This research report provides a summary of the UK part of the international study of the changing academic profession, which has been supported by Universities UK and other national higher education bodies. The international study aims to examine the nature and extent of the changes experienced by academics, the reasons for these changes and their consequences. An earlier report, "The changing academic profession in the UK: setting the scene," was published by Universities UK in 2007 as the study got underway in twenty countries worldwide. The Centre for Higher Education Research and Information (CHERI) at The Open University has undertaken the UK element of this study of the changing nature of academic work and the conditions and environment in which it takes place, the drivers of these changes and the implications for the continued attractiveness of the profession. This report describes the changing academic profession study and presents some of the key results for the UK and compares them with both the international findings and those from a 1992 survey undertaken under the auspices of the Carnegie Foundation. The report then explores some of the policy implications and the main challenges for higher education arising from this emerging evidence. These challenges are significant and far-reaching and the policies and practices designed to address them need to be informed by evidence, including the findings of the international changing academic profession study. Finally the report discusses the longer term trends and future issues affecting the development of the profession. It outlines the basic drivers of these changes and explores, in particular, the likely further differentiation and restructuring of the academic profession, work and careers. In many ways these developments challenge traditional notions and customs and practices but, in conclusion, the authors argue they also create new opportunities for academics and other professionals supporting core academic activities. (Contains 14 tables, 15 charts and 53 notes.)