Author Archives: Athene Donald

Is Bigger Always Better?

Posted on 28 June 2020 by Athene Donald

Social distancing may have been reduced to 1(+)m – whatever that may mean – but that is still going to impose significant constraints on what a bench scientist can do. Fume cupboards in a line – how many of them … Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, careers, group size, pandemic, Science Culture, UKRI | Comments Off on Is Bigger Always Better?

Echoes Down the Years of Education in a Pandemic

Posted on 18 June 2020 by Athene Donald

Recently, the Prime Minister announced an ‘apprentice guarantee’ saying ‘I think it’s going to be vital that we guarantee apprenticeships’.  Sounds good. How should that be translated into practice? Certainly, at the moment apprentices are having a tough time of … Continue reading →

Posted in cultural capital, disadvantage, education, Hashi Mohamed, pandemic | Comments Off on Echoes Down the Years of Education in a Pandemic

Where’s Your Place in the World?

Posted on 30 May 2020 by Athene Donald

I don’t suppose there are many people in the country who currently feel grounded, confident they know how their lives will unfold and happy with that trajectory. At the moment, uncertainty seems the name of the game, responsibilities multiply and … Continue reading →

Posted in Clarissa Farr, pandemic, Science Culture, social distancing | Comments Off on Where’s Your Place in the World?

Just Getting By: Coping and Learning

Posted on 12 May 2020 by Athene Donald

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 →

Posted in careers, CV, Gaby Hinsliff, pandemic, Science Culture, Winston Churchill, Zoom | Comments Off on Just Getting By: Coping and Learning

Yet Another Source of Inequality?

Posted on 27 April 2020 by Athene Donald

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?

Posted on 22 April 2020 by Athene Donald

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 →

Posted in advice, careers, Jane Clarke, mentors, multi-tasking | Comments Off on What Should You Be Doing Now?

We’re All in This Together

Posted on 15 April 2020 by Athene Donald

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 →

Comments Off on We’re All in This Together

Is Losing a President Careless?

Posted on 8 April 2020 by Athene Donald

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

Posted on 3 April 2020 by Athene Donald

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

Posted on 28 March 2020 by Athene Donald

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