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Karen Happy

@khappy2.bsky.social
103 followers 77 following 30 posts

Australia. Science and Engineering. Diversity and inclusion. Conservation. Vintage style. Dog person.

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Reposted by Karen Happy
Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
These summits are too embarrassing - and too dangerous, with Trump's instability - and the country would be safer and better off if our president weren't hosting them. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
theatlantic.com
Trump Should Stop Hosting Summits
He’s turned them into a pointless ritual.
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ABC News Australia @news.abc.net.au · 24/09/2026
'Premier's STEM Researcher of the Year' among those set to lose jobs in Tasmanian cost cutting
abc.net.au
'Researcher of the Year' to be sacked as part of cost cutting
Not even the Premier's STEM Researcher of the Year 2025 can avoid a Tasmanian departmental job-cutting drive.
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Stuart Palmer @spalm.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The engineering programs at UoA and UniSA must have loved having the long-standing accreditation of their programs converted back to 'provisional', and being forced into a general re-accreditation of all *checks notes* THIRTY programs in 2027.
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Anon Opin @anonopin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Vibe coding replaces the interesting bit - writing code to solve a problem - and replaces it with the boring bit - reviewing someone else's code to see if they've done it right. It's a shit swap.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I remember when polio put my friends into iron lungs. We lined up at school to get vaccinated. We eradicated the disease. We protected the common good and saved lives. Now, two MORE unvaccinated people have died from measles. What RFK Jr. is doing to public health in America is a disgrace.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 03/09/2026
Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist and co-founder of Ms. magazine, died on Wednesday at 92. For Steinem, a woman’s agency included not just how she lived her life, but also how she looked while she did so, our fashion critic writes.
nyti.ms
Gloria Steinem’s Glamour Was a Means to an End
The glasses, the hairdo, the bell bottoms and hip-slung belts were all wrapped up in her feminist cause.
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Karen Happy @khappy2.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Great night at the Eureka awards for Science at the Sydney Town Hall @eurekaprizes.bsky.social Proud to be a judge again this year and to support finalist Dr Kirsten Banks from Swinburne University @astrokirsten.bsky.social
The chandelier in the foyer of the Sydney Town hall. It glitters silvery in a room with ornate high ceilings  lit with red lights for the event The Eureka awards main stage with steps that the winners will walk up A large crowd of people at the historic Sydney Town Hall dressed in black tie Finalost DR Kirsten Banks on screen at the Eureka Awards for science
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Reposted by Karen Happy
Australian Research Council @arc-gov-au.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
ARC-supported researchers are reinventing mineral processing for a more sustainable future. Through new technologies and industry partnerships, @coeminerals.bsky.social is improving resource recovery and strengthening Australia's research capability. More: www.arc.gov.au/news-and-pub...
Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin standing beside two scale models of industrial mining equipment displayed on a cabinet in an office setting, with framed landscape photographs in the background.
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God @thegodshow.com · 02/09/2026
JFK: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask where are the Epstein files.”
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paulpro @mariopro.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
@liberaljane.bsky.social
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Alex Zalben @azalben.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Here's the official announcement of Parton's passing from her reps, along with the request that in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com
NASHVILLE, TN (August 25, 2026) – Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

 

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). 

 

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

 

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.         

