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Anna Sharman

@annasharmanrd.bsky.social
407 followers 432 following 110 posts

Researcher developer at a UK independent research organisation. Former director of Cofactor. Interested in #ResearcherDevelopment #ResearchCulture #AcademicCareers #Inclusion #Conferencing #Biology #OpenScience #Neurodiversity

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Reposted by Anna Sharman
Dave Hemprich-Bennett @davehb.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
It's now forecast to be 40 degrees here on Thursday. Our average daily high temperature for this time of year is 18. So angry for all of the people who're going to be unnecessarily harmed by this. So angry for our ecosystems that have not remotely evolved for this.
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Amanda Rutter @alrutter.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
"Research reported by the Guardian in 2025 shows that government ministers met representatives from the fossil fuel industry more than 500 times during Labour’s first year in power." Until our politicians get out of the pockets of dirty energy, it doesn't matter who the fuck is PM.
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BWJones @bwjones.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Science peeps, particularly trainees: When reviewing grants, it really, really helps if you have a Google Scholar page, an ORCID account, or a website that makes getting information about you, easy. Some sort of web presence. I'm begging you. Make it easier for study sections to give you money.
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Wellcome Trust @wellcometrust.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
If you’re a researcher of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK, our Accelerator Awards might be for you. It offers flexible grants for research or research-adjacent activities, such as training, secondments and networking. (1/2)
Dorothy Chisare, Equitable Funding Specialist at Wellcome, says: "Our Accelerator Awards continue to create opportunities and break down systemic barriers, supporting underrepresented researchers to take the next step in their careers."
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Anna Sharman @annasharmanrd.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
It's always worth pausing on Map Men videos to read any text, which usually has extra hidden jokes. Pausing right at the end of those one revealed that Jay is on BlueSky, yippee! #MapMen
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Jay Foreman @jayforeman.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
NEW EPISODE OF #MAPMEN!!! 🗺️ Is this the world’s most annoying road? Come with Mark and me on what turns out was an impossible road trip. 🇺🇸🚗🇦🇷 Share and enjoy! youtu.be/knCojy_3bmk Also, can you work out how we did The Special Effect?
youtu.be
The world's most annoying road
YouTube video by Jay and Mark
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Robin Bisson @robinbisson.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Double-take detail in this interview with Edith Heard, head of the Crick Her French husband decided against getting a spouse visa because of the UK's "intrusive" immigration rules If that's happening with one of the UK's most senior scientists, how many others are being put off completely?
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Joeri Rogelj @joerirogelj.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
POSTDOC OPPORTUNITY 🌍 Are you an early-career researcher interested in working at the interface of climate science, law, and policy? A new opportunity at @granthamicl.bsky.social at @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social 👇
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Alexandra Dallaire @alexdallaire.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The first publication from the Dallaire and Kameoka labs is out! A forward-looking review on the status of mycorrhiza research in 2026, with emphasis on AM fungi doi.org/10.1111/nph.... @newphyt.bsky.social @ulaval.ca 🇨🇦
doi.org
Status of mycorrhiza research in 2026
Mycorrhizal symbiosis improves the nutrition of most land plants and plays key roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. To understand and leverage the biology of mycorrhizal symbioses for su...
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Wellcome Sanger Institute @sangerinstitute.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Ahead of International Women’s Day, we asked our colleagues to share what has helped them in their careers. Scroll through to see what they said ⤵️
Text card that reads: “International Women’s Day 2026. What has been the most impactful support you have received in your career?” on a purple background.Text card that reads: Learning and growing through mentorship. “The most transformative support I have received thus far in my career has been mentorship through the NIHR Mentoring Programme. I was incredibly fortunate to have been assigned an empowering woman mentor and leader who validated my challenges and equipped me with the self-assurance to navigate them. I entered the mentoring relationship as an underconfident employee and emerged as a determined scientist with a pioneering mindset.” Britt Hanson, Postdoctoral Fellow. 
