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Sara Shinton

@sarashinton.bsky.social
193 followers 101 following 41 posts

Research Culture, Leadership, FLFs .... and some knitting, swearing and occasional cancer references.

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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
No, not assuming that at all! But there was a comment which suggested that professional services somehow know a way to make our systems work. We don't. It's not just a poor use of academic time. It's a poor use of EVERYONE'S
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Using the same system it now takes me around 3 hours to book my leave for the year. Used to take about 3 minutes. Afraid it's a false assumption that professional services are better equipped than academics to navigate this. Don't even get me started on booking travel.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Putting together your Round 11 FLF application? Come and join me and UKRI and FLFs to talk about the scheme, what opportunities it offers and how it's assessed... in person and online places available www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-lea...
eventbrite.co.uk
Future Leaders Fellowships Information Event with UKRI
Join us for a deep dive into the world of Future Leaders Fellowships (FLFs) with UKRI.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
En route to Milton Keynes & the OU for the launch of their Research Capability Hub. I'm there as the link to Scotland, via UoE so if you are a social scientist developing research skills training & would like this to reach a wider audience, supported by the OU's unique expertise, more here rch.ac.uk
rch.ac.uk
RCH
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
I always do this - and am permanently covered in ink because I work like a Dickensian character and do it with fountain pens which feels like a level up 😂 Also, this approach feeds the love of notebooks which is surely the purest love of all.
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UK Research and Innovation @ukri.org · 21/01/2026
🚨 Premiere alert! Episode 2 of our series Future Makers is out now. We’re showing how research and innovation are really improving people’s lives. This episode explores how innovators are tackling microplastics in everyday products like paint and skincare: youtu.be/5MSU239d5QM?...
youtu.be
Nature’s fix to microplastics l Future Makers Ep 2
YouTube video by UKRI Stories
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Best enjoyed with a bingo card for you to complete according to your own experiences. HOUSE! katharinehubbard.blog/2026/01/20/t... @katharinehubbard.bsky.social
katharinehubbard.blog
Toxic people failing upwards: Universities must do better
Today* I am angry. Yet another person I know who exhibits toxic behaviour in the workplace has been ‘failed upwards’. This is a well known phenomenon whereby individuals are not sacked for poor beh…
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Heard about PATHWAYS? It's the UKRI leadership development programme that we deliver alongside the FLF Development Network pathways.flfdevnet.com Open to UKRI/RC project leads on awards intended to develop leadership capability and/or research independence. Apply by Feb 20th please!
pathways.flfdevnet.com
FLF Development Network - PATHWAYS Programme
PATHWAYS Pathways is a national UKRI funded programme designed to support the next generation of research and innovation leaders in the UK, for Project Leads funded by UKRI as an additional post-award...
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
…and if it’s the FLF specifically, there’s more on www.flfdevnet.com/resources/en...
flfdevnet.com
Enabling Future Research Leaders - Future Leaders Fellows Development Network
Enabling Future Research Leaders Host Summit 2026: Supporting Research & Innovation Leaders in Times of Crisis Leaders are often faced with unprecedented and unexpected challenges. The research...
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
If you or someone you know is working on their UKRI FLF reviewer response, this is a brain dump from me based on questions over the rounds. Not perfect (done & available > perfect) but will respond to any comments to improve. blogs.ed.ac.uk/breakingboun... @samaspinall.bsky.social #FLF
blogs.ed.ac.uk
Respond, don’t Rebut – Breaking Boundaries – Broadening Perspectives on Research Leadership
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Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Are you an early career researcher looking for research training in history and related disciplines? You might be eligible for an IHR bursary of up to £500 to help cover the cost of one of our fantastic short courses! Deadline for applications is 31 Jan 2026. www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
history.ac.uk
Research Training and Short Courses
We deliver high-quality training programmes and unique learning opportunities to a wide community of historians of all career stages and historical interests.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Giving this another plug - Please share with anyone who has Round 9 UKRI FLF Interview in May. I've shared some of the learning from my role as a roving panel member - includes a slide deck if you're briefing interviewees or convening mock panels. Good Luck! www.flfdevnet.com/2025/04/16/i...
flfdevnet.com
Interview panel insights for round 9 FLF applicants - Future Leaders Fellows Development Network
This blog is aimed at Round 9 FLF applicants who have been invited to interview and colleagues supporting their preparation. As well as walking through the interview process and suggesting strategies ...
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Preparing for your Round 9 UKRI FLF Interview in a few weeks? Or supporting someone? I've shared some of the learning from my role as a roving panel member - includes a slide deck if you're briefing interviewees or convening mock panels. Good Luck! www.flfdevnet.com/2025/04/16/i...
Cartoon image of a woman struggling to carry a large banner with the text "Big Plans" on it.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
I'm especially keen to hear from anyone who can't draw on existing institutional knowledge of the scheme (existing FLFs or panel members) - what will help lift the lid on the interviews?
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Invited for a Future Leaders Fellowship interview? Need some help preparing? I'm putting together something today to support applicants and those who are helping to prepare them. Post your questions here (or message me.) Easiest format for me is a short video - brief doc could follow.
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School of PPLS at The University of Edinburgh @schoolofppls.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Last year, PPLS proudly hosted the regional heat of the Ethics Cup, a debating competition that challenges high school students to thoughtfully discuss complex ethical issues. We are pleased to announce that the search for competitors to take part next year is now open. Learn more: edin.ac/4ikFcPR
edin.ac
The Search for the Philosophers of Tomorrow
For the second year running the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences hosted a regional heat of the Ethics Cup, featuring high schools from Scotland and northeast England.
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EDI Caucus @edicaucus.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
EDICa aims this internship to offer someone from an under-represented group a taste of working in research. Here, our Prof @jeminanapier.bsky.social signs in #BSL the job vacancy. #Accessibility #DeafSky #Internship #Research youtu.be/mSuK-KiOMHQ
youtu.be
Internship recruitment BSL March2025
YouTube video by EDI Caucus
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
One for my @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social colleagues. This year's Researcher Realities online conference is happening on 11th March 2025, 9:30-16:45. Programme and booking details here: institute-academic-development.ed.ac.uk/research-rol... Many themes relevant to research professionals - all welcome
media.tenor.com
a picture of yoda with the words may the wisdom be with you below him
ALT: a picture of yoda with the words may the wisdom be with you below him
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UK Reproducibility Network @ukrepro.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
UK Reproducibility Network has joined BlueSky! #AcademicSky #OpenResearch
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Yes! I had a discrete cheer in your direction. Can't wait to see the impacts of this - really exciting
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Check you've covered everything that was raised. Check your tone is professional (especially if you've had rough reviews). Check you are still compliant with the scheme (don't try to accommodate a reviewer by suggesting something you can't do.) Check your interpretation of all comments Celebrate!
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
There's a lot of nuance in these suggestions so it is REALLY important to get someone to look over your response. Ideally someone who has experience of panels and reviewing, but there's a lot of common sense. A few final thoughts on prompts for you and your ally before your send the response.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Don't assume that the reviewer fully understands the scheme or call. If a comment seems to want you to do something that you can't, acknowledge the comment, but say it falls outside the scope of the scheme. Don't tie yourself in knots - get a sense check from someone.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Some thoughts on scores and comments - they are often slightly out of kilter. Numbers are so subjective (my 5 might be your 3) so panels generally look for consistency with comments. So don't panic if the numbers aren't great - look at the comments. Good panels look at both.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
You may also see a review misinterpret or misunderstand something. Gently clarify - remember that they may have been confused by your choice of words, so don't dismiss their point. But also don't throw yourself on your sword.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Many fields have different "factions" so if you get a review from someone who disagrees with your position, acknowledge the different perspectives but explain the value of your approach, particularly if your work might bridge gaps
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
You will have had to make difficult choices about what to include in your proposal so reviewer comments often request for more detail. Set out what you could add and look for common themes. Unless indicated otherwise, you can decide which structure works (i.e. by theme rather than reviewer)
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
But hopefully most of your reviews will be constructive! For the really positive reviews, double check for any queries you might miss, keep their praise in mind if you're going to face an interview, think about how these comments might be woven into the narrative of your response.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
If a review really upsets or undermines you, let the research office/equivalent in your institution/organisation know. They can complain on your behalf. Keep your focus on your application for now.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Downright rude reviews don't land well with the panels I've been involved with. Funders usually catch real howlers and won't pass them on, but it's a tricky line to draw. A good panel will flag a bad reviewer, so leave that to them. You focus on extracting what you can address. In a calm tone.
