Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyJames O'Malley @jamesomalley.co.uk · 31/07/2026Come to the visitor centre and learn about the science that doesn’t happen at Jodrell Bank! 46518
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyStephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Started writing on Andy Burnham’s education proposal thinking “not sure about this”. Realised in writing “no, I am sure: it sucks!”ft.comEducation is not to blame for England’s Neet crisisAndy Burnham’s schools overhaul risks throwing babies out with the bathwater, as changes will probably require cuts elsewhere 3021661
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 27/07/2026The UK's whole science, research and universities 'strategy' is basically 'drive the country off a cliff'. Not even worth arguing about any more. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukJodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understandsAstronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained. 48135
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyDuncan Weldon @duncanweldon.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Blair, 2001 to 2005, was the last PM to win a majority at a general election and serve a full Parliament. 1216132
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 29/04/2026www.cclg.org.uk/news-updates...cclg.org.ukResearchers discover how bone cancer beats the immune systemLittle Princess Trust (LPT) researchers have discovered a new method that bone cancer can use to secretly fight the immune system 000
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Some nice coverage of my recently published research into Ewing Sarcoma www.littleprincesses.org.uk/news/researc...littleprincesses.org.ukHow bone cancer beats the immune systemThe Little Princess Trust funds research into Ewing sarcoma 100
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Latest paper on 'Methodological guidelines for P2X receptor assays and data interpretation' with 29 authors (!) in Memoriam of Professor Francesco Di Virgilio. A seminal publication that I am delighted to have been involved with. lnkd.in/eEUunVMf 000
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 15/04/2026You can't keep on just slashing and burning everything that makes it worthwhile living and creates a sense of place and belonging. In the end you have nothing real left. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukBBC to cut almost one in 10 staff in £500m savingsThe BBC's interim director general says the cuts will require 108325
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 17/03/2026My latest paper on Targeting Neuropeptide Y/DPP4 Signalling Suppresses Ewing Sarcoma Survival and Improves Monocyte Viability' with Darek Gorecki and funded by the CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association and The Little Princess Trust is now availablemdpi.com 000
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 12/03/2026This is good and worth a read. Here you can see why I've given up most commentary on British universities. Without a complete reboot from the beginning I can't see a sustainable way forward for most of it. Sad, tough but true. manchestermill.co.uk/why-the-hell... 32510
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 30/01/2026Three UK research councils suspend funding opportunities - yikes www.timeshighereducation.com/news/three-u...timeshighereducation.comThree UK research councils suspend funding opportunitiesTemporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts 000
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 30/01/2026Absolutely brutal news in the research world to kick off the day. How we're making such a mess of this I have no idea. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...researchprofessionalnews.comMRC instructs grant review boards to slash funding rates - Research Professional NewsBoards asked to recommend just three applications for funding, as BBSRC also suspends calls 02316
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 24/10/2025So I've been reading the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper. There's some good things in there. But when it comes to universities there's very little to cheer. The situation is very tough and will get worse. The last chance to preserve what we've got has passed. Let me explain why. (1/?) 79063
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyRobert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 04/09/2025Lovely to hear Melvyn Bragg talking about the big idea behind "In Our Time": to get academics on the air, talking about the subjects they were most passionate & knowledgeable about, without worrying about whether they had "media training". It's remarkable that this was (& remains) such an odd idea! 1136969
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 27/08/2025What a shock! What a surprise! To absolutely nobody. Universities' austerity logic will always have the opposite effect of what they intend. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-aust...researchprofessionalnews.comUniversity efficiency drives may have opposite effect, study finds - Research Professional NewsTeaching and research staff say reforms mean more red tape for them, Australian survey reports 13713
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyCarl T. Bergstrom @carlbergstrom.com · 16/08/2025Just in case there was any doubt, ChatGPT 5.0 still makes up completely random citations that don't exist and should not be used for literature search. 26957264
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 09/08/2025www.theregister.com/2025/08/08/n... Scientists and academics are not generally well paid and this approach concentrates research around the areas of the country with the highest living costs. It will have negative consequences for those without additional financial support.theregister.comNorth of England snubbed by UK govt bag-a-boffin scheme: Home of Manchester Baby can't bid for talent, baby 120
