The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest university news from around the world, on 16 August 2013.
Hong Kong: Researchers at University of Hong Kong discover new swine flu virus
Microbiologists at the University of Hong Kong have discovered a new strain of influenza virus in dead pigs, reports the South China Morning Post. The virus, which they have named porcine parainfluenza virus 1 (PPIV-1), is not expected to be a significant health risk if the meat is well cooked, but they say it is a type of virus (called a paramyxovirus) known for crossing species barriers. Microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung, who heads the study, said: “We should watch for possible cross-species transmission from pigs to humans, just as in the case of [human] swine influenza H1N1 and the Nipah virus."
India: First aviation university to start in 2014
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University at Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh will be the first university in India to provide aviation-related training when it opens next year, reports The Economic Times. It is a response to a talent shortage in the industry, and will train pilots, aircraft engineers and cabin crew. The civil aviation ministry will oversee its creation. Apart from teaching, training and research, the university will “focus on emerging areas of studies such aviation management, aviation regulation and policy, aviation science and engineering, transportation of dangerous goods and other related fields”.
Kenya: University closes after student protests
Maasai Mara University in Kenya has been closed indefinitely, following student protests asking for the removal of the acting vice chancellor, Professor David Serem, reports All Africa. The students have accused the professor of mismanagement and misappropriating funds, saying that they have faced water shortages, security issues, and delays in receiving results. They received an internal memo telling them to leave the university premises, but some students have refused and intend to challenge the decision to close the institution.
India: Top Canadian university officials will tour India to recruit students
Representatives of nine elite Canadian universities will soon be touring around India to recruit undergraduates, reports News Track India. They will stop in Mumbai, New Delhi, Dehradun, Hyderabad and Bangalore, including visits to select schools and information fairs. Tour director Robert Finlayson of Carleton University said: "Indian students are sought for their academic strength and their rich contribution to student life on Canadian university campuses”.