 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The effective federal corporate income tax rate: 1950: 50% 1990: 25% 2020: 13% Stop asking "but how we will pay for it?" Restore the corporate tax rate. That is how we will pay for it.
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Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 30/07/2026
When Justice is blind, bad guys take the fifth. When justice is corrupt, good guys take the fifth. Feel free to share.
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The Wolfpack @wolfpack11720.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"Prejudices are what fools use for reason." ~ Voltaire
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CosmicRami 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @rami.spaceaustralia.com · 21/07/2026
🚨TWO YEARS FROM TODAY! 🚨 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE OVER AUS/NZ ☀️🌑🌏 Here's the view 6M+ people in #Sydney will have. Last one here was 1857. Next one here is 2858. It's a once-in-a-thousand-year (totality) event! Are you thinking of coming along to Sydney? A thread of info for you 🧵👇 📸 TimeAndDate
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Australian Research Council @arc-gov-au.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Minister for Education, the Hon @jasonclaremp.bsky.social, has released the final report of the National Competitive Grants Program Policy Review — setting the direction for a simpler, more focused research funding program. Read more: www.arc.gov.au/news-and-pub...
Cover image of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program Policy Review Final Report displayed on a dark blue background. The report cover features the Australian Government and Australian Research Council logo, with the title "National Competitive Grants Program Policy Review Final Report" in white text on a blue banner. Below the report cover, large white text reads "NCGP Final Report now available". Decorative abstract shapes in purple and light blue appear beneath the text.
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AW Sylwester @aw-sylwester.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
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Steve Brusatte @stevebrusatte.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Gus the T. rex fetched $50.1 million at auction, a new record price for a dinosaur If this is how much dinosaurs cost now, how can museums afford them? Where does that leave science & education? Will the public still have opportunities to be inspired? www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
T rex fossil ‘Gus’ sells for $50.1m at New York auction, setting new record
Skeleton judged to be one of the largest and most complete ever unearthed was excavated on a ranch in South Dakota
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George Conway ⚖️🇺🇸 @gtconway.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Jeff Timmer: Fun Fact: The President of the goddam United States paid nearly $6 million in damages today to a woman he raped. Once upon a time, this would have been the only news you heard.
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CosmicRami 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @rami.spaceaustralia.com · 13/07/2026
oh no. Not Dr Grant. RIP to this legend. Glad he was able to see his cancer treatment work and his high profile case gives hope to others using the sam treatment too. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
stuff.co.nz
Actor Sam Neill has died
Sam Neill has died in hospital, his family said in a statement on Monday.
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Michael Wyres @mwyr.es · 08/07/2026
...and there won't be #vline trains tomorrow morning...at all... www.vline.com.au/Service-Chan...
vline.com.au
All Lines Line Suspension
All Lines Line Suspension
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Hoodlum 🇺🇸 @nothoodlum.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Belgium trolled the US with a savage two-word message after knocking them out of the World Cup: “Overturn this.”
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ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The ICAC inquiry has heard a former University of Wollongong executive was dismissed on the day of a disputed salary increase.
abc.net.au
ICAC hears uni executive sacked the day he rejected colleague's pay rise
The ICAC inquiry has heard a former University of Wollongong executive was dismissed on the day of a disputed salary increase.
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Reposted by Karen Happy
ABC News Australia @news.abc.net.au · 24/06/2026
ICAC told recruitment not fair or transparent at University of Wollongong
abc.net.au
ICAC told favoured candidates got questions before uni's job interviews
A University of Wollongong governance manager has admitted that recruitment processes that led to her appointment were not fair or transparent.
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Reposted by Karen Happy
ABC News Australia @news.abc.net.au · 25/06/2026
ICAC hears timelines, tender and KordaMentha University of Wollongong contract issues
abc.net.au
ICAC told of request to alter university contract timelines
The corruption watchdog has been told a University of Wollongong manager was asked to amend timelines to obscure a potential conflict of interest involving a senior staffer and a consultancy contract that would eventually be worth $3.7 million.
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Trump and Rubio announce they will entirely cut HIV/AIDS assistance to the country with the highest number of people living with HIV in the world: www.politico.com/news/2026/06...
politico.com
Trump administration to phase out HIV funding for South Africa
The State Department said the country had failed to address the president’s concerns about treatment of its white citizens.
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Rebekah Jones @georebekah.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Happy PRIDE month! Here are just a few queer scientists who have changed history: Alan Turing, Modern computing Sally Ride, Space exploration Nergis Mavalvala, Gravitational waves Ben Barres, Neuroscience Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Cosmology Lynn Conway, Microchips & computing
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Codfather #FBPE 🇫🇷🇪🇺 @codfather.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
This transition will affect roughly 2.5 million civil servants as part of a 2026 strategy to achieve "digital sovereignty." France already has a successful precedent; the national police force has operated 100,000 computers on Linux since 2008, proving that such a massive shift is feasible.
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Australian Research Council @arc-gov-au.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Nominations now open: ARC College of Experts 2027. We’re seeking leaders in research and peer review from across academia, industry and the public sector — with strong encouragement for multidisciplinary expertise and diverse nominations. Find out more: www.arc.gov.au/news-and-pub...
Graphic with a dark blue background featuring a minimal white line drawing of two people seated side by side—one holding a document and the other with arms crossed. Below the illustration, bold text reads “College of Experts” with smaller text underneath stating “Nominations open.”
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ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Glioblastoma claims the lives of 200,000 people each year globally. Despite decades of research and funding, survival rates remain low.
abc.net.au
What glioblastoma is and why is it so hard to treat?
Glioblastoma claims the lives of 200,000 people each year globally. Despite decades of research and funding, survival rates remain low.
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UK News 🇬🇧 @news-flows-uk.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory will go dark under Trump funding cuts The Trump administration is dismantling a $386 million network of more than 900 ocean sensors funded by the National Science Foundation
independent.co.uk
Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory will go dark under Trump funding cuts
The Trump administration is dismantling a $386 million network of more than 900 ocean sensors funded by the National Science Foundation
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Michael D. Green, PhD @michaeldgreen.phd · 28/05/2026
President of MIT not mincing words today in @statnews.com www.statnews.com/2026/05/27/s...
So let me say it as clearly as I can: Without basic scientific research, supported by the kind of farsighted public investment that allows large-scale, undirected, curiosity-driven inquiry, the scientific pipeline will run dry.
In daily life, people may not feel the effects right away, or even in 10 years. But we will feel it. And when someone we love needs therapies that could have emerged but didn't or when other countries now
investing in science can launch new science-based industries or run their societies on vast resources of fusion energy or reap the benefits of quantum computing power or advanced medical breakthroughs, America will wish it sustained its leadership in scientific research here and now.
Sally Kornbluth is the president of MIT.
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Karen Happy @khappy2.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
I just took action with @theactionnetwork.bsky.social: Not in our Name Women Australia. Take action here: actionnetwork.org/forms/nionwo...
actionnetwork.org
Not in our Name Women Australia
We are women from every corner of society - mothers, daughters, friends, sisters, grandmothers, partners, colleagues, caregivers and leaders - united in rejecting the discrimination and exclusion of t...
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GASt e.V. – Gesellschaft für Australienstudien @gast-gafas.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
»One of the most influential South Australian suffragists was Catherine Helen Spence (1825–1901). She was vice-president of the Women’s #Suffrage League of South Australia, a journalist, advocate and public intellectual who toured the US and Canada.«
buff.ly
Long before the Anzacs, April 25 was the day women in Australia got the right to vote
Apart from voting, April 25 1896 was also the day women got the right to govern – in a world first.
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ARC Tracker @arc-tracker.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Important to note that this rule on assessors still applies (from full policy): "Inputting any application material into public generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity etc.) is considered by the ARC to constitute a serious breach of confidentiality and is not permitted."
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Australian Research Council @arc-gov-au.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
ARC and NHMRC have updated their policies on generative AI use in grant applications and peer review. Applicants remain responsible for content. Peer reviewers may use AI only to refine drafted comments (clarity/grammar), not to evaluate/ score. Effective 28 Apr 2026: www.arc.gov.au/news-and-pub...
