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Reports on the accusation by two academics that a government committee advising on the disposal of the nuclear waste in Great Britain is ditching science for public relations in 2006. Arguments presented by the two academics in their accusation; Evidence of the accusation; Position of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the issue.

This article reports on a formula for determining the most depressing day of the year 2006 popularized by Cliff Arnall, a health psychologist affiliated to Cardiff University in Wales. It outlines the factors considered in the equation, discusses criticisms raised by public relations (PR) companies against the equation, and explains why British academics are asked to endorse PR surveys.

Presents trends and developments affecting the education sector in Great Britain. Decision of former soccer player Lawrie Madden to teach an MA in sports broadcast journalism; Significance of conference to improve public relations skills of public sector workers; Insights on government communication.

Comments on the development in higher education in Great Britain. Speculations on the content of the government's television campaign to explain tuition fees, grants and bursaries; Press release issued by the higher education and research web site Hero on how it could help the sector; Rage about the removal of Labour Member of the Parliament Ian Gibson as chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee.

Explains why British scientists who talk to the public deserve praise and not derision. Misconception of scientists about talking with the public; University, research councils and charities' mission statements requiring academics to talk with the public.

Reports that some universities are hiring consultants to advise them on public relations in Great Britain. Amount paid by Leeds University on consultancy projects; Need to change the bad reputation of consultants in academia; Likelihood of students to give a balanced view to an external consultant through a non-attributable survey than a university-led one.

Relates the challenges faced by the author in having an ultimate public relation tests in Great Britain. Determination of cost efficiencies in the public relation and finance departments; Establishment of his own consultancy firm; Procedures in contracting out a public relation firm.

Reports on the increased importance given to image-raising activities by universities and colleges in Great Britain in order to attract more students. Strategic reputation management; Improvement of the university's reputation seen as the key to meeting recruitment targets; Examples of public relations strategies.

Reports on the 2000 Young Master of Spin competition on information technology public relations consulting for students in Great Britain.

Reports on the participation of 34 British educational institutions in fairs organized by the British Council in Tokyo and Fukuoka, Japan aimed at attracting students to Great Britain. Comments by several university liaison directors on the work of the council in promoting British education in Japan.

Opinion. Discusses the efforts of universities in Great Britain to improve their public relations image. Vulnerability of colleges' reputations; Importance of the link between ethos and identity.

Focuses on the emerging picture of higher education external relations departments in Great Britain. Decisions Sue Coffey has to make as head of Bradford University's public relations (PR) department; Budgets allotted for university's PR departments; Factors considered important in improving PR departments of universities.