Category Archives: science

An open letter to the President of the Royal Society – time to stand up for your values

Posted on 11 February 2025 by Stephen

Earlier today, I sent the letter below to Professor Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society. The letter expresses my deep concerns at the ongoing failure of the Royal Society to recognise that Elon Musk FRS has acted in contravention … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Trump, DEI and the REF – what is the vibe shift?

Posted on 20 January 2025 by Stephen

There is an air of defeatism in progressive circles today, the day Donald Trump will be sworn in for a second term as President of the United States of America. Some of the reasons behind this sense of frustration and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Compose yourself

Posted on 23 November 2024 by Stephen

Apologies, this will be obvious to some, but I have seen enough so-so images on social media to convince me there are others who could post much better pictures if they took just a little bit more care. Smartphone cameras … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Leaving Imperial

Posted on 31 October 2024 by Stephen

Today is my last day at Imperial College London. It marks the completion of exactly 29 years as a member of staff. I joined Imperial as a young lecturer in Physics on 1st November 1995 and have travelled a long … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Abandon the REF?

Posted on 10 October 2024 by Stephen

On Tuesday evening I was asked by Research Professional News for my views on a new report from think tank UKDayOne, which is calling for the abolition of the Research Excellence Framework, unlovingly known as the REF. The report is … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Can scientific productivity be optimized?

Posted on 26 September 2024 by Stephen

  This is a repost of an article that was originally published on the Research on Research Institute website. Comments welcome!  It is a truth universally acknowledged that scientists who take greater risks are more likely to make important discoveries. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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We need medicine

Posted on 13 May 2024 by rpg

I caught up with Wanda on Friday. She’d managed to inspect the captured swarm the day before, and all seemed hunky-dory. No eggs yet, but you can expect to wait a couple of weeks before a newly mated queen will … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Perfect love casts out bitterness

Posted on 17 January 2024 by Erika Cule

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. — 1 John 4:18, NRSVA That escalated quickly. How was morning … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Photos of 2023

Posted on 30 December 2023 by Stephen

I took over 2800 photos in 2023. Actually, I took a lot more because we went on safari in the summer and I have worked hard to cull as many shots that I could from that trip. Even so, that … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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What’s the easiest way to become a less lazy photographer?

Posted on 18 March 2023 by Stephen

I’m thinking of becoming a less lazy photography. Can you help? Long-time readers of this blog will know that I enjoy a bit of photography from time to time, since I have an annual tradition of posting my favourite photographs … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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