Monthly Archives: April 2026

Women in Tech: A Call for Action

283 years! That was the figure the DSIT Secretary of State stated would be the length of time it would take, at current rates of progress, for women to make up 50% of the Tech workforce at a reception at … Continue reading Continue reading

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In which I come home

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been caught in the flurry of the early-spring conference season, crisscrossing continents to take part in that most ritualistic of scientific pastimes: networking, giving talks, sliding through poster sessions, drinking bad coffee from steel … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in academia, Domestic bliss, Gardening, Joshua, Nostalgia, Research, The ageing process, The profession of science, work-life balance | Comments Off on In which I come home

Persistence, Obstinacy and Red Lines

Persistence: such a positive word, nicely aligned with others such as resilience and self-confidence. All positives. But what do you think when you hear the word obstinacy? It conveys an edgy, tiresome quality. Perhaps someone who stops others doing what … Continue reading Continue reading

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Fish Worship – Is It Wrong?

‘Why don’t you go into Angel Aquatics and get some more angel fish?’ said Mrs Gee, thinking that our very large (136-litre) tank was down to just two fish – one Plecostoma, and one large angel fish, so was looking … Continue reading Continue reading

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Taking the Chair (for the first time)

Sometimes things bring you up short in ways you weren’t expecting, and that happened this past week as I was trying to prepare for a talk. I’ve been asked to discuss my ‘leadership journey’ with a group of mid-career academics … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in careers, committees, inclusive, mid-career, Science Culture, time-keeping | Comments Off on Taking the Chair (for the first time)

In which sadness serves a purpose

It’s one of those weekend afternoons when the garden is almost too beautiful. Too much. I sit here under a blanket on a deck chair in the blustery wind, trying to write, but all the songbirds have forgotten I’m here … Continue reading Continue reading

Posted in art, Nostalgia, staring into the abyss, The ageing process, Writing | Comments Off on In which sadness serves a purpose