Author Archives: Athene Donald

Just Getting By: Coping and Learning

The pandemic is teaching each of us individually many things. Some may be things we might not want to know about ourselves: how resilient we are; how well we cope with four walls and a screen, perhaps with no other … Continue reading

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Yet Another Source of Inequality?

It is far too early to know what the long-term social, economic and educational impacts of the current pandemic are. However, some predictions are easier to make than others. One unfortunate but obvious side-effect is the perpetuation and accentuation of … Continue reading

Posted in careers, COVID-19, CV, ECRs, Equality, Women in science | Comments Off on Yet Another Source of Inequality?

What Should You Be Doing Now?

One of the questions you ought not to pose to someone – be it a mentor, supervisor or sponsor – is ‘what should I do?’ Because, the answer has to be: ‘that’s up to you’. There is no uniquely right … Continue reading

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We’re All in This Together

If life were other, if we weren’t all ‘wfh’ and trying to stay sane as well as productive, today I would be putting the finishing touches to a talk I was due to give at the end of the week … Continue reading

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Is Losing a President Careless?

So what really is going on in Brussels regarding the ERC? I have had no direct contact with them in recent months, nor ever met Professor Ferrari, the short-lived and outgoing (outgone?) President. I cannot spill any beans because I … Continue reading

Posted in ERC, Mauro Ferrari, Research, Science Funding, Scientific Council | Comments Off on Is Losing a President Careless?

The Story of a Piano

As working practices are turned upside down, as our whole pattern of live is disrupted in ways that are unlikely to feel pleasant, I am sure turning to music will be the solace of many. I hear – as confirmation … Continue reading

Posted in 1st world war, Coronavirus, education, family, Music | Comments Off on The Story of a Piano

Working From Home

Hugh Kearns wrote this week Don’t compare your work output this week with other weeks. These are not normal times so don’t expect your normal output. Things will take longer. There are most disruptions and distractions. It’s hard to focus.

Posted in COVID-19, home-working, Impostor syndrome, Science Culture, technology | Comments Off on Working From Home

In Time of Crisis – Be Kind

In A Time of Crisis You might think that our present, extraordinary and challenging global circumstances might call for ‘patience, flexibility, practicality and ability to withstand misfortune’. All of those traits do indeed need to be practiced now as we, … Continue reading

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Do We Need International Women’s Day?

It’s International Women’s Day. Another year when many of us are thinking how amazing it would be if we didn’t need such a day any longer, specifically celebrating women, because people of whatever gender, colour, age, health status….. were celebrated … Continue reading

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Building Resilience Throughout a Career

How do you develop resilience? This was a question I was asked recently by a mid-career researcher. Not, please note, someone just setting out, but someone who was already well-established. This problem is ubiquitous and does not go away just … Continue reading

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