Sign in

Conor Fitzpatrick

@fitzparticle.bsky.social
202 followers 129 following 291 posts

Particle physicist (he/him)

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
In Medias Malone @professormusgrave.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
As a professor, most of what I do is log in to things
471425193
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The FoI this article is based on has been put up today ukri.disclosurelog.co.uk/disclosures/... 👀
ukri.disclosurelog.co.uk
FOI2026/00526: STFC Council meeting of 17 December 2025 - Disclosure log
001
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@robinbisson.bsky.social doing great work here. If I were on @ukri.org's STFC council I'd be very unhappy with the chair altering approved minutes I'm named on without consultation. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
New evidence raises questions for UKRI on edited STFC minutes - Research Professional News
Funder insists amended minutes are “accurate summary”, despite differing with slide presented to council
131
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Back in the hadron mines this morning @lhcb.bsky.social
040
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
CERN @cern.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Predicting the economic impact of the #HiLumiLHC 📈 The upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider is expected to return nearly twice its cost to society. Read more: home.cern/predicting-t... 📸 Cédric Favero/CERN 2025 Photowalk
511227
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Patrick Koppenburg 🐧 @koppenburg.ch · 24/09/2026
A bit of history of particle physics that takes an unexpected turn today. In 2003 the BaBar experiment at SLAC reported a particle decaying to a Ds meson and a neutral pion, with a mass of 2317 MeV. arxiv.org/abs/hep-ex/0...
1105
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
...The @lhcb.bsky.social's governing body issued what it described as an “unprecedented” statement condemning the impact of the cuts. Commenting alongside the statement, @profbriancox.bsky.social said physics in the UK is facing a crisis “unlike any I have seen in both severity and cause”.
022
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Lucien Heurtier @lucienheurtier.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Excellent article about the crisis faced by physics research in the UK: Brian Cox: "I have no idea who mandated this shift or why they think it’s a good idea, but from my perspective it’s a disaster. I urge the new Burnham government to step in..." 🧪🔭 www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
thetimes.com
Brian Cox: Physics in Britain is facing a crisis
The celebrity physicist has joined officials in condemning the UK’s decision to withdraw £45 million in funding from the Large Hadron Collider
12812
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Joachim Kopp @joachimkopp.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Last week, I got a chance to see LHCb for the first time (thanks, Dylan, Felicia, and Vava!). What a magnificent detector and what an innovative and groundbreaking experiment, both in terms of hardware and in terms of software / physics analysis.
Side view of the LHCb detectorclose-up of one slice of the LHCb velo sub-detector
051
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Lietuvos nacionalinis radijas ir televizija. Naujienos, įrašai … @lrt.lt.web.brid.gy · 14/09/2026
lrt.lt
Vilniuje pirmą kartą rengiama CERN LHCb eksperimento konferencija
Vilniuje pirmadienį prasidės pirmą kartą Lietuvoje rengiama Europos branduolinių tyrimų organizacijos (CERN) LHCb eksperimento konferencija „LHCb Week Vilnius“, subursianti šimtus mokslininkų, inžinierių ir jaunųjų tyrėjų iš įvairių pasaulio šalių.
021
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
The Observer @theobserveruk.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Commit to Jodrell Bank, Burnham challenged, as its future is again called into question Fury over funding announcement just 10 days after the prime minister told parliament that the Cheshire telescope is not under threat of closure ✍️ Giles Whittell bit.ly/3SLRBot
bit.ly
Commit to Jodrell Bank, Burnham challenged, as its future...
Fury over funding announcement just 10 days after the prime minister told parliament that the Cheshire telescope is not under threat of closure
194
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
'the Astronomer Royal for Scotland and a vocal critic of the cuts, called Burnham’s intervention “wonderful news” but said Jodrell Bank was a “high-profile casualty of a much larger funding crisis” that goes beyond particle physics and astronomy.'🧪⚛️🔭👩‍🔬 Vocal critic 🙋‍♀️ should print that on a ti-shirt👌
49025
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Jodrell Bank reprieve fuels hopes of STFC cuts rethink Experts urge Burnham government to scrutinise wider decisions on Science and Technology Facilities Council funding www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Jodrell Bank reprieve fuels hopes of STFC cuts rethink - Research Professional News
Experts urge Burnham government to scrutinise wider decisions on Science and Technology Facilities Council funding
0113
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Times Higher Education (THE) @timeshighered.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Andy Burnham has committed to saving the important Jodrell Bank telescope, following an outcry from scientists and the public over the decision to pull research funding for the site. Frances Jones reports #highered #JodrellBank #research ow.ly/gSyC50ZIcMs
033
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Great take from @royalastrosoc.bsky.social re: commons yesterday. 'The Society therefore hopes that the parliamentary engagement marks the beginning of a broader discussion about how the UK can provide the long-term planning and funding security that underpin discovery research capabilities.'
120
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Jodrell may be the symbol, but it's not the whole story. Welcome as the PM's intervention on Jodrell Bank is, debate earlier today showed MPs have concerns over a wide range of facilities, experiments and capabilities underpinning UK research strength. Nevertheless, the politics seem to be shifting.
