Standards are rising: top research universities argue that only they should be funded to produce top-quality research

Article Abstract:

Chair of Iberian and Latin American languages, Roger Walker, professor of Spanish at Birbeck College, welcomes the seven-point rating scale in the Research Assessment Exercise, but found that it was difficult to judge the line between 3a and four. He found the quality of submissions higher and believes the standard of work is improving. Biochemistry rated highest out of 69 units of assessment and there were improved grades in general engineering. Standards also rose in drama, dance and the performing arts.

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Small invention, massive leap

Article Abstract:

University of Wales physicists have been awarded a contract by NASA to equip a space probe with a mass spectrometer detector array. The array was developed under the Link programme at a cost of 1.25 million pounds sterling. Current instruments only have a single ion detector but the university team developed an array of detectors which are placed on a single silicon chip. The array is ito be used in the Mars and Discovery Progamme missions to evaluate upper and lower altitudes.

Infrared array detectors, Infrared antenna arrays

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Genetics mutates and grows

Article Abstract:

Confidence in research ability at Cambridge University's genetics department remains high. The department undertakes a wide range of research including the genetics of bacteria, theoretical population genetics and human genome mapping. It scored well in the Research Assessment Exercise, although acting head of department Ian MacDonald, believes this will make little difference to the department's budget.

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