts at innovation, Here’sanidea to improve the away from something akin to Istill end up battling the same situation. Everyone should be areenactment of The Hunger demons Idoevery festive required to submit their present Games. season. buying record to acentral author And of course, not every family Regular readers of this ity for assessment. Rate of gift member has to take part in the column will know that each buying and quality of gift should exercise. Some people –including Christmas Itry to maximise the be recorded accurately.So, too, my Uncle Peter from Edinburgh – efficiency of the giftbuying should the appropriateness of take so long thinking about and process. Over the years Ihave the giftbuying environment at then choosing presents that Ithink finessed my presentbuying the time of purchase. (Personally they can safely be ignored (even protocol. Initially Igravitated knowing whether or not my though –ifmemory serves –he towards bookshops or DVD present came from an internation did come up with something megastores, recognising them as ally recognised department store bloody spectacular for all of us nirvanas of onestop shopping. or off the back of alorry would one year). But later Ifreed myself of those make ahuge difference to my Ithink Ihave finally hit pay shackles and realised that all the enjoyment of it.) dirt here. No more fighting the Christmas shopping could be Now,toavoid the criticism that crowds for the last Cliff Richard done in pretty much any single this is too narrow aset of assess single. No more lowquality shop. Admittedly this is harder ment criteria, and in recognition present buying. Just asimple, to pull off in B&Q than it is in, of the fact that there’smore to a entirely flawless, entirely ungame say,Selfridges –but you should gift than its heaviness and shini able system of assessment that simply regard that as acreative ness, we will try to judge the will let us decide once and for all challenge. overall impact of the presents who is best at the Christmas gift This year it finally got too given. This is trickier to pull off buying malarkey and delegate the much and Ihad agoatdoing it because right now no one is really entire task to them. Gifts would all online. But it turns out that sure what that means, but we will almost certainly get much better, browsing with amouse and a iron out the creases as we go Ithink. Christmas, too. Probably. credit card is almost as stressful along: until then we will be will as going combat shopping down ing to accept Polaroids of the face Kevin Fong is aconsultant in Oxford Street on Christmas Eve. of the recipient taken within five anaesthesia, honorary senior If you thought rolling under the minutes of opening their present. lecturer in physiology at closing shutters of ahigh street OK. Now on to the scoring University College London, store in the dying minutes of the system. Let’snot disrespect the and aWellcome Trust Engagement last shopping day was abit of a wonderful complexity of the Fellow. challenge, then have agoatwait endeavour here. Let us appreciate ing in to catch the delivery courier that it is an incredibly nuanced in the runup to Christmas. It thing, involving relationships seems those guys can get on and indescribable by any equation off your doorstep with astealth and intangibles of breathtaking Let us appreciate that that makes the average SAS team magnificence. Hmmmm. On gift giving is an incredibly look like amarching steel band: second thoughts, that sounds like Inow have almost as many acomplete nightmare to adminis nuanced thing, involving “Sorry.Wetried to deliver but ter.Screw it. Let’sgofor agood intangibles of breathtaking you weren’tin” tickets on my old fivestar scale. No wait, let’s shelf as IdoChristmas cards. I’ve go for afourstar scale and have magnificence. On second tried reciprocating with notes that an “unclassified” category for thoughts, that sounds like say: “Actually Iamin, just knock that scenario in which –upon abit louder and consider waiting first unwrapping –the recipient acomplete nightmare for more than 15 femtoseconds doesn’tknow what the gift is to administer. Screw it. this time,” but to no avail. It supposed to be. seems the only guaranteed way to Despite this reduction, Idon’t Let’s go for agood old make sure you get your gift off think we are really at risk of five-star scale these guys is to lie outside in wait, losing sight of the core spirit of camouflaged like afirtree. Prefer the season. This is at heart ateam ably armed. game. People should compete 2January2014 Times Higher Education 27 Legal allies in student PILED HIGHER AND DEEPER by JoRGE CHAm David vGoliath battles

As abarrister,Ioccasionally represent clients who elicit little public sympathy.The “cab rank” rule requires barristers to accept acase even if they disapprove of the client or cause. Yetwhen Istarted helping university students with their academic appeals, Inever anticipated that this would prove my most unpopular cause to date. After writing an article on the subject for Times Higher Education (“Students have aright to redress, so give them afair hearing”, Opinion, 24 October 2013), aletter came in the post informing me that my honorary senior lectureship in medical ethics and law at King’sCollege London was being terminated. In the letter,King’sexpressed concerns about the perceived association between it and my firm, Alpha Academic Appeals, and claimed that references to my honorary appointment could be seen as the college condoning my activities. Upon reading the letter,one might have been forgiven for thinking that Ihad set up abrothel for students, with an endless supply of class Adrugs. The wisdom or otherwise of King’s’ decision is of no general interest, but the attitude it reflects –the apparent distaste for students seeking paid legal help to appeal against university decisions they consider to be unfair –should be. My own of course biased view is that if Iwere astudent, Iwould rather be part of an institution that allowed me legal representation if Istood accused of cheating, for example. After all, what have universities to fear if all is in order? Lawyers should weed out the hopeless cases, not add to them. They should in practice assist, not obstruct, the decision-makers in making fair decisions. King’shas adistinguished law faculty.Its There is agood reason why students who Admission not impossible staff will be familiar with the ancient rule that believe they have been unfairly treated turn to no man should be ajudge of his own cause: lawyers. They know that, by and large, they My recent article on conducting field nemo judex in causa sua.Universities that will get better representation. To judge from research in Rwanda (“The price of admis- prohibit legal representation appear to reject what students have told me, the help provided sion”, 28 November) generated two critical this norm, preferring instead the guild mental- in some institutions can be slow,non-existent, responses in these pages –anarticle by Erin ity.While it is acommon preference –police- even misguided. As Iwrote in October,Ihave Jessee (“Subtle as foxes for prey”, Opinion, men want to be judged by policemen, lawyers encountered in appeal hearings poor practices 19/26 December 2013) and aletter signed by by lawyers and academics by academics –the that would not be tolerated in court or a 10 academics and ajournalist (“Truly hostile refusal of many universities to allow students tribunal. This needs to change, as on balance environment”, Letters, 19/26 December). to be represented at hearings by external inadequate advice tends to result in agreater On Twitter on 28 November,one of the figures sits uneasily with the notion that justice number of hopeless appeals lodged (with a authors of the letter,Boston University scholar must be done, and be seen to be done. corresponding waste of administrative time Timothy Longman, described my article as In its letter,King’sreferred to lawyers spent dealing with them) and creates an “thoughtful” and defended it against the sort targeting students, charging hefty fees for injustice for those students who cannot afford of denigration that is now reflected in the poor service. If this is true, complaints should professional help. In my own practice, Ihave missive he co-authored. be brought to the professional regulators, but advised (at no charge) about 70 per cent of According to the letter,Iargued that all every profession has its share of negligent the students who have consulted me that their “researchers who have fallen out with the practitioners. This is no reason to shun compe- case had poor prospects of success. Rwandan Patriotic Front, the country’sruling tent legal advice. Universities’ academic and disciplinary party,have exaggerated the intimidation and Of course, students can seek help from decisions may not lead to loss of liberty,but interference that they have experienced” and student advisers, but the service is quite differ- they can radically change students’ lives for set out “a false dichotomy between those who ent from that provided by legal professionals. the worse, affect entire families and shatter can no longer conduct research in Rwanda In my experience, the advisers rarely assist long-held dreams. They matter tremendously. and those who can”. Both claims misrepresent with the drafting of the critical “appeal state- In this David versus Goliath scenario, students my argument. Acknowledging the “inevitable ment” and understandably may be reluctant, need all the help they can get. tensions, divisions and trauma” associated in the intimidating environment of ahearing, Daniel K. Sokol with researching in the country,Iargued to stand up to the chair of the panel. Univer- Barrister that some foreign academics exaggerate the sities are hierarchical organisations, after all. 12 King’sBench Walk difficulties they face in the field (some doso 28 Times Higher Education 2January2014 LETTERS to protect their own patch). Most importantly, to pay an annual sub of around £67,000. unreasonable to expect undergraduates to alarge number of critical commentators on UUK’stotal income for 2012 was astag- benefit from thoughtfully constructed lectures Rwanda (including some well known to the gering £9.2 million, made up of subscriptions carefully delivered by highly knowledgeable letter’sauthors) continue to research there, and grants. What awaste of taxpayers’ academics. adopting awide range of creative, time-honed money. Still Gibbs claims that the lecture is a techniques. It is apity that the letter writers Ihave written to each member of the UUK demonstrably ineffective pedagogic form that chose to respond in such adefensive and board in recent days asking them to justify in some cases is worse than “no teaching at barbed manner rather than engaging with the the body’sstance: not one has replied. And all”. Really? Alecture is merely aformalised issues raised in “The price of admission”. all the vice-chancellors stayed quiet through- version of an age-old and very human method Jessee’sarticle is amore thoughtful out the segregation furore: not one has spoken of imparting ideas: namely,aknowledgeable contribution, highlighting the Rwandan out. Their shameful silence suggests that UUK individual standing up and verbally explaining government’suse of bureaucratic measures is simply atrade union/lobbying organisation aparticular theme or idea. (Indeed, this (particularly the Rwanda National Ethics on their behalf. simplicity may underlie contemporary educa- Committee) to hamstring research. However, The organisation has proved it is not fit tionalists’ disdain for the approach.) It would her own account of dealing with this system for purpose, and it deserves avote of no be quite incredible if the practice were “inef- –which is common in many East African confidence from students. Ithought the idea fective” or worse than nothing at all. countries, including Uganda, where the red behind the higher education reforms was to Isuggest that the onus lies with Gibbs et al tape is much more extensive (and expensive) put students at the heart of the system, not to demonstrate the rank inferiority of the –highlights that, despite the challenges at vice-chancellors and misogynists. lecture: from the published literature Ihave hand, it is possible to research in Rwanda. HilaryBaxter read, convincing evidence of this sort has Depressingly,Jessee also defends those Director most certainly not been forthcoming. senior scholars who try to dissuade their The Student Relaunch Programme Kevin Smith students from conducting research in Rwanda. University of AbertayDundee Since the publication of my article, Ihave received numerous emails from postgraduates Informative stand-up guys lamenting this tendency among their elders. Stand-alone technology The more productive approach is to counsel My claim that the lecture remains justifiably students about the challenges involved while at the heart of university education is rejected Buckminster Fuller may well have sought emboldening them to find ways around by Graham Gibbs in his rather condescending beautiful solutions, but that view is more or through them –asJessee and countless appeal to authority,inwhich he compares me in line with technology than science (“Both others have done. (along with other sceptical academics) to sides of the equation”, 12 December 2013). Phil Clark ill-informed students who “spout nonsense” Working “solutions” such as toasters, Soas, University of London and appear as if their “corpus callosum has churches and wind turbines are not part of been severed” (“Split-brain scholarship”, the world’snatural regularities; consequently, 12 December 2013). we do not have to agree with any design team Travesty in the UUK Unfortunately for him, research attempts that claims that awind turbine is elegant. By to “scientifically” establish the inherent inferi- contrast, disciplines such as physics, chemistry As Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty,so ority (or superiority) of any particular peda- and geology deliver public knowledge on the eloquently put it on BBC Radio 4’s Any Ques- gogical approach are unlikely to succeed. world as it is, hence we have to concur with tions? recently: if Universities UK had replaced For astart, such approaches are impossible whatever happens in repeatable experiments. the word “gender” with “race”, it would never to clearly define: for example, when does Yes, scientific findings (such as magnetism) have even considered segregation (“As it is in a“lecture” incorporating interactive elements are applied in gadgets and perhaps many Heaven”, Opinion, 19/26 December 2013). become a“workshop”? Further,the individual scientists are curious about the workings of UUK would not have tried to argue that qualities of the “lecturer” present alarge set machines, but in the main science seems a because an external speaker insisted that only of confounding variables, as does the nature learning system for understanding (a remark- black students could sit together,this should of the students –the course they are studying, able number of) natural entities. It is distinct be allowed on spurious human rights grounds, the specific topic, their own personal attributes from technology. so why on earth did it try to argue this in and so on. Given this complexity,claims that Neil Richardson terms of gender? unambiguous and generalisable cause-effect Kirkheaton The body pandered to extremists and relations can be established between modes misogynists who try to get away with this sort of pedagogy and their effectiveness amount SEND TO of thing under the guise of “religious beliefs”. to little more than pseudoscience. The idea that the taxpayer should have to fund Of course, poor-quality lectures are Letters should be sent to: atest case to clarify the law is ridiculous. If frequently encountered by students and this is Times Higher Education misogynist extremists want to take the issue to to be regretted; however,low-quality pedagogy 26 Red Lion Square court, let them do it and let them pay for it. is certainly not the preserve of the lecture. By London WC1R 4HQ And let it be thrown out. contrast, excellent lectures not only educate in Fax020 3194 3300 Nicola Dandridge’srole as chief executive anarrow sense, but can be truly inspirational, [email protected] is not just to take advice from well-paid QCs, too. Ihave had the privilege of attending “sell- but to heed such guidance as one of many out” public lectures by Richard Dawkins and Letters for publication in Times Higher Education inputs and then act in the interests of all Carl Sagan; most of their audiences appeared should arriveby9am Monday. We reserve the right students at UK universities (male and female) to be greatly inspired by the experience. to edit all contributions. Authors can expect to and make the correct judgement call (as Presumably Gibbs and others ideologically receiveanemail version of their letter for correction David Cameron ultimately did). opposed to lectures would deprecate the value of fact, but not length, on Monday. Please provide a Aquick look at UUK’sannual accounts of such events, on account of the enduringly daytime telephone number.Letters published will, (last filed for 31 July 2012) shows that fashionable notion that research evidence has along with the rest of the publication, be stored Dandridge probably takes home around established them to be ineffective. electronically and republished in derivativeversions £130,000 ayear; that UUK employs 78 Of course, most university lectures will not of Times Higher Education on computer networks staff (to do what?); and that the body costs be delivered by figures of the prominence and elsewhere unless the author specifically refuses subscribing universities around £5.2 million of Dawkins or Sagan, nor will the perfor- permission for us to do so. ayear.The average university is expected mances be as polished; nevertheless, it is not 2January2014 Times Higher Education 29 30 Times Higher Education 2January2014 getty

