iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

We look forward to working closely with ministers appointed today, including Jonathan Reynolds and @lucympowell.bsky.social in their new roles. Working together we can help accelerate and realise our ambitions for public good. Read our CEO's response in full 👉 www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/respons...

russellgroup.ac.uk

Response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new ministerial appointments | Russell Group

The Russell Group's Chief Executive comments on new Cabinet appointments

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Queen's University Belfast @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Breakthrough: 3D Printed Battery Our experts are solving real-world problems by developing an innovative 3D-printed battery, which they say could help make a big impact on the road to net zero. Want to find out more? Click here: ow.ly/YzR550Zq4rB

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Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 14/07/2026

New research from our Psychology Department reveals that children do far more than learn from adults, they create their own cultures. Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

durham.ac.uk

New study reveals children drive cultural change - Durham University

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University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Could our latest discovery put us on the brink of a breakthrough in quantum technology? Our experts have unveiled a new way of building ultra-thin materials just a few atoms thick – and they say it could accelerate research in quantum materials and electronics. Read more: tr.ee/MhesGK

A close-up of a transparent blue film labeled "mica membrane." The membrane, a rectangular area with a shiny, reflective surface, shows iridescent colours under light.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

🗣️“Contextual admissions is an incredibly valuable element of our efforts to widen access... just one part of how we are removing barriers”. Our response to a new contextual admissions guide from @universitiesuk.bsky.social, UCAS and @suttontrust.bsky.social. www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/support...

russellgroup.ac.uk

Supporting a new framework for contextual admissions | Russell Group

New guidance from UUK, UCAS and the Sutton Trust aims to improve the responsible and transparent use of contextual admissions across the sector

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Royal Institution @rigb.org · 09/07/2026

A diverse diet contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, but there are other unexpected little helpers in our home... 🐈 In the 2024 Christmas Lectures, Chris van Tulleken and Louise Kenny explained how our environment affects our gut. Watch the whole series here: youtube.com/watch?v=FP3-Vq3NiO4

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University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The @britsciassoc.bsky.social Festival is coming to Southampton and the programme is live 🔬 🗓️ 16–20 September 2026 🎟️ Free tickets now available Join us for one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of science, browse and book events here 👉 britishsciencefestival.pulse.ly/qu1…

A person with curly hair is intently looking through a microscope in a laboratory setting, holding a printed page with text in their other hand. They are wearing a navy blue sweater and appear focused on their work. Various laboratory equipment is visible in the blurred background.

A person standing with arms raised, silhouetted against a dazzling display of blue and white lights creating abstract patterns. The scene appears futuristic, with the person facing a tunnel-like structure adorned with sparkling lights, centered around a large, illuminated circular design.

A male with a VR headset on. He is tilting his head back, has his mouth open in amazement and is wearing a suit jacket. Behind him is a screen with fluorescent colours projected.

A man stands in a dark room, looking up at a large digital display of Earth glowing with vibrant blue and green colors. The Earth's surface shows continents and cloud formations. The man wears casual clothing and appears pensive, with his hands in his pockets, creating a contemplative scene.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Great to see The Martingale Foundation exploring how socioeconomic background shapes the PhD experience in their new report. martingale.foundation/new-research... This research complements our own recent briefing on improving access to postgraduate study. russellgroup.ac.uk/policy/polic...

martingale.foundation

New research reveals how socioeconomic background can shape the PhD experience - Martingale Foundation

Socioeconomic status found to impact social integration and access to training and development opportunities among PhD researchers New research into the experiences of PhD researchers, by Martingale F...

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

✍ "Across our campuses, innovators & entrepreneurs ensure excellent research does not sit on a shelf in a laboratory, but moves into boardrooms, hospitals & factories." Prof Chris Day writes for BioFocus on how universities can help drive success in life sciences ➡️ bio-focus.co.uk/biotechnolog...

A female scientist working in a life sciences lab

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

10 years after the Brexit vote, we've joined the @germanu15.bsky.social to call on EU leaders to preserve the openness of @horizoneu.bsky.social & ensure UK researchers can continue to strengthen Europe’s research excellence & competitiveness. Find out more👇 www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/germany...

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

It's fantastic to see UK institutions performing strongly in the latest round of ERC Advanced Grants. The UK has the biggest share of grant winners - 62 out of 319 winners will carry out their work in the UK. Read more about UK participation in Horizon www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/boostin...

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Congratulations to Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE who has been appointed Vice-Chancellor and President at @unisouthampton.bsky.social from 1 October. We're delighted that we will continue to work with Charlie as he moves on from his role at @york.ac.uk, where he has been Vice-Chancellor since 2019.

