Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 21/06/2026I often think this with respect to sewage spills from water co’s. If Thames *is* renationalised, the pollution doesn’t instantly stop and it’s no longer “sufficient abstract evil shareholder” to blame it’s literally the government. Do you really want to touch that 3rd rail? 010
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 16/04/2026Thanks to @mysociety.org for this great focus on SewageMap and what we’re doing to make sewage spill data more transparent! (And how the public can apply pressure for even more data!!) 011
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 16/03/2026A proposal that would improve the university sector, bring in external investment and help normalise EU relations… so obviously the gov and UUK are dead against it 101
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 20/02/2026giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... “‘Is university still worth it?’ is the wrong question” 110
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 21/01/2026wonkhe.com/blogs/gradua... Remarkable quote: "We’ve gone from government suggesting that the state would subsidise undergraduate student loans by about 45p in the pound, to making a profit on them for that cohort."wonkhe.comGraduates are paying more and getting lessJim Dickinson traces how a student loans system once sold as cost-sharing has become one where graduates fund everything – and where Labour has quietly reversed promises to make things fairer Jim Dick... 110
Reposted by Alex LippLewis A. Jones (he/him) @lewisajones.bsky.social · 23/12/2025🚨 Pre-announcement! 🚨 We’re hiring for 2 x two-year, full-time roles to join me and the wider @palaeoverse.bsky.social team @es-ucl.bsky.social. - Research Software Engineer (REF: B04-06999): lnkd.in/eNRBiPnP - Community Engagement Coordinator (REF: B04-06998): lnkd.in/ejUACCzn 22330
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 11/12/2025In our 💫 new preprint 💫 Barney Dobson & I drill into the statistics behind “shitty” headlines like these about the number & duration of sewage pollution spills. We analyse a dataset of nearly 4 million individual #sewage spill events… 1/ eartharxiv.org/repository/v... 110
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 15/11/2025OTOH the environment agency *is* massively under-resourced so not totally their fault, *but* this defence is totally inappropriate… You’re an arm of the State, it’s right and good to be subject to criticism and you need to respond to it better than “uwu don’t be so mean” 🙄 010
Reposted by Alex LippBrandon Bishop @brandontbishop.bsky.social · 12/11/2025Many people believe that the way to attract people to the geosciences is via logical, utilitarian returns on an undergraduate degree. But left unexplored is the power of the field's inherent irrational, cosmic horror to command attention. It's 2nd only to astronomy in that, & much more immediate. 6433
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 16/10/2025Another research institute opting for “short lived AI start-up chic” in their (no doubt vastly expensive) rebranding I see 130
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 05/09/2025Stunning conditions (and enthusiastic students!) for the first few days of the @es-ucl.bsky.social mapping course in North West Scotland! ☀️ ⛰️ ⚒️🏴 🗺️ #fieldworkfriday 1102
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 26/08/2025Neat idea from psephology that might be useful for geological ternary plots too. Similar to the 4 component solid solution of garnet. 031
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 15/08/2025Given that universities/gov are savaged in the media even for increasing fees with inflation, is there anything meaningfully lost from advocating for a one-off step change back to an inflation adjusted £9k (~£13k)? 120
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 11/08/2025Me to students: "Keep field notebooks legible, and only write down the most relevant information". My own notebooks: 180
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 05/08/2025Shocked to hear that Stream, which has given Esri huge sums of bill payer money to create an extremely basic API, has won an award from…. Esri! Trebles all round… 000
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 31/07/2025eartharxiv.org/repository/v... In our new preprint we describe in detail the software & workflows behind www.SewageMap.co.uk! One for the open environmental data nerds out there :) 💩 🧑💻 🏞️ 1157
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 14/07/2025Related reminder that the student loan repayment threshold for current students is now *£25000*... i.e., if you now graduate and get *any full time job* you will be paying back your loan. (www.gov.uk/repaying-you...) 34111
Reposted by Alex LippStephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 02/07/2025Shamelessly replugging this from two years ago. We would never look at the proportion of, say, schools, that don't turn out literate pupils and go 'oh well, probably those kids were better off out of it'. We shouldn't view the short tail of bad courses and/or outcomes any differently:ft.comEveryone needs educating in the fight over university degreesPolitical confusion over the purpose of these institutions means the obvious fixes are being neglected 39722
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 04/06/2025Putting together a NERC proposal and somewhat baffled by what NERC mean when they want a Summary to be suitable for "opinion-formers". Who are these people and how am I meant to write for them?! 150
Reposted by Alex Lipppbown.bsky.social @pbown.bsky.social · 03/06/2025We are offering a full-time permanent academic post at Lecturer level (Grade 8) in UCL Earth Sciences. Research areas include the climate crisis, hydrogeology, sustainable resources, the energy transition, natural hazards, and planetary science. www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/...ucl.ac.ukUCL – University College LondonUCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 022
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 02/06/2025We at @es-ucl.bsky.social are hiring a Lecturer! Research area is broadly defined within the climate crisis, hydrogeology, sustainable resources, the energy transition, natural hazards, and planetary science. www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/...ucl.ac.ukUCL – University College LondonUCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 198
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 29/05/2025Total ignorance here that Universities *already offer* vocational training. The whole point of the 92 reforms was to give these vocational courses at polytechnics the same level of accreditation as academic degrees... 030
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 28/05/2025My favourite fact about crushing rocks is that it uses up **1%** of all global energy usage… 020
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 21/05/2025Really excellent news, and should never have been doubt. The original protest on Dartmoor was a hugely moving event and has sparked a new wave of R2R movement ⛰️ 🏕️ 🌱 0468
Reposted by Alex LippBob Hilton @profbobhilton.bsky.social · 15/05/2025New Job! Please repost! We have a NERC funded PDRA position here @oxuniearthsci.bsky.social, 2 yrs, on modelling cryosphere change and hydrochemistry #models, #carbon, #permafrost, #deglaciation Come join our friendly team! Apply by 11/06, any Qs get in touch! my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecru... 01416
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 27/03/2025www.theguardian.com/business/202... I really question how useful this type of reporting is in practice. The question to ask is "Is This A Big Number?" and I just don't think we have enough years worth of data (3 years tops) to work out if 4m is, or is not, a big number...theguardian.comNearly 4m hours of raw sewage dumped in England’s waters last yearDuration of spills by water companies up on previous year, in data described by environment secretary as ‘disgraceful’ 242
Reposted by Alex LippColm Murphy @colmpm.bsky.social · 19/03/2025Does the UK state have a vendetta against universities? 1166
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 12/03/2025www.theguardian.com/environment/... The new government policy on bathing water status seems to be taking direct inspiration from the survivorship bias meme, for some reason?!? 010
Reposted by Alex LippDr. Rebecca Barnes (she/her) @waterbarnes.bsky.social · 04/03/2025"The intersection of science and politics is both inescapable and of vital importance. Scientists possess unique expertise that is crucial for informed policymaking and societal progress. Embracing political engagement allows scientist" www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comElon Musk is a proven danger to good science, but the Royal Society won’t say so. That’s why I resigned | Kit YatesIt is vital to act, and I urge colleagues to do so. How can we stand by and laud this man while he undermines scientific integrity? asks academic and author Kit Yates 081
Reposted by Alex LippMoudhy Al-Rashid (she/her) @moudhy.bsky.social · 09/02/2025In this ancient Assyrian letter, astronomers complain that they can’t do their jobs or teach astronomy “because of the ilku-duty”, a type of taxation in the form of labour. “we cannot keep the watch of the king, and the pupils do not learn the scribal craft” cdli.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/artifacts/33... 14762210
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 10/02/2025Question for #hydrology #dataviz and #webdev folks… has anyone seen a visualisation like the below from earth.nullschool.net (by @cambecc.bsky.social) but for river discharge not wind speed?? Sure I saw something similar previously but now can’t remember where! 111
Reposted by Alex LippSeismica @weareseismica.bsky.social · 26/01/2025Are you passionate about science communication and spreading the word about the diamond open access revolution in geosciences? Here's your chance! Join the Seismica movement as a volunteer for our Media & Branding team. Details and application here: forms.gle/D5QWWFZY65GP... 164
Reposted by Alex LippJonny Dawe @jonnydawe.github.io · 26/01/2025www.sewagemap.co.uk now covers the whole of England. The picture is pretty horrifying.sewagemap.co.ukSewage MapReal-Time Sewage Discharge Monitoring | Sewage Map - Stay Updated on Sewage Pollution 162
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 26/01/2025www.sewagemap.co.uk now has national coverage! North Devon getting a bit of a pasting right now 💩 💩… 1124
