Alex Peden
@alexpeden.bsky.social
Head of Research Cultures | University of Edinburgh
Research | Culture | Policy | Views mine | she/her
www.ed.ac.uk/research-innovation/research-cultures
www.linkedin.com/in/alex-peden-93a913145/
Research | Culture | Policy | Views mine | she/her
www.ed.ac.uk/research-innovation/research-cultures
www.linkedin.com/in/alex-peden-93a913145/
Pinned
Alex Peden
@alexpeden.bsky.social
· Aug 20
I've had a go at starting a starter pack for #ResearchCulture, I'm pretty new here so please don't be offended if I haven't found you yet. Happy to add people to this, let me know!
#Research #ResearchDevelopment #OpenResearch #ResearcherDevelopment #ResponsibleMetrics
go.bsky.app/FAzhuGh
#Research #ResearchDevelopment #OpenResearch #ResearcherDevelopment #ResponsibleMetrics
go.bsky.app/FAzhuGh
Reposted by Alex Peden
Unchecked growth in publishing ‘threatens economic model’.
Cambridge University Press report calls for “fewer, higher-quality papers” as libraries face “disproportionate rising costs”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Cambridge University Press report calls for “fewer, higher-quality papers” as libraries face “disproportionate rising costs”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Unchecked growth in publishing ‘threatens economic model’ - Research Professional News
Cambridge University Press report calls for “fewer, higher-quality papers” as libraries face “disproportionate rising costs”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Unchecked growth in publishing ‘threatens economic model’.
Cambridge University Press report calls for “fewer, higher-quality papers” as libraries face “disproportionate rising costs”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Cambridge University Press report calls for “fewer, higher-quality papers” as libraries face “disproportionate rising costs”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Tighter research security puts universities in a bind.
Financial pressures make protecting knowledge and policing researchers more difficult, says Nicola Searle.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Financial pressures make protecting knowledge and policing researchers more difficult, says Nicola Searle.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Tighter research security puts universities in a bind - Research Professional News
Financial pressures make protecting knowledge and policing researchers more difficult, says Nicola Searle
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Tighter research security puts universities in a bind.
Financial pressures make protecting knowledge and policing researchers more difficult, says Nicola Searle.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Financial pressures make protecting knowledge and policing researchers more difficult, says Nicola Searle.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Last year, I had a paper rejected after 18 months with the @amjepi.bsky.social.
It's the first time I've had a paper rejected after being invited for revisions. And the first time I've had a paper sent out to completely new reviewers.
It stung so hard that it's taken me a year to look at again.
It's the first time I've had a paper rejected after being invited for revisions. And the first time I've had a paper sent out to completely new reviewers.
It stung so hard that it's taken me a year to look at again.
Every academic career is built on rejection, but we don’t show it.
CVs list publications, grants & awards, not rejected manuscripts, unfunded proposals, or failures.
But those invisible rejections shape us more than our successes ever do.
👉 catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/fail-bette...
🧵
CVs list publications, grants & awards, not rejected manuscripts, unfunded proposals, or failures.
But those invisible rejections shape us more than our successes ever do.
👉 catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/fail-bette...
🧵
Fail Better: Why Your Rejections Will Shape You More Than Your Publications
The Art of Learning from Rejection
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Last year, I had a paper rejected after 18 months with the @amjepi.bsky.social.
It's the first time I've had a paper rejected after being invited for revisions. And the first time I've had a paper sent out to completely new reviewers.
It stung so hard that it's taken me a year to look at again.
It's the first time I've had a paper rejected after being invited for revisions. And the first time I've had a paper sent out to completely new reviewers.
It stung so hard that it's taken me a year to look at again.
Reposted by Alex Peden
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin ✨ figured out what stars are made of ✨ when she was just 25. 🔭🧪
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
September 24, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin ✨ figured out what stars are made of ✨ when she was just 25. 🔭🧪
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Her PhD thesis basically established the Harvard astro department — at a time when Harvard didn't officially allow woman students.
I wrote this little profile to mark the 100th anniversary of her thesis:
Reposted by Alex Peden
It so was hard to imagine having successful career in science as a disabled PhD student that eventually I just left.
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Trailblazers: Chemists with disabilities rethink how we do science
C&EN’s 2025 Trailblazers issue, curated by guest editor Mona Minkara, looks at how chemists can solve problems in new ways
cen.acs.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
It so was hard to imagine having successful career in science as a disabled PhD student that eventually I just left.
