Category Archives: Science Culture

Parliamentary Activity

Posted on May 2, 2022 by Athene Donald

This week has brought some curious interventions into the STEM landscape in Parliament. I will return shortly to the much-publicised, if seemingly ill-informed remarks about girls and Physics made by Katherine Birbalsingh – a headteacher and the Government’s social mobility … Continue reading →

Posted in Interdisciplinary Science, Science Culture, Science Funding, Women in Science | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Indications of Direction of Travel at UKRI

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Athene Donald

I have been reading the recent publication from UKRI, their strategy document for the next five years. In UKRI’s relatively brief history, this is the first such document it has produced, because it is only now that they have any … Continue reading →

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In Academia, Pats on the Back are Rare

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Athene Donald

How are you doing? I don’t mean either mentally or physically, but are you keeping up with the Jones’? Are you doing as well as you should for the stage of career you’re at, and how do you know? The … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Strong Women, Wise Words

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Athene Donald

Today I read two interviews with academic leaders, strong women both working in decidedly male-dominated fields. Their experiences are salutary and their advice worth taking to heart, much of it applying regardless of gender. Firstly, and more famously at least … Continue reading →

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Unconscious Bias 2.0

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Athene Donald

‘Unconscious bias’ has become very much part of the conscious process that many organisations try to bring to bear on their decision-making, be it with regard to promotions or appointments. However, what do they mean by it and how do … Continue reading →

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