*NIHR is the National Institute for Health and Care ResearchText card that reads: Being a part of a community that recognises and uplifts everyone. “What has been a constant impact on my career is having people around me who genuinely uplift and support one another. When someone takes the time to recognise your strengths, it builds confidence and reminds you what you’re capable of. Being part of that kind of supportive community pushes me to keep growing, to be present and to attempt to give my best every day.” Anna Milizia, Team AdministratorText card that reads: Having managers who encourage me to explore new opportunities. “One example is Dr Henrique Girão, my supervisor during my first job in science. From the beginning of this role, I asked to be involved in activities that were outside my job description. With Dr Girão’s support, I attended lab meetings to engage in scientific discussions, assist with more complex experiments, and earn additional certifications. His encouragement helped shape my development and was one of the first steps that eventually led me from Portugal to the Wellcome Sanger Institute.” Diana Adão, Advanced Research Assistant
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Prof Jenny Rohn @jennyrohn.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Interesting editorial on the mixed bag of using AI in research and scientific communication. Nice touch to launch on a turgid AI summary of the theme for illustrative purposes. 😉 #MicroSky #AcademicSky
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Nick Talbot @talbotlabtsl.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Among the plant pathogens, there are just so many rusts! 85% of plant diseases caused by fungi are rusts, 200 genera, 18 families, 7000-8000 species astounding stats from Cathie Aime. #Fungal26 11/15
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Nick Talbot @talbotlabtsl.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
The rise of resistance to anti-fungals was highlighted in new Fungal Spore Lecture, given with great style by Matt Fisher. Use of the same fungicide MoA's in agriculture and medicine is causing massive clinical problems with complexity highlighted Eveline Snelders. #Fungal26 9/15
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Nick Talbot @talbotlabtsl.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Some reflections on #Fungal26 This was a great meeting as always but set against some turbulent times of course, which meant many regular attendees were not present. This thread is mainly for them. However, the proportion of first-time attendees was very high and very international. #Fungal26 1/15
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Kay Guccione @kayguccione.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
The approach, focus and content of the REDS Conference is quality assured by working with a REDS Advisory Group of up to 20 members. For the 2026/28 period (a two-year term), we are recruiting 5 new members, to join the experienced team. Read more and apply: redsconference.co.uk/2026/03/09/c...
redsconference.co.uk
Call for 2026-2028 REDS Conference Advisory Group
Dr Kay Guccione, REDS Conference Director The Researcher Education and Development Scholarship (REDS) Conference is an annual, free, online, international conference focusing on the scholarship (ev…
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Prof Chris Jackson @seismatters.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Just spotted this in a paper. First time I've seen something like this.
Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process
Statement: during the preparation of this work the author used ChatGPT in order to copy edit the text to improve quality and readability. After using this tool, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.
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UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) @ukrio.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
On 24 March, @ukrio.bsky.social will host a public webinar exploring the role of supervisors in shaping positive research culture – including what effective and supportive supervision looks like and how it can be sustained over time. 🔗 Learn more and register: ukrio.org/the-role-of-...
ukrio.org
The role of supervisors in fostering positive research culture - UK Research Integrity Office
On 24 March 2026, UKRIO will host an expert webinar on the role of supervisors in fostering a positive research culture. The session will examine how supervisory practice directly shapes research inte...
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Randall Munroe @xkcd.com · 04/03/2026
Little Red Dots xkcd.com/3212/
4-panel comic: Astronomers asking researchers from different departments to help them identify the “little red dots” in JWST images: (1) Entomologists [Person 1 behind easel that is black with red dots on it, looked at by Person 2 with shoulder-length hair.] PERSON 2: Clover mites. (2) Computer Scientists [Person 1 behind easel that is black with red dots on it, looked at by Person 3 with beanie.] PERSON 3: Stuck pixels. (3) Dermatologists [Person 1 behind easel that is black with red dots on it, looked at by Person 4 with ponytail.] PERSON 4: Cherry angiomas. (4) Graphic designers [Person 1 behind easel that is black with red dots on it, looked at by Person 5 with short hair.] PERSON 5: No, those are vermillion, or maybe jasper. Can I see your color settings?
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Markus Eichhorn @markuseichhorn.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Great article. Another issue I've seen among friends is an unwillingness to treat themselves (e.g. going on holiday) because they believe that they should minimise their own impact. The ascetic approach is no good for long-term mental health.
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Anna Sharman @annasharmanrd.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
"“The sector was never designed with the well-being of the workforce in mind,” Mohan says, noting that many conservation leaders, often from a scientific background, haven’t had training in how to run an organization or how to help maintain staff well-being."
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Rachel Coulthard-Graf @rachelcg.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Webinar Today! Negotiating Your First Group Leader Position Join us today to hear from three group leaders — including a co-author of a BMC Proceedings article on this topic — about their experiences and practical tips for negotiating your first group leader role. 👉 www.embl.org/about/info/e...
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Melanie Dusseau @melaniedusseau.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
This is one of the most reasoned & persuasive arguments for not allowing LLMs anywhere near reading & writing intensive classrooms. We can 100% choose not to outsource our reading & writing labor to a bot, and model for our students why they should do the same. #EduSky www.tue.nl/en/our-unive...
tue.nl
Are AI-generated summaries suitable for studying and research?
