Author Archives: Athene Donald

Thinking about Your Workload

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

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?

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)?

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

Post-Election Christmas Reading List

The general election is now done and dusted. The UK’s future is determined, for good or ill. Scientists (along with everyone else) now must work out how to interact with the new policies, new ideas and – if some of … Continue reading

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