Life on the edge What is it like as anon-EU scholar in the UK? Three individuals describe the complex, arbitrarybureaucracy,emotional turmoil and career limbo they have encountered under Britain’svisa regime

2January2014 Times Higher Education 31 Despite having worked as ateaching fellow here and having ajob offer and a British wife, the UKBA wants me out hen Icame to the UK from Canada When Itell people that the UKBA would in 2009 to study for ageography PhD not allow me to apply for avisa even though W at the University of Leicester, Isaw it Ihad been offered ajob, they cannot believe it. as the beginning of anew life here. Ihad been I, however,think it’sall too predictable. Ihave married to aUKcitizen since 2004 –mywife been feeling the increasing weight of the is currently completing her PhD at the Univer- UKBA on my back since Ifirst began hearing sity of Warwick –and Idreamed of afuture –almost as soon as Iarrived –that interna- working in British higher education, which has tional students were to be subject to additional such ahigh reputation internationally. monitoring. This, of course, has been mani- Until recently,things had been going fested in various ways, most chillingly extremely well. As expected, my supervisors at in the plans by the universities of Ulster and Leicester were excellent and, after finishing my Sunderland to subject international students (self-funded) PhD in late 2012, Iproudly took to biometric fingerprinting. up my first full-time academic job as ateach- At the same time, post-study work visas ing fellow in the same department. have been abolished, and universities have In addition to lecturing and marking, been tacitly discouraged from hiring foreign I–like many young academics on temporary academics –even those trained in the UK – contracts –spent agreat deal of time applying through the imposition of aseries of arcane for my next job. Shortly before my contract challenges such as those Iexperienced regard- expired in July 2013, Iapplied for alecture- ing my non-EU citizenship. And when that ship at the University of Brighton; after much does not work –when a“foreigner” like me preparation and avery intense interview manages to provide exactly what adepartment process, Iwas offered the job. Honestly,itwas needs in ateacher or alecturer –itturns out one of the happiest moments of my life. that the bureaucracy may still slam the door Ihave also built agood life in aLeicester shut. The 12-month “cooling-off” period, as it community that Icare about. Every morning is called, is essentially abar to foreign early Iwalk my dog in Victoria Park; when Ican, career academics like me ever establishing Itake the train to visit relatives and friends themselves in the UK. in Watford, York or elsewhere. But all this The problem is exacerbated by the neo- is about to change because of the curious poli- liberal reformism that is forcing universities to cies of the UK Border Agency. behave like large corporations. Year-long posi- In August, Brighton informed me that, in tions have been replaced by nine- or 10-month accordance with UK policy on hiring foreign- contracts such as the one Iwas on at Leicester, ers, it was obliged to readvertise my position and no university will hire someone months (any hiring of anon-European Union worker early simply to avoid the UKBA pitfalls requires aminimum length of time advertised created by agap in employment. and aminimum number of EU candidates So, despite all my connections to the UK, interviewed). After along, unpaid wait, Iwas despite all the money Ihave put into the econ- informed in mid-September that Iwas still the omy without taking apenny of public funds, preferred candidate. So Ibegan working with Imust now leave the country.Mycareer has Brighton staff to prepare for the start of the been set back and, drowning in debt, Iwill academic year while also starting on another return to my parents’ home, the home Imoved long and expensive work visa application: my away from in 1999, while my wife remains third in nine months. here to complete her degree and her viva voce. The application was completed, submitted The break-up of our family will, of course, put and paid for,and Iarranged an appointment agreat deal of financial and emotional strain for the collection of my biometric data (which on us both. must be made from outside the country) to be There is no appeals process against the done near my family home in Toronto. With a UKBA’s decision, and Brighton has already packed bag and plane ticket in hand, Iheaded offered the lectureship to someone else. Ihave to London for afamily funeral the day before no hope of regaining it. But Britons deserve to my flight. know that their universities are being under- That evening –three weeks after the start mined, their students sold short, and people’s of term –Ireceived an email from Brighton stat- lives disrupted by acombination of an immi- ing that, because of the UKBA’s rules, Iwould gration crackdown and aneoliberal manage- not be granted awork visa. Because Ihad ment agenda that flies in the face of freedom already had awork visa in the past 12 months, and academic integrity. Iwas ineligible to apply again until mid-July 2014. Or to put it adifferent way,Ihadn’tbeen Adam Barker was ateaching fellow at the unemployed long enough to be employed. University of Leicester. 32 Times Higher Education 2January2014 The UKBA bungled my application, and it cost me ajob

inning astudentship in 2006 to fund prospective new employer.This is when the my PhD at aLondon university felt problems really started. Wlike adream come true. The UK Border Agency bungled my appli- The timing was perfect: Iwas teaching part- cation and twice returned it to me (I couldn’t time at aCanadian university but Iwanted afford the cost of making an appointment to to do something that would build my career; see someone). It demanded money even apersonal relationship was coming to an end; though Ihad already paid. For four months, and Iwas frustrated with the limited arts and Istruggled to sort out the problem. Eventually social scene in my home city. Ispoke to my MP and sought legal advice. The studentship covered the fees and the By this time, Iwas getting nervous –Iknew cost of the research equipment Ineeded for my that the university offering me the job couldn’t studies in creative technology,but Iknew I’d wait for ever.Meanwhile, my current contract need to find ajob to cover living expenses. was coming to an end and my employer Igot two interviews straight away and was wanted to know whether Iwas leaving or offered ajob at adifferent, nearby university. whether Iwanted my yearly contract renewed. The money was decent enough, albeit low in With my immigration status in limbo, Ifeared comparison with similar jobs in Canada. that Icould end up losing both jobs and being So Istarted the exciting and slightly daunt- sent back to Canada unemployed. In the end, ing process of uprooting and moving my my would-be employers had to rescind their whole life to the UK. After 20 years in offer because they couldn’twait any longer. Canada, it felt like ahuge move. The only consolation was that my current My first visa took about six weeks to arrive, employers said they’d take care of the UKBA’s which meant that Ihad to start the job three requirements if Iagreed to stay. weeks late –but this was nothing compared My passport was finally returned to me in with the problems that were to come. November 2008. It came with anew Tier 2 Iwas happy for the first few years of my visa, but when Iopened it Isaw that it was for PhD. However,the focus of my research the job I’d wanted at the university where I changed over time, and Irealised that Iwas was studying –ajob that was no longer avail- teaching something Ididn’treally care about able. Iwas devastated. However,myemployer any more. assured me that everything would be OK, and Iwanted to work in adepartment that Iwent back to my MP to seek her support. would bring greater value to my research and Nevertheless, one month later,Iwas told that where my work would be more appreciated. Iwas working illegally and that my employer Thus, it was wonderful news when, in July would have to terminate my contract and 2008, the university where Iwas studying for rehire me. The university agreed to do this, so my PhD offered me the opportunity to develop Ilived on my holiday pay while Iawaited the and run amaster’sprogramme. Imade an arrival of yet another Tier 2visa. application for aTier 2visa with my Christmas was now approaching, but as 2January2014 Times Higher Education 33 Iwas without apassport there was no pros- means you may apply only if you are from the pect of returning to Canada to spend time UK or the European Union or already have with my family.OnChristmas Eve, six months settlement status. after I’d been offered the job Iwanted –after More recently,some online applications three visa applications, after winning and then have asked candidates to indicate whether or losing anew job, after managing to keep my not they need acertificate of sponsorship. In old job and then having my contract termi- some cases, when you tick this box amessage nated –Ireceived acall from aUKBA officer. pops up stating that you will not be consid- He processed my application in just two ered. This seems like blatant discrimination. hours. By 4January 2009, Ihad my old job Ihave heard that many universities are now back –the one Ihad wanted to leave. reserving such sponsorship for higher-level But Iwould later discover that the one- readers or professors rather than for “lowly” month career break carried afurther cost. lecturers and senior lecturers. This is disheart- Afew years after this, Iwas awarded my ening, and it seems to limit the very nature of PhD. Ialso met my current partner,someone academia –surely bringing avariety of experts Iconsider the love of my life. Ihad many from around the world enriches the experience reasons to stay here and wanted to apply for of students here in the UK. settlement –and Ishould have been entitled to Ihave friends in academia who can tell apply for it after five years’ working and similar stories. One got married when she paying taxes in this country.Idiscovered, started anew post and moved to her new however,that the break in my contract had home near the university in Yorkshire acouple wiped out this opportunity and that it would of years ago, only to be told that the institution had exceeded its quota for certificates of sponsorship and had to terminate her contract. The government is speaking out of She was no longer eligible for settlement, even both sides of its mouth: it claims it though she’d spent almost adecade working in this country. wants people to come to study and There seems to be no consistency in the work here, but it makes it very difficult application of the rules, and no preference for people who have contributed to the country for them to do so and who are highly skilled –the very people the government claims it wants to attract. The be another five years –the end of 2014 – government is guilty of speaking out of both before Icould apply again. sides of its mouth: while it claims that it wants Fast forward to January 2014. Ihave made people to come to study and work here, it anew life for myself in the UK and new and makes it very difficult for them to do so. excellent connections, networks and friends. Ministers also say they want to invest in Alawyer has told me that Icould fight for science and technology,myarea of expertise, settlement status, using the evidence Icollected yet this doesn’tseem to count for anything from the 2008 visa botch –but it will take when applying for avisa. more than six months and alot of money,up Apart from my work and visa woes, I’m to £5,000. happy here and Ihope to stay,contributing to Iamstill in the same job. I’ve had numer- the economy and paying my taxes. However, ous interviews over the past two years, and on faced with abureaucratic and expensive several occasions I’ve been told that Ijust system that seems to not value foreign missed out to another candidate. academics, and with discriminatory hiring But I’ve started to notice some changes in practices, Imay well end up taking my exper- the job advertisements in the past few years. It tise elsewhere. If Idon’tget settlement status, now seems that many vacancies are fractional Iwill leave and it will be the UK’s–and my posts, for which aforeigner cannot get spon- students’ –loss. On many days, Ithink sorship. The advertisements also increasingly Isimply don’twant to wait it out any longer in state that “only those who are allowed to aplace that doesn’tvalue me. work in this country should apply”. At first Ithought this meant that you had to get a The author is alecturer in digital media at a work visa, but I’ve since learned that this UK university. eminenT, elderly,

Bringing the world’s supportfrom the British largeresearch laboratory respected anthropologists Other academics from than £3 million to the top anthropology embassies and border in India was refused a were denied permission universities in India, Manchester economy, conference to the UK agencies that decided visa because he had a to traveltothe UK for the Bangladesh and Russia although Gledhill believes for the first time since which scholars would get minor tear in the laminate event. were denied visas for sim- afurther 500 potential 1934 was quite a avisa. coverofhis passport,” “The most outrageous ilar reasons, he reports. attendees were deterred coup. Nine academics says John Gledhill, case was of tworetired “It is ridiculous to by visa problems. So organisers of the and one spouse were professor of social anthro- Egyptian academics of think people will giveup The leveloffinancial WorldCongress of the refused avisa, while pologyatthe University advanced age. Theyhad tenured academic posi- information requested International Union of several others obtained of Manchester. attended every congress tions to come here and by officials is also likely Anthropological and permission to attend “Thankfully,the British since the 1960s, but were seek casual work.” to put off some potential Ethnological Sciences, only after appeals and Academy helped the told theycouldn’t come More than 1,200 dele- visitors because the ques- held in Manchester in intervention by the British authorities see reason in because theywanted to gates attended the con- tioning is “quite intrusive”, August, were disappointed Academy. that case,”headds. seek work in the UK,” gress, which, organisers Gledhill adds. to not receivemore “One academic from a But several highly Gledhill says. say, contributed more Conference organisers

