Category Archives: Science Funding

What Makes a Breakthrough?

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Athene Donald

Until a few days ago, I’d never really thought very much about the Breakthrough Prize, a huge collection of prizes created by Mark Zuckerberg and friends. Or, more precisely a smallish collection of huge prizes, the big ones each being … Continue reading →

Posted in Communicating Science, Science Funding | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Is the Royal Society Treating Women Fairly?

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Athene Donald

This year’s announcement regarding successful applicants for Royal Society University Research Fellowships (URFs) has been hailed with deep suspicion by many. Out of 43 awards only 2 went to women and there is no getting around the fact that this … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Science Funding, Uncategorized, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Thinking about the Pipeline

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Athene Donald

A PhD should comprise both education and training. It should not be slave labour or done in blindness about where it might be leading. But I fear these statements don’t always apply. In the research grouping in which I sit … Continue reading →

Posted in Careers, Science Funding | Tagged , | 35 Comments

Where’s an Industrial Policy When You Want One?

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Athene Donald

A little while ago I had the pleasure of hosting the visit of Chukka Umunna (Shadow Business Minister)  to the University of Cambridge to discuss the UK’s industrial strategy or, perhaps more accurately, its lack thereof.  Over a sandwich lunch … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture, Science Funding | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Why I Can’t Write Anything Funny about the REF

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Athene Donald

It’s the silly season, a time of year when many people are on holiday and usually big news tends to be in short supply other than the the annual excitement over A level grades. (Mind you, not so this year, when … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Science Funding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 62 Comments