Academic dynamics

There have been attempts to reform universities and other centres of higher learning but a correct solution to the difficult problems posed by these institutions has yet to be found. It now appears clear that until we have a rigorous theory to underpin this field, all changes will be empirical, haphazard and unlikely to produce the desired effects. Our small group has been quietly investigating this field over the past few years with the aim of establishing Academic Dynamics as a scientific discipline, to be incorporated into the world of learning and research. Although some progress has been made, the group has unfortunately been steadily reduced in number by the erosion of biological time and it has become increasingly urgent to document some of its more important findings before it vanishes completely. We had originally planned to have our own journal, MAD (Memoranda on Academic Dynamics), but this has not been possible. I am delighted therefore that the editor has allowed us to publish some of our work in this journal. Selection has been difficult, but here are three excerpts that I hope will stimulate further work.