Independent Social Research Foundation
@isrfoundation.bsky.social
Dedicated to the promotion of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences. Likes/Reposts/Shared Articles are not necessarily endorsements.
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Apply Now! Our 12th Flexible Grants for Small Groups competition aims to provide flexible support for a period of (up to) one year for the activities of a small research group. Deadline 13th March 2026.
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
ISRF Newsletter – February 2026
This edition of the ISRF newsletter features a Director's Note on recovering professorial authority. Also included is our latest competition, new Bulletin, Fellows news & blog posts.
This edition of the ISRF newsletter features a Director's Note on recovering professorial authority. Also included is our latest competition, new Bulletin, Fellows news & blog posts.
ISRF Newsletter – February 2026
This edition of the ISRF newsletter features a Director's Note on recovering professorial authority. Also included is our latest competition, new Bulletin, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org
February 5, 2026 at 2:17 PM
ISRF Newsletter – February 2026
This edition of the ISRF newsletter features a Director's Note on recovering professorial authority. Also included is our latest competition, new Bulletin, Fellows news & blog posts.
This edition of the ISRF newsletter features a Director's Note on recovering professorial authority. Also included is our latest competition, new Bulletin, Fellows news & blog posts.
The recent eruption of protests signal a significant challenge to Iran's ruling elite. Arash Beidollahkhani outlines the political, economic and social conditions that have led to this defiant call for change.
Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial
isrf.org
February 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM
The recent eruption of protests signal a significant challenge to Iran's ruling elite. Arash Beidollahkhani outlines the political, economic and social conditions that have led to this defiant call for change.
On School History Textbooks
In this contribution to an upcoming ISRF Bulletin, Yasamin Alkhansa traces how governments attempt to rewrite history through school textbooks, focusing on Iran's theocracy.
#Iran #WestAsia #Theocracy #SchoolHistory
isrf.org/blog/on-scho...
In this contribution to an upcoming ISRF Bulletin, Yasamin Alkhansa traces how governments attempt to rewrite history through school textbooks, focusing on Iran's theocracy.
#Iran #WestAsia #Theocracy #SchoolHistory
isrf.org/blog/on-scho...
On School History Textbooks
isrf.org
January 21, 2026 at 2:06 PM
On School History Textbooks
In this contribution to an upcoming ISRF Bulletin, Yasamin Alkhansa traces how governments attempt to rewrite history through school textbooks, focusing on Iran's theocracy.
#Iran #WestAsia #Theocracy #SchoolHistory
isrf.org/blog/on-scho...
In this contribution to an upcoming ISRF Bulletin, Yasamin Alkhansa traces how governments attempt to rewrite history through school textbooks, focusing on Iran's theocracy.
#Iran #WestAsia #Theocracy #SchoolHistory
isrf.org/blog/on-scho...
Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial
Arash Beidollahkhani: The question for many Iranians appears to be not whether their political system can be repaired, but whether continuing to live under it is viable at all.
#Iran #WestAsia
theconversation.com/iran-protest...
Arash Beidollahkhani: The question for many Iranians appears to be not whether their political system can be repaired, but whether continuing to live under it is viable at all.
#Iran #WestAsia
theconversation.com/iran-protest...
Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial
The question for many Iranians appears to be not whether their political system can be repaired, but whether continuing to live under it is viable at all.
theconversation.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Iran protests have put the country’s political system on trial
Arash Beidollahkhani: The question for many Iranians appears to be not whether their political system can be repaired, but whether continuing to live under it is viable at all.
#Iran #WestAsia
theconversation.com/iran-protest...
Arash Beidollahkhani: The question for many Iranians appears to be not whether their political system can be repaired, but whether continuing to live under it is viable at all.
#Iran #WestAsia
theconversation.com/iran-protest...
Happy New Year! We're back and ready to take on 2026. Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on #MachineLearning and #HumanLearning. Also included is our latest competitions, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
ISRF Newsletter – January 2026
Happy New Year! We're back and ready to take on 2026. Read this month's Director's Note on machine learning and human learning. Also included is our latest competitions, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Happy New Year! We're back and ready to take on 2026. Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on #MachineLearning and #HumanLearning. Also included is our latest competitions, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
Apply Now! Our 12th Flexible Grants for Small Groups competition aims to provide flexible support for a period of (up to) one year for the activities of a small research group. Deadline 13th March 2026.
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
January 7, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Apply Now! Our 12th Flexible Grants for Small Groups competition aims to provide flexible support for a period of (up to) one year for the activities of a small research group. Deadline 13th March 2026.
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
How do housing policies meant to "integrate" #Roma communities push them to the margins?
Beatriz Aragon examines infrastructural violence & #antigypsism in #Madrid's informal settlements.
