Was Cambridge scientist’s death murder?
The tragic death last month of brilliant young researcher Charlotte Stowell raises serious questions about safety in Cambridge’s new multimillion pound research institute.
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This useful phrase seems to be the advice proffered by one physicist – male of course – to questions about how to succeed in an academic career. It says a lot about what may go wrong for women also trying to climb the greasy academic pole, almost regardless of what their institutions may be trying to do to support them. At least some of the Continue reading
If you’re in Toronto this weekend, I’ve got an event for you:
Now, I’m sure you’re not thinking to yourself, “ah yes, Toronto Canada, a prime surfing destination!”. Continue reading
I just had my first paper Open Access paper accepted to a bona fide Open Access Journal – PLOS One.
On the plus side, I had really good and thoughtful reviews. They were sent (as requested) to three experts in the field – a new field for me – and the referees comments for the most part were positive and helpful. I am particula Continue reading
I am indebted to Dr R.A.C. for bringing to my attention a spoof exam paper drawn up by J.B. Continue reading
Over the summer, our lab has been invaded by an exotic species with a dynamic life cycle and an all-too-brief half-life.
No, I’m not talking about some new strain of uropathogenic E. coli or other variety of bad-assed bug.
Continue readingThis notice found pasted to the door leading to the attic room in a gloriously higgledy-piggledy secondhand bookshop, recently. The final invocation imprecation instruction in particular is awfully suggestive of tales of gothick horror perhaps yet to condense from the quantum foam.
What, for example, would one seek to find under ‘Esoteric Continue reading
Back in September 2010, I’m not sure that any of us who answered Jenny’s call to action knew quite what to expect. Maybe not even pulling off a rally attended by over 2,000 scientists and supporters; perhaps not going to Downing Street with 35,000 names on a petition; probably not being called into a minister’s office at short not Continue reading
This article suddenly made me feel just terrible about the many mutations I’ve introduced into all those poor genes and their promoters!
Academia is a great place for being judged on outputs, and I’m not just referring to the kind of output relevant to the REF. But, be it papers written, worked examples provided, grants submitted or students tutored, we are expected to deliver something tangible. Students tackling their PhD projects, however, basically have just one output they want Continue reading