34 Times Higher Education 2January2014 The process of obtaining avisa is long, convoluted and expensive. And now, thevitriol,the political rhetoric of anti-immigration, shouts at students to get out

he UK government claims to be support- 2013, there was a9per cent reduction in the guidance –including before students arrive. ive of international students. Recent number of study visas issued. Study-related While Iwas at Cambridge, the career centre T campaigns have stressed adesire to admissions for the year ended June 2012 fell would regularly host talks detailing the expand student numbers and to attract “the by 30 per cent compared with the previous 12 latest immigration reforms. Ican’tpraise this brightest and the best” to the country. Yet months. process enough. But universities can do only increasingly, UK immigration policy is creating “The hard part about the whole visa situa- so much. The sad reality is that since I’ve ahostile environment from which foreign tion is that the ease of obtaining astudent visa arrived, the UK overall has become less students recoil. contrasts significantly with the difficulty of friendly to foreigners. Ishould know: Iwas one of them. Icame The government says it wants to crack to the UK in 2009 on astudent visa. The down on illegal immigration while keeping process of obtaining it was long, convoluted Home Secretary Theresa May’s international students. But that hasn’tstopped and expensive; if Ihadn’twon an amazing expressed desire to create a‘hostile it from recently announcing that international scholarship to the University of Cambridge, students will be charged to use the NHS. Ithink this alone would have acted as amajor environment’ for illegal immigrants Besides, things don’twork like that. Initiatives deterrent. But while that process has got no has apsychological effect on legal such as the Home Office Twitter account’s easier in the subsequent four years, post- depiction of raids on “illegal” foreign workers, graduation opportunities are now fewer and migrants, too the bus advertisements (albeit later repented the general environment towards immigrants of) ordering illegal immigrants to “go home!” has got alot harsher. obtaining awork visa,” says my friend Deanie and Home Secretary Theresa May’sexpressed The government phased out its post-study Vallone, aCambridge graduate who was desire to create a“hostile environment” for work visa in 2012, which used to allow inter- recently forced to leave the UK because, unlike illegal immigrants all have their psychological national students the right to work for two me, she graduated after the new work visa effect on legal migrants, too. years in the UK. Now there is the graduate rules came into effect. Many of my friends have already left. Many entrepreneur visa (requiring “genuine and “It’sfrustrating that after putting all of this are theoretically those immigrants the UK credible” business ideas) and the sponsorship time, energy and money into educating me at wants to keep. They came here legally.They visa (requiring employer sponsorship). one of the world’sbest universities, it’snearly attended one of England’sleading universities. In practice, these visas fail to enable inter- impossible for me to secure awork visa in my They love the UK. Yetthe vitriol, the political national students to stay on after studies. As field.” rhetoric of anti-immigration, shouts at them to Times Higher Education recently reported, This is asentiment Ihear echoed again and get out. just 119 one-year graduate entrepreneur visas again. The campaign of hate doesn’tjust affect were issued in the scheme’sfirst 12 months. Filling in paperwork, being fingerprinted students here today.Itfilters into the future. Similarly,Iknow no one who has been and spending months without apassport are a The other day,Ifound myself standing in front successful in securing asponsorship visa. small price to pay to study in such an amazing of agroup of American students. They were The ugly truth is that most companies don’t country.Yet students choose their universities asking me if I’d recommend studying or work- sponsor –and when they do, it’snot recent with an eye towards future careers. While ing in England. Ireally wanted to say “yes”. graduates they are looking to hire. studying, they build connections, but by in But Icouldn’t, because Iknew what it’slike to The decline in student immigration since effect closing the door to work after gradua- be aforeigner here. “You can try,” the visa changes were enacted suggests that tion, current UK policy renders these networks Iresponded. “But it’sgoing to be hard.” they are actively discouraging international useless to international students. students from studying in the UK. According Universities could help their international Danae Mercer is afreelance journalist and to the Home Office, in the year ended March students by providing immigration and visa writer living in London. elderly, expreSSly inviTed...and rejecTed: organiSerS of acadeMic conferenceS in THe UK are diSMayed by THe riSe in viSa refUSalS

automatically filter out university itself earned director of both the Tassili “Wecould have tudes towards scholars But Morrison believes potentially bogus scholars £250,000 from it –sowe n’Ajjer National Park, a appealed the decision seeking to enter the UK that the refusals, as well because theywill be look- are really shooting our- worldheritagesite in and maybe won, but he for academic conferences. as delays in processing ing at academics’ creden- selves in the foot by not the Sahara, and of the said this sortofthing is The British Academy the visas that are granted, tials and their research welcoming scholars here, Bardo Museum in Algiers, insulting,and he was not and the RoyalSociety are doing much reputa- papers, he says. as well as poisoning our was due to givethe interested in coming any reportthat their fellows tional damagetothe UK. “I cannot think of a academic relations with keynote lecture at a more,”saysthe event’s have raised several con- “It puts out the image single case where some- other universities.” workshop at All Souls organiser,Alexander Mor- cerns about visas for aca- that we are unwelcoming one has come to an inter- The recent refusal of College, Oxford, in Octo- rison, lecturer in imperial demics being unfairly and not interested in national conference and avisa to the eminent ber,but the 81-year-old historyatthe University of denied. intellectual exchange–too then become an illegal Algerian historian Sid- was told that there was Liverpool. The Home Office says manycountries are all too immigrant,”hesays. Ahmed Kerzabi has also “insufficient proof that he Morrison believes that it is keen to encour- willing to believe Britain is “These conferences provedcontentious. was not planning to settle that the incident is symp- ageacademic visits, but an arrogant country.” are big business –the Kerzabi, aformer in Britain”. tomatic of hardened atti- rules must be obeyed. Jack Grove

2January2014 Times Higher Education 35 36 Times Higher Education 2January2014 Why the cap no longer fits David Willetts sets out the case for expanding UK higher education, an argument predicated on his government’sacknowledgement of its manifold economic, social and cultural benefits

start this year with asense of great opti- When the Robbins report was published in mism. Last month, the chancellor made 1963, the tidal wave from the post-war baby I ahistoric commitment to remove the boom was about to surge through higher artificial cap on student numbers by 2015-16. education. Today,demographic pressures It is 50 years since the Robbins report set out are less immediate. But the forces driving the crucial principle that “courses of higher increased demand for higher education have education should be available for all those not been suddenly turned off in 2014. They who are qualified by ability and attainment have been at work for the past 50 years and to pursue them and who wish to do so”. This they will continue. principle remains as important today as it was Young people today clearly recognise that then: but now, thanks to our reforms, we can university is atransformative personal experi- make it areality. ence and agood lifelong investment. Last year This matters because British higher educa- we had the highest ever entry rate for 18-year- tion institutions turn away 60,000 applicants a olds. They see that university is acritical leg year who are so determined to go to university up on to the career ladder.Attendance offers a that they keep on applying. It matters because chance to experience new things, to encounter in the poorest parts of this country,young new ideas. It is an opportunity to make friends people are still far less likely to go to univer- you will keep for the rest of your life. sity than those living in the wealthiest areas. Lionel Robbins painted acompelling In Wimbledon, for instance, 68 per cent of picture of the value of going to university. 18-19-year-olds go to university.Inmyconstit- He achieved aperfect equipoise between utili- uency of Havant in Hampshire, where incomes tarian arguments and confident appeals to the are lower and there are areas of real disadvan- underlying value of study.Hewas not embar- tage, the figure drops to ashocking 23 per rassed about acknowledging the utility of cent. higher education, but at the same time exuded This is one of the greatest barriers to social afundamental belief in its broader value. TEMAN

BA mobility in our country.Itisanappalling The Robbins report did not doubt that UL

PA waste of talent. study at this level is inherently worthwhile 2January2014 Times Higher Education 37 Increased supply appears to have –anargument that remains true today he case for higher education is sometimes been matched by increased employer whether the subject is history or particle phys- confused by anarrative that keeps crop- ics. And it also described higher education as a Tping up in the media about graduates demand, so the graduate premium civilising force. This is also as true today as it without jobs –orthe wrong jobs. This is asort has remained broadly constant was then. of modern variation on the Kingsley Amis Yet in the 1960s, the economic arguments “more means worse” theme, and it is hugely for expanding the academy lacked aclear frustrating. The evidence shows adegree is evidence base. In particular, it was generally still one of the best routes to agood job and accepted that higher education’s future finan- arewarding career. cial returns were immeasurable. The report As shown in latest results of the 2013 noted: “There are some who think that… Labour Force Survey,astriking 86 per cent of returns will plunge pretty steeply. Others take graduates are in employment compared with the view that this is unlikely. The fact is that 65 per cent of non-graduates. The number of no one knows.” the former group in the labour market is Today,there is much more evidence avail- rising, but it doesn’tfollow that higher educa- able –and it proves Robbins right. My depart- tion returns are therefore falling. Increased ment, the Department for Business, Innovation supply appears to have been matched by and Skills, recently published aquadrant increased employer demand, so the graduate mapping all the different benefits of higher premium has remained broadly constant – education (see opposite). This shows there are regularly estimated at well over an extra economic and non-economic benefits for indi- £100,000 in lifetime earnings after tax. The vidual students and for society as awhole. For latest independent research for BIS shows that instance, graduates are more likely to vote or male students with degrees can expect to boost volunteer and to be tolerant of others, and are their lifetime earnings by £165,000; for their less likely to suffer depression, to smoke and female peers the figure is an even more striking to be obese. They are also less susceptible to £250,000. criminal activity. Even in these tough times, the economic All four parts of the quadrant contain returns from degrees are robust and it is more strong effects. And for each specific statement important than ever that we articulate that. of the benefits, you can click through and see It would be atragedy if anyone gave up alife- asubstantive piece of economic or social changing chance to go to university because research backing it up. they had read astory that said it wasn’t 38 Times Higher Education 2January2014 TEMAN The Wider benefiTs of higher educaTion BA UL PA ty

• Greater social cohesion Socie • Increased tax revenues • Higher levels of tolerance • Faster economic growth (eg,towards migrants) • Greater labour market flexibility • Lowerpropensity to commit crime • Increased productivity of co-workers • Political stability • Reduced burden on public finances • Greater social mobility from better coordination between • Social capital higher education policy and other social policy areas such as health and crime prevention

NoN-MARKet MARKet

• Greater propensity to vote • Less exposure to unemployment • Greater propensity to volunteer and • Higher earnings participate in public debates • Increased productivity • Greater propensity to trust and tolerate others • Lowerpropensity to commit (non-violent) crime • Longer life expectancy • Less likely to engageinunhealthy behaviours (eg,heavy drinking,smoking) • More likely to engageinpreventative care/healthybehaviours (eg,exercise, health screenings) • Less likelihood of obesity • More likely to cope with distress • More leisure time iNDiViDUAL

Source: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills research paper, Things we Knowand Don’tKnow about the Wider Benefits of Higher Education: AReview of the Recent Literature (October 2013) worthwhile any more. And it is students from taxpayers still pick up 40 per cent of the that the full range of disciplines are fundamen- poorer backgrounds, with no family history of cheque. tally worthwhile. They are deep sources of going to university,who may be particularly Of course, this tension between the utilitar- human satisfaction, helping us to understand susceptible to that sort of scare story. ian and non-utilitarian is nothing new.In and navigate the world around us. One-third 1241, John of Garland, who taught at the of the chief executives of our top FTSE 100 ut this is where we hit asecond unhelpful University of Paris, lamented: “The lucrative companies have humanities degrees. Iremem- trend. Mention the economic benefits of arts, such as law and medicine, are in vogue ber hearing the late Eric Hobsbawm reflect Bhigher education and you leave yourself and only those things are pursued which have that there was no better preparation for open to accusations from some that you are acash value.” running one of these companies than adegree failing to recognise its other less tangible Fifty years ago, when setting out the aims in history. returns to society or individuals. Acknowledge of higher education at the beginning of his The good news is that these disciplines are one area of the quadrant and you are accused report, Robbins placed “instruction in skills” themselves getting much better at defining of ignoring the others. This is exasperating, first, because he felt it was most undervalued. their tremendous public value. Helen Small’s because it is treating the value of higher As this debate rumbles on, it is worth quoting book, The Value of the Humanities,isthe education as asort of multiple choice exam him in full: “Confucius said in the Analects latest to explore these different sorts of merit, question with only one correct answer. that it was not easy to find aman who had from holding democracy to account to Such critics tend to argue that our policies studied for three years without aiming at pay. improving our understanding of what makes rest on the belief that our universities offer We deceive ourselves if we claim that more us happy.And of course, we understand that only private returns and we do not understand than asmall fraction of students in institutions this value must be measured in wider human their public value. This is utterly wrong. There of higher education would be where they are as well as purely economic terms. is of course apublic value to university and if there were no significance for their future Universities enrich us in so many ways – that is reflected in the substantial public careers in what they hear and read; and it is and that is precisely why we are removing the support we continue to offer.Wecover the amistake to suppose that there is anything cap on aspiration and allowing them to grow. extra teaching expenses of high-cost subjects. discreditable in this.” As Ilook to the future, Iexpect to see more We quite rightly pay for that element of loans Yettalk of economic value still sometimes students in higher education (a greater propor- that we do not expect to be repaid. And we prompts anxieties that there might be some tion of them from low-income backgrounds) provide students with maintenance loans and crude model at work in which the wider value and ahigher-quality teaching experience for grants. But there are private gains, too, which of learning is ignored. It also plays into the all. Ihope Robbins would recognise that we is why it is fair to expect graduates to pay assumption that science, technology,engineer- are being true to his great vision. l their share: our reforms rebalance support so ing and mathematics are good and the arts, that their contribution increases from 40 per humanities and social sciences are unafford- David Willetts is minister of state for cent of the total cost to 60 per cent. But able luxuries. This is not the case. We believe universities and science. 2January2014 Times Higher Education 39 CULTURE Is it abird? Is it a plane? Er, no, it’s Sherlock Holmes

