Ben Dickson
@drbenomycin.bsky.social
Pākehā lecturing chem @ University of Waikato
Ex-academic precariat, still in the fight.
NZAS council and NZSR editorial board
Rides a 💖pink💖 bicycle.
he / him
Ex-academic precariat, still in the fight.
NZAS council and NZSR editorial board
Rides a 💖pink💖 bicycle.
he / him
Why is it always big oil lobbying, where is big solar and big battery? Surely there's money to be made 🥴
February 10, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Why is it always big oil lobbying, where is big solar and big battery? Surely there's money to be made 🥴
Reposted by Ben Dickson
All while stripping basic science research to the bone and removing scientific oversight of the Marsden Fund. Shambolic
The Govt claims to be pro-market yet: $200m subsidy for oil exploration; Uncapped subsidies to decommission old oil fields; $1billion subsidy for LNG imports; Fonterra faces zero price for emissions under ETS. There is a pattern here. They are using the state to support and subsidise pollution.
February 10, 2026 at 5:37 AM
All while stripping basic science research to the bone and removing scientific oversight of the Marsden Fund. Shambolic
My stomach never makes as much noise as during exam invigilation... can be heard clean across the room!
February 9, 2026 at 8:48 PM
My stomach never makes as much noise as during exam invigilation... can be heard clean across the room!
Reposted by Ben Dickson
The IMB at the University of Queensland is looking for a new Mass Spectrometry Facility Manager. See details below.
Closing date 13th of February.
uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/uqcare...
Closing date 13th of February.
uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/uqcare...
Mass Spectrometry Platform Manager
Institute for Molecular Bioscience Full-time (100%), permanent position Base salary will be in the range $117,958.12 - $132,247.57+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8) Based at our St Lucia Campus About ...
uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:20 AM
The IMB at the University of Queensland is looking for a new Mass Spectrometry Facility Manager. See details below.
Closing date 13th of February.
uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/uqcare...
Closing date 13th of February.
uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/uqcare...
Reposted by Ben Dickson
The reform is failing... (1/5)
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
Is stagnating science funding leaving NZ more exposed to hazards?
The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 4, 2026 at 10:48 PM
The reform is failing... (1/5)
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
NZAS: "We have 500% overheads in some cases."
Kathryn Ryan: "What??? Where is that happening?"
NZAS: "In some of our PROs."
NB: Overheads are a necessary part of institutions, but it means something needs fixing when they approach 10 times international norms.
Reposted by Ben Dickson
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
Is stagnating science funding leaving NZ more exposed to hazards?
The scientists' association says reform of science funding has stagnated, and leaves the country exposed to worsening hazards.
www.rnz.co.nz
February 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Co-President Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon this morning about the continued failure of the government's science sector reforms to make necessary change (or provide desperately needed funding increases)
The statement highlights one piece, but if you have a thirst for more check out our ongoing efforts to produce an issue dedicated to the woes of our research system: ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzsr/issue/v...
February 2, 2026 at 9:04 PM
The statement highlights one piece, but if you have a thirst for more check out our ongoing efforts to produce an issue dedicated to the woes of our research system: ojs.victoria.ac.nz/nzsr/issue/v...
Reposted by Ben Dickson
As the Aotearoa/NZ research system shifts around us, it's important to hear from the voices within, especially those who are the future of the system!
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
Early Career Voices from a Changing Research System
| New Zealand Science Review
doi.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:11 AM
As the Aotearoa/NZ research system shifts around us, it's important to hear from the voices within, especially those who are the future of the system!
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
Reposted by Ben Dickson
A new soil lecturer position available at the University of Waikato (equivalent to Assistant Professor in US terms).
elhs.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
elhs.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
Lecturer in Soil Science
Teach and research soil science while shaping the next generation of environmental scientists at a globally ranked university.
elhs.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:53 PM
A new soil lecturer position available at the University of Waikato (equivalent to Assistant Professor in US terms).
elhs.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
elhs.fa.ap1.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
As the Aotearoa/NZ research system shifts around us, it's important to hear from the voices within, especially those who are the future of the system!
