iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 21/09/2026

Dublin Airport Terminal 1 is better than Terminal 2

Kareem Rahma (Subway Takes) sitting in a New York Subway train holding a mic/passcard. The subtitle says "So what's your take?"

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 12/06/2026

My new standard response to missed deadlines.

Screengrab from New Scientist. The headline reads "Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion." The subhead reads "An experiment with a toy universe made up of extremely cold atoms shows how time can emerge from quantum interactions, instead of existing by default."

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 04/02/2026

As a science journalist looking through papers and being asked to 'Sign in through your institution" for two hours 🧪

An image macro of Gordon Ramsay from his television show Kitchen Nightmares in which he says, "Delicious. Finally, some good fucking food." The subtitle has been altered to read "Delicious. Finally, some Open Access."

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 02/02/2026

A bit chilly in the Hansestadt

A photo of Hamburg’s HafenCity district, with snow on the ground and patches of ice in the canal

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 13/11/2025

"Otter is down, but will be back online shortly" Every journalist:

Sad Pablo Escobar mem - a series of three-panel image macros featuring the character Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura) from the Netflix series Narcos staring blankly in three different screen-captures from the series.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 11/08/2025

Back at work after two weeks off. Today’s commute.

A view of an 18th century alleyway in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

A modern bridge between old buildings in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

A street view of old buildings in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

A view of the canals in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 16/04/2025

Cutting puns from your draft to meet the wordcount

Wesley Snipes in a scene from New Jack City tearfully pointing a gun at someone offscreen

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 11/04/2025

A bit late posting but really enjoying #ijf25 in Perugia. Lots of big-picture stuff on journalism, mixed with more practical stuff. Views aren’t bad either.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 27/03/2025

Headline made me think this was another article about Lowry

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 12/02/2025

Looking forward to the next Jo Nesbø

An academic journal called 'Scandinavian Journal of Pain'

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 11/02/2025

Eyy, look at Ireland leading the way in research gender equality in our corner of Europe. (Pay, conditions may vary). #irishresearch

Map of Europe showing the proportion of female researchers and engineers. Ireland has 48.6%. In 2023, women made up 52% of of the 78.3 million people employed in science and technology in the EU, only 41% of scientists and engineers are female. Denmark has the highest representation of female scientists and engineers with 50.8%, while Hungary has the lowest at 30.7%. Map from European Parliament.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

Nearly there - the Soc Dems focus on innovation economics: 💶bring R&D funding to 2.5% of GNI 💶a Research and Innovation fund to help Tech Unis meet research growth targets 💶increase innovation voucher value to €10k for SMEs 📄simplify paperwork for the R&D tax credit 🐈ban most animal testing

Following years of underfunding, Ireland is under-resourced relative to our ambitions in further and higher education and innovation. Funding for Research & Development (R&D) in this country has not recovered since the financial crash. There is a clear need for a larger role for the State in ensuring that a sufficient amount of the R&D that is vital to maintaining an innovation ecosystem is conducted. Higher Education institutions will be vital in delivering on this. How we structure and fund our higher and further education system will have a huge impact on how we fare in tackling the many challenges we face. In Government, the Social Democrats will:
Increase total investment in R&D to 2.5 per cent of national income and increase investment in ‘basic’ research to balance applied research. ➢ Invest in a Research & Innovation transformation fund so that Technological Universities can meet research growth targets as set out in the TU Act. ➢ Introduce specific funding to support Technological Universities (TUs) as regional drivers of innovation and to engage with SMEs, MNCs and start-ups on innovation training and strategy development. ➢ Begin the process of creating a full university in the southeast of the country via the upgrading of the South East Technological University. ➢ Introduce targeted supports to enable SMEs to invest in innovation and productivity, including through the expansion of the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Scheme with a supportive mentoring programme. ➢ Increase funding for apprenticeships through the National Training Fund. ➢ Resource the National Apprenticeship Office to drive the delivery of the Apprenticeship Action Plan, to bring strong alignment between training schemes and employment need. ➢ Make multi-annual investment in community education the norm, and reform financial supports aimed at – and develop more robust wraparound supports for – adult learners.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

Labour however have in-depth plans: 💶a dedicated fund for Research Ireland 🔬a new capital programme for rx infrastructure/lab equipment 💶R&D tax credit & a new national R&D fund from future windfall gains ⚖️PhDs get promises on a living wage, better working conditions and employment contracts