during the last series but has now gone strato- The 21st-centuryreincarnation spheric. The Lazarus-like revival of his Sher- of Arthur Conan Doyle’screation lock bears the hallmarks of this newfound status, with asensual maturity and physical is the British equivalent of presence only hinted at before. The show,too, Superman, argues Fern Riddell has matured, gaining an impressively substantial fan base and its first-ever inclusion in that passionate celebration of all things superhero- Sherlock, Series 3 related –San Diego’sComic-Con 2013. Here, Created by MarkGatiss and Steven Moffat alongside the American superheroes of the Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Marvel and DC universes, as well as the stars, Martin Freeman writers and producers of other cult television BBC One, January2014 shows, you might be surprised to find the creators of the BBC’snew version of Sherlock his week marks the return of Benedict Holmes –ahighly intellectual and emotionally Cumberbatch’s cheekbones to our repressed man in adeerstalker hat. T screens, as the BBC’s modernised adapta- “Sherlock Holmes is the closest thing we tion of the Sherlock Holmes stories begins its have to an authentic home-grown superhero,” third run. says Toby Finlay,one of the writers behind Our continuing obsession with the Victor- two of the BBC’smost striking offerings of ians can be seen everywhere, with shows 2013, Peaky Blinders and Ripper Street.“The such as BBC One’s Ripper Street and the New Americans have Superman, Batman, the canon York-set Copper playing on this long-standing of comic book folklore. Our legendary British love affair.Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ current heroes are Sherlock Holmes and, maybe, King incarnation as Dracula on Sky Living, and Arthur.” (The other obvious contender being Daniel Radcliffe’slatest role as Igor in Paul James Bond.) ‘Home-grown superhero’ sherlock Holmes represents an idealised McGuigan’s Frankenstein –expected in 2015 Like the US comic-book heroes, Sherlock –show that the gothic monsters of Victorian has his fair share of die-hard fans prepared to in serialisations, novels and plays. literature are still capable of enthralling us; but shell out on T-shirts, earrings and assorted He represents an idealised image of Victorian in aworld fixated on comic book superheroes oddities that bear his name, so the idea of manhood, someone bound by acode of and the supernatural, how does “the world’s Holmes as the quintessential British superhero honour; achivalrous, loyal adventurer –the greatest detective” stand the test of time? is not so far-fetched. He has afaithful Robin intellectual knight errant, romanticised at a Cumberbatch’sstar was already rising in Dr Watson, asteadfastly loyal Alfred in Mrs time when the image of Victorian masculinity Hudson and, instead of the gadgets and money was being questioned by the nascent women’s of Bruce Wayne, he uses his towering intellect suffrage movement. The 1885 fight to raise the and powers of deduction to solve the crimes he age of consent for girls from 13 to 16 had high- investigates. lighted the vulnerability of Victorian women, Although he has been updated by the BBC, exposing certain middle- and upper-class men BBC/Hartswood Films Sherlock Holmes has been aBritish pin-up for as the perpetrators of sexual violence and well over acentury.But why has his appeal abuse against vulnerable working-class children. lasted for so long, and what is it about this Elsewhere in literature, from Robert Louis fictional man that we find so intriguing? He Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and first appeared in 1887, the year before the Jack Mr Hyde (1886) to Bram Stoker’s Dracula the Ripper murders, which held the entire (1897), the intellectual elite is portrayed as country in thrall to the investigation that deviant and dangerous, driven by menacingly followed. An instant success for their author, sexualised impulses. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes was the antidote to all his adventures continued to appear until 1927, that, aparagon of virtue with little supposed 40 Times Higher Education 2January2014 ARTS

between Post Office telegram boys and members of the aristocracy.Some viewers reacted against Inspector Reid’sprogressive stance towards the homosexual nature of the case, believing that such an attitude was too BBC/Hartswood Films jarring, and too modern, for their popular perceptions of the Victorians. But one of the great achievements of Ripper Street is its visceral dedication to recreating the authentic Victorian world, using original historical material, language and ideas. It is anew breed of historical drama, drawing on the work of historians and academics to create adramatic aesthetic that also exposes us to the historical reality –making you see attitudes in the past that you may not want to believe existed. What shocks and surprises us is not that the

Productions such as Sherlock and Ripper Street use academics to find out where the parameters are, and where they can break them

Victorians were so different, but actually that they were so like us. “I think productions use academics to find out where the parameters are, and where they can break them,” says writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet, author of Inventing the Victorians.“The historian might bring something more outlandish than [the producers] themselves might have considered…[It] is something writers are starting to wake up to, and authenticity can be surprising.” Historical dramas face the challenge of walking the fine line between myth and reality, putting what we believe to be true up against the historical record left to us by our ances- tors. That clash is due to be re-examined in John Logan’snew series for Showtime, Penny Dreadful,onour screens later this year.This turns the men and monsters of the gothic world –including Dr Frankenstein and Dorian Gray –into living subjects of the real Victorian century.Popular culture regularly tells us that monsters can be superheroes too, and yet our an idealised imageofVictorian manhood, an intellectual knight errant returning favourite, Sherlock Holmes, is, at his interest in the opposite sex. It’sasifConan high-society blackmail and royal intrigue that core, just aman. Doyle’sreaction to the social upheaval Sherlock Holmes is perhaps better acquainted Perhaps that is why we are happy to see surrounding him was to create acontemporary with, but the common theme of aVictorian Holmes as one of our superheroes, whatever image of manhood so pure, so perfect, that detective –here, Matthew Macfadyen’sinimi- century he inhabits. From his beginnings as a there was little to set Holmes apart from a table Inspector Reid, supported by Jerome re-imagined Victorian knight to the muscular knight of King Arthur’smedieval court. Conan Flynn’sthunderous portrayal of Sergeant 21st-century misfit of “The Empty Hearse”, Doyle’sgravestone bears the epitaph “Steel Bennet Drake and Adam Rothenberg’scharis- the first episode of the new series, the image True. Blade Straight. Arthur Conan Doyle. matic Captain Jackson –still managed to seize we now have of Sherlock Holmes is one that is Knight, Patriot, Physician &Man Of Letters”, the public imagination. (An extensive fan base capable of standing alongside Batman, Super- atellingly declarative statement favouring the is loudly campaigning for athird series while man and Spider-Man as an icon for our age. historical values of atime far removed from the show teeters on the brink of its own He is awelcome return to our screens and, as his own. It is, perhaps, afinal attempt to Reichenbach Fall.) Inspector Reid is another John Watson says in that first episode, “don’t stamp on his memory the importance of Victorian knight errant on aquest to secure pretend you’re not enjoying this…being back, honour and respectability. truth and justice for those within his domain being ahero again…being Sherlock Holmes”. “What appeals to me about that late Victor- and, as with the original Holmes, his creators ian setting is that it’sanera of great existential use his character to examine the social ques- Fern Riddell was one of BBC Radio 3’sNew spasm –old certainties smashed to rubble, and tions of their own time, touching on every- Generation Thinkers for 2013. She is in the shattering new ideas rupturing the peace,” thing from sexuality to political corruption. final year of aPhD, exploring 19th-century says Finlay,ofthe 1890s backdrop to Ripper One of Ripper Street’s more surprising story entertainment, at King’sCollege, London. Her Street’s Whitechapel-based police investiga- lines came from the 1889 Cleveland Street first book, AVictorian Guide to Sex,isdue tions. That world is far removed from the Scandal, with its lurid details of relationships out this year. 2January2014 Times Higher Education 41 sensory qualities of spiritual and elusive. In terms of the late prehis religious experience. toric, RomanoBritish and early The use of material culture medieval eras, archaeology argu Shifting stones, to explore prehistoric and proto ably is beginning to speak in far historic ritual practice remains louder terms than the scarce written contentious. Although signifi accounts of arich multiplicity of cantly advanced by cognitive beliefs, of regional and local places precious metals archaeological approaches in the of importance, and of spiritual late 20th century,many strands of concerns embedded in the everyday. interpretive work have drawn crit The long view leads to an Sarah Semple on the enigmatic ritual and icism. The great merit of Hutton’s inevitable emphasis on “big” romance of this island story’searly chapters approach is his willingness to evidence, as massive Neolithic and eschew orthodoxies, and present Bronze Age monuments shadow and debate multiple viewpoints. the more mundane, everyday traces In discussing ancient monuments that are the more frequent legacy of such as Stonehenge, he considers the British Isles’ late Iron Age, contrasting recent interpretations RomanoBritish, preChristian and –their possible roles as seasonal early medieval communities. But it ancestral shrines, or places of also brings benefits, spotlighting healing whose stones possessed repeating traditions in human ritual curative properties. Familiar activity,such as the evidence (via themes are set against less popular paintings, carvings, burials and and wellrehearsed interpretations. special deposits) that caves and Such multivocality makes fissures were used for special Pagan Britain invaluable for purposes from the Palaeolithic to ageneral audience, focusing on RomanoBritish eras. continuities and discontinuities More thoughtprovoking is of tradition and evidence in the Hutton’sfocus on the synergy archaeological and historical between the emergence and spread records. It also facilitates Hutton’s of new technologies and material aim of stepping back from any evidence for innovation and single imposed view and present diversities in ritual behaviour and ing evidence and interpretations belief. Aconnection may exist, for with clear oversight of the data’s example, between the circulation limitations. Traditional viewpoints of iron objects in the three or four connecting painted and carved centuries before the arrival of the Palaeolithic images to fertility and Romans and evidence for the hunting are set alongside more ritual deposition of metal objects. recent theories, such as those Even in the early medieval era, that connect more abstract early sources attest to apowerful love prehistoric imagery to the visuals of material objects, “as beautiful one might encounter in entoptic creations which almost possessed or trancelike states. The rise and personalities of their own”. Bladed fall of arguments for the existence weapons were sometimes given of divinities such as afemale names, were “ritually killed” goddess in the early Neolithic are and disposed of in wetlands, and also carefully reviewed, and we are perhaps even at old prehistoric sites. encouraged to consider that diverse Metalworking and other creative PaganBritain critical vignettes of the moment meanings may well have existed. processes may have been seen as By Ronald Hutton of discovery or the character of This multiplicity works best potent activities, and the products Yale University Press the antiquarian in question. when dealing with prehistory. powerful in their own right. 400pp, £25.00 and £36.00 Drawing on archaeological and When written sources provide Another insight gained by look ISBN 9780300197716 and 98584 historical evidence, Hutton sets some guide to contemporary prac ing longitudinally is the repeated (e-book) out what we know of prehistoric tices, greater tensions emerge in reference made by communities to Published 21 November 2013 and early historic religion. He rationalising textual and archaeo the monuments and special places begins with some of the extra logical sources. Hutton’sdiscus of past eras, in the revisitation of his is an expedition into deep ordinary early surviving Palaeo sion of early medieval Britain natural places or purposebuilt time: ameticulous critical lithic art found in British caves, rightly makes reference to the monuments, for special activity. Treview of the known and then traverses the monumentalised sparse, difficult, written sources The scope of Hutton’sappraisal sometimes shadowy rituals and Neolithic landscapes of Ireland’s of the Christian era that mention brings into focus the constant beliefs in the British Isles from Boyne Valley and Wessex’s pre and nonChristian practices. renegotiation of the past through early prehistory to the advent of chalklands, the sacred fenlands Although he handles these critic material remains. Rather than Christianity. Pagan Britain charts and pools of eastern England and ally and sensitively,when consid intense periods of “reuse”, what we know of human spiritu the wild coasts of West Wales ered in the long view,their presence what emerges is arolling but ality across some 30,000 years. and North Scotland marked by begins to feel like aconstraint: everchanging conception of the Such abroad sweep might have prehistoric tombshrines and accounts of designated deities ancient physical legacies of past lapsed into mere description; Viking burial mounds. The including goddesses, the presence populations. Even when two and instead, Ronald Hutton brings the emphasis on landscape seems of cult structures and even male ahalf millennia of constant devel discussion alive with detail and almost Romantic, but it accu pagan spiritual leaders seem to opment, mutation and revision of debate, interspersing accounts of rately reflects archaeology’srecent demand that such things should monument types, monuments and key findings and theories with preoccupation with place and the be looked for even if they remain monumental landscapes came to an 42 Times Higher Education 2January2014 BOOKS end in some regions of Britain in “conceive of worlds beyond the late prehistory,certain populations material and the immediate”. He WHAT ARE YOU READING? continued to collect and curate acknowledges the tensions and Bronze Age objects and metalwork. uncertainties of the evidence, but Roman temples and Romano- also identifies the multiplicity of Aweekly look over the shoulders British shrines point to anew phase beliefs and practices that emerge of our scholar-reviewers of renegotiation of ancient prehis- in times of change. In taking the toric sites; in the early medieval era long view,heoffers fresh perspec- Dennis Hayes,professor of education, University they were reused as places of tives on the creative energy of of Derby, is reading Vanessa Pupavac’s Language burial. In these repeating processes human populations in establishing Rights: From Free Speech to Linguistic Governance lie the physical signatures of new rites and traditions or reviv- (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012). “Pupavacargues that shifting conceptions of place and ing and adopting existing ones. howwesee human beings determines our attitudes identity,aspeople created new What is firmly emphasised is that to freedom of speech. If we believe in human poten- stories, myths and traditions that “the inhabitants of Britain, from tial, free speech is unrestricted. If we have adimin- connected them to the past. the moment at which they began ished viewofpeople, we restrict their speech and “Pagan” is acontentious term to reshape the landscape and erect tell them what to think, as do manygovernments and that has come to have an active impressive structures upon it, [have] international organisations. Worse still are radical meaning in modern society in never been truly static or conserv- movements such as Occupy, which shownointerest application to neo-pagan and ative in their ritual behaviour”. in other human beings and feel no need to communi- New Age spiritualism. No one is Along the way he unpicks cate through speech and argument.” better suited than Hutton –author many long-held assumptions, such of the landmark 1999 work The as the view that Morris dances, James Stevens Curl,amember of the RoyalIrish Triumph of the Moon: AHistory Sheela-na-gigs and the Green Man Academy,isreading G.A. Bremner’s Imperial Gothic: of Modern Pagan Witchcraft – are direct pagan inheritances. Religious Architecture and High Anglican Culture to handling the sensitive divide He not only exposes weaknesses in the British Empire, 1840-1870 (Yale University between academic discourse on in existing arguments but also Press, 2013). “The much-maligned Empire left atre- ancient religions and modern offers avisceral experience of the mendous architectural legacy (especially in ecclesias- popular perceptions of the pagan remarkable and often enigmatic tical terms), notably in India, Australia, Canada, New past. He gives voice to academic evidence for ancient beliefs, rituals Zealand and South Africa. This splendid work superbly and alternative discourses and and practices in the British Isles. illustrates and describes churches created in the invites cooperation via “a creative cause of global Anglicanism. ‘Groundbreaking book’ is and benevolent partnership”. Sarah Semple is reader in an over-used term, but that is what this is: abeautiful In this rewarding book, Hutton archaeology,Durham University, reminder of the high-minded aspirations of what was asks us to recognise that the and author of Perceptions of once considered to be not an ignoble undertaking.” activities we see in the archaeo- the Prehistoric in Anglo-Saxon logical record “attest strongly” to England: Religion, Ritual and Paul Greatrix,registrar,University of Nottingham, is ancient communities’ capacity to Rulership in the Landscape (2013). reading RobertForster’s The 10 Rules of Rock and Roll: Collected Music Writings 2005-11 (Jawbone, THE AUTHOR 2011). “In this collection of essays by one of the cre- ativeengines of the absurdly underrated Australian alone, and so took natu- didn’t really enjoydigging band the Go-Betweens, Forster has delivered aterrific rally to books and so to much –there were more commentaryonmusic past and present. He demon- study. My instinctual comfortable and exciting strates three things: first, he can really write; second, interests were in natural ways of spending my he has great taste; and third, his insider knowledge history, history, mythology summers. So no regrets.” delivers aset of genuine insights into music and its and creativeliterature, Asked to choose a creators.” and still are.” personal favourite from He adds: “I became among the British Isles’ John Mathew,visiting assistant professor in the interested in archaeology manyancient sites and department of history, DukeUniversity,isreading “My recreation consists because Ilived in Malta monuments, Hutton Catherine Moorehead’s The K2 Man (and His entirely of social life and between the ages of 11 names “a Neolithic long Molluscs) (Neil Wilson Publishing,2013). “In this, speaking dates. Ever and 12, and the prehis- barrowatGatcombe the first biographyofHenryHaversham Godwin- since Iwas an under- toric remains on the Lodge, on private prop- Austen (1834-1923), discoverer of K2, the second- graduate, Ihaveneeded island, so abundant and erty in Gloucestershire. highest Himalayanpeak, Moorehead describes his to work hard all dayand concentrated, fired my It has the only perfectly Kashmir,Central Asian, Bhutan, Burma and Assam party or performinthe imagination. When I preservedstone chamber expeditions, polymathic science contributions (mala- evening,” says Ronald returned to Britain Isought of anyNeolithic tomb cology, ornithology, geology), artistic achievements, Hutton, professor of out their equivalents.” shrine in Britain, never colourful personal life (three marriages and ayouthful historyatthe University He studied at the uni- restored at all in modern indiscretion) and three religious conversions.” of Bristol. He lives “in a versities of Cambridge times and left just as funky Victorian house in and Oxford. “I had no the Victorian excavators John Morton,senior lecturer in English, University of Clifton, Bristol, into which trouble in choosing found it. Ifind it wonder- Greenwich, is reading Rosie Miles’ Victorian Poetry Itry to cram as many history, because it was ful just to be able to sit in Context (Bloomsbury, 2013). “This approachable friends as possible as taught at my school and in something built almost yetrigorous book is not only an excellent introduction often as possible”. archaeologywas not; 6,000 years agoand but also contains much for those familiar with Victorian Hutton was bornin because archaeology totally intact.” poetrytoponder.Its final octw hapters are brilliant, India; his family returned was much more scientific Karen Shook providing awide-ranging summaryofmovements in to England when he was (and especially trying to To read more, visit: criticism and afascinating introduction to the afterlives aboy.“Ihad to spend a be so at that time); and www.timeshighereducation. of Victorian verse, cropping up in the most unlikely lot of my childhood because Ifound that I co.uk/books places, from Virginia Woolf’sessays to HellboyII.”

