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Jon Butterworth

@jonbutterworth.bsky.social
556 followers 219 following 245 posts

Physics prof @UCL, researcher @CERN, author

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Reposted by Jon Butterworth
The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 30/09/2026
Beyond the LHC: The Future of Particle Physics, our panel from Latitude, is up now to watch on Patreon featuring @helenczerski.bsky.social, @jonbutterworth.bsky.social & @particleclara.bsky.social. Podcast version out later this week for all. Subscribe at patreon.com/cosmicshambles
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
We're proud of the way we manage to share ATLAS world-wide. And we wrote a paper about it.
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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
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
On holiday in Norway, I have seen the future. This will blow vaping out of the water.
The benefits of smoking salmon
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Doing my best to make this article influential here.
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The Cosmic Shambles Network @cosmicshambles.com · 10/08/2026
WE'RE BACK! The iconic science & culture variety night Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People returns to @kingsplacelondon.bsky.social, London for 4 big shows this Dec. Hosted by @robinince.bsky.social, tickets on sale NOW, profits to charity as ever www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/nin...
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Chris Lintott @chrislintott.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Proper sense in a FT editorial. Come on PM. Easy wins right here.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Last weekend rocked. Thanks @cosmicshambles.com and Latitude Fesival for the invitation and .. well, all of it www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_9x...
youtube.com
Latitude Festival 2026 | Highlights from the Cosmic Shambles Forest of Science & Culture
YouTube video by The Cosmic Shambles Network
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Just watched the first episode of this. Top stuff. Plus it helped me enjoy a impromptu Bob Marley rendition someone did in our lane immediately afterwards. Music, eh?
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Ian M @marriotti67.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
“Putting common sense first”.
Reform led Suffolk County Council voting in June to scrap their climate emergency declaration.Lead BBC story today: “Suffolk wildfire in grows to size of 140 football pitches
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Escher exhibition today. Can recommend.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I'm happy and honoured to say that I will be President Elect of the Institute of Physics from October this year. www.iop.org/about/news/2... It is a challenging, as well as exciting, time for physics right now, and the IOP is, and must remain, strong and clear voice for the whole community.
iop.org
IOP 2026 Council election results announced
We are delighted to announce our three new trustees – one President-elect and two General Trustees – who will take up their posts from 1 October 2026.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Well. Thank goodness. And the UCL HEP sweepstake too!
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
football?
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
now I'm being confused by the bbc
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
so confused
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
how is a stadium full of football fans so quiet?
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
are these K-pops?
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Important context and analysis regarding recent UKRI announcements of cuts to UK science capacity. lheurtier.github.io/STFCprio.html
lheurtier.github.io
The STFC Prioritisation Outcome: What the Numbers Really Mean
UKRI's 2.7% PPAN headline compares 2029/30 with 2025/26 in cash terms. A longer-run inflation-adjusted comparison points to a roughly 16% contraction since 2021/22.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Stop scrolling and post two characters who bring you happiness.
static.klipy.com
Eleanor and Chidi Exchange a Glance
ALT: Eleanor and Chidi Exchange a Glance
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Avanti West Coast plumb new levels. Train from Birmingham New Street was cancelled but they reject the delay claim because my journey started in University (Birmingham) which is West Midlands. Try again. 🤡
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Jenny Andrew @drandrewv2.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I see most of the protest against the absorption of DSIT into other portfolios is coming from the tech lobby… fear of losing the attention of government under other priorities. I really get it! Honestly, it’s how I’ve felt about R&D being always in tech’s shadow in DSIT… nobody’s favourite child.
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Jenny Andrew @drandrewv2.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I don’t irreconcilably hate the BIS grouping for science, but I have a BIG problem with putting it back there without the layers of scientific independence we had the last time. There would need to be a few other MAJOR reversals to make it safe, and I seriously doubt they’re on the cards!
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
I was hoping Burnham might do something to fix the troubles in UKRI/DSIT, but I am not sure this is it. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap technology department triggers backlash
MPs and industry experts say potential reorganisation will waste time at critical moment for AI and economic growth
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Sonia Silva ❤️ @vallygirl.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
If I were Nigel Farage, I’d dip into that £5 million crypto gift just to fund a video that can compete with this! 🤣 HILARIOUS ⬇️
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 11/07/2026
An extreme wildfire risk is in place across London this weekend. Please follow London Fire Brigade advice: ❌ No disposable BBQs in parks & open spaces 🚬 Dispose of cigarettes carefully 🗑️ Take rubbish home if bins are full Together we can help the London Fire Brigade save lives.
bbc.co.uk
'Extreme' London wildfire risk warning issued by LFB
The risk has been raised due to the hot, dry weather and wind direction and speed, the LFB says.
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Amra Watson @amrawatson.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Richard Tice's "defence" may be the most spectacular own goal of the year. Nothing says "anti-establishment" like 50-year family ties to aristocrats and a £500,000 donor. 🤨 The revolution will, apparently, be funded by the aristocracy. 👇😆
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Excellent selection of highlights from an important session...
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
The ITV commentary school seems to be "say the name of a player when they touch the ball, but that's all". Weird.
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
While UKRI ponders our fate it was deeply disappointing to see the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Royal Observatory MP responding to our concerns with "funding for STFC has not been cut". True, but flat-cash to cover rising UK facility electricity costs and inflation = cuts to physics and astronomy. #AnswerTheQuestion 😡🔭🧪