Despite commitments under Funding the Future and new funding from the NTF, the higher education sector has not been properly funded for the cost of public sector pay agreements and rising student numbers. Labour will allocate the proposed €150m a year from the NTF by 2030 earlier than planned. We will close the overall funding gap while ensuring that the costs of public service pay agreements are provided separately in annual funding and do not fall on HEIs as at present. We will also: » Bring spending per student up to the average of peer countries and align staffing ratios to best international practice, including the removal of the employment control framework to provide more local f lexibility. » Introduce a sectoral engagement forum and stronger dialogue between trade unions and HEIs to address terms and conditions including precarious employment and workforce planning. » Address the scourge of precarious employment and casualisation, which threatens to undermine the quality and stability of the sector, support pathways to permanent contracts, ensure fair and equitable working conditions and address gender inequalities within the academic workforce. » Allow Technological Universities to borrow to fund student accommodation.

Create a new capital programme to invest
in research infrastructure and laboratory
equipment to replace PRTLI and increase
funding for Research Ireland including grant
allocations for the humanities and applied
sciences.
» Increase funding for blue sky research
and seek to establish a long-term
research endowment fund with any future
unexpected windfall tax receipts.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

The Greens don't have many specifics, except for €200m (from the Climate & Nature Fund) for clean tech research, plus research into sustainable farming programmes

• €1.2 billion on the retrofit of public buildings. • €200 million on energy efficiency measures for businesses. • €250 million to support the development of district heating. • €300 million to support a new biomethane industry. • €200 million for a programme of research and innovation for clean technologies. • €100 million for new infrastructure required for offshore wind and microgeneration.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

Sinn Féin are focusing on academics: 📄fighting against precarious contracts ⚖️extra employment rights for early career researchers (maternity leave, WRC access) 💶plus an extra €8m/year for the North South Research Programme 🏭reviewing the R&D Tax Credit to help support SMEs more

According to a report published by the CSO in 2022, Ireland has one of the highest levels of third or
tertiary level education qualifications amongst 25-34 year olds in the European Union (62% vs 41% EU
average). However, the sector is currently facing significant challenges.

Sinn Féin priorities Include:
v The Free Fee scheme now exists in name only, with the Student Contribution Charge at €3,000
v The increasing cost of third level education for parents and students
v The crisis of student accommodation, which is forcing students into long commutes, requiring
individuals to often pay substantial sums on rent, and forcing others to decline or drop out of
courses
v The sector’s core funding deficit and recruitment restrictions (Employment Control Framework)

The use of precarious employment contracts in the sector and the lack of a viable career path
for many academic researchers
v The need to increase the numbers of people training in certain professions - doctors and
qualified tradespeople to deal with the health and housing crises, for example

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

Next up is Fine Gael - they had the previous research minister: 💶Raise research funding to 2.5% GNI 🏭boost academia collabs with industry 🧪a Research Infrastructure fund Bonus points from me for mentioning the new funding body Taighde Éireann, which they aim to 'promote and fund.'

Advancing Research, Innovation, and Science Fine Gael is committed to driving Ireland's global competitiveness, economic growth, and innovation through strategic investment in research, innovation, and science. Fine Gael will: • Establish a Research Infrastructure & Talent Fund This fund will maintain Ireland's g Obal competitiveness and stimulate growth across regions. • Invest in Irish Research with Taighde Éireann: We will promote and fund Taighde Éireann to support outstanding Irish research and innovation at home, In Europe, and global y • Raise Research Investment towards 2.5% of GNI: Increasing research funding will drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Ireland's competitive edge, focusing on sectors like healthcare, climate, agri-food, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. • Strengthen Academia-Industry Partnerships: We will foster closer collaboration between educational Institutions and industry, formalising postdoctoral employment structures and funding graduate research programs to sustain economic growth