#HousingJustice
isrf.org/blog/lives-o...
Beatriz Aragon examines infrastructural violence & #antigypsism in #Madrid's informal settlements.
#HousingJustice
isrf.org/blog/lives-o...
Lives of Rubble
isrf.org
January 6, 2026 at 10:02 AM
How do housing policies meant to "integrate" #Roma communities push them to the margins?
Beatriz Aragon examines infrastructural violence & #antigypsism in #Madrid's informal settlements.
#HousingJustice
isrf.org/blog/lives-o...
Beatriz Aragon examines infrastructural violence & #antigypsism in #Madrid's informal settlements.
#HousingJustice
isrf.org/blog/lives-o...
ISRF Newsletter – December 2025
It's our final newsletter of 2025! Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on the Great Contraction of British universities. Also included: ISRF events, our latest competition launch, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
It's our final newsletter of 2025! Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on the Great Contraction of British universities. Also included: ISRF events, our latest competition launch, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
ISRF Newsletter – December 2025
It's our final newsletter of 2025! Read this month's Director's Note on the Great Contraction of British universities. Also included is ISRF events, our latest competition, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:15 PM
ISRF Newsletter – December 2025
It's our final newsletter of 2025! Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on the Great Contraction of British universities. Also included: ISRF events, our latest competition launch, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
It's our final newsletter of 2025! Read this month's Director's Note from @cnewf.bsky.social on the Great Contraction of British universities. Also included: ISRF events, our latest competition launch, Fellows news & blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
Interesting reading to ponder over during the Christmas break
Cutting Through The Noise
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
Cutting through the noise
isrf.org
December 3, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Interesting reading to ponder over during the Christmas break
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
An excellent, sobering but inspiring report from @cnewf.bsky.social @isrfoundation.bsky.social
Ducking and Facing the British University’s Great Contraction
isrf.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:03 AM
An excellent, sobering but inspiring report from @cnewf.bsky.social @isrfoundation.bsky.social
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
The University of Liverpool and ISRF have launched new guidance to support academics with Energy Limiting Conditions (ELC).
📅 Webinar: 24 Nov, 2–3pm GMT
Covers systemic changes + individual adjustments to create more inclusive workplaces.
https://AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk
📅 Webinar: 24 Nov, 2–3pm GMT
Covers systemic changes + individual adjustments to create more inclusive workplaces.
https://AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The University of Liverpool and ISRF have launched new guidance to support academics with Energy Limiting Conditions (ELC).
📅 Webinar: 24 Nov, 2–3pm GMT
Covers systemic changes + individual adjustments to create more inclusive workplaces.
https://AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk
📅 Webinar: 24 Nov, 2–3pm GMT
Covers systemic changes + individual adjustments to create more inclusive workplaces.
https://AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk
Cutting Through The Noise
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
Cutting through the noise
isrf.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Cutting Through The Noise
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
How can we not only cultivate our pessimism of the intellect, but also foster an optimism of the political will against all odds? In this #ISRFbulletin contribution, @mbabic.bsky.social suggests three avenues that might help with this task.
isrf.org/blog/cutting...
Apply Now! Our 8th Mid-Career Fellowship competition aims to support independent-minded researchers to explore & present original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems.
#SocialScience #Humanities #Arts
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
#SocialScience #Humanities #Arts
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
December 1, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Apply Now! Our 8th Mid-Career Fellowship competition aims to support independent-minded researchers to explore & present original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems.
#SocialScience #Humanities #Arts
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
#SocialScience #Humanities #Arts
More Info: isrf.org/competitions...
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
If anyone missed the launch event last week for our guidance on more inclusive workplaces for academics with ELC, the recording is now available on our website (along with the guidance) exhaustioneconomy.uk/guidance/ @alisonallam.bsky.social @catherinehale.bsky.social @equihealthfutures.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM
If anyone missed the launch event last week for our guidance on more inclusive workplaces for academics with ELC, the recording is now available on our website (along with the guidance) exhaustioneconomy.uk/guidance/ @alisonallam.bsky.social @catherinehale.bsky.social @equihealthfutures.bsky.social
The Politics in Political Gambling
Anthony Pickles
Fuelled by the ideology of #PoliticalGambling as a pure form of intellectual brinksmanship, gambling interests gain access to the state via individuals on their way into power and profit from that continued association.
isrf.org/blog/the-pol...
Anthony Pickles
Fuelled by the ideology of #PoliticalGambling as a pure form of intellectual brinksmanship, gambling interests gain access to the state via individuals on their way into power and profit from that continued association.
isrf.org/blog/the-pol...
