Sign in

Michael Salmon

@michaelsalmon0.bsky.social
337 followers 509 following 34 posts

Editor at Research Agenda | News Editor at Wonkhe

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This morning's Research Agenda essay is from UKRI chief exec Ian Chapman, reflecting on his time in the role to date: www.researchagenda.news/articles/one...
researchagenda.news
One year of leading UKRI
Chief executive Ian Chapman reflects on his first year at the wheel – and what comes next
023
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Lots going on in this morning's Research Agenda briefing, including an essay from UKRI's Ian Chapman and the launch of our first live event, taking place in November www.researchagenda.news/briefings/20...
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – the briefing · Tuesday 29 September 2026
UKRI’s busy year – plus the PuFin landscape, ARIA’s new partners, the Russell Group on mayors, and Haldane on AI in grant decisions
000
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This morning's Research Agenda essay is from UKRI chief exec Ian Chapman, reflecting on his time in the role to date: www.researchagenda.news/articles/one...
researchagenda.news
One year of leading UKRI
Chief executive Ian Chapman reflects on his first year at the wheel – and what comes next
023
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This morning's edition of the Research Agenda briefing is now up on our site. Read it here: www.researchagenda.news/briefings/20... Or better yet, sign up so it arrives in your inbox first thing!
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – the briefing · Tuesday 22 September 2026
Sovereign states – plus Sapna Marwaha on research security and geopolitical fracture, the European Innovation Act, a chair for the Welsh HE review, and the debate over the future of open access
022
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This morning's edition of the Research Agenda briefing is now up on our site. Read it here: www.researchagenda.news/briefings/20... Or better yet, sign up so it arrives in your inbox first thing!
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – the briefing · Tuesday 22 September 2026
Sovereign states – plus Sapna Marwaha on research security and geopolitical fracture, the European Innovation Act, a chair for the Welsh HE review, and the debate over the future of open access
022
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Mike Ratcliffe @mike-rat.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The ‘statement of affairs’ published last month shows that Brit College had liabilities of £4.9 million, including £3.5 million owed to HMRC. If former students are on the creditor list, they won’t get any money from the liquidators. find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/0586...
Statement of affairs.
101
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Our latest briefing went out to subscribers yesterday morning. There's our take on the new science minister's debut speech, commentary on freeports and ARIA, and news on Daresbury, the UK space strategy, research capital funding in Wales, and much more. www.researchagenda.news/briefings/20...
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – the Tuesday briefing · Tuesday 15 September 2026
Durable national value – plus James Coe on investment zones, Haldane on ARIA, the Daresbury cuts, the UK space strategy, and new data on public trust in scientists
001
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Our latest briefing went out to subscribers yesterday morning. There's our take on the new science minister's debut speech, commentary on freeports and ARIA, and news on Daresbury, the UK space strategy, research capital funding in Wales, and much more. www.researchagenda.news/briefings/20...
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – the Tuesday briefing · Tuesday 15 September 2026
Durable national value – plus James Coe on investment zones, Haldane on ARIA, the Daresbury cuts, the UK space strategy, and new data on public trust in scientists
001
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
And now the Digital and Technology Committee is itself no more, no doubt to the interest of @martinrsmith.bsky.social www.researchagenda.news/articles/sci...
researchagenda.news
Science committee to go back to its old remit
Changes to parliamentary and cabinet committees following government reorganisation
113
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Oleg Sobchuk 🇺🇦 @sobchuk.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
"The problem is that we have made the human conversation the expensive option and the machine conversation free, and we are surprised at what researchers, responding rationally, then choose." So many good points in this article (beautifully written btw) wonkhe.com/blogs/the-wa...
wonkhe.com
The Waymo effect: how AI is quietly making research less collaborative
Daniel Hook argues that frictionless technologies are teaching us to prefer our own company – and that research leaders should be worried Daniel Hook argues that frictionless technologies are teaching us to prefer our own company – and that research leaders should be worried
021
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Chris McDonald sets out the government’s innovation priorities www.researchagenda.news/articles/chr...
