University Rankings & Reputation: Malaysia’s higher education minister pointed to strong international results, highlighting Universiti Teknologi Petronas as the first Malaysian university in Asia’s top 40 in the AppliedHE 2026 rankings. Critical Thinking in Graduation: University of Reykjavík rector urged graduates to separate evidence-based knowledge from personal belief, stressing independent evaluation and scientific methods. AI in Healthcare Research: The University of Hawaii is turning a former garage space into a Pacific AI data center with $12M+ in NIH funding to improve cancer detection and analysis across local and regional populations. Campus Governance & Protest Rules: University of Hawaii plans new “time, place and manner” limits on speech and protests across its 10 campuses, drawing concerns about curbing long-running student activism. Student-to-Workforce AI Pressure: Employers are increasingly seeking AI-fluent workers, and students say the pressure to use AI tools is reshaping job searches and attitudes. Health & Environment Research: Studies link microplastics and plastics-laden plaque with higher stroke and heart risk, while a new review warns nicotine e-cigarettes likely raise lung and oral cancer risk. Climate Threat to Farming: New research warns a “super El Niño” could severely damage global agriculture, hitting hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers.