Science matters to voters, so why is it being ignored by our politicians? |...
Science and technology are not coming up in the general election debates – to the future detriment of our economyAs the election approaches there are some recurrent themes: the NHS, immigration, tax...
View ArticleWho has a real vision for science in Britain’s general election?
The run-up to the general election has seen campaigns such as Science Matters attempting to put science firmly on the election agenda. But is anyone listening?This piece was first published on The...
View ArticleThe birth of soft matter physics, the physics of the everyday
Sir Sam Edwards, who died last week, was a founding father of this still rather unfamiliar sub-discipline of physicsMany of the objects in the everyday world around us are squidgy when squashed, flow...
View ArticleExcellent science in the UK is at risk if it votes for Brexit
As the European Research Council reaches its landmark 5000th grant award, the UK should reflect on how a ‘no’ vote would impact on its scientific strengthsThe European Research Council (the ERC) today...
View ArticleJust one action for women in science
In the wake of #Huntgate, here is a handy list of actions that individuals could commit to if they really want to see a change in the working environment coupled with a genuine move towards...
View ArticleEnough talk. There are ways we can help women in science now | Athene Donald
Much has been said about Tim Hunt’s dismissal. Now we must all take concrete actions to eradicate sexism, whether blatant or subtle, from labs and classroomsIf nothing else, the furore over Sir Tim...
View ArticleCount us in: our need for quantitative skills has never been greater
A report from the British Academy throws our lack of numeracy skills into sharp reliefIn June this year The British Academy (BA) published a report titled Count us in: Quantitative skills for a new...
View ArticleEight common conference disasters | Athene Donald
It’s the time of year for academic conferences, but for seasoned attendees and freshers alike, potential pitfalls aboundDavid Lodge is an author well known for his campus novels; his dissection of the...
View ArticleThe northern powerhouse needs science as much as trains | Athene Donald
There is still not enough money going into research and developmentAs a nation, our productivity has stalled. This stagnation directly affects the nation’s financial health and our citizens’ quality of...
View ArticleHumanities are vital | Athene Donald
This week, the ‘Being Human’ Festival of the Humanities launches in London. Athene Donald argues that we must avoid seeing Humanities in opposition to Science.Writer and journalist Cristina Odone...
View Article'I'd like to write a nice reference, but ...' The ups and downs of academic...
Beware: letters of reference can tell us as much about the writer as the applicantMegalomaniac is not perhaps the word you expect to find when reading a reference, but academic scientists tend to be...
View Article'Culture' means science as well as art – we must look beyond narrow disciplines
We need to remember that science and the humanities go hand in hand - which is why Richard Holmes’ delightful This Long Pursuit is a must-readI first encountered Richard Holmes’ passionate writing when...
View ArticleAll eyes are on Sir Mark Walport, the new supremo of UK science
Now we know the identity of the chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, the science community will be anxiously watching his first stepsThe establishment of the £6bn umbrella organisation for UK...
View ArticleDear Lord Adonis, the summer is for working
Why academics feel aggrieved by Lord Adonis raising the old canard that they have too much time off in the summer“Most academics don’t teach enough,” spouted Lord Adonis, former Labour Education...
View ArticleWith its lack of diversity, the Science and Technology Committee scores an...
It is a disgrace that the latest iteration of a key Commons group is composed entirely of men Ask a group of people to nominate candidates for an important role and the chances are they’ll come up with...
View ArticleIf we're going to have two-year degrees, leave them to revived polytechnics
Simon Jenkins says universities should switch to two year degrees and give up research. I disagreeFor once there is something in an article by Simon Jenkins with which I agree. He wrote that “Britain’s...
View ArticleDiversity starts in schools – children need to see a wider range of careers
Step into the classroom to help the next generation discover exciting and diverse career opportunitiesAsk a seven-year-old “what do you want to do when you grow up?” and you’ll get an answer built on...
View ArticleWill women be equal to men in 100 years? | Margaret Atwood, Lola Okolosie,...
In 1918 some women got the vote – but in 2018 gender equality has not been reached. Five writers share their views on whether parity will be achieved in 2118Greetings, women of the future! I believe...
View ArticleAre we heading towards universities' #MeToo moment? | Athene Donald
The next step in eradicating sexism from science is for colleagues to start calling out harassment when they see itIt’s a sad truth in the science world that hierarchical structures have permitted...
View ArticleThe science stories that shook 2018
Our guest scientists pick the breakthroughs and discoveries that defined their year, from insights into human evolution to our first trip aboard an asteroidTake a deep breath. Dive into the emerald...
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