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Simon Williams

@si-wills.bsky.social
71 followers 66 following 66 posts

Postdoctoral Research Associate | Quantum Computing Applications for Theoretical Physics

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Reposted by Simon Williams
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Brian Cox: UKRI’s Cern project cut ‘damages science base’. Cut will mean “reduced scientific capability” for Large Hadron Collider beauty upgrade, its board warns. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Brian Cox: UKRI’s Cern project cut ‘damages science base’ - Research Professional News
Cut will mean “reduced scientific capability” for Large Hadron Collider beauty upgrade, its board warns
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Growing up watching the Cromer lifeboat launch, I have nothing but respect for the crews of the #RNLI who go to sea when others won’t. They go to sea to do one thing, save lives. Their mission is one of compassion: #savinglivesatsea regardless of who they may be.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 10/09/2026
🎯 by @ellabaron.bsky.social The abuse directed towards RNLI volunteers is horrendous. Solidarity with RNLI volunteers. They are doing incredible work.
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Jodrell may be the symbol, but it's not the whole story. Welcome as the PM's intervention on Jodrell Bank is, debate earlier today showed MPs have concerns over a wide range of facilities, experiments and capabilities underpinning UK research strength. Nevertheless, the politics seem to be shifting.
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham says "We'll find a way to save Jodrell Bank"
Burnham said "there is no way that we can see its demise, and it won't happen under my Government".
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Well I think I am liking this new +ve PM! In response to @sarahrussellmp.bsky.social on Jodrell: "there must be a way to save #JodrellBank and I give her a commitment at this dispatch box - we will find it" Brilliant Burnham! Can you now save all the other epic projects that have also been cut 🙏🔭
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Today I attended a Westminster Hall debate on the STFC cuts. I was extremely disappointed that the Science Minister was not there to answer MPs’ questions. It was great to see many MPs there so passionate about the brilliant science that is going on across the UK.
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Great to meet with @marykfoymp.bsky.social to discuss the catastrophic cuts to UK PPAN Science and their impact on world-class institutes in the North East
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William Barter @wjbarter.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I hadn't commented before, but the level of scrutiny of Arday was beyond that faced by other academics, and this scrutiny was driven one factor: his race. Whether his behaviour was right or wrong is immaterial, he experienced a racist witch hunt and those who carried it out should be ashamed.
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Such an incredible experience! Felt very lucky to watch an eclipsed sunset. Heartening to see so many people gathered to watch. Astronomy and physics really do capture hearts and minds! Who knew that sitting on a rock face in 35 degree heat for 6 hours could be so much fun!
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Well, that was special! Total eclipse 2026! 🌙
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Okay Clacton. Let’s go.
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Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Excellent letters in the @theguardian.com calling out the cuts to research in STFC. Shout out to Paula Collins of @lhcb.bsky.social! www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
Science funding cuts will harm Britain’s global standing | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to an editorial about the threat to research funding, including plans to close the Jodrell Bank Observatory
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Chris Lintott @chrislintott.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Proper sense in a FT editorial. Come on PM. Easy wins right here.
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Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 03/08/2026
Time for Andy Burnham to smile on UK science ft.trib.al/YaGOWfr | opinion
ft.trib.al
Time for Andy Burnham to smile on UK science
Waning support for basic research threatens Britain’s technology ambitions
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Proud to finally have one of these brilliant badges from the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social. The cuts to PPAN science are shortsighted and nonsensical. We have world-leading researchers, facilities and international collaborations. I hope the new government changes course before lasting damage is done.