2January2014 Times Higher Education 43 making that led an economist where to stop digging; an excess to study the flaws of the process. of detail is impenetrable and Ironic. counterproductive. The third Aleg up the Hertz is obviously aformidable component is the most overlooked researcher.She gives awide range of the three. Is your imperative of interesting and apposite to benefit your organisation, or examples. There are few surprises your boss, or achum, or yourself? decision tree to those familiar with the subject, Or is it to put the boot into some but many horror stories. In bastard who once sabotaged you? asimulated courtroom, the In the final analysis, the choice Omar Malik concurswith the considered advice sentences passed by trainee judges of imperative relies on the partici- but seeks more understanding about the process correlated with the demands of pant’shonour.When did you hecklers. Priming or “nudge” last hear that word? Not applied issues are important but the real to those whose imperative is to problems are the failures and look after themselves. Read the corruptions of the system. Hertz papers to identify them. urges you to look hard and cyni- Hertz’smessage is that cally at supposed statistics: “8 out commerce, the professions and of 10 women would benefit from politicians want something from Whizzo Wrinkle Remover.” Which you. So always ask, cui bono?It 10? Acarefully selected 10 out of will certainly not be you. Have a apopulation of amillion, the rest nice day. of whom do not benefit? She also urges you to relate research results Omar Malik is associate fellow to the researchers’ own interests. at Nottingham University Bad news warning: some studies Business School, associate fellow that show that dark chocolate is at Chatham House and author good for you were sponsored by of The Grown-Ups’ Book of Risk Mars Confectionery.More bad (2009). news: it is the flavonoids in chocolate that might be good for you, but most are removed because they are bitter. Hertz’scatalogue is useful and interesting, but it remains acatalogue, ascoot across the surface of decision-making. She provides afine tilth but she does not plant any ideas. Nor does she apply her obviously fine intellect to the investigation of the fascinating characteristics of decision-making, to the balancing of conflicting aims or to the downside that accompanies any upside. At its most elementary level, decision-making has three Sino-Japanese Relations After the Cold components: information, War: TwoTigers Sharing aMountain Eyes Wide Open: How to MakeSmart better understood. Is an econo- intelligence and imperative. Have By Michael Yahuda Decisions in aConfusing World mist likely to enhance its clarity, you the information needed for Routledge, 150pp, £90.00 and £24.99 By Noreena Hertz or to muddy its waters? The an evidence-based decision? Have ISBN 9780415843072 and 843089 William Collins beginning of Eyes Wide Open is you the intelligence (ability or Published 11 September 2013 344pp, £14.99 and £7.49 written with such crystalline clar- means) to process that informa- ISBN 9780007467105 ity that, not knowing Hertz, tion? And what imperative is sIbegan reading Michael and 7467112 (e-book) Itook abet with myself that she driving your decision? Yahuda’s invaluable new Published 12 September 2013 was educated at an English public These three components are A book, Shinzo Abe, Japan’s school. Iwon –North London the legs of athree-legged stool; prime minister, declared that his his book’s blurb tells us that Collegiate. Declaration of interest: if one fails, the decision fails. country would shoot down any The Observer describes the school of my late mother, also The first raises the difficulty of foreign aircraft, including drones, T Noreena Hertz as “one of abrilliant writer. that entered its airspace and the world’s leading thinkers”. Hertz describes her own very refused to leave. AChinese This is good. Then you learn that unpleasant experience with a Decision-making has three spokesman warned that this she is an economist. This is not serious gastric problem. It baffled components: information, would be seen as “an act of war good. Economists cannot agree expert doctors. They subjected and China will take resolute on economics, so they obviously her to most known medical tests. intelligence and imperative. measures to strike back”. do not understand their own Their recommendations spread These components are the Yahuda, the leading academic subject at the practical level, from sugary to surgery,that is, authority on the foreign relations where it matters. Decision-making from eating more sugar to the legs of athree-legged stool; of East Asia, considers the region’s is considerably more important removal of her perfectly good if one fails, the decision fails two major powers as they appear than economics; it is the central gall bladder.Perhaps it was to teeter on the edge of war,and thread of life. It is also much egregious medical decision- what he offers is amodel of clear 44 Times Higher Education 2January2014 BOOKS exposition and analytic power. weighty consideration for China: to pay for things –music, books, disgruntlement of some of those His publisher,however,rather “Towhat extent would the United games and more. superfans. undersells this thoughtful, States assist Japan in the event of Although most of his examples Much of what The Curve tells well-documented explanation of military clashes with China in the are drawn from the creative us is what we already know: there amajor regional crisis by referring East China Sea, when the United industries, the author argues are innovators who buck the to it as atextbook. States was seeking to cooperate throughout for the widespread system and make money,value is He takes us even-handedly with China in many areas of vital applicability of the logic of “the personal, people are willing to pay through the history of the American interests?” curve” and, in the book’sconclu- different prices for the same or relations between China and For years, Yahuda has been on sion, offers short accounts of its similar things, and failure is an Japan. Despite much threatening good terms with Chinese and applicability to anumber of essential part of innovation. language from an increasingly Japanese intellectuals and security different areas. The curve, he Others have discussed these nationalistic Beijing, the emphasis officials. He uses these contacts, explains, is all about figuring out issues in relation to the need for in Chinese schools on Japanese probably unmatched by those of who values what you are selling new,adaptive business models, so atrocities during the Second any other Western scholar,to and to what degree, and then it is not clear what this book World War, together with sporadic great advantage. In both countries offering customised products or offers that is really new. collisions in disputed waters he asks: “Has the balance between services at arange of price points Throughout this anecdotally between both powers, and China as agreat power and as a based on this knowledge. Lovell driven account, we jump from flare-ups “likely to get worse”, developing country changed?” develops his argument by invok- place to place; scant attention is Yahuda concludes that “neither He finds the Chinese “uncertain ing classical economics, evolution- paid to building up an argument [side] seeks open warfare and it about how best to adapt to their ary biology and aspects of seems that longer-term peaceful new ascendancy”, while the marketing theory.Creative coexistence between China and “Japanese were divided about producers are experimenting with Much of what The Curve tells Japan is the more likely how to manage the consequences new ways of doing things, he outcome”. of their decline”. For Yahuda, the explains, exploring how the idea us we already know: there Before Japan’sattack on China outcome must be this: “China and of value is personal and personal- are innovators who buck the in the early 1930s, and its many Japan, as the two tigers of North- ised. This is an interesting argu- war crimes there, thoughtful east Asia, will have to learn how ment in terms of thinking about system and make money, Chinese saw Japan as an inspira- to share the same mountain.” how the consumer landscape is value is personal, and people tion for their nation’smodernisa- shifting and the types of business tion. Even after the Second Jonathan Mirsky was formerly model innovation that are taking are willing to pay different Sino-Japanese War, when Japanese associate professor of Chinese, place in an era of change. prices for the same things security was guaranteed by the history and comparative literature While The Curve’s basic prem- US, Mao Zedong regarded Japan at Dartmouth College in the US, ise has some relevance in the as a“potential major ally against and former Far East Editor current economy,inwhich or developing acoherent outline the Soviet Union”. After along of The Times. consumers are unwilling to pay of “the curve” itself. We return period of economic cooperation for anything they can get for free many times to somewhat similar between afar less advanced China even as some “superfans” are examples, and the scattering of and Japan, the world’ssecond willing to pay more, there are economic and psychological economic power,the balance some flaws in Lovell’sargument. theory does not offer great depth shifted. Japan is now in decline, The first lies in the opening to the discussions. And as soon as while China nears superpower example, anicely written passage we start getting into some inter- status. about musician Trent Reznor,an esting details, we are whisked off The present crisis, highlighted example of asuccessful musician elsewhere. by threats and counter-threats, stepping outside the usual Lovell’smantra is that contem- centres on the East China Sea, economics of the music industry. porary consumption is all about which China seeks to traverse in By going it alone in releasing his “how it makes you feel”; this is a order to enter the Western Pacific. recording Ghosts I-IV,and compelling argument and is true Tokyo fears that China, intending offering different packages at in many areas of consumption. to move from the “near seas” to prices ranging from free to many But we kind of know this, too, the “far seas”, could encroach on hundreds of dollars, Reznor and numerous scholarly studies its long-time trade routes, while illustrates the philosophy of the and popular texts have looked at Beijing, new to ocean-going curve perfectly.However,by the nature of experience in policies and actions governed by The Curve: From Freeloaders into digging alittle deeper,wecan consumption and how this experi- international laws, condemns Superfans: The Future of Business see some of the cracks in the ence can be enhanced to add them as expressions of Western By Nicholas Lovell argument. First of all, the value. What is arguably most imperialism. In Japan, where it Penguin, 256pp, £16.99 superfans Reznor relied on to interesting here is the chapter on remains difficult to admit its ISBN 9780670923830 pay apremium for his work were 3D printing, which offers tantalis- wartime depredations in China, Published 3October 2013 created with the help of the music ing glimpses of the possibilities of Beijing is now viewed as abully industry: the record labels, radio this technology; this section could and possible threat. he latest in aseries of practi- stations, music journalists and so profitably have been extended to One of the major reasons for tioner books to propose a on who collectively promoted his offer insight into abrave new the new focus on maritime T theory of business for today music. This exposure pushed world. As aseries of examples of matters and on discord between and the near future, The Curve Reznor and his band, Nine Inch innovation in the digital age, Tokyo and Beijing was the end of is built around examples of new Nails, to public prominence and The Curve may be of interest; the Cold War. Japan and China no ways of doing things in the digital his subsequent undertakings have as acomprehensive account of a longer feared Soviet threats to the age that Nicholas Lovell sees as benefited from this. Second, revolution in business, maybe not. region. As Japan’spower declined indicative of abusiness revolu- following this “experiment”, and China’sgrew,despite their tion. It is essentially atheory of Reznor returned to working Finola Kerrigan is senior lecturer mutual need for economic inter- business focused on reconsidering with atraditional major label in marketing, Birmingham dependence, each side appeared to price and value in an era in which for the most recent NiN album, Business School, University of confront the other.This raised a consumers are ever more reluctant Hesitation Marks,much to the Birmingham. 2January2014 Times Higher Education 45 humming under his breath. He world –the passing whales and loves the officers, many of them dolphins, the birds that hitch clever and witty young Indians aride on deck –yet always Global market’s amused by this eccentric English alive to the human stories, both man making notes and recording contemporary and historical. their anecdotes. And he loves the On the second half of his journey, Filipino crew,for all that he feels from The Netherlands to Canada, manifest destiny excluded from their alternative for instance, he describes the society on board ship, as they invisible graveyard that is the huddle together to sing pop songs Atlantic battlefield of two world Philip Hoare sights the silent leviathans that (practically the only employee wars, strewn across the ocean circle the world to bring the goods we consume benefit agreed by their employers bed. “The water below us now is in otherwise punitive contracts is too deep for the chart to show the provision of akaraoke wrecks. Anything that went down machine on every trip). here might as well have been Clare is punctilious and witty erased from the planet.” What Clare demonstrates, even beyond his undoubted gifts No romance of life at sea as writer,ishis basic humanity. for the Filipinos. Helots of Iread his wonderful book with gratitude for his insight –but also adisposable world, they with increased admiration for the are unseen servants of men to whom we owe almost everything in our comfortable aglobal economy and secure lives.

