There is a “catastrophic decline” in formal language learning in Britain: Only 2.97% of A-Levels taken in 2024 were for Modern Foreign Languages, Classical Subjects, Welsh (Second Language) and Irish. https://t.co/4nWf1uwZBM

Collapse of languages has ‘knock-on effects’ for research University-wide language provision increasingly important for international research capabilities, says Hepi report author. https://t.co/hDktzy3x1E

Saltburn-by-the-Sea's historic cliff lift has been a much-loved treasure since it opened in 1884. This incredible piece of heritage is made even more unique as it's powered by water. It's one of the oldest water-balanced funiculars in England. 🌊

The 1919 Housing Act - the Addison Act - received the royal assent on this day 106 years ago. 176,000 council homes were built under its terms and its standard of high quality housing set a benchmark for decades to come (Examples from Poplar, Newcastle, Lancaster and Winchester)

Pretty stunning testimony here from Sarah Wynn-Williams, the latest Meta whistleblower to come forward, to Sen. @MarshaBlackburn: "Facebook was targeting 13-17-year-olds. It could identify when they were feeling worthless, or helpless... and share it with advertisers."

Since 2009, we’ve used this account to share University updates, highlight research stories, and connect with the Leeds community far and wide. However, in recent years - like many others - we’ve experienced a huge drop in engagement due to developments on the platform.

This is now also the position off the RCA Design Research account. Follow us instead on @rcadesres.bsky.social We cannot improve on George Monbiot’s description of the problem…

Germany’s decision to sign a national agreement with open access publisher MDPI has been criticised as “highly problematic” in light of the firm’s “questionable practices” regarding peer review and special issues https://t.co/hEEp5DUAh5

Our drama schools are facing a financial crisis, shutting down opportunities for the next generation. In today's @guardian, CFTA trustee Samuel West (@exitthelemming) calls for "urgent action to protect and expand everyone’s access to the arts". https://t.co/Cnsjl3jJY1

Bristol Old Vic theatre school: the capping of student fees, restrictions to international student visas, cuts in grants and increases in costs of living and teaching had all influenced the decision to shut down the undergrad programme from September 2025.

Every university that does this, regardless of the reasons, weakens the racket stranglehold that this publisher has on them Surrey says Jisc-negotiated deal “not sustainable in the current financial climate” https://t.co/5rDRfyIsH5

Consuming arts and culture is good for health and wellbeing, research finds

#OTD in 1815, Ada Lovelace was born to poet Lord Byron and social reformer Annabella Milbanke. Ada's talents in maths led her to work with Charles Babbage and her visionary notes on his Analytical Engine saw the potential for computers to go beyond mathematics. #ComputingHerstory

Born #OnThisDay in 1906 was American computer scientist Grace Hopper. She was a pioneer of computer programming, developing programming languages like COBOL which is still in use today. She was one of the first programmers on the Harvard Mark I computer and is credited with

Extraordinarily high temperatures are expected to persist into at least the first few months of 2025. https://t.co/6BhEoLUT7D

“M&S should sell the present building to someone who can see its conversion potential” - C20 Chair @hughpearman in @TheArtNewspaper on the growing backlash to the Secretary of State’s controversial demolition decision.

It should have been a simple moment of shared joy. Ally Louks posted a smiling selfie on X (Twitter) to say she had passed her #PhD viva with no corrections. But instead she was subject to a torrent of vile abuse, including rape threats. https://t.co/mACzAYDUTo

#dontbuyanything

Plastics lobbyists make up biggest group at vital UN treaty talks. Fossil fuel and chemical industry representatives outnumber those of the EU or host country South Korea.

"Twitter/X has ceased to be a neutral platform it’s time academics let go" https://t.co/axnS5ncDTT