Author Archives: Athene Donald

Being Media-Savvy

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Athene Donald

I’m a great believer in media training, but the reality is that it isn’t as simple as ‘one size fits all’. Any training will no doubt help confidence and maybe point out your good and bad traits, but how to … Continue reading →

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Why Lazy Stereotyping is Damaging

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Athene Donald

I was very pleased to hear a male academic referred to as ‘not a shrinking violet’ the other day. Not because I was feeling particularly vindictive towards the person concerned, but because I have always thought that this unpleasant phrase … Continue reading →

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Depersonalising the REF

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Athene Donald

Successive rounds of the RAE and its successor REF have always caused high levels of stress and anxiety. The associated workload is very substantial for institutions (and many individuals); the stakes are high in terms of both reputation and funding. … Continue reading →

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Thinking Longitudinally and Long-term

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Athene Donald

There are many things we take for granted these days that were once mysteries. To take a specific example, relevant to the rest of this post, I’d include the fact that smoking during pregnancy has implications for both the immediate … Continue reading →

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No More ‘Male by Default’ Please

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Athene Donald

Another year, another International Women’s Day. This year the strapline is ‘be bold for change’. A good motto but many will feel that boldness is dangerous in the face of opposition or incomprehension. Incomprehension is perhaps commoner than one thinks: … Continue reading →

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