Sign in

Megan Povey

@meganjpovey.bsky.social
80 followers 8 following 55 posts

Professor of Food Physics at the University of Leeds and a University and College Union (UCU) activist. One time National Pensions Negotiator for the UCU

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Megan Povey
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 02/09/2026
Nuclear bomb test veterans were victims of one of ‘greatest scandals in Britain’, says ex-defence minister
theguardian.com
Nuclear bomb test veterans were victims of one of ‘greatest scandals in Britain’, says ex-defence minister
Exclusive: Tobias Ellwood says he gave MPs inaccurate information in 2018 provided by his department, the MoD * I inadvertently misled parliament over a British nuclear scandal. Now I’m demanding justice A former defence minister has admitted misleading parliament over the existence of crucial medical records relating to nuclear bomb test veterans. Tobias Ellwood has said he unwittingly gave MPs incorrect information in 2018 when he told them he had been unable to locate information on veterans’ blood tests after being given incorrect information by officials at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Continue reading...
34619
Reposted by Megan Povey
Carole Cadwalladr @carolecadwalla.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
NEW: French researcher Stephanie Lamy exposes the network of “race realists” who hunted Jason Arday like prey, and the media that fell into his trap. If you think the news cycle has “moved on” from this story, ask yourself why? broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-killin...
broligarchy.substack.com
The killing of a black man
A French researcher exposes the network of “race realists” who hunted Jason Arday like prey and the media who fell into their trap
19773374
Reposted by Megan Povey
Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 02/09/2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a one-year moratorium on AI use for elementary and middle school students on Wednesday. Kids “need to wrestle with tough problems on their own,” New York’s mayor said Wednesday.
motherjones.com
Mamdani issues AI moratorium in NYC schools
Kids "need to wrestle with tough problems on their own,” New York's mayor said Wednesday.
15674183
Reposted by Megan Povey
Socialist Worker @socialistworker.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Burnham promises ‘politics done differently’—but what will he really change? ⭐️Burnham’s first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister came just hours after his predecessor Starmer announced he is stepping down as MP socialistworker.co.uk/labour/burnh...
socialistworker.co.uk
Burnham promises ‘politics done differently’—but what will he really change?
Burnham’s first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister came just hours after his predecessor Starmer announced he is stepping down as MP
097
Reposted by Megan Povey
Ed Granter @edgranter.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I don't care what people think, I'm openly saying it's kryptonite for the intellect. It has no place in any social science or humanities teaching.
04710
Reposted by Megan Povey
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Not wanting to rain on this parade, but do we want science funding decisions to be made at the dispatch box? The Haldane principle may be dead, but is this what we want (and need) instead? Look across the Atlantic to DC (and the CDC) to see what funding by government decree can become. 1/2
13011
Reposted by Megan Povey
Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 01/09/2026
“A U.S. Postal Service official has alleged that the agency is moving forward with a “secretive, rushed” effort to implement President Trump’s order exerting federal control over mail voting, despite a court order blocking those plans.” — @nytimes.com
nytimes.com
Whistle-Blower Says USPS Is Secretly Proceeding on Trump’s Mail Voting Plan Before Midterms (Gift Article)
A report detailed “grave concerns” that a new system being rushed into use by the U.S. Postal Service could imperil millions of mail ballots ahead of the midterm elections.
18331170
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sheryl Weikal says Prosecute ICE @leftistlawyer.com · 01/09/2026
Today's reminder that the current genAI boom is powered by GPUs manufactured with a mineral called coltan (and other rare earths, and cobalt) mined through the labor of enslaved children in Congo, and the US and UAE fund the paramilitaries which protect those mines and keep those children enslaved.
416972
Reposted by Megan Povey
Darach Ó Séaghdha @darach.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
“Nobody is talking about it” is a funny way of saying that it has been reported on extensively in Ireland.
16016
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This. 'AI' does not generate knowledge or understanding. That's the human part.
0276
Reposted by Megan Povey
Yale AAUP @aaupyale.org · 02/09/2026
04816
Reposted by Megan Povey
Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
5,000 years of human wisdom: “It’s not the outcome it’s the journey.” AI: “What sort of loser attitude is that?”
13910
Reposted by Megan Povey
Times Higher Education (THE) @timeshighered.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Thousands of Iranian students have lost access to the language testing services they need to secure places to study at foreign universities after Tehran was hit with a fresh wave of US sanctions. @rosalindskillen.bsky.social reports #Highered #Edusky
timeshighereducation.com
English language test ban in Iran ‘unfair and counterproductive’
Iranian students hoping to study abroad impacted as US sanctions prevent companies like ETS and DuoLingo operating
013
Reposted by Megan Povey
Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 02/09/2026
I am a scientist – and the answer is climate change. Yes, there is nuance. Yes, it could take a long time to identify the precise mechanisms. But there is no question why ice and snow-related disasters are on the rise. Our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, and humans are responsible.