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham says "We'll find a way to save Jodrell Bank"
Burnham said "there is no way that we can see its demise, and it won't happen under my Government".
14113
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Tim O'Brien @proftimob.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
... I hope this also leads to a wider review of the STFC cuts affecting so much science across the UK.
062
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
@andyburnham.bsky.social is doing the right thing here! Now that it has been shown the @ukri.org process was flawed, the rest of the cuts to STFC facilities, labs and projects are in question. There is so much more damage to UK-led science that needs to be addressed urgently.
062
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Malcolm Fairbairn @malcfairbairn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
It's almost like someone has made an arbitrary decision based upon nothing but their gut feeling isn't it. Not very scientific.
162
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
That was a v fast-paced debate on the STFC funding cuts! Good things: * The minister did not trot out the infuriating "there are no cuts" line * Lots of MPs there passionately standing up for their constituents who are directly impacted * Everyone there seemed to genuinely love the work we do!
15014
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Parliament returns from summer recess today, and the second debate in the House (13:00-13:30) is about the STFC funding cuts to fundamental physics & astro! I'll be watching on parliament TV and live-posting any gems, so you don't have to (you're welcome). 🍿: www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
78928
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Great to meet with @marykfoymp.bsky.social to discuss the catastrophic cuts to UK PPAN Science and their impact on world-class institutes in the North East
032
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
🚨 Astronomy cuts update 🚨 Next Tuesday (1 September) a debate about the ongoing funding crisis will take place in Westminster Hall from 1-1.30pm. 🗣️🔭 The RAS welcomes the debate and is encouraging all Fellows to contact their MPs to urge them to attend. ✍️ Find out more 👉️ ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Save UK Astronomy campaign badge.
04932
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
sarahrussellmp.bsky.social @sarahrussellmp.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Like many of you, I love Jodrell Bank. I’m fighting hard for its scientific future. I have now spoken to the Science Minister twice about my concerns following the UKRI announcement about Jodrell Bank. I will continue to push for the government to look for long term funding.
Four people standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a platform, posing in front of a giant white radio telescope dish against a partly cloudy sky, suggesting a research site visit.Giant white radio telescope dish and open lattice support tilted toward the sky, dwarfing nearby visitors — a large observatory antenna for radio astronomy.Staff member standing at a control-room workstation, viewing multiple monitors and a large wall screen showing system dashboards, sky maps and camera images used to monitor operations.Entrance to an observatory control building with three people walking toward a brick facade; a sign noting the MERLIN & VLBI national facility and a radio dish are visible under a partly cloudy sky.
074
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Tara Shears @tarashears.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Concern at impact of £162m science research "cuts"
Didcot and Wantage MP, Olly Glover is worried flat funding may lead to job losses and facilities shut.
011
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Peter Coles 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇮🇪 @telescoper.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The Cuts to LHCb – Guest Post by William Barter The following is a guest post by William Barter, who recently finished a term as the 'physics coordinator' of LHCb-UK. --o-- The European particle physics community recently undertook a two-year process to update our strategy – setting out the things…
telescoper.blog
The Cuts to LHCb – Guest Post by William Barter
The following is a guest post by William Barter, who recently finished a term as the 'physics coordinator' of LHCb-UK. --o-- The European particle physics community recently undertook a two-year process to update our strategy – setting out the things that we, as a field, choose to prioritise. The highest priority in that update was “the full exploitation of the physics potential of the Large Hadron Collider”.
186
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Lucien Heurtier @lucienheurtier.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I hosted a piece by @wjbarter.bsky.social on what the UK risks losing by not prioritising further funding for #LHCb Upgrade II. 🧪🔭 It is UK leadership, international trust, detector expertise, AI/data skills, and a pipeline that has already trained 300+ PhD students. lheurtier.github.io/LHCb.html
lheurtier.github.io
Why the LHCb Upgrade Cuts Matter
UKRI and STFC have cut funding for the next-generation LHCb upgrade at CERN. This article explains what is at stake for UK science, international credibility, skills, detector expertise and the future...
071
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
A cross party group of MPs led by Olly Glover have urged the Secretary of State to intervene over £162m proposed cuts to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), warning the cuts could seriously damage the UK's global leadership in science, innovation and space research.
Olly Glover, official House of Commons portrait
13110
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Not only the Astros who've got their colanders out @astroroyalscot.bsky.social! Hope to see some of the eclipse before it sets behind the Marmolada
130
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Kirsty Grainger @kirstygrainger.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
One of the stark differences between working the public sector (like UKRI) and working in the University sector is around the freedom to be able to say stuff publicly. So here's me saying stuff. Thanks to @wonkhe.bsky.social for the platform. wonkhe.com/blogs/cost-a...