himself. He is wont to iterate Philip Hoare is associate professor ships’ manifests as indices of our in creative writing, University consuming world, international of Southampton, and author, shopping lists placed on the scales most recently,ofThe Sea Inside of the sea, measured out in weight (2013). and content: the US ordering 600 tons of televisions and phones from Hong Kong, along with 300 tons of computers, 20 tons of clocks and watches, 95 tons of books and magazines, 14 tons of batteries and 16 tons of parts for cars and bikes. Other containers, stacked up like Lego on the decks, ship luxury sports cars alongside cow heads swilling around in saline solution. All the while, the great oceans rise and fall around him as Clare sails the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific. As the Gerd approaches the Suez Canal, he is ordered off Down to the Sea in Ships: pean counterparts earn? No for security’ssake –the owners 50 Great Myths About Atheism Of Ageless Oceans and ModernMen romance of life at sea for them; won’tbear the responsibility of By Russell Blackford and By Horatio Clare often they are not even allowed carrying acivilian through the Udo Schüklenk Chatto and Windus, 288pp, £20.00 off the ship at the foreign ports pirateinfested eastern Indian Wiley-Blackwell ISBN 9780701183103 they visit. Helots of adisposable Ocean. Regaining the ship at 288pp, £50.00, £14.99 and £9.99 Published 2January2014 world, they are unseen servants of Singapore, the author is regaled ISBN 9780470674048, 4055 and aglobal economy. with tales of terrible typhoons, 9781118607817 (e-book) very day Iswim in the Solent, In his stupendous and extra 10m waves and crewmen washed Published 7November 2013 watching vast container ships ordinarily exciting book, Horatio overboard in an instant. Epass down Southampton Clare –whose other works dwell Clare is brilliant at describing ifty! That sounds like fun! Water. Twice the size of the on less dramatic subjects of nature the sea in all its states. “It is terri Are atheists people who Titanic,these leviathans have no and travel –bears firsthand fying on the bridge wing now,the Fbelieve in God but are in bands or cheering crowds to wave witness to this quotidian yet sky angry and torn, the clouds denial? (Myth 3.) People who them off. With silent regularity paradoxically dangerous ripped open to afew shards of worship instead the gods of they slip out of the port, sailing trade. Signing on to the Maersk stars. Youfeel your courage money and materialism? (Myth steadily around the world on their container ship, Gerd,having cowed out there, as you cling to 10.) Do atheists secretly fear death preordained routes. They bring convinced its owners of his value the steel and the wind rips tears –and make swift deathbed back 90 per cent of the goods as awriterinresidence, Clare from your eyes while the ship conversions? (Myths 17 and 18.) we consume, yet their presence is soon falls in love with life at sea. dives into invisible troughs, Or what about those perennial virtually invisible. How much He loves the phlegmatic Danish thumpthunders and totters up arguments that without God more ignored are their crews, captain who, like the rest of the the darkness racingly alive”. He there is no right or wrong? That many of them Filipinos paid only crew,will never whistle on board, writes in the lee of Melville and without religion we become mere apercentage of what their Euro as it is bad luck, but is forever Conrad, drawn to the natural soulless machines? 46 Times Higher Education 2January2014 BOOKS

On second thought, maybe ordinarily we reach conclusions AUnion Forever impressively subjects in the US and in Ireland. 50 sounds like overkill. Surely on the basis of what we experi- addresses this lacuna. In so However,Sim is judicious in half adozen, or 10 at the most, ence.” This is part of Myth 39, doing, it lays to rest the idea that recognising that during periods would suffice. Do we really need devoted to showing that the the US did the bidding of the of political tension, Irish- to challenge the “myth” that the view of theologians such as Irish-American lobby and twisted Americans and the Irish Question courts recognise atheism as a Alister McGrath (19 appearances) athorn in London’s flesh. In were relatively low on the scale religion or that atheism is only that science, too, depends on truth, as Sim shows us, Ireland of importance next to British for an educated elite? Idon’tthink certain assumptions adopted on was only one of many sources of commercial interests both these are real controversies and faith is amyth. Here, instead, Anglo-American tension in the North and South, the Union that is really the problem with theories are supported by evidence years up to and including the seizure of the Trent,aBritish this book –itispreaching, if not and must survive falsification. American Civil War. vessel, or the British manufacture to an empty church, then to one In fact, this discussion is abit US public opinion, of course, of Confederate ships. Specifically, filled entirely with fellow theologi- of amishmash of ideas and the harboured many pro-Irish Anglo-American disagreements cal scofflaws. Vicar Blackford authors themselves seem to have sympathies and some politicians came closer to initiating war and his excellent organist realised that, so they finish the relished the prospect of embar- between the two countries than Mr Schüklenk can lift their section by quoting D’Souza rassing the British over Ireland – the Irish Question ever did. In fellow spirits to afine chorus of again, who apparently has especially in revenge for Britain’s fact, only one Irish-related issue All Things Godless and Beautiful, imbibed Kant to the effect that perceived meddling in the run-up caused real tension: Britain’s but no one is going to be true reality is always out of reach to the Civil War. However,it promulgation of the doctrine of persuaded by any of their 50 care- and we must be content with the was difficult for Washington to “perpetual allegiance”, by which fully constructed mini-debates. world as it appears when seen lecture London on Ireland when naturalised Irish-born Americans Clearly that is not their purpose. through our distorting glasses America had its own Achilles were not recognised as citizens If leading believers back into (so to speak). This is acommon heel. For,asthe writer George of the US and thus faced legal the fold of scepticism were the theme of “religious apologists”, William Curtis would note some proceedings as British subjects. aim, then surely the main spokes- the authors sigh, adding: “if years later: “Ireland is England’s people for religion would be everything we believe is amatter touch-stone, as slavery was philosophers and theologians of of faith…you might just as well ours.” It was difficult for some weight. Instead, here it is believe that you are apoached How,then, did Ireland affect Washington to lecture one Dinesh D’Souza. I’m afraid egg and that this book was writ- Anglo-American relations? I’d never even heard of him, but ten by centipedes from Mars”. AUnion Forever shows that London on Ireland when with no fewer than 30 pages in Now they tell us… it was clearly an issue for both America had its own this fairly slim volume spent countries. The tragedy of famine denouncing his errors, Ithought Martin Cohen is editor of in the 1840s focused minds on Achilles heel –slavery I’d better check. Indeed, it tran- The Philosopher and author,most either side of the Atlantic, with spires that he is awell-known recently,ofHow to Live: Wise enormous amounts of philan- Ultimately, AUnion Forever is spokesman for the radical Right (and Not So Wise) Advice from thropy heading east to embarrass not so much astudy of the extent in US politics, aformer youthful the Philosophers on Everyday Life the British with their laissez-faire, of Irish-American influence on adviser to Ronald Reagan. Like (2013). providential, political economy. Anglo-American relations as of the proverbial country vicar, When Young Ireland nationalists its limitations. Sim shows that D’Souza waits lurking at the door such as John Mitchel and Irish crises brought these two to invite unsuspecting agnostics to T. F. Meagher turned up in fundamentally Protestant coun- his “tea party”. America after escaping from tries closer together.During the As long as everyone in the Australia, where they had been 1870s and 1880s, the emergent world buys and reads this book, sent after their failed uprising in visions of ashared Anglo-Saxon though, they will be safe enough. 1848, they were feted by the superiority,allied to greater D’Souza appears here illogical Irish-American lobby,but no one liberalism in Britain’sIrish and and foolish: it is not the atheists of true influence seriously consid- Atlantic policies, ensured aunity who are “dogmatic and arrogant” ered taking up Ireland’scase. of purpose that relegated Irish- but “someone like D’Souza”, Moreover,this remained America further still. indeed anyone who “claims to the same throughout all phases Drawing on rich and have esoteric knowledge of other- of Irish nationalism until the varied sources, from consular worldly agencies”. Oh, and by establishment of the Free State records and government files the way,did you know Hitler in December 1922. on both sides of the Atlantic to was fervently religious? By that Fenianism undoubtedly extensive newspaper archives measure, anyway… posed an Irish threat to Anglo- and personal writings, this Perhaps it is as well that AUnion Forever:The Irish Question American relations, as the British considered study charts an those chosen to make the case for and U.S. Foreign Relations in the complained bitterly about important transnational theme religion are rather second-rate Victorian Age Washington’stoleration of violent in the pre-history of the champions, because the selection By David Sim anti-British plots often hatched “special relationship”. of thinkers backing up the authors Cornell University Press on US soil. But wider tensions is also rather weak. We see philo- 280pp, £29.95 were at work. With the outbreak Donald M. MacRaild is sophical populariser Julian ISBN 9780801451843 of the Civil WarinApril 1861, professor of British and Irish Baggini make 12 guest appear- Published 3December 2013 temperatures were raised by history,University of Ulster. ances, for example serving as the Britain’sdeclaration of neutrality He is principal investigator back-stop for the highly tenden- hile much has been –anact that gave succour to the for the Arts and Humanities tious claim that “Franco’sSpain written about Irish- Confederacy and infuriated Research Council-funded was controlled by an expressly WAmerican involvement in Washington. Meanwhile, project, Locating the Hidden Catholic ideology”, as well as Ireland’s nationalist movements, The Times could point to the Diaspora: The English in providing authority for the much less has been said about flagrant tolerance of Irish extrem- North America in Transatlantic authors’ own commonsensical how the “Irish Question” influ- ism and of Union recruitment Perspective, 1760-1950 theories: “As Julian Baggini states, enced Anglo-American relations. campaigns to enlist British (2011-14). 2January2014 Times Higher Education 47 APPOINTMENTS Contents

SeniorManagement/Heads of Department 48-50

Professors/Readers/Principals/Senior Lecturers 50-53 Lecturers/Fellows/Tutors/Researchers/Studentships 52-53

To placeanadvertisement please write to: Recruitment Advertising, Times Higher Education, 26 RedLionSquare, Holborn, London WC1R 4HQ Tel: 02031943399 Email: [email protected] Booking deadline: Friday11am theweek of publication. Your advertisement will appear on www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/jobs for4weeksoruntil theapplicationclosingdateifstated(whicheverissooner), unless speciﬁedotherwise or fortechnicalreasonsweare unable to displayit. All advertisements publishedare subjecttoterms and conditionsofTSL Education Ltd(available on request).

AppointmentofDirector of Communications and Marketing

Cardiff University is changing. With anew strategy and direction, we are intent to be amongst the world’s very best. Driven by creativity and curiosity, we are aglobally-recognised institution built upon the foundation of excellent teaching and research across abroad set of disciplines. Based in acosmopolitan capital city, we are a member of the Russell Group, and have afootprint that is at once in Wales, national and international.

We now wish to appoint anew Director of Communications and Marketing to oversee all aspects of Cardiff’s communications activity. As part of the University ExecutiveBoard youwill help us to achieve our ambition by continuing to enhance and promoteCardiff’s national and international reputation, driving customer focused initiatives across internal and external communications activity in order to inform and support the academic mission of the Institution.

To succeed, youwill be professionally qualified, with atrack record of leading and delivering successful change in marketing and communications activity at asenior levelacross complex organisations. Whilst abackground in higher education is not essential, the ability to quickly grasp and operatewithin the intricacies of the sector and its landscape, such that youwill be able to position Cardiff effectively and compellingly to its many stakeholders, is vital.