392326824
Reposted by Megan Povey
Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 02/09/2026
There are endless studies showing this and also the financial and societal benefits of universal basic income and or housing-first policies but the U.S. never goes for any of it because it would require allowing the poor to receive benefits that the rich consider “undeserved”
20591023163
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sari Beth Rosenberg @sari.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
BIG education news in NYC: NYC Public Schools is putting a one-year moratorium on generative AI for students in 2-K through 8th grade while the city takes a closer look at how AI is impacting students and learning. 1/
gothamist.com
110535
Reposted by Megan Povey
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Our branch president laying out exactly what is on the line in our current industrial action: the livelihoods of our members, the quality of education we provide for our students, and the future of our university and higher education across the globe.
0135
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I wrote about the #triplethreat toxic combination of market crisis, far right ideology and generative AI last year, to try to prompt a debate in UK higher education. Our Australian colleagues have experienced a crisis of the tuition fee market system like nowhere else. seanwallis.uk/2025/12/31/t...
seanwallis.uk
The Triple Threat to UK Higher Education: Market, Trump and ‘AI’
Introduction Higher Education in the UK is in the throes of a three-fold existential crisis.  The first faultline concerns the much-discussed chronic crisis of university profitability under the go…
011
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
bsky.app/profile/nteu...
101
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
AI is a trade union matter, whether in Hollywood or higher education. Send solidarity to @nteunion.bsky.social! @ucu.org.uk www.fbcnews.com.fj/world/austra...
fbcnews.com.fj
Hundreds of university staff to strike over AI changes
102
Reposted by Megan Povey
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 02/09/2026
Olivia Rodrigo is standing up for the vulnerable. I wish Taylor Swift would do the same | Arwa Mahdawi
theguardian.com
Olivia Rodrigo is standing up for the vulnerable. I wish Taylor Swift would do the same | Arwa Mahdawi
This weekend, Rodrigo raised millions for charities that benefit women and girls, and she has previously been vocal about Gaza and Ice. With free speech increasingly under threat, her peers should take note, writes Arwa Mahdawi
1317923
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
"Making money is the primary focus." Ok, then. Prosecute the water companies, and renationalise their (our) assets.
011
Reposted by Megan Povey
Campaign against Climate Change @campaigncc.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
A momentous day tomorrow as, decades late, Science Museum finally cuts ties with BP. Kudos to the determination of so many campaigners who didn't let this one drop. Now time for them to end Adani sponsorship too - the 'green energy company' section of a multinational whose main business is coal.
theguardian.com
London Science Museum cuts links with BP after decades of partnership
Campaigners say ‘seismic shift’ follows years of pressure to sever ties with oil and gas firm
36827
Reposted by Megan Povey
We Own It @weownit.org.uk · 27/08/2026
90% of countries in the world run their water in public ownership Even here in the UK, Scotland's water is in public ownership - and they pay less for their water, invest more in their infrastructure, and pay £0 in dividends We are not asking for too much. We want what Scotland has.
Screenshot of a Guardian headline that says "From Scotland, I look at England's water privatisation disaster. I wish you had done what we did"
615987
Reposted by Megan Povey
Melissa Terras @melissaterras.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
I was just having a conversation at home about how our cats totally ignore the Robot Hoover. They know it's not alive, they know it's not worth wasting their time over. They look but are not amused. And I said - isn't this similar to a lot of spontaneous human response to AI slop...
5254
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/08/2026
A university is not a commodity. Lincoln Bishop University is set to be effectively privatised following its takeover by Global University Systems. Staff did not create this crisis and must not pay for it. UCU will fight to protect jobs, conditions and the university’s educational mission.
ucu.org.uk
UCU response to takeover of Lincoln Bishop University by Global University Systems
The University and College Union (UCU) has today responded to the takeover of Lincoln Bishop University by Global University Systems (GUS).
0158
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 28/08/2026
Newcastle University is looking to expand into India while staff at home have faced job cuts and strike action. Universities need sustainable public funding, not risky business ventures to plug funding gaps. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
chroniclelive.co.uk
Union dubs Newcastle University’s India expansion plan “risky business venture”
The UCU maintains its position that international expansion remains risky for Newcastle University
0103
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 29/08/2026
🎥 We are putting together a package to support and amplify every single dispute in the union. Today is our first ever local dispute video from the brilliant Glasgow Caledonian UCU Branch who are fighting to protect jobs. Please give it a watch and share.
01512
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 26/08/2026
Dolly Parton: a lover of pink, a lifelong champion of education and literacy, and a proud union member for more than five decades. An icon in every sense. #dollyparton #dolly Solidarity, always.
Quote from dolly: I believe that when you are in a position to help you should.