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
Early Career Voices from a Changing Research System
| New Zealand Science Review
doi.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:11 AM
As the Aotearoa/NZ research system shifts around us, it's important to hear from the voices within, especially those who are the future of the system!
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
It has been an absolute privilege for the New Zealand Science Review to work with early career researchers (ECRs) to get their experiences on record
Reposted by Ben Dickson
Looks like @methanesat.bsky.social is back in the news along with the calls for the Auditor General to take a look at it. (Plus "vocal critic", Richard Easther. C'est moi, I guess.)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Questions mount after MethaneSat embarrassment
The Auditor-General is considering a closer look at MBIE’s $29m investment in the failed satellite, while its US backers are unsure if insurance money will fund a replacement.
www.thepost.co.nz
January 27, 2026 at 12:49 AM
Looks like @methanesat.bsky.social is back in the news along with the calls for the Auditor General to take a look at it. (Plus "vocal critic", Richard Easther. C'est moi, I guess.)
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...
Reposted by Ben Dickson
University of Waikato in Hamilton, NZ, are hiring in English and Writing Studies - pass it on! www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
The University of Waikato hiring Lecturer in English and Writing Studies in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand | LinkedIn
Posted 7:02:29 AM. Job DescriptionNgā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the roleTe Kura Toi School of Arts is seeking a…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:28 PM
University of Waikato in Hamilton, NZ, are hiring in English and Writing Studies - pass it on! www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/43...
I'm not entirely sure what has happened, but since the beginning of this year Adobe Acrobat (full, pro-version) has become unusably slow.
Click and wait 30 seconds for response slow. Is it just me?
Click and wait 30 seconds for response slow. Is it just me?
January 20, 2026 at 3:48 AM
I'm not entirely sure what has happened, but since the beginning of this year Adobe Acrobat (full, pro-version) has become unusably slow.
Click and wait 30 seconds for response slow. Is it just me?
Click and wait 30 seconds for response slow. Is it just me?
I was just idly thinking the other day how any business making huge profit can hire a few extra people, decreasing unemployment and giving a whole bunch a four day work week.
Don't hear about that much eh?
Don't hear about that much eh?
Listen no one is "vilifying" rich people. They ARE villains. If you run a multimillion or billion dollar company, give yourself millions in $$/shares &/or benefits, but pay your directly employed or contracted workers less than a living wage what are you if not a villain? #nzpol #NBRrichLIST
January 17, 2026 at 7:28 PM
I was just idly thinking the other day how any business making huge profit can hire a few extra people, decreasing unemployment and giving a whole bunch a four day work week.
Don't hear about that much eh?
Don't hear about that much eh?
Reposted by Ben Dickson
On behalf of the Science NZ Early Career Member Group (ECMG), I’m delighted to share our new publication in the New Zealand Science Review: ‘Pressures and Pathways: Early Career Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Research Organisations’: doi.org/10.26686/nzs... 🧵1/5
Pathways and Pressures: Early Career Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Research Organisations
| New Zealand Science Review
doi.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:00 AM
On behalf of the Science NZ Early Career Member Group (ECMG), I’m delighted to share our new publication in the New Zealand Science Review: ‘Pressures and Pathways: Early Career Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Research Organisations’: doi.org/10.26686/nzs... 🧵1/5
Reposted by Ben Dickson
Today's #Chemistry #ChemEd #ChemSky summary is SN1/SN2 substitution. I waited until 46th summary to cover this as I don't think it's as important as the chemistry of the carbonyl group (but is invariably introduced 1st in textbooks 🤷♂️go figure). More info www.makingmolecules.com/blog/substit... enjoy
January 13, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Today's #Chemistry #ChemEd #ChemSky summary is SN1/SN2 substitution. I waited until 46th summary to cover this as I don't think it's as important as the chemistry of the carbonyl group (but is invariably introduced 1st in textbooks 🤷♂️go figure). More info www.makingmolecules.com/blog/substit... enjoy
Reposted by Ben Dickson
In case anyone needs it for their syllabi, my statement in gen-Ai from the minicomic I made as a syllabus for class last semester. All online and printable here spinweaveandcut.com/fall-2025-sy...