Despite didactic, ethical, and environmental concerns, the use of GenAI is on the rise in academia. For most applications, the jury is still out on whether and how they will benefit education and rese...
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Simon Bains @simonjbains.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
ChatGPT training data is 93% English language says Nikesh Gosalia. Is AI democratising access to scholarly publishing or encoding colonialism at scale? The evidence suggests we are heading down a dangerous path #R2RConf
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Sara Rouhi @rouhiroo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Our AI only "sees" Western, English speakers. 93% of training data for #GPT is in English. Is AI democratizing access to scholcomm OR encoding colonialism at scale. (SR NOTE: TLDR - my vote is the latter). #NikeshGosalia #R2RConf
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Sara Rouhi @rouhiroo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
"Everyone deserves to be seen" re: AI. Commerce or equity? Efficiency or justice? AI that only works for 20% of researchers is NOT neutral. You have choices around HOW you use it. How YOU use it matters: #NikeshGosalia #R2RConf
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Phill Jones, PhD @phillbjones.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
A brilliant presentation by @nikeshgo.bsky.social from @cactusglobal.bsky.social #r2rconf Outlining the many ways in which AI amplifies the biases built into scholarly publishing.
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Sara Rouhi @rouhiroo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
This is not a metaphor for #colonialism. It is colonialism. #NikeshGosalia #R2RConf And every minute it gets worse. Compounding with each new training instance. AI is being optimized for specific user base. Non-english speakers not "seen" in these tools. #academicsky #AI #sciencesky
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Phill Jones, PhD @phillbjones.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Solutions from @nikeshgo.bsky.social #r2rconf.
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Sara Rouhi @rouhiroo.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
#NikeshGosalia kicking off #R2RConf session on #AI impact on global south - fascinating story of "Shirley cards" used by Kodak to calibrate for color of their printers. They KNEW the whole time that it didn't work on brown/black ppl. Techonly changed when chocolate makers didn't like how it looked.
nga.gov
The “Shirley Card” Legacy: Artists Correcting for Photography’s Racial Bias | National Gallery of Art
Whiteness has been the default in color photographs, but artists like John Akomfrah work toward a “uniquely Black image.”
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Roohi Ghosh @roohighosh.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Care work doesn’t wait. Parenting. School calendars. Aging parents. It doesn’t replace work. It runs in parallel. And yet academia is designed for uninterrupted lives Read more about this in my latest post on @scholarlykitchen.bsky.social blog scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2026/02/09/d...
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org
Designed for Someone Else’s Life: Balancing Academic Careers with Caregiving Responsibilities - The Scholarly Kitchen
Most people in academic careers will at some point be faced with parenting and/or caregiving responsibilities. But is academia designed to support caregivers and parents?
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The Scholarly Kitchen @scholarlykitchen.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Standing Up by Stepping Down scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2026/02/25/s...
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org
Standing Up by Stepping Down - The Scholarly Kitchen
Today's post discusses the impact and intention of DEIA advocacy and the value of taking a pause as an act of resistance and self-preservation.
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Laura Kelly @laura-j-kelly.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Are you a PhD student looking for a placement? I’m offering a 3-month project at @rbgkew.bsky.social to build on @forest-protection.bsky.social research on pest and pathogen risks to trees 🪲🪾🦠🪾 Apply by 13th March! www.kew.org/science/training-and-education/placements-for-phd-students
kew.org
Placements for PhD Students
We welcome PhD placement students to learn from our experts and make real contributions to our work at Kew Gardens in London or Wakehurst in Sussex.
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Dorothy Bishop @deevybee.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Oh dear me. Having found nothing, they pin hope on a result that is significant “before adjusting for multiple comparisons”. People: this adjustment is not optional. It’s clear nobody will ever give up on this quest.
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Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
To help protect nature, all publicly owned or managed land in England will now have deer management plans within 10 years, and landowners will be paid to shoot deer, both in and out of woodlands. Food for thought re Ireland's surging deer numbers crisis too? share.google/yT1kZOQG0UgV...
share.google
Deer shooting to be facilitated in England to protect woodlands
Government plans legislation giving landowners and tenants rights to cull deer to protect crops and property
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Dr Jamie Gallagher @jamiebgall.co.uk · 18/02/2026
Thanks to @shaunoboyle.bsky.social for this very helpful resource when preparing prideinstem.org/2024/11/18/t... Also check out @schoolsoutuk.bsky.social for more info on #LGBTHistoryMonth #LGBTPlusHM
prideinstem.org
The experiences of LGBTQIA+ people studying or working in STEM | Pride in STEM
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Dr Jamie Gallagher @jamiebgall.co.uk · 18/02/2026
Why were people obsessed with Nikola Tesla’s (lack of) sex life? What happened when work took me to a country where being gay can mean life imprisonment? Why did a queer astronaut take that secret to her grave? Some of the many Qs I covered in my #LGBTHistoryMonth talk to @aktcharity.bsky.social
A conical flask busting with a progress flag design. Art work by Dr Robin Hayward
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Prof Jenny Rohn @jennyrohn.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
"Coffee-harming heat"! Even the most virulent climate skeptic might start caring if the beans stop flowing...
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jessica jonestown @newfoundgloryhole.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
when i posted this three days ago i was hoping it would catch and i'd get to hear a buncha people share their special interest info and it got a decent response it randomly caught today and i am so. so. happy. i miss being in school and i love getting to just genuinely share knowledge. so. thanks💜
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Anna Sharman @annasharmanrd.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Important article for anyone hiring academics or researchers
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Kew Gardens @rbgkew.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
🎉 Today is Darwin’s birthday! This is an actual wild tomato plant that he collected, over 180 years ago! 🍅 We have millions of specimens like these in our collection, but did you know you can now see them on our new Data Portal, for free!? 👇 👉 ow.ly/2ZuW50YcG4Z #DarwinDay
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Erica McAlister @flygirlnhm.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
The collections at @nhm-london.bsky.social are full of glorious specimens esp the Flies. But they also come with lots of extra information Roger Crosskey wrote down his feelings 50 years ago about this species complex - his frustration evident @dipteristsforum.bsky.social @dipterists.bsky.social
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The new #EmploymentRightsBill is requiring organisations over 250 employees to have a "Menopause Action Plan". EDICa's consulting with government advocating this covers #MenstrualHealth more widely. We're hosting workshops on what would an Action Plan look like. edicaucus.ac.uk/impact#menst... 1/2
Photo of houses of parliament and Big Ben clock tower. EDICa logo. A crudely made icon of the Employment Rights Bill with King's signature and seal. BSL available
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Markus Eichhorn @markuseichhorn.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
We all have opinions about using genAI, but what happens when our collaborators, students or stakeholders hold different views? I've already run into several of the challenges @manusaunders.bsky.social identifies here.
ecologyisnotadirtyword.com
Equity, Ethics, and genAI in Academia
Generative AI tools are openly accessible, increasingly normalised, and mostly inequitable. They’re a great example of a marketing success benefiting a specific industry that has quickly ignited a …
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Emily A. Aery Jones @emilyaeryjones.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
"...open science behaviors function as honest signals of a researcher’s willingness to expose their work to scrutiny. As with honest signalling in biological systems, the value lies ... in that these behaviors are sufficiently costly ... that they are disproportionately avoided by [bad] actors"
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Brian Nosek @briannosek.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Is academia a job, career, or calling? Yes, yes, and yes. The answer is not defined by the role, it is defined by the person in the role. It is perfectly acceptable to decide it is any of these for one's interests and well-being, and to live and work accordingly.
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Jay Van Bavel, PhD @jayvanbavel.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Is academia just a job? We assigned this paper in our professional development seminar last week and it was quite popular. My view: I grew up in a working class family and no one I knew considered their job "a calling". I also had a bunch of jobs that felt, well, like jobs.
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Emilio M Bruna @brunalab.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
They just don’t get it - they’re trying to replace the part of our job we like the *most*. If they could make an AI tool to vibe-complete travel, reimbursement, and annual reporting paperwork they would make a fucking FORTUNE
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Carl T. Bergstrom @carlbergstrom.com · 27/01/2026
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded. Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
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Overly.Honest.Editor @editoratlarge.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Context: www.nature.com/articles/d41... But also a reminder that you need to plan your own notes and data archiving and backups regardless of whether you use LLM tools or not. If you think paper-hungry pet will save you from a retraction, think again #ResearchIntegrity #ScientificPublishing
nature.com
When two years of academic work vanished with a single click
After turning off ChatGPT’s ‘data consent’ option, Marcel Bucher lost the work behind grant applications, teaching materials and publication drafts. Here’s what happened next.
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Prof Jenny Rohn @jennyrohn.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Join the quest - especially historians of London science! 👇So far we have narrowed this down to some lab branded as "Mill Hill" in London E1 postcode in the 1960s (i.e. not actually in Mill Hill)
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