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King's College London @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Research to chew on... A combination of bubblegum and beetroot lowers blood pressure. @kingslsm.bsky.social scientists have discovered the cardiovascular benefits of chewing sugary gum after consuming vegetables high in nitrate. www.kcl.ac.uk/news/chewing...

kcl.ac.uk

Chewing sugary gum after eating beetroot lowers blood pressure | King's College London

Chewing sugar-containing gum enhances the cardiovascular benefits of nitrate-rich vegetables.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 19/06/2026

Oxford researchers have contributed to a major advance towards large-scale quantum sensors that could operate in real-world conditions. The breakthrough could help probe the nature of dark matter, dark energy and gravitational waves ⬇️ bit.ly/4vXKmHK

Abstract illustration representing quantum sensing research, featuring two glowing red-orange spheres suspended above a rippling field of blue and orange particles and wave patterns. The futuristic image evokes quantum phenomena, energy fields and gravitational effects. Overlaid text reads: “Oxford researchers contribute to major advance in the search for dark matter and gravitational waves.”

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The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 19/06/2026

Real-time microscopy has revealed how tellurium nanostructures form and evolve in liquid, showing that growth begins with spherical seed particles that develop into nanowires competing for material. doi.org/10.1016/j.ma... #MaterialsScience #Nanomaterials #ElectronMicroscopy #Semiconductors

Text reads, 'Real-time imaging links nanowire growth to improved tellurium deposition with bismuth seeding'

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Queen's University Belfast @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

RESEARCH NEWS! Could something as simple as adding foods like berries and grapes to your diet help improve your #HeartHealth? Our experts have been investigating the health benefits of eating foods that are rich in anthocyanins in reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

ow.ly

New research reveals foods that could reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes

New research led by Queen’s University Belfast suggests adding berries, red wine, aubergine, and grapes to your diet could help improve your heart health.

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University of Southampton @unisouthampton.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

A simple swap from beef steak to salmon once a week could save the carbon needed to fly from London to Morocco. Our researchers found UK meat consumption is more than double NHS guidelines, with potential to cut emissions through small diet changes. More: southampton.pulse.ly/mip9isid7g

A fresh, raw salmon fillet rests on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by bamboo sushi mats, nori sheets, and a pair of white chopsticks.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

This week our Head of Policy (International) Ben Moore spoke at a Business and Trade Committee evidence session on China and the UK economy. He covered the extensive work our universities do to balance benefits and risks of international partnerships, and how govt could further support our sector.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Delighted to welcome the North East Spinout Inspire Fund,a £22.5m fund between North East England’s 5 universities including @durham.ac.uk @newcastleuni.bsky.social and NE Mayor Kim McGuinness to help transform academic research into high-growth new businesses 🎉 www.northeastfund.org/funds/spinou...

northeastfund.org

North East Spinout Inspire Fund - North East Fund

The Spinout Inspire Fund supports university spinouts with early-stage investment, helping academics and students commercialise innovations.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

With the highest ratings for value for money in over 10 years driven by teaching quality, and strong student satisfaction across the country, today's findings are a vote of confidence in our universities. See our response to the survey here ➡️ www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/russell...

russellgroup.ac.uk

Russell Group welcomes findings of the new Student Academic Experience Survey | Russell Group

The latest annual survey from Advance HE and HEPI shows the strongest perceptions of value for money in over a decade

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Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 05/06/2026

Find out more about the research behind this article: www.nature.com/articles/s41... www.science.org/content/arti...

nature.com

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The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 05/06/2026

👁️ A international team of scientists has created the most detailed picture yet of how genetic differences shape the way the human eye works. The breakthrough could help explain why millions of people develop sight‑threatening conditions.. www.doi.org/10.1038/s414...

New genetic map of the human eye reveals clues to vision loss

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

NEW: Researchers from @ineosoxford.bsky.social have identified a new class of molecule that could help protect ‘last-resort’ antibiotics from bacterial resistance, and reduce the amount of antibiotics needed to treat infections by up to 32 times ⬇️ bit.ly/4x2wMEo

Close-up photograph of an antibiotic susceptibility test in a laboratory. A white antibiotic disc labelled “CTX 30” sits at the centre of a bacterial culture plate, surrounded by a clear circular zone where bacterial growth has been inhibited. A dark blue banner at the bottom contains the text: “New type of inhibitor could help tackle resistance against ‘last-resort’ antibiotics” alongside University of Oxford branding.

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Durham University @durham.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

How can we improve the healthcare for women in prison who live with severe mental illness? This is the focus of research by @proftammiwalker.bsky.social and colleagues who recently discussed their work at the House of Lords. Find out more 👉🏼https://tinyurl.com/bdfckn6p @durhampsych.bsky.social

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King's College London @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

An interactive robotic plushie toy called Purrble may help reduce depressive symptoms in LGBTQ+ young people. The device, co-designed by researchers in @kingsnmes.bsky.social, was specifically designed to target emotion regulation. www.kcl.ac.uk/news/robotic...

kcl.ac.uk

Robotic plushie could significantly ease depression in LGTBQ+ young people | King's College London

An interactive robotic plush toy called Purrble may help reduce depressive symptoms in LGBTQ+ young people.