researchagenda.news
Chris McDonald sets out the government’s innovation priorities
The science minister’s address to Universities UK promised an emphasis on international competitiveness, bureaucracy reduction, and reindustrialisation
003
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Chris McDonald sets out the government’s innovation priorities www.researchagenda.news/articles/chr...
researchagenda.news
Chris McDonald sets out the government’s innovation priorities
The science minister’s address to Universities UK promised an emphasis on international competitiveness, bureaucracy reduction, and reindustrialisation
003
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We've launched a new site this morning: Research Agenda. It's a new publication from the team behind Wonkhe which will cover news across the whole of the UK research system. Let us know what you think: www.researchagenda.news
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – research policy, news & intelligence
Research policy · News · Intelligence – original reporting, analysis and trackers for the people who make UK research happen. From the team behind Wonkhe.
035
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
First edition of our Research Agenda briefing landed in subscribers' inboxes about an hour ago. You can read it here createsend.com/t/d-059F41CA...
createsend.com
Research Agenda · 8 September 2026
112
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
First edition of our Research Agenda briefing landed in subscribers' inboxes about an hour ago. You can read it here createsend.com/t/d-059F41CA...
createsend.com
Research Agenda · 8 September 2026
112
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Digital Science @digital-science.com · 07/09/2026
It all starts with a ride in a Waymo and switches to: Is AI making research less collaborative? The "Waymo effect" is discussed by Daniel Hook, Chief Scientific Officer at Holtzbrinck, in his new article for Research Agenda. 🔗 bit.ly/3SUyys2 #ResearchCulture #AIinResearch
researchagenda.news
The Waymo effect: how AI is quietly making research less collaborative – Research Agenda
012
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Stephen Curry @scurry.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Well worth reading. We need to be careful not to abandon the heat and light generated by the friction of human interactions.
151
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Excellent new essay on Research Agenda this morning from Daniel Hook. Link below The Waymo effect: how AI is quietly making research less collaborative www.researchagenda.news/articles/the...
researchagenda.news
The Waymo effect: how AI is quietly making research less collaborative – Research Agenda
031
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We've launched a new site this morning: Research Agenda. It's a new publication from the team behind Wonkhe which will cover news across the whole of the UK research system. Let us know what you think: www.researchagenda.news
researchagenda.news
Research Agenda – research policy, news & intelligence
Research policy · News · Intelligence – original reporting, analysis and trackers for the people who make UK research happen. From the team behind Wonkhe.
035
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Josh Mellor @joshmellor.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
By far the most convoluted web of ownership and liquidation at a training provider that I have covered.
101
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: The visa brake judgement sheds light on Home Office decision-making buff.ly/2FNFQvQ
011
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Hugh Jones @hbsj.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @dundee.ac.uk I've got some lovely colourful cards of this troubled university so its going to be a bit of a Dundee week If you like this image, I’d really appreciate a repost - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
An old colour picture postcard showing a pretty flower bed, yellows and reds, in front of a motley mixture of university buildings. Printed at the foot of the card is DUNDEE UNIVERSITY
1158
Reposted by Michael Salmon
John Blake @johndavidblake.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I’ve done a post on the recent curriculum kerfuffles, and why I have firms views about the specifics, but I think that part of the problem is that education is complex system, and I try to explain why here:
substack.com
Is it possible that both Nick Gibb and Lucy Powell are right?
It seems unlikely.