We will prioritise funding for inclusive research and ensure institutions have the necessary supports for faculty and researchers with disabilities • Fund Interdisciplinary Research: We will support groundbreaking research that bridges academia, industry, and government, leveraging Ireland's tertiary sector expertise. • Create a Pathway for Research Impact: We will establish a formal pathway for third level researchers to inform government policy on critical issues based on internationally recognised research. Expand Hubs of Excellence. We will fund centres of research excellence across Irish universities and promote the Shared Island scheme to boost collaboration. Revise Second-Level STEM Curriculum. We will encourage greater STEM uptake at 3rd level by enhancing the curriculum at second level to stimulate interest. Support the Office of the Government Science Advisor: We will continue to back the role of the Government Science Advisor in shaping science policy. Fine Gael's commitment to research and innovation will fuel Ireland's economic and social progress, supporting jobs, technological advancement, and solutions to future challenges. • Extend Tax Relief for Targeted Skills Courses. We will provide extended tax relief for short-term skills courses in high-demand areas like green energy, Al, life sciences, and data analytics. This will help workers upskill without changing careers, keeping Ireland competitive in evolving industries. Add Healthcare Apprenticeships: We will expand apprenticeship options to include more healthcare disciplines, ensuring the healthcare sector has the skilled workers it needs Modernise Apprenticeship Curriculums. Working with the National Skills Council, we will update apprenticeship curriculums across al fields, ensuring they meet today's industry standards Develop Green Skills Courses: We will fund new courses in Green Skills, including the offshore wind energy sector, to support Ireland's transition to a green economy.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/11/2024

Fianna Fáil has pretty extensive plans: 🟢more RoI/NI research collaboration including 100m for cross-border R&I hubs 💶hit a EUR1.5bn Horizon Europe funding target 🌊'position Ireland as a leader in marine research'

Increase funding for research and development in each budget based solely on excellence criteria and independent review. • Ensure that distinct funding programmes for research in the Humanities and Social Sciences are maintained. • Publish annual details of research funding - providing transparency on the areas funded, the division between basic and applied research and the number of researchers supported. target. • Strengthen all-island R&I collaborations and increase Co Centres Programme funding to €100 million for all-island R&I hubs. • Facilitate international researcher mobility through targeted visa programmes for non-EU countries to broaden expertise. • Scale up exchange programmes and secondments between academia and Government, to enhance policymaking. • Expand EU Research and Innovation Partnerships with Small and Medium sized businesses. • Maximise Horizon Europe engagement with a €1.5bn funding • Increase third-level places in the blue bioeconomy, renewable energy, and marine science to position Ireland as a leader in marine research

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 18/11/2024

Today’s commute. A big grey Guten Morgen from Hamburg.

A wide shot of the Alster lake with a statue of thee boatmen to the right. It’s is grey and overcast.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 07/11/2024

What a 24 hours for us following US, Irish and German politics.

An anthropomorphic taxidermied fox sitting on a chair with a thousand-yard stare.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 05/11/2024

Today’s high-speed commute

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 20/10/2024

Aim your camera at just the right angle, and Hamburg can be as classically beautiful as any other German city

A view of leafy Janhannes Brahms Platz in Hamburg, showing an equestrian statue and come classical/neoclassical buildings. In the far background a massive radio tower is just visible behind the clouds.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 10/10/2024

The vaccines, meeting at the torso:

Two characters from ‘The Umbrella Academy’ are in separate vehicles, driving past each other. Both look out their respective windows with surprised and slightly annoyed expressions, as if unexpectedly meeting someone they know but didn’t want to see.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 01/10/2024

There's a new online tool that measures the walkability of hundreds (if not thousands) of cities across the world: whatif.sonycsl.it/15mincity/in... I checked for Dublin and it's... surprisingly good? Most areas you can walk to necessities below 15 minutes. 🧪 #irishresearch

Map of Dublin in the 15min-city platform, showing most areas of the city clouded in positive blue, with some peripheral areas coloured in red.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 20/09/2024

Where your email finds me.

A peak from the Picos de Europa national park

Shot from the top of a funicular looking down to the valley

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 17/09/2024

Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #414,376!

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 21/08/2024

As more pop up around the world, Ireland's Science Gallery - the world's first - gets a mention in a recent Economist article But it remains closed after ~2 years 💔

The Bangalore outpost is the newest addition to a network of seven science galleries—in America, Australia, Britain, Germany, Mexico and, the first, in Ireland—whose purpose is to bring art and science together. All except India’s are sponsored by and located in universities, which are capable of throwing together researchers and experts from across disciplines.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 18/08/2024

Writing for @esci.bsky.social gets my byline in some interesting places 🧪 Here’s my article about African Swine Fever, published in Romania’s premiere hunting magazine…

Photo of an article in a printed magazine. The headline is “Pesta Porcinǎ Africanǎ în Europa”

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 07/08/2024

I think it might be down to this setting. Not sure if this is set to 'None' by default, meaning all languages are seen

Bluesky's content languages setting, selected to English, French and German

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 29/07/2024

To provide a spoonful of context: Úna Mullally argues that we are overlooking just how many clean energy projects will power new data centres, rather than replacing fossil fuels.

Browsing the lobbying register, the activity of data centre lobbyists is pronounced. If you’re looking for a quirk in terms of who’s attempting to counter this lobbying power, I give you: nuns. Sisters from the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters have both attempted to highlight the negative consequences of the mass rollout of development of data centres in Ireland by writing to politicians. While I appreciate that nuns taking a stand against the data centre industry, its lobbyists, Big Tech, and the bold new age of AI, would make a great Erin Brockovich-style Netflix dramedy (and I’d happily write it), we will probably need more than climate-conscious sisters taking a stand.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 01/07/2024

Months of (very, very) busy work paid off last week; the second Transatlantic Big Science Conference in Berlin! It got scientists and politicians for Europe and the US to see how to re-energise cooperation between their research organisations. #sciencediplomacy 🧪

Standing poster with the Transatlantic Big Science Conference ident

DESY chief Helmut Dosch speaking at the conference

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 24/06/2024

A sunny Guten Morgen from today’s morning commute.

A wide angle view of the sunny Alster lake in Hamburg.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 10/06/2024

Was good fun being back last week at @cenunihh.bsky.social to give marine biology researchers tips on science journalism. Commute wasn’t bad either.

Exterior of the Uni Hamburg IHF building

Front three-quarters view of the dock jetty for Hamburg’s ferry service. The river Elbe is in the background.

View of the back of the ferry, showing the water being churned by the engines. The Elbphilharmonie building is in the background.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 28/05/2024

Professional news klaxon 🔈 I'm helping to organise the second Transatlantic Big Science Conference. Scientific leaders from North America, Europe, and Africa will discuss how to overcome barriers to collaboration and support global scientific diplomacy transatlanticscience.org #philsci #STS

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 26/05/2024

This paragraph gets to the nut of it:

Under the current funding model for universities, this is another vital support. Internationally, the third-level sector is largely funded by governments in countries like France and Germany and by business, rich graduates and stratospheric fees in the United States, where the big universities are effectively large corporations. Ireland has a kind of hybrid model, comprising direct State funding; indirect funding from the SFI and elsewhere for research, tuition charges; valuable fees from non-EU students; and other income – like rents for student accommodation, investment returns, donations and so on. For this reason, we should not be surprised that universities charge royally for accommodation, focus on getting in students from outside the EU at the expense of places for locals, try to maximise cash from opportunities like the Book of Kells, or twist and turn every way to try to get up the international rankings. It’s only business.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 23/05/2024

I’ll say this about Hamburg: they do a good park.

A pond in a park, with a willow tree dipping into the water. A small fountain is in the middle.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 16/05/2024

Goes one further too - "the research group was provided ethical counsel by the independent company Ethical Resolve to inform the study designs" Ethical Resolve was paid by, you guessed it...

Professional Ethics Advice: Meta retained the services of Ethical Resolve, a data ethics firm that was consulted by both Meta and academic researchers at various stages of the project prior to implementation of the research to evaluate whether it met long-running traditions of research ethics as well as emerging norms and best practices for conducting digital research

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 15/05/2024

Realising it's only Wednesday after - Launching/promoting a new website - Helping to run three #PintOfScience events - Knee-deep in interview transcriptions

A poorly-stuffed, anthropomorphic taxidermied fox sitting on a chair

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 14/05/2024

That’s one hell of a foreign/space policy

May 13, 2024: America is a lonely country, planning for a human settlement on the moon, and brain worms around the world.

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Fintan Burke @fintanburke.com · 10/05/2024

There’s a new survey by Ireland’s state think tanks showed people want to lower their emissions, but they don’t know how. People want to change, and I bet it’s the same elsewhere. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...

When invited to list the everyday behaviours that contribute to their carbon footprint, just one in 25 adults mentioned their diet. Any references to food were more likely to be about where it came from or how it was packaged than whether meals contain foods linked to high emissions, such as red meat.

A quarter of respondents said they had changed what they eat to reduce their carbon footprint. A slightly larger proportion, 27 per cent, reported that they would like to but cannot, mostly citing cost and knowledge about what to eat as the biggest difficulties.
However, the largest group, 47 per cent, did not see a need to change what they eat.

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