23 February 2020  Issue No: 586

China’s response to the coronavirus has widespread consequences for science, research publication and education. Journal publications are being delayed, scientific conferences shelved, campuses all over the country are closed and even the gaokao school-leaving exam, crucial to university entrance, is under threat.

Many universities across China have still not reopened due to the coronavirus epidemic and no date has been set for proper teaching to resume, leading many institutions to put in place ‘holding courses’ taught online, though some lack resources and many are hit by censorship.

Two alliances of leading African and European universities have issued a joint call for African Union and European Union leaders to support the creation of a substantial fund for research collaboration between African and European universities, to address the profound demographic, social and environmental changes facing both continents.

United Kingdom universities need to take action now to fight for a protected space for higher education and research negotiations in the European Union-UK talks on the future relationship and lobby and prepare for ongoing post-Brexit associations between them and continental universities.

Despite cautionary tales about foreign involvement in Indonesia’s higher education system, experienced providers in Australia such as Monash University, which has just announced that it will establish the first foreign campus, are prepared to invest the time, effort and resources to build connections.

Universities are working overtime to try to convince European Union students to take up 2020-21 Erasmus+ study placements in United Kingdom universities and encourage UK scientists to continue collaborating with European research partners in accessing Horizon 2020 grants from the European Commission amid post-Brexit confusion.