011
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
‘We will support mayors to foster local innovation ecosystems, devolving a substantially increased share of later-stage innovation funding to local leaders so they can back opportunities with the greatest potential for local growth.’ assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a6c7a...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
122
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: Michael Salmon has read 39 LSIPs so you don’t have to – but you should, as they reveal plenty about what places want from their universities buff.ly/QwWB8Oq
013
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
wonkhe.com/blogs/ukris-...
wonkhe.com
UKRI’s new strategy is here
UKRI chief executive Ian Chapman explains the thinking behind the funder's new five-year strategy
000
Reposted by Michael Salmon
The Mill @manchestermill.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
BREAKING: Three people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and bribery at University of Greater Manchester, @molliesimpson.bsky.social reports. Greater Manchester Police are investigating the alleged misuse of as much as £1.7 million. manchestermill.co.uk/breaking-thr...
manchestermill.co.uk
BREAKING: Three people arrested on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and bribery at University of Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Police are investigating the alleged misuse of as much as £1.7 million
23221
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I'm really sorry to hear this news. The Research Professional team are excellent and have helped the HE and research sector keep up with what is happening. We will be less intelligent without it. Good luck to individual staff members affected, who are excellent writers and journos.
24830
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Johnny Rich @johnnyrich.com · 24/06/2026
So, wonks, get on there now, add your events and bookmark it as it'll be one of your most visited sites in the next few months. partyconferences.wonkhe.com
partyconferences.wonkhe.com
HE Influence – Party conference events 2026
Higher education at all five UK party conferences. Crowd-sourced fringe listings from HE Influence by Wonkhe.
011
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Johnny Rich @johnnyrich.com · 24/06/2026
Calling all wonks! It's arrived: partyconferences.wonkhe.com Your crowd-sourced, listings app for everything #education #universities #research and #skills related at the #PartyConferences brought to you by @wonkhe.bsky.social
partyconferences.wonkhe.com
HE Influence – Party conference events 2026
Higher education at all five UK party conferences. Crowd-sourced fringe listings from HE Influence by Wonkhe.
131
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Paul Greatrix @registrarism.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Nice BBC feature on the Arts Tower at Sheffield and its very special lift However, one observation is well wide of the mark... "It also remains the tallest building on the university, and is believed to be the UK's tallest academic building" www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
University of Sheffield Arts Tower and record-breaking lift turn 60
The Arts Tower features a paternoster lift, running on a continuous cycle while passengers access it.
143
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Joshi Herrmann @joshih.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Not content with writing about Burnham and the biggest by-election in history, @manchestermill.bsky.social has re-investigated the 1996 Manchester bomb. A stunning piece of work and a thrilling read - told over two days. It names the IRA men behind it. manchestermill.co.uk/the-ira-men-...
manchestermill.co.uk
The IRA men behind the Manchester bomb: Unravelling a 30-year mystery
Special Investigation: we can reveal the real story of the IRA attack that destroyed the city centre - and why nobody was ever brought to justice
12417
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Kate Devlin @drkatedevlin.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I really want a “woke university abstract experiments” t-shirt please. @wonkhe.bsky.social merch sideline? wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
wonkhe.com
UKRI responds on research infrastructure
But Ian Chapman’s views on “woke university abstract experiments” remain elusive
083
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Plashing Vole @plashingvole.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
The 95% completion rate requirement certainly explains why my union branch is defending colleagues being told to adjust individual students’ marks by unqualified managers.
1135
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: The Home Office’s new system for monitoring visa compliance has come into effect. Michael Salmon walks us through the stricter process and speculates on the fallout buff.ly/bMEVMNp
001
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Hugh Jones @hbsj.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of what used to be @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social - the card dates from before 1953 when it became Queen Elizabeth College, re-merging with KCL in 1985 If you like this image, I’d really appreciate a repost - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
An old monochrome picture postcard showing 1930s college buildings set against parkland with a large tree. Printed at the bottom of the card is King's College for Women, Campden Hill, Exterior front
133
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: Settlement changes would particularly affect academics, MAC suggests buff.ly/oyWXU6D
001
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: Against a backdrop of the industrial strategy and UKRI’s new approach, Michael Salmon argues that perennial debates over Wales’ research system will come into sharpened focus under the next government buff.ly/jLDGf6h
022
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Hugh Jones @hbsj.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @liverpooluni.bsky.social This is one of a series of fundraising postcards produced in the 1920s, showing the campus as they hoped it would become If you like this image, I’d really appreciate a repost - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
An old monochrome picture postcard showing a grand entrance hall, all archways and fireplaces and staircases, with fancy brick and tile work. Printed on the card is Entrance Hall, the University of Liverpool
137
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Andrew McGettigan @amcgettigan.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
this development has not really been picked up by mainstream media. wonkhe.com/blogs/weeken... Excellent overview by Jim. I would add that this creates huge financial difficulties for at least 5 of the institutions affected. Franchising was doing most of the cross-subsidy work.