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University of York @york.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

Our demand for common household items is leading to deforestation and even the loss of some species overseas. York researchers are urging policymakers to consider the UK’s environmental footprint abroad, as well as at home: lnkd.in/epcpmBSh

Image shows a tropical lake, with overhanging palm-like branches. Text reads: “Counting the cost. British demand for everyday global commodities can be linked to more than 29,000 hectares of deforestation worldwide in a single year, with tens of thousands of hectares stripped directly from overseas ecosystems.”

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Expanding medical school places is vital but the workforce crisis cannot be solved by numbers alone. As our policy manager Jamie Roberts highlights in @timeshighered.bsky.social we must address the workload & supervision capacity within the NHS to support trainee doctors.🧵(1/3) bit.ly/4dY9lEZ

timeshighereducation.com

The UK’s expansion of medical training is on life support

With the NHS desperate for more capacity, increasing the number of doctors entering the system seems an obvious remedy. But with the system lacking the resources to boost training places or offer perm...

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University of York @york.ac.uk · 03/06/2026

Scientists have been trying to find out how plants make nicotine for 200 years. Now York’s researchers have found the answer, bringing exciting possibilities for new medicine and vaccines: lnkd.in/eE7_mRxf

Images shows two scientists in a greenhouse laboratory at the University of York. Text reads: “New Nicotine Knowledge. Scientists have been trying to find out how plants make nicotine for 200 years. Now York’s researchers have found the answer, bringing exciting possibilities for new medicine and vaccines.”

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The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 03/06/2026

A metre in length and armed with pincers over 16 centimetres long! A giant scorpion that once roamed Britain has been confirmed as the largest of its kind ever to exist, thanks to new research by scientists at UoM and the Natural History Museum @nhm.org onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 02/06/2026

NEW: Oxford study shows the brain uses brief, slow rhythms to organise how memories are formed, stored and later recalled. Find out more ⬇️ bit.ly/4dK8Wpn

Digital illustration of a glowing brain network with a headline about research showing how the brain uses rhythms to organise memories.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 03/06/2026

Strange winds on distant worlds have revealed the strongest evidence yet that some exoplanets may be magnetic 🪐 Researchers, including @oxfordphysics.bsky.social, measured winds of up to 25,000 km/h to uncover clues to magnetic fields beyond our Solar System ⬇️ bit.ly/3PBGCfN

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University of Exeter @exeter.ac.uk · 03/06/2026

If you were a bower bird, what would you bring your mate to impress her? Well, it all depends on whether you're a city dweller or a rural inhabitant. New research shows that city birds gathered larger, more colourful decorations – mostly from human sources – than their more understated rural rivals.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 02/06/2026

Oxford’s new Graduate Student Access Strategy aims to widen opportunities and remove barriers to postgraduate study. Find out more ⬇️ www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-06-01-why-ox…

A student writes in a notebook during a university seminar or study session. The image includes a blue banner with the text: “Why Oxford is making graduate access a priority” and University of Oxford branding.

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University of Glasgow @glasgow.ac.uk · 29/05/2026

Professional learning and student assessment in schools is set to be transformed, thanks to a first of its kind advance in education technology led by @uofgeducation.bsky.social and The Glasgow Academy. More: gla.ac/4u7LPdo

A teacher standing beside a white board with letters and students sit in front of him.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 29/05/2026

NEW: Oxford researchers have helped to achieve a world first - loading a complete genome onto a quantum computer. This makes an important step towards a future where quantum computing accelerates biological discovery. Find out more ⬇️ bit.ly/4u7Qr3h

Digital illustration of a DNA strand surrounded by data and code, with a headline about a world-first achievement in quantum computing and genomics.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 01/06/2026

NEW: An Oxford-developed vaccine candidate targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has received backing from CEPI, accelerating efforts to respond to the epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. More info ➡️ bit.ly/4uif4KI

Illustration of an Ebola virus particle with a headline about CEPI backing for an Oxford Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine candidate.