06221
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 26/08/2026
Dundee University still plans to cut 154 jobs. UCU remains unconvinced that the university’s recovery strategy will work and we oppose compulsory redundancies. Our Dundee members have 25 days of strike action planned from 21 September. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Dundee University confirms reduction in proposed job losses
The university said 154 roles were now at risk following a 10-week consultation process
097
Reposted by Megan Povey
T. Ryan Gregory 🇨🇦 @tryangregory.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
www.thestar.com/politics/pol...
thestar.com
Susan Delacourt: This isn’t a trade war, Canada. We’re in a war for our sovereignty
Donald Trump has framed this moment in Canada-U.S. relations as something much larger than a trade war. He's right.
0239
Reposted by Megan Povey
Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Tomorrow is D-Day for the University of Dundee. Meanwhile the Scottish government just wrings its hands a bit. All solidarity with colleagues there. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
thecourier.co.uk
6 key questions as worried Dundee University staff wait to learn if jobs are being axed
Dundee University bosses are poised to detail a revised savings plan this week.
01610
Reposted by Megan Povey
flyingrodent @flyingrodent.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
You’ll recall that we had half the press and MPs up in arms at one point, absolutely enraged at the mere idea that the IDF would ever bomb a hospital www.independent.co.uk/news/world/m... That shit went very quiet, didn’t it.
independent.co.uk
For Mariam: Inside Israeli hospital strike and the possible war crimes behind it
Journalist Mariam Abu Dagga was killed in the 25 August 2025 double-tap attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Based on dozens of witness testimonies, whistleblowers and visual analysis, this is the most ...
110642
Reposted by Megan Povey
Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
This is just electoral anthrax. Self-sabotage now they've bottled out of power and decided to just become a sect. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
Couples with children should be married, Reform UK’s deputy leader says
Richard Tice also said ‘British-born children’ are a ‘good thing’ and should be encouraged
63410
Reposted by Megan Povey
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Solidarity with you against really incompetent, appaling management and communication. See first comment - why cc when you can bcc all those at risk ?
163
Reposted by Megan Povey
Josy B @josyb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Father of USS Lincoln sailor taken into ICE detention while son deployed in Middle East Joshua Aviles says he is on a nine-month Middle East deployment and learned his has father has been arrested while he was waiting for green card approval
theguardian.com
Father of USS Lincoln sailor taken into ICE detention while son deployed in Middle East
Joshua Aviles says he is on a nine-month Middle East deployment and learned his has father has been arrested while he was waiting for green card approval
096
Reposted by Megan Povey
Aparna Nair @disabilitystor1.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
when I first taught Race and Science in the US in 2015, I used to dip into the archived Der Sturmer etc websites to give students examples of 21stc race science in culture, and I am not joking when I say that the kind of things I see on Twitter now were the things DS posters were sharing.
211637
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Engineers are not required to explain that cars don't run on magic.
2262
Reposted by Megan Povey
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Thought of the day. The history of mathematics disproves eugenics.
011
Reposted by Megan Povey
Plashing Vole @plashingvole.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Absolutely the situation here. The 3 out of 12 people who survive (we find out next week, probably) will be faced with teaching departing colleagues’ modules or finding and supporting underpaid hourly staff to do so in 3 weeks’ time. It can’t go well for anyone at all.
36329
Reposted by Megan Povey
Adam Rutherford @adamrutherford.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I am annoyed that this is now my most popular post here on Bluesky. If you want more, I wrote a book about scientific racism called How to Argue With a Racist, and another one called Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. www.adamrutherford.com/allbooks
adamrutherford.com
All — Adam Rutherford
1134369
Reposted by Megan Povey
Ted McCormick @tedmccormick.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I share much “anti-AI” feeling, but really my view is that genAI is neither the cause of nor the solution to any major problem facing higher education, university teaching, or academic research. It’s an accelerant for some problems, a distraction from others, it has niche uses and billion-dollar PR.
4706
Reposted by Megan Povey
Ted McCormick @tedmccormick.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
This is infinitely more important than whether Claude wrote you a good lit review
03010
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 23/08/2026
This.
195
Reposted by Megan Povey
Arthur Snell @snellarthur.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Fascism under the rule of law.
3832204
Reposted by Megan Povey
Adam Rutherford @adamrutherford.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
The Cofnas ramblings above are simply mad nonsense. ‘Shrewd’? IQ200 loser?? If I was a colleague or student in a dept where a scholar wrote this type of pappycack I would be deeply embarrassed.
15123461
Reposted by Megan Povey
Adam Rutherford @adamrutherford.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
I had not some across this before, but if you want an example Nathan Cofnas’ scholarship, this is a doozy. Again I say, being sacked is not the problem; being recruited in the first place is what deserves scrutiny.
34650601118
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 20/08/2026
Congratulations to everyone receiving GCSE and BTEC results today and the staff who got them here. Whatever comes next, every young person deserves the chance to thrive. But that means investing in FE and its staff. It’s time to close the pay gap.
ucu.org.uk
061
Reposted by Megan Povey
University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 20/08/2026
The Education Secretary says she wants “high-quality, respected technical and vocational qualifications”. So do we. But you cannot value further education while undervaluing the people who deliver it. FE teachers earn around 20% less than secondary school teachers. Invest in FE.
0102