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Reposted by Alex Peden
Free-to-read opinion: The #OpenAccess movement might have run its course as a useful way of thinking about the future of publishing, writes Samuel Moore
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Make academic publishing a commons, not a market - Research Professional News
Commercialisation has thwarted the promise of openness—it’s time for new priorities, says Samuel Moore
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 11, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Free-to-read opinion: The #OpenAccess movement might have run its course as a useful way of thinking about the future of publishing, writes Samuel Moore
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Reposted by Alex Peden
A huge congratulations to Andrea Robertson, Lab Manager & Chair of the Sustainability Group at #IGC, who won the Contribution to University's Culture, Community and Environment award at the @uoetechnicians.bsky.social Technician Week Conference. Very well deserved!
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM
A huge congratulations to Andrea Robertson, Lab Manager & Chair of the Sustainability Group at #IGC, who won the Contribution to University's Culture, Community and Environment award at the @uoetechnicians.bsky.social Technician Week Conference. Very well deserved!
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
Reposted by Alex Peden
For #DoorsOpenDays2025 we are excited to share we're issuing an open invitation to go behind the scenes at IGC on Saturday 27 September and learn about the cutting-edge research we carry out. You can find more information and book free tickets here: edin.ac/4fYRtZP
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
For #DoorsOpenDays2025 we are excited to share we're issuing an open invitation to go behind the scenes at IGC on Saturday 27 September and learn about the cutting-edge research we carry out. You can find more information and book free tickets here: edin.ac/4fYRtZP
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
@cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social
Reposted by Alex Peden
We celebrated Technician Week (1–5 Sept) with talks, a conference & our annual awards 🎉
🎙️ IRR Technology & Services Director Shonna Johnston @technicallyedin.bsky.social on the UK Technology Specialists Network: edin.ac/46nCSUs
🥼IRR Technical Manager Steven McLean on his career: edin.ac/4gcCdso
🎙️ IRR Technology & Services Director Shonna Johnston @technicallyedin.bsky.social on the UK Technology Specialists Network: edin.ac/46nCSUs
🥼IRR Technical Manager Steven McLean on his career: edin.ac/4gcCdso
September 5, 2025 at 8:14 AM
We celebrated Technician Week (1–5 Sept) with talks, a conference & our annual awards 🎉
🎙️ IRR Technology & Services Director Shonna Johnston @technicallyedin.bsky.social on the UK Technology Specialists Network: edin.ac/46nCSUs
🥼IRR Technical Manager Steven McLean on his career: edin.ac/4gcCdso
🎙️ IRR Technology & Services Director Shonna Johnston @technicallyedin.bsky.social on the UK Technology Specialists Network: edin.ac/46nCSUs
🥼IRR Technical Manager Steven McLean on his career: edin.ac/4gcCdso
Reposted by Alex Peden
On Money Box Live on Wednesday I am looking at the cost of being a student. Get in touch with questions & stories, if you’re a student, a postgrad, or a parent or grandparent with any questions about support and spending. My email is felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 7:54 AM
On Money Box Live on Wednesday I am looking at the cost of being a student. Get in touch with questions & stories, if you’re a student, a postgrad, or a parent or grandparent with any questions about support and spending. My email is felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk
Reposted by Alex Peden
We hope our followers have had a great summer, and we are delighted to announce our first event of Semester 1!
GENDER.ED Welcome Reception
25 Sep 5pm-7pm, CMB
Join us for a fascinating exhibition and roundtable discussion.
More info and to register: www.gender.ed.ac.uk/events/2025/...
GENDER.ED Welcome Reception
25 Sep 5pm-7pm, CMB
Join us for a fascinating exhibition and roundtable discussion.
More info and to register: www.gender.ed.ac.uk/events/2025/...
September 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We hope our followers have had a great summer, and we are delighted to announce our first event of Semester 1!
GENDER.ED Welcome Reception
25 Sep 5pm-7pm, CMB
Join us for a fascinating exhibition and roundtable discussion.
More info and to register: www.gender.ed.ac.uk/events/2025/...
GENDER.ED Welcome Reception
25 Sep 5pm-7pm, CMB
Join us for a fascinating exhibition and roundtable discussion.
