Category Archives: Science Culture

How Groupthink Contributes to Harassment

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Athene Donald

I was recently challenged by a colleague after a meeting as to whether we had all been guilty more of ‘groupthink’ than was apparent at the time or that any of us would have wished. I’m not sure that I … Continue reading →

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Sausage Machines in the Academic Lab

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Athene Donald

There was a bit of a spat over Twitter last week regarding how many hours students (and postdocs) should be expected to do at the bench. This originated in a tweet from a professor of chemistry but I don’t think … Continue reading →

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Who Do You Think You Are?

Posted on July 14, 2019 by Athene Donald

This is not about the TV programme of the same name. I would not be a good contender for that because, at least on one side of the family, I know quite a lot about my antecedents so I doubt … Continue reading →

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Unconscious Bias Training Isn’t a Magic Wand

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Athene Donald

This week saw a sober assessment of the impact – both positive but also depressingly negative – of schemes to improve gender equality. As the Athena Swan Review Group wrestles with how to improve their own awards, it is important … Continue reading →

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Friends with Benefits

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Athene Donald

A recent study shows – in Switzerland at least – that nominated referees judge grants more favourably than those unconnected with the applicant. I’m afraid I didn’t find the conclusion of the study a surprise. Additionally I suspect that having … Continue reading →

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