Earlier this year, Times Higher Education introduced News Talks, our new podcast unpacking the stories shaping higher education worldwide. Since then, the debate around academia’s future has only intensified.

New episodes are now live, bringing our journalists together to dive deeper into the policy shifts, global tensions and institutional challenges making headlines.

Recent discussions include:

• Can Magyar free Hungary’s universities from Orbán’s legacy? – After a historic election, why reversing a decade of backsliding on academic freedom and institutional autonomy might not be straightforward 
• Will Australia’s R&D review deliver on its promises? – As a sweeping reform agenda for research funding and policy is unveiled, we ask whether ministers will follow through on costly, long-awaited change
• What is driving the branch campus rush to India? – Why UK universities are betting on a fast-growing market, and the risks behind a renewed push into transnational education

If you haven’t had a chance to listen yet, now’s a great time to start. And if you’ve already tuned in, there’s plenty more to explore.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to stay up to date with the latest episodes.

News Talks brings together our reporters and editors to go beyond the headlines – explaining not just what’s happening, but why it matters.