wonkhe.com
Cost and speed are not measures of quality grant making
Kirsty Grainger asks whether UKRI's commitment to faster grant making will improve the quality, fairness and effectiveness of research funding
3208
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Tara Shears @tarashears.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
New UK science minister (finally confirmed!) urged to ‘protect curiosity-led research’ www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
researchprofessionalnews.com
New UK science minister urged to ‘protect curiosity-led research’ - Research Professional News
Chris McDonald’s role officially confirmed, while James Frith becomes minister for health innovation
012
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"the best scientists will go wherever the best science can be done. And on this the signs are ominous. A recent survey found that nearly 80% of early-career physicists were considering leaving the UK after the funding crisis." @iansample.bsky.social for the Guardian:
theguardian.com
World-class Jodrell Bank is under threat and UK risks a physics brain drain
Funding crisis could lead to an exodus that would be a blow for British science and national growth
01510
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Prospect Union @prospectunion.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The closure of the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory would be a tragedy for UK science that undermines the mission to be a science superpower, says Prospect. Read more ⬇️ prospect.org.uk/news/closure...
prospect.org.uk
Closure of Jodrell Bank a ‘tragedy’ for UK science, says Prospect
The Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, home to one of the world’s largest steerable telescopes for more...
01715
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Just a reminder that @ukri.org can break out the chequebook at will. It isn't doing this for facilities, Nat labs, astro, nuclear or particle though. How many stfc staff positions would £20M save, @prospectunion.bsky.social ?
031
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Elizabeth Gibney @lizziegibney.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
A growing number of voices are calling for UK physics cuts (the result of a long prioritization exercise by the STFC) to be reversed 🧪⚛️ Funding for @jodrellbank.bsky.social's Lovell telescope & @lhcb.bsky.social's upgrade are among those being chopped My latest here: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
Scientists up in arms about cuts to UK physics and astronomy
Funding is being terminated for projects including a future CERN experiment and the iconic Lovell Telescope.
12214
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Great to see the SITC is still in business.
010
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
@ukri.org's handling of STFC losing the FT should be a wake up call.
041
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Excellent letters in the @theguardian.com calling out the cuts to research in STFC. Shout out to Paula Collins of @lhcb.bsky.social! www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
Science funding cuts will harm Britain’s global standing | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to an editorial about the threat to research funding, including plans to close the Jodrell Bank Observatory
012
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
@ukri.org's handling of STFC losing the FT should be a wake up call.
041
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Thanks for recognising this. It's appreciated. I'd appreciate it more if you could work with the other RCs, STFC included, and the UKRI executive to seek a better settlement from DBIST and treasury for all of the research the UK does so well. It's a huge soft power and public opinion win!
031
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Is that the AHRC exec suggesting those other noisy crabs should get back in the bucket? Perhaps he could think about what working to a bigger settlement for all might look like. There's some history repeating and AHRC was part of it last time round too. publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/...
publications.parliament.uk
120
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
My 'not funding e-merlin' t shirt has a lot of people asking questions already answered by my t shirt.
030
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The new UkGov "may be more willing to hold UKRI to account for its specific prioritisation decisions based on the reality that they are political choices with political consequences". 🤞 #SaveUKAstronomy #SaveJodrellBank
2356
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
On the other site @ukri.org is getting bodied. The comms teams have my sympathy. Your boss has really dropped you in it.
Twitter trending news shows two trends relating to the cuts STFC have applied to the lovell telescope of jodrell bank.
120
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Institute of Physics @iop.org · 29/07/2026
A coalition of scientists and scientific community leaders including Prof Brian Cox and IOP President Prof Paul Howarth has voiced serious concern about the impact the latest funding cuts will have on UK science in this Research Professional article: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Jodrell Bank funding cut does ‘real damage’ to UK science - Research Professional News
Experts alarmed as science secretary says UK must invest in “next generation of scientific facilities”
055
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Lucien Heurtier @lucienheurtier.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
These are some of the capabilities the UK risks losing with LHCb Upgrade II: • radiation-hard silicon • photon detectors • fast-timing sensors • electronics and computing • precision engineering Built over decades. Hard to replace once lost.
042
Reposted by Conor Fitzpatrick
Lucien Heurtier @lucienheurtier.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
📢UKRI’s decision not to fund LHCb Upgrade II is not just a project cut. It puts UK leadership, access to the future LHCb dataset and opportunities for hundreds of scientists, engineers, technicians and students at risk. 🧪 ↩️This decision should be reversed. #UKRI #STFC @andyburnham.bsky.social
134
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"the best scientists will go wherever the best science can be done. And on this the signs are ominous. A recent survey found that nearly 80% of early-career physicists were considering leaving the UK after the funding crisis." @iansample.bsky.social for the Guardian:
theguardian.com
World-class Jodrell Bank is under threat and UK risks a physics brain drain
Funding crisis could lead to an exodus that would be a blow for British science and national growth
01510
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
DBIST Sec to @pallabg.bsky.social "I am committed to working with UKRI to ensure the UK remains able not only to sustain its world-leading research capabilities, but also to invest in the next generation of scientific facilities and infrastructure" @lhcb.bsky.social upgrade is next generation!
bbc.com
Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands
Astronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained.
073
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
It's both endearing and heartbreaking that people in the replies are asking if public donations to support science can be made. That's what taxes that fund @ukri.org are. A bigger budget would fix this and the public seem to support it!
030