Division of Science

A proposal is being floated in India that ISRO should hand over routine rocket launches and satellite missions to domestic industry, freeing the space agency to concentrate on deep-space science and breakthrough exploration. The argument reflects a growing policy debate in India over public-private division of labour in the space sector, following the opening of launches to private players and the rise of startups building their own vehicles.

University World News argues that science and higher education must prioritise dialogue over division. The piece frames open conversation across disciplines, institutions and society as essential to addressing polarisation and defending the role of universities in public life, calling on leaders in research and academia to build bridges rather than deepen splits.

Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Research and its science division, is retiring after 16 years at the company, saying he is leaving for a 'once-in-a-lifetime' next move. Lee oversaw Microsoft's research organisation through a period of major AI advances, and his departure raises questions about who will lead the company's scientific research efforts next.

Harvard University's Division of Science has launched five faculty searches related to artificial intelligence, according to The Harvard Crimson. The move signals the university's push to expand AI expertise across its science departments, adding new professorships focused on the fast-growing field. It comes as universities worldwide compete to hire leading AI researchers and build out teaching and research capacity in machine learning and related areas.