Tag Archives: decisions

The Path Not Taken

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Athene Donald

One of the last tasks I did as Master of Churchill College, was to partake in an afternoon’s event as part of their alumni weekend, badged as ‘Arts meet Science’. The first, and more substantial part, consisted of various pieces … Continue reading →

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Are You Authentic?

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Athene Donald

‘Be true to yourself’ is a well-worn phrase, almost a mantra. I  know I pepper talks (and writing) with the phrase. I think I know exactly what I mean and had assumed others did too. I do not mean that … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Culture | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The ABC of panel scoring: Anchoring, Bias and Committee Procedures

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Athene Donald

Academic life is particularly full of rank ordered lists, even if they are frequently not transparently available. From undergraduate examinations to professorial promotions, from REF (and in future TEF) marks to grant-awarding panels, the scores matter. Anyone who has ever … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, Science Funding | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

When Did You Decide to…..?

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Athene Donald

People seem to think that life travels in straight, orderly lines, with everything mapped out from birth. I have never felt that my life was like that and it is always startling when I find other people assume that I … Continue reading →

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

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Athene Donald

Last week I spotted these words from Tolkien emblazoned on a poster (indeed several copies) on the walls of the tunnel which joins Imperial College and South Kensington Station. They seemed curiously apposite given what I had just been doing, … Continue reading →

Posted in Careers | Tagged , , | 5 Comments