The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 22 October 2012.
UK research associations and universities sign declaration of openness on animal research
Universities and other research organizations working in the life sciences in the UK have signed a declaration promising openness in regard to animal testing in research. The declaration comes on the back on a survey which revealed that more than one in three people living in the UK are opposed to the practice.
Asian women’s leadership university overcomes land acquisition obstacle
A new Malaysian university for women based on the US liberal arts model has come one step closer to achieving its goal of opening its doors 2015, thanks to an offer of land from the local government of Penang. The university had run into trouble when residents living near the originally proposed site raised objections earlier this year, reports University World News.
Lack of student housing leads to protests in Egypt
Thousands of Egyptian students studying at the nation’s public universities have staged protests bemoaning a lack of student housing, reports University world News. Concerns that academically stronger students have been given preferential treatment have been raised. US$2 million has reportedly been invested in the improvement of existing accommodation.
Budget cuts will be damaging, warn Australian universities
Recently announced cuts to research budgets amounting to US$515 million over four years will damage Australia’s ability to compete on the international stage and will stifle economic growth, the country’s universities have warned. Additionally, 1450 job opportunities will be lost, according to estimates from leading research universities, reports The Age.
Rice University to offer course based on video game
Rice University’s Department of English is to offer a course on popular video game Skyrim for one semester only. The course, titled Scandinavian Fantasy Worlds: Old Norse Sagas and Skyrim , will look at how Old Norse and Icelandic literature has been appropriated in modern culture.