wonkhe.com
Weekend courses turn into weekday consequences – with students left holding the bill
Jim Dickinson unpacks the fallout from a DfE crackdown on weekend course misclassification – and finds students caught between forced repayment, forced delivery changes, and a system that is unlikely ...
112
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: Jim Dickinson unpacks the fallout from a DfE crackdown on weekend course misclassification – and finds students caught between forced repayment, forced delivery changes, and a system that is unlikely to accept blame buff.ly/Wd1hPso
001
Reposted by Michael Salmon
PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Over a dozen universities wrongly spent £190m of taxpayers' money on student loans, PolHome can reveal Bridget Phillipson has accused the universities involved of “incompetence” and “abuse of public money” Around 22k students are estimated to be affected, according to a DfE letter seen by PolHome
politicshome.com
Over A Dozen Universities Wrongly Spent £190m Of Taxpayers' Money On Student Loans
A student loans mistake by universities has seen up to £190m of taxpayers’ money wrongly given to unaware students, PoliticsHome can reveal, leavin...
055
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Johnny Rich @johnnyrich.com · 25/03/2026
ICYMI @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social really nails the utter pointlessness the rug being pulled out from international students simply by virtue of being from 4 countries. wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
wonkhe.com
The “visa brake” details
The Home Office has a new blunt instrument, and we should expect to see it used again in the future
001
Michael Salmon @michaelsalmon0.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Well worth reading, predictably
000
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: Jim Dickinson considers what two new reports reveal about Wales' Diamond student reforms, and what they leave unanswered buff.ly/cQnMoIW
001
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
NEW on Wonkhe: The latest levy reforms see a further focus on younger apprentices. Michael Salmon hopes it works but would like to have seen an impact assessment buff.ly/Z6fyqhW
001
Reposted by Michael Salmon
National Secular Society @natsecsoc.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
We're preparing to take the Office for Students to court over its failure to act on complaints about a dozen bible and theological colleges on the register - @wonkhe.bsky.social reports. wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
wonkhe.com
Can judicial review force OfS to regulate bible colleges?
The National Secular Society is preparing to take the Office for Students to court over its failure to act on complaints about a dozen bible and theological colleges on the register – complaints it fi...
062
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Richard Jones @richardaljones.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
For more than a decade, there’s been a cross-party consensus behind increasing the UK govt’s R&D spending to drive economic growth - & there’s been a substantial real terms increase in the science budget. But the economic growth hasn’t arrived, yet. What happens if it doesn’t?
UK government R&D spending in real terms
535
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Omar Khan @omaromalleykhan.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
A very considered and in depth write up of our @taso.org.uk reports published and launched at our conference today. We need better support for those most at risk of poor wellbeing, students who as the write up concludes are being effectively reached
122
Reposted by Michael Salmon
Johnny Rich @johnnyrich.com · 06/03/2026
BBC News has found an interesting angle on the #StudentLoans debate, but… #nuance needed. The talks were a fair idea, but failed for various reasons. Here's a story about my non-involvement in those talks... 🧵 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... 1/20
bbc.co.uk
'Misleading' school talks compared student loans to £30 phone contracts
Graduates hired to deliver the presentations a decade ago were told to avoid using words like
111