Forfurther details, including job description, person specification and information on how to apply, please see www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference 1408. The deadline forapplications is midday on Wednesday, 22nd January 2014.

www.cardiff.ac.uk

Registered Charity No: 1136855 2007 &2009

48 Times Higher Education 2January 2014 careers WITH PLYMOUTH UNIVersITY Student Gateway Student Experience Innovations DeanshipofChristChurch, Oxford

Head of Student Accommodation Avacancy will arise for theDeanshipofChrist Church, Oxford, following the retirement Salary: Senior Manager Scale of the Very Revd Dr Christopher Lewis, who will relinquish the post on 30 September Ref: A3609 2014 after eleven years’ service. This appointment is in the gift of the Crown. As one of the largest universities in the UK, atop 10 UK modern university in the world, and winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Christ Church (often referred to as ‘The House’) is aunique joint foundationofacollege Education, Plymouth University is adynamic, innovative and bold institution. As a in theUniversity of Oxfordand the Cathedralofthe Diocese. The Dean is Head of House university of choice for students and staff we are investing in key strategic areas. and Dean of the Cathedralofthe diocese of Oxford. And we are looking for talented, ambitious leaders who can help grow our student The Dean must be apriestofthe Church of England or of achurch in full communion experience reputation so that it is world class. with the Church of England and havebeen in holyorders for at leastsix years at thetime The aim of Plymouth University’s approach to the student experience is to provide of taking up thepost.The successful candidate will demonstrate substantialadministrative an outstanding and brand-worthy standard of service, based on perfecting the experience in acomplex organisation and have an understanding of leadership in a “students as partners” ethos and by enhancing the overall experience to students collaborative community. He or she shouldpossessanunderstanding of, and while increasing their engagement with the university community and the wider community of Plymouth. commitment to, higher education in the United Kingdomand be capableofbeing an effectivecommunicator within ChristChurch, the University and the wider community. In order to achieve our vision of being afirst choice university for excellence in delivering student experience, we now have avacancy for asenior leadership The current stipend for the post is £85,000 and the Dean is entitled to free role, reporting to our Dean of Students. As part of aprofessional team, this role accommodationinChrist Church and to an entertainment allowance. will be responsible for student accommodation and will ensure that the service is progressive, comprehensive, student focused, integrated, cost effective and Further particularsfor thepost may be found on theChrist Church website: transformative. This role will contribute to influencing the strategic direction of (http://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/general-information/employment). Faculties, Directorates and Departments, the wider University agenda, and the Candidates who wish to be considered for this post shouldsend a curriculum vitae with a students as partners approach. covering letter explaining why they would be suitablefor therole to theCensors’ Managing the holistic educational developmentofstudents and the delivery and Administrator,Christ Church, St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DP ([email protected]) developmentofthe University’sstudentaccommodation provision while ensuring that by 3February2014. Applicants areasked to include with their applications the names and holistic education perspectives areatits heart, this role leads the developmentofthe contact details of four referees and arecruitment monitoring form, which may be studentexperience through its housing provision. It is responsible for the management downloaded fromthe college website. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held at of accommodation contracts and agreements, while ensuring value for money and Christ Church on 17 and 18 March 2014. the highest standards of experience, it emphasizes the developmentofthe students as partners approach. This is arole to create and sustain change in currentmethods of delivery of studentaccommodation so thatitismostly focused on studentsuccess inside and outside the classroom. Therole includes studentdevelopment, new halls development, staffdevelopmentand leadership within the studentservices area. You will possess the ability to think and work strategically, have relevant student services experience at asenior level which will include buildings and student accommodation experience. You will also have demonstrable experience in building relationships at all levels and afirm belief in the educational importance that the accommodation experience will have in the holistic development of students. This is afull-time position working on apermanent basis with substantial out of hours work on many nights and weekends as well as some 24 hour duty for campus response on arota basis. TheCambridge Theological Federation wishes to appoint an For further information and to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/jobs Closing date: 12 midnight, Wednesday 15 January 2015. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Plymouth University is committed to an inclusive culture and respecting diversity, (0.6fte, £50,000 prorata) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The University holds aBronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment The Federation is seeking an ExecutiveDirector to implement a to advancing women’s career in STEMM academia. major step-change programme madepossible by funding from a charitabletrust. Its nine constituenttheological education institutions are seeking to achievetheir shared potential as an international and ecumenical hub for research, encounter and excellence. This includes developing theirties with the University of Cambridge, as well as with Anglia Ruskin University and other partners. The ExecutiveDirector will have significant organisationalchange managementexperience.Heorshe will be responsiblefor delivering arange of objectives which result in significantlyenhanced activity. These include: developing aresearch strategy,along withuniversity partnerships and funding to sustain it; delivering well-integrated improvementstoeducational and administrative facilities; building aglobal advisory board; expanding the breadthofthe Federation’s institutionalmembership; upgrading the Federation’son-line profile. This part-timepost is for three years, to begin as soon as possible. Further particularsand application details are available from the President of the Federation via MrsRebeccaHowling at [email protected] or at www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancies790328 Closing date for applications:noon on Thursday 30th January2014 Interviews: Friday 7th February 2014

2January 2014 Times Higher Education 49 SENIOR MANAGEMENT/HEADSOFDEPARTMENT&PROFESSORS/READERS/PRINCIPAL/SENIOR LECTURERS

The University of Edinburgh JESUS COLLEGE The University of Edinburgh is an exciting, vibrant, OXFORD research led academic community offering opportunities to work with leading international academics whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. ELECTION OFPRINCIPAL Inspire. Influence. Advance. Chair in Finance TheGoverning BodyofJesus College, The Further Particularsfor thisappointment Oxfordisseeking anew Principal with effect can be found on the College website Under the leadership of Professor Ian Clarke, we are seeking to appoint an outstanding from 1st August 2015, in succession to (http://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk) and any queries academic as Chair in Finance at the University of Edinburgh Business School. The Lord KrebsKt, MA DPhil Oxon, FRS, may be addressed either to the Vice Principal, appointment is akey part of the School’s continuing programme of investment in FMedSci, who is retiring. Mr. Peter Mirfield (44 (0) 1865 279741 academic excellence, which has seen ten new appointments at professorial level over [email protected]),orto the past year. The Principalwill offerinspiring and Dr. Helen Yallop at Moloney Search Ltd., engaging leadership from within an academic the College’s advisorsinthe process Excellence in research, outstanding leadership abilities, and apassion for building community, assist withthe development and (44 (0) 20 7368 5111 close links with practitioners and professional bodies are the key requirements of the implementation of the College’s strategic [email protected]). role. As part of expanding our research portfolio –and with the benefit of Edinburgh’s vision, and play an important rolein status as aleading financial centre -wewould particularly welcome applications from representing the views andachievements of Applications should be addressed to internationally-recognised academics in the fields of investment, asset management, the College externally. He or she willbe Dr. Helen Yallop at Moloney Search and and related areas. committed to the intellectual life of aleading should include: institution of higher education. (a) acurriculum vitae; In return we offer you the opportunity to take your career to the next level, putting (b) aconcise statement explaining the your leadership ideas into practice so that they have areal impact on the academic The Principal must have adistinguished candidate’s reason for applying, development of your subject at one of the world’s greatest universities. record of achievementand be able to and how the candidatebelieves he or command the respect of the Fellowshipand she matches the qualities that the Do you feel your experience fits with our aspirations? the external community. He or she willhave College requires. an abilitytoengage effectively withstaff and To find out more about our plans and what we have to offer,please go to students,acollegiateleadershipstyle,and an www.business-school.ed.ac.uk Foraconfidential discussion, please contact Christopher Applications should be received by Lake or Sabine Tilly of our advisors at Syllogism at [email protected] or abilitytobuildconsensus. He or she will 28th February 2014. also have an aptitude and enthusiasm for telephone +44 (0)203 417 6076. fund-raising. The College is an equal opportunities employer. Closing date: 15 January2014.

Committed to Equality and Diversity The University of Edinburgh is acharitable body,registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

www.ed.ac.uk/jobs

50 Times Higher Education 2January 2014 Physical Sciences and Engineering Research Chair

CardiffUniversity is driving forward its ambition to be aworld top 100 university and top 20 in the UK. To advance our reputation as atrueresearchleader in the Physical Sciences and Engineering,Cardiff University is seeking potential candidates foraSêr CymruResearchChair,whose researchaddresses either the grand challenges within “A dvanced Engineering and Materials” or those in “Low Carbon, Energy and Environment”. Your researchwill have amajor global impact on science and innovation. As aRussell Group research intensiveUniversity,Cardiffcan offeryou the environment and researchculture to tackle the grand challenges and to realise your researchambition. Theprestigious Sêr CymruResearchChairsinitiativeissupported by the Welsh Government, which has committed up to £50 million to enhance and build upon researchcapability in Wales,toattract world-leading scientists and their teams to Wales and to supportthe establishment of collaborative National ResearchNetworks.This Chair will be ambitious to gain competitivefunding forinventiveand challenging science researchand in doing so will further inspire the academic community. Applications should consist of acovering letter addressing suitability against the person specification and afull curriculum vitae with acomplete list of publications.Applications can be uploaded at www.perrettlaver. com/candidates,quoting reference number 1364. Questions can be directed to Jack Bircher at jack.bircher@perrettlaver. com or via +44(0) 20 7340 6220. The closing date forapplications is Friday17th January2014 at 17.00 GMT.

www.cardiff.ac.uk Registered Charity No: 1136855 2007 &2009

The University of Freiburg has recentlyestablished an English-taught,four-year,interdisciplinary study program “Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences”(LAS).The program is hostedbythe University College Freiburg(UCF), the University’s cross-faculty platform forinternational,interdisciplinary teaching activitiesand newapproaches to instructional design. In this context,the University invitesapplications fora Full ProfessorofScience and Te chnology Studies(W3) The professorship covers thefield of Science andTe chnologyStudies, focusingonthe interface and interplaybetween technologyand scienceonthe one hand and society, politics and economicsonthe other.Thisexplicitlyincludes fields such as Sociology, Anthropologyand History of Science,TechnologyAssessment and InnovationStudies. Candidates must have an excellent international academic record, an empirical researchfocus and theability to cover, in teaching and research, methodological,theoretical and empirical questions concerning theroleofknowledge, science and technologyincontemporarysocieties. Pleasedirect anyquestions as well as your application(includingCV, certificates, teaching record, list of publications, grantsawarded,research profile)byFebruary3,2014 to: Prof.Dr. Hans-HelmuthGander, Dean,FacultyofHumanities, University of Freiburg, D-79085 Freiburg;[email protected] The UniversityofFreiburg is anequal opportunities employerand particularlywelcomes applications by women orcandidates with disabilities who willbegiven preference,provided theyhaveacorrespondingqualification.

Forthe completeand legally bindingad, pleasesee http://www.ucf.uni-freiburg.de/job_offer

2January 2014 Times Higher Education 51 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is agovernment-funded tertiary institution in Hong Kong. It offers programmes at various levels including Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong is committed to the highest degrees. It has afull-time academic staffstrength of around 1,200. The total consolidated international standards of excellence in teaching and research, and has been at expenditurebudget of the University is close to HK$5 billion per year. the international forefront of academic scholarship for many years. The University has acomprehensive range of study programmes and research disciplines DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING spread across 10 faculties and about 110 sub-divisions of studies and learning. There are over 27,800 undergraduate and postgraduate students coming from The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the Research Institute for 50 countries, andmorethan2,000 membersofacademicand academic-related Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) areseeking ahighly motivated individual with aPhD staff, many of whom are internationally renowned. degree related to Atmospheric Chemistry and Regional Air Quality.The CEE enjoys high reputation in conducting application oriented research and has well established connections Tenure-Track Associate Professor/Assistant Professor (2 posts) in Urban Studies and Planning with industry partners and government agencies in Hong Kong. The RISUD is anewly formed (Ref.: 201301262) university-wide institute to develop innovative solutions for sustainable high-density cities by capitalizing on the living laboratory of Hong Kong's urban environment and the multidisciplinary Applications are invited for two tenure-track appointments as Associate expertise of PolyU. The new appointee will further add to the existing research strengths in Professor/Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning in the Department regional air quality of the Department and RISUD. Specifically,the appointee will further of Urban Planning and Design, from as soon as possible. The appointments will develop cutting-edge research in atmospheric oxidative capability and heterogeneous initially be made on athree-year fixed-term basis, with the possibility of renewal chemistry of reactive nitrogen, using advanced experimental and modelling techniques. Please and with consideration for tenure during the second fixed-term contract. visit the website at http://www.cee.polyu.edu.hkfor moreinformation about the Department Applicants should have aPh.D. degree and preferably atrack record of relevant and http://www.polyu.edu.hk/risud/about_intro.html about the Institute. research, publications and teaching with an interest in Hong Kong and/or China. They should be specialized in one of, but not limited to, the following subject Research Assistant Professor in Atmospheric Environment areas in Urban Studies and Planning: urban economics, development feasibility The appointee will be required to (a) initiate, lead and participate in research activities; (b) teach and impact studies, environmental planning, community development and relevant subjects at various levels; (c) supervise student projects and theses; and (d) undertake planning, urban governance, planning and management of the development relevant administrative duties. process, and GIS. Professional qualification or eligibility to membership of relevant professional institutes in urban planning and surveying is desirable. Applicants should (a) have aPhD degree in Chemistry,Atmospheric Science or arelated discipline Academic leadership is expected of candidates for the Associate Professorship. with afirst degree in Science or Engineering; (b) have the relevant postdoctoral research The appointees will be required to make substantial contributions to course and experience (as supported by evidence of research projects and outputs); (c) have agood record programme administration, organization of research activities, and the teaching of research and scholarship; (d) demonstrate potential for establishing significant externally funded of master’s and undergraduate programmes. They will also be expected to research programmes; and (e) be able to conduct effective classroom teaching. supervise research students and attract research funds. Information about the Remuneration and Conditions of Service Department/Faculty can be obtained at http://fac.arch.hku.hk. The remuneration package for the Research Assistant Professor post is the same as an Aglobally competitive remuneration package commensurate with the appointee’s Assistant Professor post. Ahighly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Appointment for Research Assistant Professor will be on afixed-term gratuity-bearing contract qualifications and experience will be offered. At current rates, salaries tax does for up to three years. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual agreement. Applicants not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointments will attract acontract-end should state their current and expected salary in the application. gratuity and University contribution to aretirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary, as well as annual leave, and medical benefits. Housing Application benefits will be provided as applicable. Please submit application form via email to [email protected]; by fax at (852) 2364 2166; or by mail to Human Resources Office, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Applicants should send acompleted application form together with an Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.Ifyou would like to provide a up-to-date C.V. to [email protected]. Please indicate clearly “Ref.: separate curriculum vitae, please still complete the application form which will help speed up 201301262” and which level they wish to be considered for in the the recruitment process. Application forms can be obtained via the above channels or subject of the e-mail. Application forms (341/1111) can be obtained at downloaded from http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/job.htm. The closing date for application http://www.hku.hk/apptunit/form-ext.doc. Further particulars can be obtained is Thursday, 30 January 2014. Applicants who arenot invited to an interview within two at http://jobs.hku.hk/. Closes January 31, 2014. months of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the The University thanks applicants for their interest, but advises that only shortlisted University’sPersonal Information Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at applicants will be notified of the application result. http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/jobpics.htm. The University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to aNo-Smoking Policy