More info and to register: www.gender.ed.ac.uk/events/2025/...
Reposted by Alex Peden
August 27, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Reposted by Alex Peden
Help us gauge the state of the UK's research & innovation sector in terms of preventing and handling bullying & harassment. Please share our survey of anyone who has witnessed or experienced it at work.
go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Bullyi...
go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Bullyi...
August 25, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Help us gauge the state of the UK's research & innovation sector in terms of preventing and handling bullying & harassment. Please share our survey of anyone who has witnessed or experienced it at work.
go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Bullyi...
go.hw.ac.uk/EDICa/Bullyi...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Could AI slow science? Confronting the production-progress paradox
#AI #GenAI #ChatGPT #Claude #Science #WCRI2026 #WCRI
www.aisnakeoil.com/p/could-ai-s...
#AI #GenAI #ChatGPT #Claude #Science #WCRI2026 #WCRI
www.aisnakeoil.com/p/could-ai-s...
Could AI slow science?
Confronting the production-progress paradox
www.aisnakeoil.com
August 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by Alex Peden
UKRN are delighted to announce that we are working with Project TIER and FORRT to provide a series of webinars on #transparency and #reproducibility in quantitative research.
Five live online sessions beginning on September 11, 2025🥳🥳
More details here: www.ukrn.org/2025/08/18/a...
Five live online sessions beginning on September 11, 2025🥳🥳
More details here: www.ukrn.org/2025/08/18/a...
August 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
UKRN are delighted to announce that we are working with Project TIER and FORRT to provide a series of webinars on #transparency and #reproducibility in quantitative research.
Five live online sessions beginning on September 11, 2025🥳🥳
More details here: www.ukrn.org/2025/08/18/a...
Five live online sessions beginning on September 11, 2025🥳🥳
More details here: www.ukrn.org/2025/08/18/a...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Academics should be limited to one publication every year, or even every two years, as a solution to the “publish or perish…mania”, two business researchers have suggested.
Most-read on our site just now.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Most-read on our site just now.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Researchers suggest one-a-year publication limit - Research Professional News
“Probably controversial” proposals intended to spark renewed efforts to tackle “publish or perish...mania”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
August 18, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Academics should be limited to one publication every year, or even every two years, as a solution to the “publish or perish…mania”, two business researchers have suggested.
Most-read on our site just now.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Most-read on our site just now.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Appearing in our feed today but published Oct '24.
Data showed faculty from underrepresented minority (URM) were judged more harshly on h-indexes and scholarly productivity. Results support the double standard hypothesis and provide evidence that it impacts sustained underrepresentation in faculty.
Data showed faculty from underrepresented minority (URM) were judged more harshly on h-indexes and scholarly productivity. Results support the double standard hypothesis and provide evidence that it impacts sustained underrepresentation in faculty.
August 15, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Appearing in our feed today but published Oct '24.
Data showed faculty from underrepresented minority (URM) were judged more harshly on h-indexes and scholarly productivity. Results support the double standard hypothesis and provide evidence that it impacts sustained underrepresentation in faculty.
Data showed faculty from underrepresented minority (URM) were judged more harshly on h-indexes and scholarly productivity. Results support the double standard hypothesis and provide evidence that it impacts sustained underrepresentation in faculty.
Reposted by Alex Peden
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh also had exceptional links with slavery, including owning a plantation for a period. NHS Lothian Charity has done some impressive and thoughtful work with the Health Board on this shameful history: org.nhslothian.scot/aboutus/atla...
July 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh also had exceptional links with slavery, including owning a plantation for a period. NHS Lothian Charity has done some impressive and thoughtful work with the Health Board on this shameful history: org.nhslothian.scot/aboutus/atla...
Reposted by Alex Peden
A good post by Kelly Vere; too often we sldownplay even in the technicians commitment work the central and often front facing role of librarians and archivists @rluk.ac.uk
NEW on Wonkhe: Too often seen as backroom staff, technical professionals are in fact key players in rethinking how universities operate. Kelly Vere explains how their insight and expertise are more vital than ever buff.ly/RU8bF1E
July 23, 2025 at 7:38 AM
A good post by Kelly Vere; too often we sldownplay even in the technicians commitment work the central and often front facing role of librarians and archivists @rluk.ac.uk
Reposted by Alex Peden
🎙️New Episode!🎙️
Don't miss our newest episode, a live recording of our #HETS2025 workshop with the amazing Kelly Vere from @tech-commit.bsky.social
www.buzzsprout.com/2388868/epis...