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 08/08/2025This is not normal. If Britain's universities had any cash we could steal a march on everyone. Unfortunately we're broke or worse. 2228
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 30/07/2025A real shame to hear about the cancellation of the UKs medicines repurposing programme. www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...thelancet.comA geroscience response to cancellation of the UK’s Medicines Repurposing Programme: challenges and opportunitiesAfter just 4 years of operation, the discontinuation of the UK’s Medicines Repurposing Programme in April, 2025,1 marks a concerning shift in drug development—particularly for geroscience. The program... 010
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyScott McGrath @smcgrath.phd · 11/07/2025🧪 A new report reveals Trump's budget proposal aims to slash federal funding for basic scientific research by roughly one-third. This significant cut, totaling $15 billion, could jeopardize America's global leadership in science and innovation, impacting fields from AI to healthcare. #AcademicSkynytimes.comTrump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows (Gift Article)An analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science shows the impact of the administration’s budget plan on the kind of studies that produce the most breakthroughs. 41911
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 24/06/2025A good indicator of the university sector struggling to keep afloat: Sheffield says it's 'stabilised' things after 300 voluntary redundancies, a new redundancy scheme, a halt to work on its new labs and closing 28 courses. www.bbc.com/news/article...bbc.comUniversity of Sheffield finances stabilise after fall in studentsThe University of Sheffield still plans cuts to jobs and courses despite a better financial outlook. 22115
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 26/05/2025Thoughts with the people of Liverpool tonight. Awful scenes. 020
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 23/05/2025I mean, these kinds of cuts to basic uni science, you don't come back from these. (2/2) www.nytimes.com/interactive/...nytimes.comTrump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades (Gift Article)The lag in funding extends far beyond D.E.I. initiatives, affecting almost every area of science: chemistry, computing, engineering, materials and more. 1177
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 23/05/2025Meanwhile, I think that US universities face a far worse threat than those in the UK. This is full-bore war on the sector by their own government. Harvard can just about stand up to this, but almost no-one else could. (1/2) 2256
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyShaun Lintern @shaunlintern.bsky.social · 22/05/2025Spire Healthcare has announced plans to cut around 400 hospital-based jobs affecting both clinical and non-clinical roles. Equivalent to around 2.5% of its workforce. 086
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyDr Di Cook @visnut.bsky.social · 15/05/2025Monash University has made many positions available specifically for young and early career researchers who would like to take some time away from the USA. These are case by case, not advertised. So if you are interested or know anyone interested have them get in contact with someone at Monash. 18163
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyThiago Carvalho @cyrilpedia.bsky.social · 12/05/2025"Researchers recruited to work in the UK have to fund a £1,035 annual immigration health surcharge, which must be paid in full in advance, as well as up to £1,519 in visa fees. For a family of four, the upfront costs can total almost £30,000." 22821
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyChris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 13/05/2025Keele University says at least 100 academic jobs and 50 professional services roles could go in latest round of cost-cutting www.timeshighereducation.com/news/staff-d... via @julietterowsell.bsky.socialtimeshighereducation.comStaff ‘deeply concerned’ as Keele confirms plans to cut 150 rolesAcademic and professional services posts to go, with university blaming ‘unprecedented financial challenges’ 001
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 11/05/2025The Crick is paying £800,000 in visa fees alone. Britain is choosing to turn inwards, away from the world, and to destroy its own future. That is not Britain. observer.co.uk/news/politic...observer.co.ukIs the UK paying the price for world’s most expensive visas? | The ObserverCompeting political and economic goals on immigration are resulting in the loss of valuable skills and talent in the UK 88043
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyMelanoma Focus @melanomafocus.bsky.social · 01/05/2025☀️ Here are some worrying statistics that have come out of our recent public survey. Melanoma skin cancer rates continue to climb in the UK, the implications of these findings are significant. You can read more here 👉 buff.ly/6eT6MkF #MelanomaAwarenessmonth 013
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyMelanoma Focus @melanomafocus.bsky.social · 01/05/2025📣Today marks the start of Melanoma Awareness Month 2025! There are a variety of ways that you can get involved throughout May 👉 buff.ly/3N8ELve Let’s reach as many people as possible and make a real difference.💙 #melanomaskincancer #melanomaawarenessmonth 034
Dr Robin Rumney @rmhrumney.bsky.social · 25/04/2025Current vibesmedia.tenor.coma cartoon character is standing in front of a door and says everything 's coming up milhouse .ALT: a cartoon character is standing in front of a door and says everything 's coming up milhouse . 000