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Queen's University Belfast @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

A new report delivers the stark message that cancer care world-wide is in crisis due to a predicted shortage of 100 million people in the workforce, unless issues are urgently addressed. Read more here ➡️ ow.ly/3gar50Z66TY #LoveQUBResearch | @thelancetoncol.bsky.social | #ASCO26

Image shows Professor Mark Lawler. At the bottom of the image is a red rectangle containing white text that reads:
“Make no mistake; this is a wake-up call, no matter where you are in the world. What we’ve uncovered is shocking – how can we reconcile a 15 million increase in cancer cases diagnosed with a 100 million decrease in cancer staffing? The data unfortunately do not lie. We can’t wait until 2050 to see if our projections are correct – we must act now.”
Professor Mark Lawler,
Chair in Translational Cancer Genomics and Professor of Digital Health

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Read in @the-independent.com about our call with @researchplusunis.bsky.social to exempt Chevening Scholars from the recent visa brake. We're urging govt to protect valuable opportunities for genuine talented students, who have undergone rigorous assessment. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

independent.co.uk

Leading universities urge Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from visa ban

Exclusive: Russell Group universities ask for carve-out from visa ban for Chevening scholars

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Dave Ahluwalia @daveahluwalia.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Really pleased to see @hollybancroft.bsky.social cover our letter on the government’s visa brake, which bans talented international students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan and Myanmar from studying in the UK @the-independent.com @russellgroup.bsky.social www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

independent.co.uk

Leading universities urge Mahmood to exempt exceptional students from visa ban

Exclusive: Russell Group universities ask for carve-out from visa ban for Chevening scholars

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

In #DementiaActionWeek, we're spotlighting ground-breaking university research that's transforming diagnosis and care. @uniofnottingham.bsky.social spinout @cercamagnetics.bsky.social uses quantum technology in wearable brain scanners to detect early signs. www.russellgroup.ac.uk/impact/notti...

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

✍ "If the LLE is to substantively change how England learns, there will need to be a significant cultural shift in how learners, institutions, government & business approach education". Policy manager Jamie Roberts writes for @timeshighered.bsky.social today on the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Run by @manchester.ac.uk & Manchester Camerata, Music In Mind challenges traditional dementia care, prioritising emotional connection & expression through music. This pioneering programme has reached 11,000 people in Greater Manchester ⬇️ www.russellgroup.ac.uk/impact/music... #DementiaActionWeek

russellgroup.ac.uk

Music in Mind – Redefining dementia care through connection | Russell Group

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University of Exeter @exeter.ac.uk · 18/05/2026

Experts from the University of Exeter and the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and have been awarded £125,000 to lead national research into robotic hernia surgery. news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-h...

news.exeter.ac.uk

Exeter researchers awarded £125,000 to lead national robotic hernia study

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Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Research universities in @russellgroup.bsky.social, Switzerland, @u15ca.bsky.social, & New Zealand call for "day one" access to next EU research framework programme, FP10, warning delays could disrupt collaboration www.timeshighereducation.com/news/give-us... via @seher-education.bsky.social

timeshighereducation.com

Give us ‘day one’ access to next Horizon, non-EU universities urge

Research-intensive universities in associated countries say delays would risk collaboration in ‘strategically important’ science

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

🔬Trusted partners in associated @horizoneu.bsky.social countries need day-one access to the next EU R&D programme to boost stable research collaborations. That's the message from the Russell Group, swissuniversities, Universities New Zealand & @u15ca.bsky.social in a letter to the EU Council.

Russell Group Policy Manager Douglas Dowell said:

“Universities have worked hard to help researchers make full use of the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. Restoring participation to previous levels remains challenging, but we are now seeing UK successes, including in the ERC, that are delivering economic and scientific benefits for the UK and our EU partners.

“We want to build on this in the next Framework Programme. Uncertainty about the UK’s long-term position, and that of other associated countries, makes this harder. Early political agreement on allowing trusted partners to take part in an open, research-led FP10 from day one, would provide certainty and help avoid the disruption to R&D we saw in 2021-23."

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Russell Group @russellgroup.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Universities are central to driving growth and improving lives - as today’s Education Select Committee report on higher education funding recognises. But delivery depends on financial stability and consistent policy across government. Read our full response ⬇️ www.russellgroup.ac.uk/news/respons...

Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of the Russell Group:

The approach we’ve seen recently has included some significant contradictions and inconsistencies... We therefore welcome the report’s focus on a more coordinated, strategic approach to university funding across government departments.

“Our universities have their part to play too, and we look forward to working closely with government and our sector colleagues to secure more stable and sustainable financial conditions that will enable us to help drive a brighter future across the UK”.

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University of Oxford @ox.ac.uk · 30/04/2026

NEW: Researchers from @oii.ox.ac.uk have found that AI chatbots trained to sound warm and empathetic are significantly more likely to make factual errors and agree with users’ false beliefs. Find out more ⬇️

Person holding a smartphone displaying a chatbot interface with the text “How can I help you?” and a voice waveform, alongside overlaid text stating that friendly AI chatbots make more mistakes and tell people what they want to hear, according to a study.

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