January 6, 2026 at 4:54 PM
In case anyone needs it for their syllabi, my statement in gen-Ai from the minicomic I made as a syllabus for class last semester. All online and printable here spinweaveandcut.com/fall-2025-sy...
My last read of 2025? @hendysh.bsky.social's Silencing Science.
I think the topics it explores should be taught in high school science and/or social studies. It's a great, approachable primer and it's slightly shameful that I've taken this long to get around to it ☺️
I think the topics it explores should be taught in high school science and/or social studies. It's a great, approachable primer and it's slightly shameful that I've taken this long to get around to it ☺️
December 31, 2025 at 5:20 AM
My last read of 2025? @hendysh.bsky.social's Silencing Science.
I think the topics it explores should be taught in high school science and/or social studies. It's a great, approachable primer and it's slightly shameful that I've taken this long to get around to it ☺️
I think the topics it explores should be taught in high school science and/or social studies. It's a great, approachable primer and it's slightly shameful that I've taken this long to get around to it ☺️
Reposted by Ben Dickson
Shaun Hendy's The Covid Response is a great read - my review here -https://ojs.wgtn.ac.nz/nzsr/article/view/10256/9049
December 17, 2025 at 5:22 AM
Shaun Hendy's The Covid Response is a great read - my review here -https://ojs.wgtn.ac.nz/nzsr/article/view/10256/9049
Reposted by Ben Dickson
If you’re at #Pacifichem2025 visit the NZIC booth during the Village open hours (at the Hawai’i Convention Centre) and try a Pascall Milkshake - a classic NZ sweet.
December 16, 2025 at 12:51 AM
If you’re at #Pacifichem2025 visit the NZIC booth during the Village open hours (at the Hawai’i Convention Centre) and try a Pascall Milkshake - a classic NZ sweet.
In Wellington Harbour now. See: black ship with pointy things
December 11, 2025 at 1:24 AM
In Wellington Harbour now. See: black ship with pointy things
Reposted by Ben Dickson
If you have been sharing that Malwarebytes article on the Gmail thing, you should note the giant correction up top.
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
November 22, 2025 at 9:44 PM
If you have been sharing that Malwarebytes article on the Gmail thing, you should note the giant correction up top.
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
Shortly catching my first ever Queenstown bus and I realized that I've lived in Hamilton for 2 years and never caught a Hamilton bus... the cycling is just too convenient 😅
November 22, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Shortly catching my first ever Queenstown bus and I realized that I've lived in Hamilton for 2 years and never caught a Hamilton bus... the cycling is just too convenient 😅
Reposted by Ben Dickson
Gmail users!!
They've turned on AI scraping by default now...Here's how to turn it off.
Pass it on!!
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
They've turned on AI scraping by default now...Here's how to turn it off.
Pass it on!!
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
Gmail can read your emails and attachments to train its AI, unless you opt out
A new Gmail update may allow Google to use your private messages and attachments for AI training. Here's how to turn it off.
www.malwarebytes.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Gmail users!!
They've turned on AI scraping by default now...Here's how to turn it off.
Pass it on!!
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
They've turned on AI scraping by default now...Here's how to turn it off.
Pass it on!!
www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/20...
Outrage baiting myself comparing tobacco harm to puberty blockers.
I don't know why I bother. The only consistent position this government has is being awful 😒
I don't know why I bother. The only consistent position this government has is being awful 😒
November 20, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Outrage baiting myself comparing tobacco harm to puberty blockers.
I don't know why I bother. The only consistent position this government has is being awful 😒
I don't know why I bother. The only consistent position this government has is being awful 😒