Category Archives: Science Funding

Higher Education Through the Looking Glass

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Athene Donald

I feel as if the Higher Education sector has somehow stepped through Alice’s mirror. Everything is topsy-turvy and has been for some time.  It is hard to know where the next attack will come from. Labour peer Lord Adonis started … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Science Funding | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Parliamentary Debacle?

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Athene Donald

This past week I have learned some things about our Parliamentary democracy I have never previously known I needed to know. I also got decidedly cross. It started with a tweet, a tweet from the Parliamentary Science and Technology Committee … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Funding, Women in Science | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

European Reflections from Padua

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Athene Donald

The ERC (European Research Council) last month celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Judging by the speeches and conversations on the day, ranging from  Commissioner Moedas and President Juncker to the ERC’s many grantees, it seems to be widely considered as rapidly … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture, Science Funding | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

Posted in Research, Science Culture, Science Funding | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Conspiracy or Cock-up?

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Athene Donald

Inclusivity seems something of a current buzzword. When Theresa May came to office she stated clearly in her first speech that ‘we won’t entrench the advantages of the fortunate few’. One of her immediate actions was to call for an … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Science Funding | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment