Monthly Archives: June 2026

Tackling the NEET Crisis

Posted on 30 June 2026 by Athene Donald

We hear a lot about NEET’s (those not in Education, Employment or Training); they are a major source of concern and form the focus of the recent Milburn Review. His recent, if interim report, has dug down into the characteristics … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Andy Burnham, careers, education, Milburn Review, practical work, T Levels | Leave a comment

In which my list becomes achievable

Posted on 28 June 2026 by Jennifer Rohn

It never seems as if the academic stress will end, until suddenly, sometime in late June, it just does. The students disperse for the academic year like fluffy tree pollen on the wind. The final marks are generated, moderated and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in academia, Domestic bliss, Gardening, Research, Scientific thinking, Teaching, The profession of science, work-life balance | Leave a comment

A Man of the People?

Posted on 21 June 2026 by Athene Donald

In the run-up to the recent Makerfield by-election, I saw comments to the effect that Andy Burnham couldn’t be the ‘man of the people’ he claimed to be, because he had been educated at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge. A remark … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Andy Burnham, careers, education, Fiona Hill, Manchester, Oxbridge, stereotyping | Leave a comment

Alex

Posted on 17 June 2026 by Richard Wintle

Alex McCulloch, 1995-2025. Music and words worth your attention. Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Alex McCulloch, mental health, Music, musician, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Victims and Perpetrators

Posted on 13 June 2026 by Athene Donald

Some readers may have noticed in the media, recent (separate) reports that two Fellows of Kings College, Cambridge, have resigned/been stripped of their fellowship due to allegations of harassment and misconduct.  I haven’t seen any particular details about the accusations, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in bad behaviour, complicit, harassment, Science Culture, Women in science | Comments Off on Victims and Perpetrators

In which we struggle: mental health in higher education

Posted on 12 June 2026 by Jennifer Rohn

It is no secret to anyone who works in a UK university that our students are struggling: statistics from 2010-2011 suggest nearly 6% have reported a mental health condition. Confidential surveys reveal a much higher number; for example nearly 60% … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in academia, students, The profession of science, work-life balance | Comments Off on In which we struggle: mental health in higher education

And so, 2025

Posted on 8 June 2026 by Richard Wintle

Once more, ten favourite photographs, this time from 2025. Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in 2025, autosport, China, concert photography, dog, Hobbies, motorsport, Music, Photography, racing, top ten, travel | Comments Off on And so, 2025