media.tenor.com
a man is saying internal screaming in a dark room
ALT: a man is saying internal screaming in a dark room
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Then I make a checklist of what the response has to include, prioritising the things that will damage the application if not addressed. But I include everything. I've seen proposals fail when the response misses a point of clarification from a positive review because they focused on a negative one
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
I thought about the categories that I've seen - this helps me navigate the response - hopefully these make sense Positive Points of Clarification Didn't have the room Fair point Misinterpretation Challenge Dismissal Rude Organising comments like this helps me decide how to structure the response
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
I always start by writing out everything that could be responded to, even if the response is "thank you, I agree". It's easy to miss points of clarification made in a positive tone so make sure you've caught everything. Also, those positive comments are helpful if another reviewer disagrees.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Then I asked for the questions people had. Common themes - reviewers contradicting each other, how much new information to bring in to response, questions that are at odds with the scheme, irrelevant comments, and (for want of a better word) ego.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
We started with the panel that would look at the responses. Every panel is different, but for this scheme they are a moderating panel, unlikely to be experts in the same field as the applicant. So response to reviews is vital - can't assume panel will know what's fair, nonsense or obvious
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Gave some advice yesterday on how to respond to #reviewers to #proposals and was encouraging people to contact mentors with experience of the specific call to sense check responses. But aware not everyone has this pool to hand, so a few of the headlines from conversation. Please chip in.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Wow. I can't bring myself to iron, but you can tell I'm taking something seriously because I'll be in grey, black or navy rather than dressing like a children's entertainer.
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Thank you ACRC (usher.ed.ac.uk/advanced-car...) for the invitation to your annual retreat in the Traitors castle (sort of). Spoke about life after a PhD and drew heavily on recent blog to pour in optimism about what's ahead. www.linkedin.com/pulse/jumpin...
linkedin.com
Jumping off the springboard: How a postdoc catapulted me to career success
This blog supports the presentation I gave at the MVM Postdoctoral Symposium in November 2024. It includes perspectives on why I feel my time as a postdoc was a strong positive influence on the career...
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Jess Butler @jessbutler.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
UKRI Metascience AI early career fellowships £260k, 2 years "How AI is changing the research landscape, including what metascientific, ethical, epistemic, and socioeconomic questions this raises How governments, industry, and funding organisations should respond" www.ukri.org/opportunity/...
ukri.org
Pre-announcement: UKRI Metascience AI early career fellowships
The UK Metascience Unit will fund a cohort of early career fellows to build our understanding of how the growing adoption of AI is changing the research landscape, including what metascientific, ethic...
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
I came early, shouted into the void for a bit then wandered off… but then remembered how cool the other place was and decided to try again. And now all the cool kids are here! 🤩
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Even more delighted to have the privilege of running this. Inspired by the generosity, wisdom and commitment in this group.
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Sharon Cox @sharoncox.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
This starter pack is the beginning of a collection of people who run major @ukri.org and civil service projects across the sciences and humanities- follow us and let me know if you want to join us! go.bsky.app/3HUp1di
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
A little late to comment but you were a star. So excited to have you there and hopefully first of many
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Inspired by you to fire my account back up. Me too please!
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Back here as I remember the power of connection after a week spent with research leaders. Hopefully this one won’t be spoilt by a knock-off Bond villain…
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 05/12/2023
Favourite listen of the moment - Paper Cuts. Miranda Sawyer’s giggle brightens my day 😆 open.spotify.com/show/3zCCphE...
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Sara Shinton @sarashinton.bsky.social · 05/12/2023
Great to see the Round 7 FLFs announced yesterday. Can't wait to meet them and hopefully be part of their exciting adventures. www.ukri.org/news/75-new-...
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