Christ ChurCh

Faculty of Science and Engineering Fowler Hamilton Visiting Research Fellowships 2015-2016 School of Engineering The college proposes to elect Fowler Hamilton Visiting Fellows, in the Humanities and Social Sciences, from overseas for up to eleven months in the period September 2015 to August 2016. Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in The Fellowships areintended to enable distinguished senior scholars to pursue their own study and research as members of the college. Industrial Design (3 Posts) The Fellows will be expected to reside in Oxfordduring the period of tenure. They will be entitled to free £37,756 -£60,496 pa family accommodation, use of astudy room in college and free lunches and dinners. Returneconomy Anew academic area is being developed to teach and undertake research in fares from the country of origin will be paid for each Fellow and his/her family.Limited stipends may Design. This will initially cross the engineering disciplines, primarily addressing also be offered depending on individual circumstances. functional design, but with the potential to embrace art, built environment and Further details may be obtained from the Dean’sPA, Christ Church, OxfordOX1 1DP hence aesthetics. We are seeking outstanding individuals with arecord of,or (telephone: 01865 276161, email: [email protected]) and applications must potential for,relevant research and/or professional activity.You should have a be received by 7th February 2014 at the latest. The further particulars can also be seen on PhD in arelevant discipline and will possess relevant knowledge, experience the college website at www.chch.ox.ac.uk on the Employment Opportunities page. and skills to contribute to the enhancement of Design Research and Teaching The College is an Equal Opportunities Employer towards an international reputation. Job Ref: A-584937/THE Closing Date: 31 January 2014

Forfull details, or to request an application pack, visit www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/ or e-mail [email protected] Please quote job ref in all enquiries. COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

52 Times Higher Education 2January 2014 PROFESSORS/READERS/PRINCIPAL/SENIOR LECTURERS &LECTURERS/FELLOWS/TUTORS/RESEARCHERS/STUDENTSHIPS

School of InformatIon SyStemS, computIng and mathematIcS department of mathematIcal ScIence

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is agovernment-funded tertiary institution in Hong Professor or Reader in Mathematics/ Kong. It offers programmes at various levels including Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degrees. It has afull-time academic staffstrength of around 1,200. The total consolidated Operational Research expenditurebudget of the University is close to HK$5 billion per year. Acompetitive salary will be offered Vacancy Ref: BHA363-1 DEPARTMENTOFCHINESE AND BILINGUAL STUDIES [email protected] One of the missions of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies is to promote and develop studies of Chinese in multilingual contexts and studies of multilingualism in Chinese Professor or Reader in Statistics contexts. It has established arelatively strong reputation in Applied Chinese Language Studies, and seeks to extend its strength in areas like Bilingualism (including Translation & Acompetitive salary will be offered Vacancy Ref: BHA362-1 Interpreting), Cross-Cultural Communication and East Asian Studies. Another mission of the [email protected] Department is to offer profession-based programmes that meet the career aspirations of the young adults of Hong Kong and Greater China. It offers bachelor,master,and doctoral programmes in Bilingual Corporate Communication, Chinese Linguistics, Chinese Language Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer in Mathematics/ Teaching, Speech Therapy,Teaching Chinese as aForeign/Second Language, Translating & Interpreting. It also offers programmes in Korean/Japanese Business Communication at Operational Research bachelor and master levels. Within the Department, thereisaCentrefor Translation Studies, a Salary H3: £36,731 -£47,219 pa incl. London Weighting Language Testing Unit, and aChinese Language Centrewhich provides training in Chinese language and Putonghua for the whole university.The Department has over 75 full-time Salary H5: £51,382 -£55,931 pa incl. Vacancy Ref: BHA364-1 academic staffmembers. Please visit the website at http://www.cbs.polyu.edu.hk for more London Weighting [email protected] information about the Department. Professor /Associate Professor in Applied Chinese Linguistics / Lecturer/SeniorLecturer in Statistics Chinese Literature /Bilingualism and Communication /Chinese Salary H3: £36,731 -£47,219 pa incl. London Weighting Linguistics /Foreign or Second Language Education /Translation Salary H5: £51,382 -£55,931 pa incl. Vacancy Ref: BHA365-1 and Interpreting (four posts) London Weighting [email protected]

The appointees will be required to (a) engage in teaching and related learning activities at both Full-time, permanent undergraduate and postgraduate levels; (b) take an important role in curriculum design and development; (c) undertake scholarly research in his/her area of expertise; and (d) provide The Department of Mathematical Sciences has along-established recordoffostering avibrant administrative support for academic and departmental affairs, and play an active role in research-active environment, which is enhanced by asignificant number of PhD students. The programme management. Successful candidates areexpected to undertake academic importance of interdisciplinary collaboration has been recognised and the department is keen to research in his/her area of expertise. Applicants at Professor level will be expected to provide ensurethat its research can be applied to problems arising in industry and in other disciplines. academic leadership in his/her area of expertise. The department is seeking to appoint four outstanding individuals to lead and enhance Applicants should have (a) aPhD degree in arelevant discipline, preferably with the specialism our existing research groups. Twoofthese appointments will be in the area of Statistics. in Cantonese Linguistics, Chinese Syntax, Applied Psycholingusitics, Applied Sociolinguistics, The other two appointments will be in any of our current research areas with apreference Bilingual Corporate Communication, Cross-cultural Communication, First/Second Language for Mathematical Finance or Operational Research. Acquisition, First/Second Language Education Pedagogy,Legal Translation, Media Translation, The successful candidates will have aPhD and be suitably qualified and will be expected or Interpreting; (b) at least ten years’ relevant post-qualification experience and an excellent to play asignificant role in the research and teaching environment of the Department of recordofrelevant academic and/or professional achievements; (c) fluency in English; and (d) a Mathematical Sciences. The level of appointment will be dependent on experience and strong commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarly activities and professional service. academic achievement. Preference will be given to those who have fluency in Chinese (both written and spoken). The ideal candidates will have internationally leading records of research and will have Remuneration and Conditions of Service an outstanding list of research publications in mathematics commensurate with their level Ahighly competitive remuneration package will be offered. An appropriate term will be of experience. provided for appointments at Associate Professor and Professor levels. Applicants should state their current and expected salary in the application. For informal enquiries please contact: Dr Steve Noble (email: [email protected]) Application Closing date for applications: Friday 31 January 2014 Please submit application form via email to [email protected]; by fax at (852) 2364 2166; or For further details and to apply please visit by mail to Human Resources Office, 13/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong https://jobs.brunel.ac.uk/WRL/ Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.Ifyou would like to provide a Human Resources, Brunel University,Uxbridge, separate curriculum vitae, please still complete the application form which will help speed up Middlesex UB8 3PH the recruitment process. Application forms can be obtained via the above channels or downloaded from http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/job.htm. Recruitment will continue until Committed to equal opportunities the positions are filled. Details of the University’sPersonal Information Collection Statement and representing the diversity of the for recruitment can be found at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hro/jobpics.htm. community we serve

http://www.brunel.ac.uk

2January 2014 Times Higher Education 53

THEPOPPLETONIAN YOUR OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER spice” “Finem Re

ANew Year message from your vice-chancellor Youknow,people often tap on the our participation, narrowed campus to say “hello” but did all need to have in mind as we window of my limousine and ask our focus, extended our reach, such agreat job bulking up our face the future going forward. if Ican spare them abob or two expanded our ambitions and submission to the research excel- For tomorrow is anew day, from my enormous salary.And my shrank our outgoings. lence framework. tomorrow brings anew dawn, reply,asIwind up the window,is It was also ayear in which our Sadly,we’ve had to say “Good- tomorrow (Mrs D. Could you always the same: “Go and work application to join the 1994 Mis- bye and Farewell” to our Philoso- pop in something here about for aliving, you idle scumbag.” sion Group proved to be the rock phy Department. I’ve always had our new vocational degree in There’samessage there for all on which that group ﬁnally found- asoft spot for philosophy,even Cuticle Management and hint of us. Gone are the days when ered, ayear in which our consist- if its practitioners do constantly at the imminent closure of the academic staff could fritter away ency was recognised by our bang on about the need to deﬁne English, French and History hours on such indulgences as occupancy of the same position one’sterms. But at least there’s Departments?). thinking and reading and even (so in every university league table. now one term they no longer legend has it) talking to students. We also said “Hello and Wel- need to fret about (their term of Nowadays, it’sacase of all hands come” to new members of staff, employment!). (Mrs Dilworth. on deck, all shoulders to the grind- not only the extra managers Please leave exclamation mark The Vice-Chancellor stone and all noses to the wheel. who’ve been brought in to manage to indicate presence of joke.) and Chief Executive (Mrs Dilworth. Is this right?) our existing managers but also the Youknow,itwas Shakespeare (signed in his absence It was hard work that made several hundred very part-time who so wisely said “Tomorrow by Mrs Dilworth) 2013 ayear of triumph for Pop- members of research staff who and Tomorrow and Tomorrow”. pleton: ayear in which we widened never actually made it on to And that’svery much what we [email protected]

Business and management English 25, 43, 46 University 52, 53 Liverpool Hope 26 P Sussex 8 44, 45, 50 Essex 4, 14, 20 Huddersﬁeld 14 Liverpool John Moores Panjab 16 Sydney16 INDEX Exeter 26 15, 23 Philosophy/theology46, 49 C I London Metropolitan 25 Plymouth 49 U A Cairo 16 F Imperial CollegeLondon London School of Economics Politics 25 Uclan 4, 10 AbertayDundee 29 Cambridge6,8,18, 21, 24, Freiburg 51 8, 21 6, 7, 12, 21, 23 Princeton 25 Ulster 32, 47 Ain Shams 16 35, 49 Institute of Education, University CollegeLondon Arts and design 43, 52 Cape Town 23 G London 22 M Q 6, 8, 12, 27 Assiut 16 Cardiff 48, 51 Geographyand environmental Manchester 34 Al-Quds 17 University for the CreativeArts13 Cranﬁeld 14 studies 43, 52 K Mansoura 16 B Glasgow Caledonian 15 Kansas 16 Maryland 12 R W Bangor 21 D Glasgow School of Art21 King’sCollegeLondon Mathematics 53 Rochester 14 Warwick 8, 32 Bath 23 Dartmouth College45 Goldsmiths, London 6 11, 21, 23, 28, 41 Medicine 27 RoyalCollegeofArt 23 West of England 6 Ben-Gurion 19 De Montfort14 Greenwich 43 Kingston 4, 9 Middlesex 14 RoyalHolloway, London 14 Westminster 27 Birkbeck, London 6 Derby43 RoyalVeterinaryCollege8,14 Wollongong 24 Birmingham 7, 45 Duke43 H L N Wolverhampton 15 Birmingham City 14 Durham 6, 43 Harvard 22 Lancaster 7 Northampton 4 S Boston 28 HebrewUniversity Languages and linguistics Northumbria 23 St Andrews 15 Y Bradford 23 E of Jerusalem 18 43, 53 Nottingham 19, 43, 44 Soas, London 28 York 8 Brandeis 17 East Anglia 25 Henan 16 Leeds 21 Social sciences 50, 52 Brighton 8, 32 East London 10 History42, 44, 47 Leeds Metropolitan 22 O Southampton 6, 14, 21, 46 Z Bristol 17 Edinburgh 50 Hong Kong 52 Leicester 8, 32 Oxford 8, 20, 25, 35, 49, Sunderland 15, 32 Zagazig 16 Brunel 53 Engineering 51, 52 Hong Kong Polytechnic Liverpool 7, 35, 52 50, 52 Surrey22 Zhengzhou 16 56 Times Higher Education 2January2014