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 18/01/2025Working on some exciting updates to www.SewageMap.co.uk with @jonnydawe.github.io!! 022
Reposted by Alex LippAdvances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry @weareagc.bsky.social · 16/01/2025Be sure to visit our website journals.uu.se/AGC and let us know if you are planning to submit your work to AGC in the upcoming months (link below). We appreciate your support and are looking forward to receiving your manuscripts!journals.uu.seAdvances in Geochemistry and CosmochemistryAdvances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry is a community-led diamond open access journal that aims to publish innovative and globally relevant articles in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry. Regional studies put in the context of a wider research question will also be considered. 032
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 12/12/2024Happening all morning at poster board #1224 in Earth & Planetary Surface Processes! 020
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 11/12/2024This was a really great poster on a fascinating topic! #AGU24 030
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 09/12/2024Now up! Come learn how cocaine enters rivers in London! (…and if someone could also bring me a coffee… ☕️) 040
Reposted by Alex LippDavid Firth @firthstat.bsky.social · 07/12/2024This is my personal "evenings and weekends" project. Mathematically adjusted football league tables. Quite interesting at the moment for the Premier League. 031
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 07/12/2024Really excited to share that as of January I will be joining @es-ucl.bsky.social as a Lecturer! Looking forward to getting stuck in and being a part of an exciting and growing cluster in #surfaceprocesses and #geochemistry expertise! 🗻🧪🧑🔬🏞️ 4181
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 07/12/2024I'm attending #AGU24 all of next week in DC and excited to have some great chats with folks about pollution, weathering, & landscapes! 🇺🇸 I'm presenting and involved in a few talks and posters this year...👇1/5 192
Reposted by Alex LippMarcA Millet @marcamillet.bsky.social · 02/12/2024There it is! @weareagc.bsky.social is opening for submission next month. It's been quit a ride so far and we're excited for the future! Go check our policies and team on www.agcj.org And help us plan our initial workloa by telling us if you plan to submit a paper to AGC here: t.co/Ji7NnCOBCCagcj.orgAdvances in Geochemistry and CosmochemistryAdvances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry is a community-led diamond open access journal that aims to publish innovative and globally relevant articles in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry. Regional studies put in the context of a wider research question will also be considered. 084
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 06/12/2024Really excited to be a (small) part of this endeavour as a copy editor! AGC is a new community led, *free to read, free to publish* journal of geo+cosmochemistry! Open for submissions 20th of January! Please share widely 🧪⚒️☄️💫📝💎 031
Reposted by Alex LippINSTAAR @instaar.bsky.social · 22/11/2024🌎 Are you an early career researcher keen on Earth surface processes? Want to learn about numerical modeling & software development? Apply for the *free* @csdms.bsky.social ESPIn immersive training experience May 5-12, 2025 in Boulder Colorado. Apply starting 02 Dec buff.ly/40Uefwu 02820
Reposted by Alex LippAlex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 22/11/2024I'm in The Conversation discussing the new release of nationwide sewage spill data in the wider context of open data, open models and environmental transparency. 1/n #opendata 🧪 theconversation.com/water-compan...theconversation.comWater companies now have to release live sewage spill data – here’s why more transparency is the key to cleaner riversA new law is forcing water companies to make pollution data readily accessible to the general public - but it doesn’t go far enough. 1113
Reposted by Alex LippOwen Boswarva @owenboswarva.bsky.social · 22/11/2024Water companies now have to release live sewage spill data – here's why more transparency is the key to cleaner rivers theconversation.com/water-compan... by @alexglipp.bsky.social #StormOverflows Data www.streamwaterdata.co.uk/pages/storm-... (England) #opendata (CC BY) 011
Alex Lipp @alexlipp.github.io · 22/11/2024I'm in The Conversation discussing the new release of nationwide sewage spill data in the wider context of open data, open models and environmental transparency. 1/n #opendata 🧪 theconversation.com/water-compan...theconversation.comWater companies now have to release live sewage spill data – here’s why more transparency is the key to cleaner riversA new law is forcing water companies to make pollution data readily accessible to the general public - but it doesn’t go far enough. 1113
Reposted by Alex LippSam Harrison @samharrison.science · 05/11/2024Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a Euro-CSDMS workshop to envision future models of the natural world. Inspirational discussions & tangible next steps towards a thriving international community pioneering the next generation of environmental models! @csdms.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social 173