Don't miss our newest episode, a live recording of our #HETS2025 workshop with the amazing Kelly Vere from @tech-commit.bsky.social
www.buzzsprout.com/2388868/epis...
July 21, 2025 at 8:57 AM
🎙️New Episode!🎙️
Don't miss our newest episode, a live recording of our #HETS2025 workshop with the amazing Kelly Vere from @tech-commit.bsky.social
www.buzzsprout.com/2388868/epis...
Don't miss our newest episode, a live recording of our #HETS2025 workshop with the amazing Kelly Vere from @tech-commit.bsky.social
www.buzzsprout.com/2388868/epis...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Upcoming seminar: Writing EDI Plans for Funding Applications.
Funders increasingly expect well-considered EDI Plans in funding applications. Join this informational session on good practice.
8 October 13:00-14:00 BST
edicaucus.ac.uk/seminar-writ...
Funders increasingly expect well-considered EDI Plans in funding applications. Join this informational session on good practice.
8 October 13:00-14:00 BST
edicaucus.ac.uk/seminar-writ...
Seminar: Writing an EDI Plan for Funding - EDICa
Seminar on Covid-19's impact on research & innovation careers.
edicaucus.ac.uk
July 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Upcoming seminar: Writing EDI Plans for Funding Applications.
Funders increasingly expect well-considered EDI Plans in funding applications. Join this informational session on good practice.
8 October 13:00-14:00 BST
edicaucus.ac.uk/seminar-writ...
Funders increasingly expect well-considered EDI Plans in funding applications. Join this informational session on good practice.
8 October 13:00-14:00 BST
edicaucus.ac.uk/seminar-writ...
Reposted by Alex Peden
Just had this editorial pointed out to us. Nature in 1960 "How many more new journals?"
Oh you sweet summer child!
Oh you sweet summer child!
July 14, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Just had this editorial pointed out to us. Nature in 1960 "How many more new journals?"
Oh you sweet summer child!
Oh you sweet summer child!
Reposted by Alex Peden
Six things they might not tell you about grant writing...including why you shouldn’t let low success rates get you down.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-funding-k...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-funding-k...
Six things they might not tell you about grant writing - Research Professional News
Including why you shouldn’t let low success rates get you down
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 10, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Six things they might not tell you about grant writing...including why you shouldn’t let low success rates get you down.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-funding-k...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-funding-k...
Reposted by Alex Peden
UKRI's Metascience Unit has published it's first year report, which is worth reading:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a83...
Highlights:
'UKRI is consistently striving to do more with less. The org has seen significant increases in # of app's received from R&I community in recent years.'
1
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a83...
Highlights:
'UKRI is consistently striving to do more with less. The org has seen significant increases in # of app's received from R&I community in recent years.'
1
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
July 10, 2025 at 9:53 AM
UKRI's Metascience Unit has published it's first year report, which is worth reading:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a83...
Highlights:
'UKRI is consistently striving to do more with less. The org has seen significant increases in # of app's received from R&I community in recent years.'
1
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685a83...
Highlights:
'UKRI is consistently striving to do more with less. The org has seen significant increases in # of app's received from R&I community in recent years.'
1
Reposted by Alex Peden
"Research can be open and reproducible and still completely and obviously wrong.
Openness does not fix systemic problems in the lack of professional training and lack of professionalism in scientific research."
This post resonates with me greatly and not just for the point above.
Openness does not fix systemic problems in the lack of professional training and lack of professionalism in scientific research."
This post resonates with me greatly and not just for the point above.
How can we reform science? I have some ideas. But I am not sure you’ll like them, because they don’t promise much. elevanth.org/blog/2025/07...
Which Kind of Science Reform
What hope is there for science reform, if we can't agree on what to reform? Right now, principles are more important than practices.
elevanth.org
July 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"Research can be open and reproducible and still completely and obviously wrong.
Openness does not fix systemic problems in the lack of professional training and lack of professionalism in scientific research."
This post resonates with me greatly and not just for the point above.
Openness does not fix systemic problems in the lack of professional training and lack of professionalism in scientific research."
This post resonates with me greatly and not just for the point above.