Author Archives: Athene Donald

No More Red Meat?

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Athene Donald

The terrifying and deadly fires in Australia are a grim reminder of climate change. Greta Thunberg should be a prick (indeed more than a prick) to everyone’s conscience, reminding us that each and every one of us has a part … Continue reading →

Posted in sustainability | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Thinking about Your Workload

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Athene Donald

The first time I was asked to serve on a research council (standing) committee, when a young(ish) researcher, I did not seek my head of department’s position. I informed him, since it happened we worked closely together, but it did … Continue reading →

Posted in Communicating Science, Science Culture | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Shenanigans with the Railways

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Athene Donald

Rules about railway tickets have clearly always been mysterious, as this Punch cartoon of 1869 makes clear.  “‘Station Master say, Mum, as cats is ‘dogs,’ and rabbits is ‘dogs,’ and so’s parrots; but this ere ‘tortis’ is an insect, so … Continue reading →

Posted in travel | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How Long does it take to Gain Expertise?

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Athene Donald

Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s right-hand man, currently is said to be set on shaking up the Civil Service. The three elements that are rumoured to be on the agenda are: Better training in data science, systems thinking and ‘super-forecasting; Staff … Continue reading →

Posted in Interdisciplinary Science, Science Funding | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Leaning In or Leaning Out: Who does What (and Why)?

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Athene Donald

Girly swot Brenda Hale, otherwise known as the outgoing President of the Supreme Court with an impressive taste in brooches (see figure), was quoted recently as saying: “I encountered many young men from public school backgrounds who felt entitled to … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 1 Comment