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
"There are shades of the departed Starmer government in this saga: @ukri.org wants to tell a big story about science funding going up, but instead is mired in a row over a fairly minor sum.... One does not have to be an astronomer to know that optics matter." 👌🔭 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the Lovell telescope: budget cuts to physics are bad science and worse politics | Editorial
Editorial: Funders have picked a damaging fight with scientists and the public. They should reconsider their plans
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"UKRI wants to tell a big story about science funding going up, but instead is mired in a row over a fairly minor sum that has angered scientists and sections of the public. One does not have to be an astronomer to know that optics matter." 💯
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the Lovell telescope: budget cuts to physics are bad science and worse politics | Editorial
Editorial: Funders have picked a damaging fight with scientists and the public. They should reconsider their plans
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
"A recent survey found that nearly 80% of early-career physicists were considering leaving the UK after the funding crisis. The loss of even a fraction of that would be a blow for UK science and also national growth. The task now is to persuade them to stay." www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
World-class Jodrell Bank is under threat and UK risks a physics brain drain
Funding crisis could lead to an exodus that would be a blow for British science and national growth
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Brilliant piece by @iansample.bsky.social in the Guardian today: "A recent survey found that nearly 80% of early-career physicists were considering leaving the UK after the funding crisis. The loss of even a fraction of that would be a blow for UK science and also national growth."
theguardian.com
World-class Jodrell Bank is under threat and UK risks a physics brain drain
Funding crisis could lead to an exodus that would be a blow for British science and national growth
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Reposted by Simon Williams
Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Today, @ukri.org informed particle, astro and nuclear groups across the UKRI of the profound cuts they are laying on them. These cuts are at odds with the @ukri.org 2026-2031 strategy. www.ukri.org/publications... 1/n
ukri.org
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
This is very sad news. These reprioritisation decisions are being overseen by an STFC Executive Chair who is also the Astronomer Royal. Closing one of the UK’s most famous telescopes and a world-leading facility is deeply damaging to UK science. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope faces axe in science cuts, BBC understands
Astronomers warn it would tear the heart out of UK science, and leave a generation untrained.
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Jon Butterworth @jonbutterworth.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
I'm happy and honoured to say that I will be President Elect of the Institute of Physics from October this year. www.iop.org/about/news/2... It is a challenging, as well as exciting, time for physics right now, and the IOP is, and must remain, strong and clear voice for the whole community.
iop.org
IOP 2026 Council election results announced
We are delighted to announce our three new trustees – one President-elect and two General Trustees – who will take up their posts from 1 October 2026.
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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"It would be a mistake to interpret the (UKRI) announcement as evidence the crisis has passed" Following last week's update about proposed funding cuts to astronomy, our President Professor @jim-wild.bsky.social has written an Op-Ed for @resprofnews.bsky.social... Read it here 👇
researchprofessionalnews.com
Only long-term funding will save the UK’s fundamental science - Research Professional News
Jim Wild explains what the STFC settlement tells us about the future of UK research
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A jaunt to Westminster to watch the Lords Science and Technology Committee question UKRI The governance issues and the framing of the catastrophic cuts to STFC are deeply concerning. Encouraging to see parliamentary scrutiny of these decisions Strong fundamental physics helps build a stronger UK
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
"Fundamental research should not be allowed to decline through attrition while public statements continue to suggest it is being protected." @jim-wild.bsky.social in @resprofnews.bsky.social today. Well worth a read. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Only long-term funding will save UK's fundamental science - Research Professional News
Jim Wild explains what the STFC settlement tells us about the future of fundamental research funding policy in the UK
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Fundamental science needs long-term thinking! In my op-ed for RPN I argue that short-term funding cycles undermine discovery, skills development and the UK's future research capacity. If we want world-leading science, we must invest for the long haul.
researchprofessionalnews.com
Only long-term funding will save UK's fundamental science - Research Professional News
Jim Wild explains what the STFC settlement tells us about the future of fundamental research funding policy in the UK
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Tara Shears @tarashears.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Comment from SITC chair @chionwurah.bsky.social about the STFC funding cuts: "At a time of rising science spend and given the commitments made the committee regarding investment in curiosity driven research, these cuts shouldn’t be happening." committees.parliament.uk/committee/13...
committees.parliament.uk
UKRI Chair and STFC Chair write to Committee outlining science research funding cuts - Committees - UK Parliament
Correspondence: research funding cuts  
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Reposted by Simon Williams
Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Today's STFC announcement brings relief for many but not all in UK astronomy, but the headlines mask a great deal of uncertainty. The full consequences won't be clear for some time yet. My thoughts are with colleagues in parts of the research system facing much more difficult outcomes today.
