12 November 2020  Issue No: 291

Researchers from the HIV Prevention Trials Network believe a breakthrough in the development of a long-acting product for HIV prevention could significantly reduce the risk of HIV acquisition, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where 59% of new infections occur in women, particularly young women.

South African vice-chancellors’ salaries are under the microscope following a request from parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology for a probe on the inconsistent levels of remuneration for university heads and executives. However, freezing the salary packages is not expected despite the financial turmoil facing the sector.

The professional development of trainers has been identified as a critical component in the success of technical and vocational education and training or TVET in Ethiopia and as a criterion for the accreditation of these institutions. Ethiopia’s TVET Strategy recognises the indispensable roles of highly competent, qualified and motivated trainers.

Universities in the least developed countries are often neglected when it comes to funding, even though they are the factories that churn out professionals and leaders essential to the strong societies they require. This was the reason why the academic Steven Davis founded the organisation Academics Without Borders in 2006.

On 25 November University World News, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will be bringing together experts and practitioners from the International Association of Universities, the Talloires Network of Engaged Universities and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in an online webinar on how universities can improve their social impact.

Using the brands of universities which generate income from student fees, edtech and online programme management providers in partnership with universities have already opened a new page in the de-professionalisation and fragmentation of academic labour, casualising higher education work and creating more low-paid insecure jobs.

European governments and institutions are becoming more aware of challenges and pressures on continuing extensive research collaboration with China, with several countries and the European Union drawing up new guidelines to step up knowledge security and academic integrity, and for protection of academic freedom.