Author Archives: Athene Donald

What do ‘Skills’ Mean to You?

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Athene Donald

We frequently hear the word ‘skills’ tossed about, as in ‘there’s a skills shortage’ or ‘a skills mismatch’, but put a bunch of people in a room, and ask them to discuss skills, and – with no additional qualifying words … Continue reading →

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Gender Pay Gaps: Getting Worse

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Athene Donald

This is the season when all larger employers have had to report their gender pay gap. Is it good news? No, things appear to be going backwards. “Enduring gender pay disparities in Whitehall reflect low female representation in senior roles … Continue reading →

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Is Ballroom Dancing like Academia?

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Athene Donald

One of my secret loves is watching each series of Strictly Come Dancing. It is a feel-good vibe we all need in these dark geopolitical days, however much I don’t care how many sequins are sewed on by hand.  So, … Continue reading →

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Another Year, Another IWD: What’s Changed?

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Athene Donald

Every year International Women’s Day sparks a momentary bout of reflection about the state of women in our society. The  House of Lords has an annual debate, for instance, this year about women in STEM.  Social media will showcase many … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Manufacturing

Posted on March 2, 2025 by Athene Donald

How many factories have you visited in your life? Do you have any sense of what goes on there? When I was a postdoc in the Cambridge Materials Science Department, helping out with undergraduate projects, I was offered a chance … Continue reading →

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