iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Mike Simpson

Society of RSE @society-rse.org · 29/09/2026

8th October is International RSE Day 2026. We want to celebrate the achievements of the global RSE community and continue to raise awareness of the vital contribution we make to modern research. Share your updates, announcements and stories using the hashtags: #InternationalRSEDay or #IntlRSEDay

A photo of the attendees at RSECon26, around 400 people waving up at the camera in the atrium of a university building. Most of them are wearing green "10 Years of RSECon" t-shirts.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 19/09/2026

Last night, we drove off the zombie dragonborn pirate captain and his crew with relative ease, but were nearly defeated by the ultimate final boss of #DnD: a locked door!

Six D&D minis on a table. Three are on a raft, the other three are in the water, fighting an octopus.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 17/09/2026

Almost recovered from an amazing week in Sheffield, attending the inaugural International Research Software Conference, celebrating 10 years of the RSE Conference, representing @society-rse.org and @softwaresaved.bsky.social, and talking about Mental Health & The ConveRSE Project. #IRSC26 #RSECon26

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 09/09/2026

Why have I been talking to my colleagues about #MentalHealth? youtube.com/shorts/q0gHC...

youtube.com

https://youtube.com/shorts/q0gHCS5Ilqw

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 07/09/2026

We're in Sheffield this week for the first International Research Software Conference.

A water bottle on the shape of Feathers McGraw, sitting on a desk in a lecture theatre

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 28/08/2026

I am obviously excited for Zero Company. A Star Wars/XCOM game could not be more made for me! But I've learned the hard way not to buy a game on Day 1.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 27/08/2026

Finally finished watching The Good Place. Can confirm that it is a great show! However, I can't help but notice that when someone in that show suggests rebooting the universe, everyone immediately realises it's a terrible idea and spends the next five episodes fighting to prevent it!

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 16/07/2026

We're in Manchester this week for a meeting of @softwaresaved.bsky.social Fellows. Looking forward to catching up and some exciting collaborations.

A Feathers McGraw water bottle on a table at a conference.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 16/07/2026

Remember to stay hydrated in this hot weather! #Dog #BassetHound

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 11/07/2026

With enough money, the mega-rich may gain an unrivaled level of access to MPs and leave the average voter shut out. Email your MP now and tell them to support the cap on political donations. goodlaw.social/1d328a

goodlaw.social

Stop billionaires influencing our politics

Tell MPs to back Stella Creasy's amendment

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 10/07/2026

Earlier this week, Feathers and I were in Sheffield for the N8CIR RSE Meetup, sharing some conclusions and insights on #MentalHealth from the ConveRSE project. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

A Feathers McGraw water bottle on a table at a conference, along with some ConveRSE stickers and leaflets

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 07/07/2026

Over the last year, I gave a series of talks where I asked the audience questions about #MentalHealth in the workplace. In this blog post, I take a look at the Mentimeter 'Insights' from those talks, including some of the most common issues and suggestions. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk/2026/07/05/m...

converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

ConveRSE - Mentimeter Insights

During my talks on mental health in the workplace, I often use Mentimeter to ask questions from the audience. Over the coming months, I plan to write a series of blog posts that explore the responses…

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Good Law Project @goodlawproject.org · 03/07/2026

We need you 📣 We know most people stand with the trans community, but a small minority people want the trans community to disappear. Add your voice so we can show how many people stand with trans community: goodlaw.social/z073

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Institute for Research Software @softwaresaved.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

#SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk has written an insightful blog post about his experience attending #CollabW26 as a Fellow, delegate, and Mental Health First Aider. Read the full story at www.software.ac.uk/blog/convers...

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 25/06/2026

I've been updating my personal website for no particular reason, and in the process, I've had to move ConveRSE to a new address. However, I think I've set it up so that all the old site and blog post links should still work! 🤞 converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the ConveRSE website!

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 23/06/2026

Everyone talks about how bad stepping on Lego is, but I think I've found a more dangerous hobby!

A trio of 4-sided dice (d4s) from different dice sets. They're metal or acrylic triangular pyramids and very pointy!

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 11/06/2026

I don't think it's Superhero Fatigue, I think it's "Every third act ending with two people in pyjamas punching each other in front of a green screen" Fatigue.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 09/06/2026

Enjoying my rewatch of Enterprise. I just have one note: was it really necessary for them to be in their underwear in that scene? Which episode? Well, urm... all of them!?

Poster for Star Trek: Enterprise, featuring the ship and the crew

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 04/06/2026

Recently discovered this definition of "Neurotypical disorder: a neurobiological disorder characterized by preoccupation with social concerns, delusions of superiority, and obsession with conformity.” 😂

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 02/06/2026

A lot of people have been describing Mando/Grogu as "fun but..." Are things not allowed to just be fun any more? I'd come at it from the other angle. It's a mess of terrible CGI, pacing issues and a complete lack of stakes or impact on the wider story... BUT it's fun!"