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Well.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Excellent comment piece in Nature Reviews Physics by Hiranya Peiris www.nature.com/articles/s42...
nature.com
Discovery is not the opposite of application - Nature Reviews Physics
Restructuring research funding as a choice between discovery and application gets the economics wrong, the evidence wrong and the people wrong.
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Alom Shaha @alomshaha.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Building it gave a lot of science journalists / writers (including me) the opportunity to use the pun "Lords of the Ring". I had the amazing experience of being allowed to go into the tunnels and film with the lovely @jonbutterworth.bsky.social and a few others who worked on it).
youtube.com
Seed Magazine Presents: Lords of the Ring
YouTube video by SeedMagazine
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Meanwhile, Nigel Ferrarige on a roll... www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘I’ll spend it on Ferraris if I want’: how frustrated Farage squirmed over £5m gift
Whether the money was a reward for Brexit or for his security, media interest in it has intensifed as the Reform UK leader returns to the public eye
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Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Exclusive: STFC evaluation lays bare ‘huge damage’ if cuts go ahead. Advisers warn of “major crisis” for UK research as impact assessment is sent to ministers. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
STFC evaluation lays bare ‘huge damage’ if cuts go ahead - Research Professional News
Advisers warn of “major crisis” for UK research as impact assessment is sent to ministers
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UK Research and Innovation @ukri.org · 23/06/2026
We're excited to announce two new AI research labs that will develop next generation AI systems in Britain. With up to £60m #EPSRC investment, the labs will rethink how AI works, how it learns and how it can be made more open, efficient and useful for the UK. More👉 www.ukri.org/news/ukri-la...
Screenshot of web news story. Blue text on white background reads: UKRI launches two AI research labs to stay ahead in global race. Below is an image of cloud data centres.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Editor of the CERN Courier is an exciting, unique and important role and applications are open until 3rd July. careers.cern/jobs/sr-eco-...
careers.cern
CERN Courier Editor
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Listening to the playlist on the Caledonian Sleeper. Every song reminds me of an 80s hit when it starts, but they are almost never what I think they are. Are they 21st century songs "inspired" by the 80s, or older songs that "inspired" the 80s? I can't tell. Does it matter?
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
This does have a "Oh crap that column I wrote on Wed and scheduled to go out while I was on holiday!" vibe...
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Richard Hermer @richardhermer.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
The images from Edinburgh are horrifying, and my thoughts are with those affected by these shocking attacks. The suspect appears to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. We must condemn racism & division in the strongest terms, and show our solidarity to the Muslim community. (1/2)
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Rob Ford @robfordmancs.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Makerfield result is extraordinary: A swing back to governing party in a by-election is exceptional. Winning absolute majority of the vote in a seat with Reform friendly demographics is exceptional. Doing both on an increased turnout when your party is polling under 20% is truly exceptional
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Cat Neilan @catneilan.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Exc: First Government department quits Twitter over racism and violence concerns Richard Hermer sent a directive to staff last week saying the Attorney General's Office would be coming off the platform observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk
First government department quits X over racism and viole...
Concern about the spread of misinformation from right-wing figures prompts Richard Hermer to pull Attorney General’s Office off platform
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Absolutely.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Fourheads lifeandphysics.com/2026/06/18/f... #LifeAndPhysics
lifeandphysics.com
Fourheads
So, is the above (a) a publicity shot from the stage adaptation of The Usual Suspects (b) four (one current, three previous) Heads of Physics and Astronomy at UCL.
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Chi Onwurah @chionwurah.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
At SITC this morning I asked physicists whether cuts to research funding and opportunities for early career researchers will impact neuromorphic computing.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Yesterday in Parliament lifeandphysics.com/2026/06/16/y... #LifeAndPhysics
lifeandphysics.com
Yesterday in Parliament
Clive Lewis MP hosted a drop in session about the funding crisis in the science and technology research council (STFC). We had a busy two hours talking to MPs and Peers. I think and hope we had som…
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Lucien Heurtier @lucienheurtier.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
I have rarely seen in my career such a large scientific community facing funding challenges with such strength and a high sense of union.🧪🔭 I am hopeful that the government will hear these brilliant voices and not let #UKRI sacrifice PPAN science. We won't let it happen. ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
ras.ac.uk
Stars of physics descend on Westminster to halt catastrophic funding cuts
Professor Brian Cox has urged the Government to "trust, inspire and continue to invest in the next generation of scientists" instead of moving forward with "devastat...
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Looking forward to teaming up with @astroroyalscot.bsky.social, @chrislintott.bsky.social, @drbecky.bsky.social, @jonbutterworth.bsky.social, Brian Cox and others in Westminster! #STFCCuts #UKRI
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CERN @cern.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Join scientists, live from the CERN Control Centre, as the Large Hadron Collider (#LHC) delivers its last collisions to its experiments before it is transformed into a high luminosity machine. #HiLumiLHC 📍LIVE on Facebook & YouTube 📆 11 June, 5:00 PM CEST 🔗 youtube.com/live/oVwzDcj...
youtube.com
LIVE LHC Season Finale, up next...
YouTube video by CERN
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
"Someone, somewhere, has taken the decision to defund astrophysics research in the UK, but no-one seems quite sure who that was, or why." The latest on the impact of the catastrophic funding cuts to UK astrophysics, by me, in @natastron.nature.com 👩‍🔬🧪🔭 ✒️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
World View:  A change in UK policy jeopadizes the future of UK astrophysics - By Catherine Heymans

The latest budget proposal announced by the largest UK science funding agency threatens to severely affect UK astrophysics research. My colleagues and I are fighting back.
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