Purple graphic showing a laptop with “AI” on the screen and speech bubbles around it. Text reads “Update” and “Generative Artificial Intelligence Use Policy”.
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Nature @nature.com · 11/05/2026
Science publishing giant Elsevier has joined the dozens of firms and individuals suing artificial intelligence companies over their alleged use of copyrighted works in training AI models go.nature.com/4eFGLZK
go.nature.com
Elsevier vs. Meta: first science publisher sues over scraped research papers
Science publishing giant Elsevier has joined a class action lawsuit against Meta that alleges the reproduction of copyrighted works in developing the Llama AI model.
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Karen Happy @khappy2.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Fun #starwarsday at Swinburne University today. #maytheforthbewithyou
Four Swinburne staff posing with light sabres for Starwars day
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Sheril Kirshenbaum @sheril.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
The Trump administration has terminated more than 100 advisory committees to #science agencies and reduced the transparency and independence of those that remain. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
CANCELLED COMMITTEES There was an unprecedented spike in terminations of federal advisory committees
in 2025, particularly at four agencies that fund scientific research.
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Raider @iwillnotbesilenced.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
When children are shot in their classrooms, all politicians can offer are thoughts and prayers. When a shooting happens near them, they demand a $350 million golden ballroom to protect themselves.
Don't normalize a system that protects power more than it protects children.
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Karen Happy @khappy2.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Don’t miss Landline on ABC which has a great story about Tiverton - a conservation reserve for bandicoots and quolls AND is a working merino farm. Story starts 28 min in S2026 Sunday 26/4/2026 #iview iview.abc.net.au/show/landlin...
iview.abc.net.au
Landline: S2026 Sunday 26/4/2026
An organic, peptide powered pesticide from butterfly pea; A property where conservation and commercial farming co-exist; The master makers plying an old trade; and could ethanol from sugarcane help se...
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Fiona Tribe @fionatribe.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Yes, Swiss scientist Fritz Zwicky coined the term “dark matter” which is impressive, but he also coined the term “spherical bastard” to describe people who are bastards no matter which way you look at them, and I think that should be celebrated more.
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Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 23/04/2026
While we're talking percentages, let's talk about the proposed cuts to NASA's science budget. NASA is currently 0.36% of US federal spending. www.planetary.org/space-policy... The proposed budget cuts NASA science by 47%. NASA science is already on a shoestring, and that string is about to break
planetary.org
Your Guide to NASA's Budget
How big is NASA's budget right now? What was it like in the past? How does it compare to the rest of government spending? These answers, as well as…
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Forbes @forbes.com · 13/04/2026
Now 14 months in, Canada’s rejection of the U.S. is the most successful tourism boycott in memory.
forbes.com
Canadians Visiting U.S. By Car Down 35% In 2 Years
Now 14 months in, Canada’s rejection of the U.S. is the most successful tourism boycott in memory.
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10F Consortium @10fconsortium.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
The information environment isn’t becoming more legible. It’s fragmenting into tiers — and the tier most organisations, governments, and communities depend on is the one degrading fastest. 10fconsortium.substack.com/p/operating-...
10fconsortium.substack.com
Operating in Statistical Darkness
From Agreed Transparency to Engineered Opacity
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Jon Cooper @joncooper-us.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Oh, yeah, that was the Obama Iran deal.
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Karen Happy @khappy2.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Oscar Wilde’s Only Grandchild Reckons With the Shadows of Scandal<— new book to add to TBR pile that dismantles a lot of myths. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/b...
nytimes.com
Oscar Wilde’s Only Grandchild Reckons With the Shadows of Scandal
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ABC News Bot (unofficial) @abcnewsbot.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
There are only about 250 regent honeyeaters left in the wild, and they have been losing their unique call, mimicking other birds instead. Conservationists say they are now successfully teaching young birds their traditional song.
abc.net.au
How this rare bird is relearning its lost 'love song'
There are only about 250 regent honeyeaters left in the wild, and they have been losing their unique call, mimicking other birds instead. Conservationists say they are now successfully teaching young birds their traditional song.
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