Author Archives: Athene Donald

Collini and Science

A couple of months ago Stefan Collini published his book ‘What are Universities for?’ to much interest. This book was reviewed in many places including here on OT by Erika Cule, although overall the reviews were pretty mixed. Peter Conrad … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, Education | Tagged , , , | 28 Comments

Conferences and Courage

Exactly a year ago I wrote about the annual High Polymer Research Group Conference, held at the edge of the Peak District. Over the years I have watched it transform from an inward-looking cliquey organisation, where I initially sat right … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

How Many Arms do you Have?

I was amused  by the throwaway comment Bettany Hughes made in her recent TV programme Divine Women  about the Hindu Goddess Kali’s many arms being ideal for multitasking. Academics of all ages would benefit from growing a few more limbs, … Continue reading

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

10 Things You Should Know about Election to the Royal Society

There has been much consternation today in the Twittersphere –  and no doubt elsewhere too  – about the fact that there were only two women this year in the list of 44 new Fellows elected to the Royal Society. It … Continue reading

Posted in Equality, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Why We Need to Start Young

Recently the Royal Society of Edinburgh released its report looking at the position of women in STEM in Scotland and what ought to be done by their Government; it also looked more broadly at the situation across the UK.  The … Continue reading

Posted in Equality, Women in Science | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments