Adrian Kirwan
@adriankirwan.bsky.social
Historian of Science and Technology. Mostly talking about history of telecommunications, Irish history, radium and technology in teaching and learning. Teaches Critical Skills Maynooth University.
Pinned
Adrian Kirwan
@adriankirwan.bsky.social
· Sep 19
a man playing a trumpet and a man playing a guitar are standing next to each other
ALT: a man playing a trumpet and a man playing a guitar are standing next to each other
media.tenor.com
My latest article has just been published in The Irish Journal of Medical Science
'An Irish Radium Institute: the Royal Dublin Society and the promotion of radioactive therapy in twentieth-century Ireland'
rdcu.be/eHct4
'An Irish Radium Institute: the Royal Dublin Society and the promotion of radioactive therapy in twentieth-century Ireland'
rdcu.be/eHct4
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
On the event of James Watson's death, I highly recommend this 2023 commentary from @matthewcobb.bsky.social and Nathaniel Comfort with crucial new insights into the discovery of the double helix. (And also check out Cobb's brand new biography of Francis Crick) www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s structure
Franklin was no victim in how the DNA double helix was solved. An overlooked letter and an unpublished news article, both written in 1953, reveal that she was an equal player.
www.nature.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:25 PM
On the event of James Watson's death, I highly recommend this 2023 commentary from @matthewcobb.bsky.social and Nathaniel Comfort with crucial new insights into the discovery of the double helix. (And also check out Cobb's brand new biography of Francis Crick) www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
We're hiring in history of science at UW Madison! TT Assistant Professorship with a focus on water. Joint appointment between the History and Integrated Liberal Studies depts, and part of a university-wide hiring cluster on earth/sustainability science. jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/profess... #STS #HSMT
Professor of History - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:FacultyEmployment Type:Regula...
jobs.wisc.edu
November 6, 2025 at 7:37 PM
We're hiring in history of science at UW Madison! TT Assistant Professorship with a focus on water. Joint appointment between the History and Integrated Liberal Studies depts, and part of a university-wide hiring cluster on earth/sustainability science. jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/profess... #STS #HSMT
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
As predicted, the EU is ready to dismantle its Digital Rulebook as it did with the Green Deal.
It does so upon US administration’s demand and under Big Tech pressure.
It’s a self-inflicted political decision putting the EU on a deregulatory turn on.ft.com/47vqFOl
It does so upon US administration’s demand and under Big Tech pressure.
It’s a self-inflicted political decision putting the EU on a deregulatory turn on.ft.com/47vqFOl
EU weighs pausing parts of landmark AI act in face of US and Big Tech pressure
Brussels is set to water down part of its strict digital rule book as it aims to make bloc more competitive
on.ft.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:07 AM
As predicted, the EU is ready to dismantle its Digital Rulebook as it did with the Green Deal.
It does so upon US administration’s demand and under Big Tech pressure.
It’s a self-inflicted political decision putting the EU on a deregulatory turn on.ft.com/47vqFOl
It does so upon US administration’s demand and under Big Tech pressure.
It’s a self-inflicted political decision putting the EU on a deregulatory turn on.ft.com/47vqFOl
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
(Call for applications) Assistant Professor Social Studies of Medicine histoiresante.blogspot.com/2025/10/post... #medhum #histSTM
October 31, 2025 at 12:35 PM
(Call for applications) Assistant Professor Social Studies of Medicine histoiresante.blogspot.com/2025/10/post... #medhum #histSTM
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
As ever...
October 29, 2025 at 1:07 PM
As ever...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
As has rightly been pointed out to me it is, in fact, not yet 2026*
Sooo... Gulliver's Travels is 300 *next* year. What do we have planned?!
*I blame overwork plus the fact that I first mentally noted this anniversary 12 years ago, which is ages to wait!
www.theguardian.com/science/the-...
Sooo... Gulliver's Travels is 300 *next* year. What do we have planned?!
*I blame overwork plus the fact that I first mentally noted this anniversary 12 years ago, which is ages to wait!
www.theguardian.com/science/the-...
October 28, 2025 at 4:28 PM
As has rightly been pointed out to me it is, in fact, not yet 2026*
Sooo... Gulliver's Travels is 300 *next* year. What do we have planned?!
*I blame overwork plus the fact that I first mentally noted this anniversary 12 years ago, which is ages to wait!
www.theguardian.com/science/the-...
Sooo... Gulliver's Travels is 300 *next* year. What do we have planned?!
*I blame overwork plus the fact that I first mentally noted this anniversary 12 years ago, which is ages to wait!
www.theguardian.com/science/the-...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
This version of Total Recall sucks.
If you can’t afford a vacation, an AI app will sell you pictures of one
Always be manifesting.
www.theverge.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
This version of Total Recall sucks.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
your timely reminder that AGI is neither clearly defined/described nor amenable to scientific or engineering principles... it remains an ideology that is rooted in white supremacy, racism and eugenics
October 24, 2025 at 8:18 PM
your timely reminder that AGI is neither clearly defined/described nor amenable to scientific or engineering principles... it remains an ideology that is rooted in white supremacy, racism and eugenics
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
According to my notifications, several someones rediscovered this gem earlier today. So, I figured I'd fan the flame. ICYMI.
Pictured: The first vibe coder, Geordi La Forge, about to discover the dangers of natural language programing.
October 24, 2025 at 8:19 PM
According to my notifications, several someones rediscovered this gem earlier today. So, I figured I'd fan the flame. ICYMI.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
Call for Papers – IHSA 2026 Conference at Maynooth University
The Irish History Students’ Association, with the support of the Department of History at Maynooth University, is delighted to announce the 77th Annual IHSA Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The Irish History Students’ Association, with the support of the Department of History at Maynooth University, is delighted to announce the 77th Annual IHSA Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
October 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Call for Papers – IHSA 2026 Conference at Maynooth University
The Irish History Students’ Association, with the support of the Department of History at Maynooth University, is delighted to announce the 77th Annual IHSA Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The Irish History Students’ Association, with the support of the Department of History at Maynooth University, is delighted to announce the 77th Annual IHSA Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
Just a reminder: "more personalized and more helpful" is often code for "WE WILL COLLECT ALL OF YOUR DATA."
October 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Just a reminder: "more personalized and more helpful" is often code for "WE WILL COLLECT ALL OF YOUR DATA."
Just a reminder given all the discussion of AI bubbles and stock markets. 2008 recession saw a huge spike in suicides.
www.bbc.com/news/health-...
www.bbc.com/news/health-...
October 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Just a reminder given all the discussion of AI bubbles and stock markets. 2008 recession saw a huge spike in suicides.
www.bbc.com/news/health-...
www.bbc.com/news/health-...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
The Corlea Trackway • Longford
This 2km ancient routeway was discovered beautifully preserved in the bog.
It was dated to c.148 BC.
A section of the trackway from Cloonbreany Townland was excavated and conserved, and is now on display in the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
#Archaeology 🏺
This 2km ancient routeway was discovered beautifully preserved in the bog.
It was dated to c.148 BC.
A section of the trackway from Cloonbreany Townland was excavated and conserved, and is now on display in the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
#Archaeology 🏺
October 17, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The Corlea Trackway • Longford
This 2km ancient routeway was discovered beautifully preserved in the bog.
It was dated to c.148 BC.
A section of the trackway from Cloonbreany Townland was excavated and conserved, and is now on display in the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
#Archaeology 🏺
This 2km ancient routeway was discovered beautifully preserved in the bog.
It was dated to c.148 BC.
A section of the trackway from Cloonbreany Townland was excavated and conserved, and is now on display in the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre.
#Archaeology 🏺
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
We had a fascinating talk on Corlea by Prof Aidan O'Sullivan.
In 'The Colossus of Roads', Aidan offers memories of the Corlea archaeological campaign by one then-young archaeologist, and the question of what did the Trackway mean to the people who built it?
Recording available for Tuatha Members
In 'The Colossus of Roads', Aidan offers memories of the Corlea archaeological campaign by one then-young archaeologist, and the question of what did the Trackway mean to the people who built it?
Recording available for Tuatha Members
October 17, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We had a fascinating talk on Corlea by Prof Aidan O'Sullivan.
In 'The Colossus of Roads', Aidan offers memories of the Corlea archaeological campaign by one then-young archaeologist, and the question of what did the Trackway mean to the people who built it?
Recording available for Tuatha Members
In 'The Colossus of Roads', Aidan offers memories of the Corlea archaeological campaign by one then-young archaeologist, and the question of what did the Trackway mean to the people who built it?
Recording available for Tuatha Members
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
Really? Perplexity is explicitly advertising cheating with their agentic Comet browser? @marcwatkins.bsky.social found this video on their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
Let's put the pressure on for this to stop!
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
Let's put the pressure on for this to stop!
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
October 17, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Really? Perplexity is explicitly advertising cheating with their agentic Comet browser? @marcwatkins.bsky.social found this video on their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
Let's put the pressure on for this to stop!
www.facebook.com/story.php?st...
Let's put the pressure on for this to stop!
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
This meme made me laugh.
October 16, 2025 at 1:08 AM
This meme made me laugh.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
If you think that professors exist as repositories of knowledge that students ask for answers, you’re missing the entire point of a college education.
We’re here to teach students how to do research, how to analyze and argue, how to think for themselves — how to find the answers on their own.
We’re here to teach students how to do research, how to analyze and argue, how to think for themselves — how to find the answers on their own.
Wow. Just wow.
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
When Knowledge is Free, What are Professors For?
Higher Education Must Stop Competing with AI on Information and Start Teaching What Machines Can’t Do
www.forbes.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
If you think that professors exist as repositories of knowledge that students ask for answers, you’re missing the entire point of a college education.
We’re here to teach students how to do research, how to analyze and argue, how to think for themselves — how to find the answers on their own.
We’re here to teach students how to do research, how to analyze and argue, how to think for themselves — how to find the answers on their own.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
It's not AI unless it comes from the Altman era of computers. Otherwise it's just sparkling algorithms.
Councilmember Landau asks about whether the City is using AI for public safety.
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
CIO says no, they aren't.
Councilmember Landau says that it's a matter of public record that the City is using Shotspotter and facial recognition.
#PhillyAIHearing
October 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
It's not AI unless it comes from the Altman era of computers. Otherwise it's just sparkling algorithms.
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
you fucked around and now the Episcopalians are doing memes. are you happy now. are you
October 15, 2025 at 4:10 PM
you fucked around and now the Episcopalians are doing memes. are you happy now. are you
It's important when reflecting on the launch of ChatGPT's adult version (with a need for identification) to remember Altman's other venture, the 'Orb', an iris scanning identify device time.com/7288387/sam-...
The Orb Will See You Now
An audacious startup co-founded by Sam Altman wants to prove you’re human. What else does it want?
time.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
It's important when reflecting on the launch of ChatGPT's adult version (with a need for identification) to remember Altman's other venture, the 'Orb', an iris scanning identify device time.com/7288387/sam-...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
I strongly urge everyone to not just read this warning from @marcwatkins.bsky.social, but heed it, and be vocal and forceful pushing back against using AI to grade student writing. This must be anathema if we're going to have a world where learning means something. substack.com/inbox/post/1...
The Dangers of using AI to Grade
Nobody Learns, Nobody Gains
substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I strongly urge everyone to not just read this warning from @marcwatkins.bsky.social, but heed it, and be vocal and forceful pushing back against using AI to grade student writing. This must be anathema if we're going to have a world where learning means something. substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Am I wrong? Budget 2026: those earning €120,000 will now get €500 from SUSI and a reduction of €500 in the student contribution, i.e. are €1,000 better off. BUT low paid workers who live within 30KM of university get no increase in SUSI rate (in reality a cut given inflation). #edchat #highered
October 10, 2025 at 2:43 PM
This is not going to end well 'AI bubble is now a staggering 17 times the size of the infamous dot-com bubble' futurism.com/future-socie...
AI Investment Is Already So Much Larger Than the Subprime Mortgage Bubble That You'll Physically Flinch
The investment bubble created by AI hype is already magnitudes bigger than the dot-com and subprime mortgage bubbles, one analyst warns.
futurism.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
This is not going to end well 'AI bubble is now a staggering 17 times the size of the infamous dot-com bubble' futurism.com/future-socie...
Reposted by Adrian Kirwan
The Thatcher conference posters are up and you may see mine and Ciara Nicholson face about @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social . Anyone interested in attending the information is on the poster, or just let me know. @qubhistory.bsky.social @irishstudiesqub.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The Thatcher conference posters are up and you may see mine and Ciara Nicholson face about @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social . Anyone interested in attending the information is on the poster, or just let me know. @qubhistory.bsky.social @irishstudiesqub.bsky.social