Teesside professors told to reapply for jobs

Teesside University has told 27 of its professors to reapply for their jobs over the summer.

Plans to create a new research professor title as part of an effort to boost Teesside University’s standing in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) have been met with hostility by academics and trade unions.

The University and College Union called the university’s actions “bizarre”, and claimed that it had failed to clarify the rationale. The university dropped a “bombshell” on staff who were preparing for their summer break and the new academic year, the UCU said in a statement on 7 July.