Insights and analysis

Catch up on the latest insight, analysis and opinion from UUK staff and a range of voices from across the higher education sector.

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8 October 2026 Insights and analysis

8 October 2026 Insights and analysis

The numbers are strong, but community engagement is what makes them count: what KEF 6 tells us about good growth, universities and knowledge exchange

While UK universities are powerful engines of research and innovation, KEF 6 shows that their greatest value comes through local collaboration that strengthens communities, businesses and regional economies.
6 October 2026 Insights and analysis

6 October 2026 Insights and analysis

The anniversary of 7 October: protest, timing and keeping campuses safe

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of UUK, has emphasised that universities have a legal duty to uphold free speech, including the right to protest. As the third anniversary of the 7 October atrocities approaches, we urge students, staff and all members of campus communities to remember that timing matters.
25 September 2026 Insights and analysis

25 September 2026 Insights and analysis

Who pays for higher education in England? How the balance has shifted from government to graduates

New analysis by London Economics shows that the cost of funding English undergraduate education and student support has shifted significantly from government to students and graduates.
18 September 2026 Insights and analysis

18 September 2026 Insights and analysis

The PM’s 10-year plan must include exploiting the full potential of universities

The Prime Minister's 10-year plan for the UK must harness the full potential of universities to drive economic growth and opportunity across the country.
16 September 2026 Insights and analysis

16 September 2026 Insights and analysis

What does it mean to be an educated person in the era of AI?

Michael Larsen, Chief Executive Officer of Studiosity, reflects on what it means to be an educated person in the era of AI and why the foundations of learning remain unchanged, despite rapid technological advancement.
13 August 2026 Insights and analysis

13 August 2026 Insights and analysis

Results Day 2026: Why university still opens doors to careers, skills and opportunity

As students receive their exam results, Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, celebrates their achievements and highlights the many pathways, opportunities and careers that lie ahead.
4 August 2026 Insights and analysis

4 August 2026 Insights and analysis

Research, skills, collaboration: how universities power UK security

Universities UK explores how universities are strengthening the UK's defence sector following the creation of the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA).
10 July 2026 Admissions

10 July 2026 Admissions

How contextual admissions improves access to higher education

As Chair of the contextual admissions advisory group, Professor Karen O’Brien FRSA discusses the role of contextual admissions in widening access to higher education and supporting student success.
17 June 2026 Funding, finance and operations

17 June 2026 Funding, finance and operations

Why digital maturity matters more than ever

Heidi Fraser‑Krauss, Chief Executive of Jisc emphasises the need for UK university leaders to have an understanding of their digital maturity, and invites them to complete their UK higher education digital maturity assessment.
8 June 2026 Insights and analysis

8 June 2026 Insights and analysis

Government must start treating higher education like the investment in the future of our country it is

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of UUK, and Amira Campbell, President of the NUS (National Union of Students), discuss how there needs to be a re-evaluation of who pays for higher education, moving towards a model that recognises its value to society.
6 May 2026 Opinion

6 May 2026 Opinion

Actions not words: Universities and antisemitism

Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of UUK, on how to address rising antisemitism following attendance at a Downing Street summit. Universities can be part of a solution to counter extremism through education while safeguarding free speech and academic freedom.
30 April 2026 Opinion

30 April 2026 Opinion

Autonomy is not enough: a hard truth for UK higher education

Professor Amanda J Broderick, Vice Chancellor and President at UEL shares how protecting and strengthening higher education will require renewal driven from within, with universities willing to listen and evolve how they operate.

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