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Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
"Extraordinary doctoring" of STFC council minutes over physics funding cuts a "lapse of governance", says @chionwurah.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/onwurah... via @jgro-the.bsky.social
timeshighereducation.com
Onwurah: ‘doctoring’ of STFC minutes raises governance concerns
Altered minutes surrounding reasons for cuts to physics funding should be investigated, says science committee chair
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Always impressed by the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee chaired by @chionwurah.bsky.social This was true parliamentary scrutiny, and exactly what is needed for decisions that could be so damaging for UK science capability Brilliant highlights reel from @astroroyalscot.bsky.social
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
On display this morning, parliamentary scrutiny at its very best with @chionwurah.bsky.social and her committee questioning Secretary of State Liz Kendall about the STFC funding cuts. Worth watching in full, but here are some of the highlights! 1: Doctoring the minutes!
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Tara Shears @tarashears.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
The SITC report on science diplomacy is now out: committees.parliament.uk/publications... and the need to incorporate science diplomacy considerations in decision-making about international science projects is already reported in RPN: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
UKRI reforms ‘must consider international standing’, MPs warn - Research Professional News
Science committee says Cern project funding withdrawal reflects “lack of joined-up thinking” on science diplomacy
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
If this leaked info is to be trusted, we'll soon be adding #SaveJodrellBank to #SaveUKAstronomy🔭. I fear this is UKRI "rolling the pitch" to prepare us for the official announcement of unpleasant news😔 There is still a little glimmer hope though: A DSIT spokesperson said: "This is speculation".
A gorgeous sunset image of the iconic Lovell radio telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory. The prioritisation decisions approved by Dsit are also likely to include the scaling back of several UK-based research facilities supported by STFC, RPN understands.

These include e-Merlin, an array of seven radio telescopes, of which the Lovell is one, headquartered at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire.
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
While UKRI ponders our fate it was deeply disappointing to see the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Royal Observatory MP responding to our concerns with "funding for STFC has not been cut". True, but flat-cash to cover rising UK facility electricity costs and inflation = cuts to physics and astronomy. #AnswerTheQuestion 😡🔭🧪
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
At today's UKRI board meeting, the fate of UK particle physics and astronomy will likely be decided. Have we done enough to convince the powers-that-be to halt the proposed funding cuts? 🤞 Read Prof. Hiranya Peiris in Nature today eloquently explaining why these cuts are wrong.🧪🔭⚛️ 📖: rdcu.be/friwM
Restructuring research funding as a choice between discovery and application gets the economics wrong, the evidence wrong and the people wrong.

A premise is gaining traction in science policy on both sides of the Atlantic: that fundamental and applied research are competing claims on the same budget, and that the balance must shift towards application. In the USA, the current administration has proposed cuts of billions of dollars to the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. In the UK, the national funding agency UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is restructuring its portfolio around government growth priorities, with curiosity-driven research nominally protected but the grant lines that actually fund investigators under severe pressure. The language varies — ‘doing fewer things better’, ‘aligning research with industrial strategy’ — but the underlying logic is the same. Fundamental science, the argument goes, is a luxury that becomes dispensable when budgets are tight. This premise is wrong, and the consequences of acting on it are already visible.
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CERN @cern.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
So long #LHC and thank you for all the collisions 👋 Today, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, comes to the end of an extraordinary chapter in its scientific journey. Find out more: home.cern/cern-bids-fa...
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Robin Bisson @robinbisson.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The process of deciding how to cut costs at STFC by £162m is reaching its endgame The ball is now firmly in the government's court. As @francesjones.bsky.social reports in today's Research Fortnight, an impact assessment of the cuts has been sent to DSIT It appears not to make pretty reading 🧵
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
'A senior member of one of STFC’s advisory bodies told RPN that the..exercise represents “a major crisis for the UK"...all of the outcomes modelled are “shocking”....the government would be “committing an act of national self-harm by imposing these cuts”.' 🙏 @francesjones.bsky.social
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Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Another excellent article from @francesjones.bsky.social . These cuts represent an enormous act of self harm and solutions that maintain PPAN science must be found.
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Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Exclusive: STFC evaluation lays bare ‘huge damage’ if cuts go ahead. Advisers warn of “major crisis” for UK research as impact assessment is sent to ministers. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
researchprofessionalnews.com
STFC evaluation lays bare ‘huge damage’ if cuts go ahead - Research Professional News
Advisers warn of “major crisis” for UK research as impact assessment is sent to ministers
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
A sad week for a child of Sherwood Forest. The greatest tree has died. I’ll always remember the Major Oak from long dog walks and the Robin Hood Festival 🌳
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Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Hey @ukri.org the STFC council minutes page has disappeared: www.ukri.org/publications... Don't worry though, the national archives has a copy here: webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/202601... Could put it back up along with recent minutes, would hate to think you've something to hide 🤔
ukri.org
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
A full-on week, fighting to #SaveUKAstronomy & PPAN from 30% funding cuts. There were highs (👇hanging out with fab-folk) & lows (@ukri.org trying to erase history in old Council minutes) but the amazing support & ❤️ from the wonderful wide astro-community makes it all worth it. Onwards and upwards 💪🔭
A group of smiling individuals outside Westminster.  

Professor Brian Cox CBE (centre) is joined by, from left, Dr Robert Ferdman, Dr Estifa'a Zaid, Dr Becky Smethurst, Dr Melissa Uchida, Professor Catherine Heymans, Professor Chris Lintott, Dr Harry Cliff, RAS President Professor Jim Wild, Professor Jon Butterworth, Dr Linda Cremonesi and Professor Nina Hatch.
Credit
Nick Willoughby/Royal Astronomical Society
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Altering public minutes months after publication, without explanation or a record of the changes made, is deeply concerning. This raises serious questions about transparency and governance at @ukri.org. We’re requesting an explanation.
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Conor Fitzpatrick @fitzparticle.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Hi @ukri.org I see the minutes are back up, but have been modified. Dec 2025 Item 3.1 previously read: (1/n)
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Malcolm Fairbairn @malcfairbairn.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This is * insane *. STFC council minutes from December have been removed from their website, changed, and reposted. The new version rolls back on funding commitments made explicit in the initial version. I can't think of another adjective other than Trumpian behaviour.
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
"Astrophysics research is in trouble". Yup, we've brought in the big guns to #SaveUKAstronomy, particle and nuclear physics! Thank you @drbecky.bsky.social 🙏 📽️: www.youtube.com/shorts/omICc...
youtube.com
Astrophysics research is in trouble... #shorts
YouTube video by Dr. Becky
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Prof Jim Wild @jim-wild.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
🚨"Astrophysics research is in trouble!"🚨 @drbecky.bsky.social talks to Prof Brian Cox about the STFC funding crisis facing astronomy, particle and nuclear physics! #SaveUKAstronomy youtube.com/shorts/omICc...
youtube.com
Astrophysics research is in trouble... #shorts
YouTube video by Dr. Becky
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Royal Astronomical Society @royalastrosoc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Time for some more reaction from Monday's Westminster event... Here's Dr Harry Cliff explaining that some of the cuts have already been made, including the "devastating impact" of axing funds to upgrade the LHCb experiment – a huge particle detector buried 100 metres underground at CERN.
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Simon Williams @si-wills.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Thank you to Dame Chi and the SITC for continuing to scrutinise the impact of recent funding decisions on UK research. Fundamental research and the people who carry it out are the foundation on which future technologies are built. Early-career researchers are the backbone of that research.
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