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyJoe Allen @joeallenjoe.bsky.social · 13/04/2025Map of economic impact of WH proposed cuts to research. Now searchable by House District. (eg, the impact on Rep Kat Cammack's district (R; Florida) is $85M) --> scienceimpacts.orgscienceimpacts.orgSCIMaP - Impacts of Federal Cuts to Science and Medical ResearchDeveloped by an interdisciplinary research team, this website shows how funding cuts reduce economic activity and employment nationwide 12816
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyRob Ford @robfordmancs.bsky.social · 08/04/2025The core trilma here remains the same - the govt needs to accept one of three things: high student migration, higher domestic student fees (or higher taxes to fund universities) or university bankruptcies. Those are the only options, given where we are. Pick one. 35673346
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyChris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 03/04/2025All universities should be actively planning for what they would do if they were forced to close, says English regulator www.timeshighereducation.com/news/all-uni... via @twilliamsthe.bsky.socialtimeshighereducation.comAll universities should be assessing closure risks, says OfSInstitutions ‘not always aware of the scale of the challenges involved’, regulator warns, as financial crisis exacerbates likelihood of bankruptcies 133
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 04/04/2025Britain's latest kick in the face of its universities is a reduction in science spend. Ridiculous. Good luck with your growth mission! There won't be any. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...researchprofessionalnews.comMinisters confirm UK Research and Innovation budget will fall - Research Professional NewsFunding agency’s allocation drops by £300m for 2025-26, despite rising R&D spending at science department 27637
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneySolid Evidence @solidevidence.bsky.social · 14/11/2024I posted this on 'the other site' but someone asked if I would post it here too, so here goes. I knew there were a lot of fake accounts on this platform, but they are usually obvious. I had no idea how intricate and complex the ruse could be. Get a load of this story. 1/ 2629289
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyDerek Thompson @dkthomp.bsky.social · 21/12/2024People sometimes make fun of science that sounds stupid and random. Meanwhile, a study of lizard saliva turned into a peptide medication, which was turned into a diabetes medication, which was turned into a GLP1 weight loss drug, that just became the first therapy every approved for … sleep apnea 372171775071
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyPaul Lewis @paullewismoney.bsky.social · 20/12/2024Thames Water took out £195.8 million in dividends last year which broke the @Ofwat rules and could not be justified bit.ly/41FELdr regulator will (try to!) recover £131m of them. It is one of four suppliers saying yesterday’s 35% price rise deal not enoughbit.lyThames Water fined £18m by Ofwat for breaking dividend rulesThe water regulator has ordered the company to claw back £131m in dividends and warned against taking money out of the business 1012273
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyTobias Kuemmerle @tkuemmerle.bsky.social · 19/12/2024So sad to read this 😢 As someone working in 🇦🇷 for 10+ years I know that Argentine colleagues always had to face difficult and often unpredictable conditions. But the Milei government is dismantling Argentina's scientific system with unprecedented aggression - www.nature.com/articles/d41...nature.com‘There will be nothing left’: researchers fear collapse of science in ArgentinaOne year into Javier Milei’s presidency, scientists are exiting the country in the face of big budget cuts. 11192103
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyPaul Lewis @paullewismoney.bsky.social · 19/12/2024Water bills to rise 20% (£86) plus inflation in April and then above inflation for the next four years. @Ofwat gives private water companies in England the go-ahead to make customers pay for the investment they have failed to do for 30 years while enriching shareholders and bosses 1010759
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyArdem Patapoutian @ardemp.bskyverified.social · 15/12/2024And here is my condensed guide on how to science: top 5 Rules 418044
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyGlen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 15/12/2024Today's university in the Bad News column is the Open University, one of the greatest Labour success stories of all time that's been hammered again and again in recent years. It's trying fire and rehire on Associate Lecturers, some of whom are resisting. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukOpen University lecturers in contract row - unionMore than 160 lecturers were asked to sign new contracts amid concerns over hours, a union says. 04927
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyTanentzapfLab @tanentzapflab.bsky.social · 13/12/20241. I feel like this is such obvious advice that it gets taken for granted & consequently no one says this to young scientists but READ PAPERS, read all the papers. As you move up in your career you will have less & less time to do this. Read everything that appeals to you not just in your field 7412154
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyScience News @scinews.bsky.social · 15/12/20249. PhD Survival Guide bsky.app/profile/scin... 2267
Reposted by Dr Robin RumneyScience News @scinews.bsky.social · 15/12/20248. How to Be a Graduate Advisee Thanks @cellularscale.bsky.social www.cell.com/neuron/fullt... 2255