Looking ahead: What does autumn have in store?

As the new academic term gets underway, we explore what’s coming up

The new academic year started with a sombre tone. After the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September, the period of national mourning meant the usual markers of a new term were paused.

But after a false start, researchers have returned to labs and lecture halls with plenty in their in-trays. With a new prime minister in place and fresh faces in key government positions—although still no science minister—there is likely to be lots happening outside of university campuses that affects R&D in the coming months.