An image of Mando with Grogu on his shoulder, illuminated by red and green neon light.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 21/05/2026

The recording of my lightning talk from #Collabw26 has been uploaded. youtu.be/To-NRhKDLD0?... To learn more, check out the ConveRSE website: mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/

youtu.be

CW26 Lightning Talk: ConveRSE - mental health in the research software community

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Jonathan Pie @jonathanpienews.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

The Labour Bloodbath Begins! JonathanPie.com youtu.be/83IYfRzlYv8?...

youtu.be

The Labour Bloodbath Begins

YouTube video by Jonathan Pie

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 07/05/2026

Last week, I was at the @softwaresaved.bsky.social Collaborations Workshop at the ICC in Belfast. I was delighted to be involved in so many interesting conversations and projects, but I was also there to give a lightning talk with updates on the ConveRSE project. #CollabW26

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 14/04/2026

If you're struggling with your mental health, admitting that to your colleagues can be a daunting prospect. In this blog post, I discuss some of the tips and solutions that have come up during my travels, plus there's the opportunity to have your say. mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/202...

mdsimpson42.github.io

Having “The Talk”

A question I get asked regularly when I give my mental health talk is “If I’m struggling, how do I start a conversation with my line manager?” This has proved to be one of the hardest questions to…

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 28/04/2026

This week, we're in Belfast for the @softwaresaved.bsky.social #CollabW26. Looking forward to lots of interesting conversations with new and familiar faces.

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Institute for Research Software @softwaresaved.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

🎯 In January 2026, #SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk attended the first DisCouRSE network focus group, which aimed to explore different ideas and practices around leadership and team culture for Digital Research Technical Professionals (dRTPs). Find out more about it at www.software.ac.uk/blog/discour...

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 16/04/2026

So, I'm working my way through my Easter eggs and I just got to the Cadbury one and... WHAT IN THE SHRINKFLATION AND ENSHITTIFIATION HELL IS THIS!? One Twirl? And not even a normal packet, but ONE. SINGULAR. 🤬ing Twirl?

A photo of a single Cadbury Twirl in a wrapper - not a double one, a SINGLE Twirl!

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 14/04/2026

mdsimpson42.github.io

Having “The Talk”

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 09/04/2026

In my recent talks, I mentioned a blog post summarising the data and suggestions I've been collecting on Mental Health in the Research Software Community via Mentimeter. This is actually the blog post the SSI published a few months ago: www.software.ac.uk/blog/mental-...

software.ac.uk

Mental Health Challenges and Solutions from the Research Software Community | Software Sustainability Institute

I’ve been giving a talk called “ConveRSE - Let’s Talk About Mental Health” as part of my SSI Fellowship.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 30/03/2026

Brightening up your timeline with one of my favourite pictures from this time of year. 🌸

A photo of some pink cherry blossom, backlight by the sun

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 23/03/2026

This week, we're in Manchester for the N8 CIR's Digital Research Infrastructure Retreat. It's my first time, so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to some interesting discussions over the next few days! 🤓

A Feathers McGraw water bottle on a table at a conference, with other tables and lots of people in the background.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 12/03/2026

Spotted a rainbow on our way up to meet the other @society-rse.org trustees in Edinburgh, where we'll be collaborating on key challenges and making plans for the future.

A photo of a Feathers McGraw water bottle in front of a train window. In the background are grey skies, Scottish fields and a rainbow.

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Institute for Research Software @softwaresaved.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

🌊 We are delighted to announce the full list of lightning talks that will be delivered at Collaborations Workshop 2026. Find out more at www.software.ac.uk/news/cw26-fi... And if you haven't registered yet, hurry up an secure your #CollabW26 spot now!

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 06/03/2026

Shadowheart has clearly never tried to arrange a regular DnD game with adult friends! #BaldursGate3 #DungeonsAndDragons

A screenshot of Shadowheart from Baldur's Gate 3 saying "After all, we've faced down bigger threats than wrangling together a few social calendars".

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 24/02/2026

Feathers and I are experiencing sunshine for what feels like the first time this year! We're also in Oxfordshire to talk about mental health with RSEs and their colleagues at UKAEA.

A water bottle in the shape of Feathers McGraw from Wallace and Gromit, next to a laptop with a slide on it that says "Let's Talk About Mental Health"

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 08/01/2026

The recording of my "Let's Talk About Mental Health" talk from #RSECon25 is now online. The audio quality isn't great, but this is the full, extended discussion of what I've been up to on my @softwaresaved.bsky.social fellowship. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zup4...

youtube.com

ConveRSE - Let's Talk About Mental Health - Mike Simpson

Recorded at RSECon25 at Warwick University Sep 9-11 2025 https://rsecon25.society-rse.org/ Slides and full citation details: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17968167

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 11/02/2026

This week, Feathers and I have been on a long and exhausting journey... upstairs, to join some visiting colleagues for a workshop on Greening Digital Research and the DIRECT Framework.

A water bottle in the shape of Feathers McGraw from Wallace and Gromit, next to a laptop and a digital notebook on a desk in a meeting room.

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 05/02/2026

This week, Feathers and I are at a meeting for RSE Leaders & Aspiring Leaders in Leeds, hosted by the N8CIR

A water bottle in the shape of Feathers McGraw from the Wallace and Gromit films sitting on a table in a meeting

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Sam 🥪🦜 @northernrobot.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Snagged the Discworld reading blanket in the restock and oh my word it's even more gorgeous in real life

The Discworld reading blanket, a tapestry style blanket in golds and steel blues, lying on a bed watched over by a giant sized IKEA Djungelskōg

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Mike Simpson @mdsimpson.co.uk · 19/01/2026

Feathers is on the road again! This time we're attending a DisCouRSE focus group on Team Culture and Leadership in the dRTP space.

A water bottle with Feathers McGraw from the Wallace and Gromit films sitting on a train

A water bottle with Feathers McGraw from the Wallace and Gromit films sitting on a table in a meeting room with people in the background

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Reposted by Mike Simpson

Institute for Research Software @softwaresaved.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

💬 In our latest blog post #SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk tells us more about delivering his “ConveRSE - Let’s Talk About Mental Health” talk at The Alan Turing Institute. Find out more about it and read the full story at www.software.ac.uk/blog/mental-...

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