The Politics in Political Gambling
isrf.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The Politics in Political Gambling
Anthony Pickles
Fuelled by the ideology of #PoliticalGambling as a pure form of intellectual brinksmanship, gambling interests gain access to the state via individuals on their way into power and profit from that continued association.
isrf.org/blog/the-pol...
Anthony Pickles
Fuelled by the ideology of #PoliticalGambling as a pure form of intellectual brinksmanship, gambling interests gain access to the state via individuals on their way into power and profit from that continued association.
isrf.org/blog/the-pol...
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
This is on Monday. Do join us if you can and are interested in more inclusive academic workplaces
Join us 24th Nov 2-3pm for a webinar on creating inclusive workplaces for academics with Energy Limiting Conditions. Register: AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk For academics with ELC, line managers, HR, funders, publishers, union & EDI reps & conference organisers @isrfoundation.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 8:17 AM
This is on Monday. Do join us if you can and are interested in more inclusive academic workplaces
States of transition? From governing the environment to transforming society
@peternewell.bsky.social's new book examines state power within broader social relations to explore the possibilities and challenges of building a ‘transition state’.
isrf.org/blog/states-...
@peternewell.bsky.social's new book examines state power within broader social relations to explore the possibilities and challenges of building a ‘transition state’.
isrf.org/blog/states-...
States of transition? From governing the environment to transforming society
isrf.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:31 PM
States of transition? From governing the environment to transforming society
@peternewell.bsky.social's new book examines state power within broader social relations to explore the possibilities and challenges of building a ‘transition state’.
isrf.org/blog/states-...
@peternewell.bsky.social's new book examines state power within broader social relations to explore the possibilities and challenges of building a ‘transition state’.
isrf.org/blog/states-...
COP30: Children and young people at climate talks: seen, photographed, but not allowed to decide anything
by Florencia Paz Landeira, Alicia O'Sullivan, Aoife Daly and Katie Reid
isrf.org/blog/cop30-c...
by Florencia Paz Landeira, Alicia O'Sullivan, Aoife Daly and Katie Reid
isrf.org/blog/cop30-c...
COP30: Children and young people at climate talks: seen, photographed, but not allowed to decide anything
isrf.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM
COP30: Children and young people at climate talks: seen, photographed, but not allowed to decide anything
by Florencia Paz Landeira, Alicia O'Sullivan, Aoife Daly and Katie Reid
isrf.org/blog/cop30-c...
by Florencia Paz Landeira, Alicia O'Sullivan, Aoife Daly and Katie Reid
isrf.org/blog/cop30-c...
New Article: ISRF Early Career Fellow Arash Beidollahkhani, "From predicting dissent to programming power; analyzing AI-driven authoritarian governance in the Middle East through TRIAD framework" in
@democratization.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@democratization.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
From predicting dissent to programming power; analyzing AI-driven authoritarian governance in the Middle East through TRIAD framework
This paper examines the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by authoritarian leaning regimes in the Middle East, focusing on Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). B...
www.tandfonline.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
New Article: ISRF Early Career Fellow Arash Beidollahkhani, "From predicting dissent to programming power; analyzing AI-driven authoritarian governance in the Middle East through TRIAD framework" in
@democratization.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
@democratization.bsky.social
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
ISRF Newsletter – November 2025
This month's newsletter features a Director's Note from
@cnewf.bsky.social addressing the UK governments recent Post-16 Education & Skills white paper. Also included: upcoming ISRF events, Fellows news and our latest blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
This month's newsletter features a Director's Note from
@cnewf.bsky.social addressing the UK governments recent Post-16 Education & Skills white paper. Also included: upcoming ISRF events, Fellows news and our latest blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
ISRF Newsletter – November 2025
This month's newsletter features a Director's Note unpacking the UK government's latest White Paper on higher education. Also included: upcoming ISRF events, Fellows news and our latest blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:52 AM
ISRF Newsletter – November 2025
This month's newsletter features a Director's Note from
@cnewf.bsky.social addressing the UK governments recent Post-16 Education & Skills white paper. Also included: upcoming ISRF events, Fellows news and our latest blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
This month's newsletter features a Director's Note from
@cnewf.bsky.social addressing the UK governments recent Post-16 Education & Skills white paper. Also included: upcoming ISRF events, Fellows news and our latest blog posts.
mailinglist.isrf.org/p/isrf-newsl...
Why Is There So Much Research About Us Without Us?
@drhelenkara.bsky.social and @autgeek.bsky.social outline why #neurodivergent led research is essential to building trust in communities and affirming neurodivergent ways of being.
isrf.org/blog/why-is-...
@drhelenkara.bsky.social and @autgeek.bsky.social outline why #neurodivergent led research is essential to building trust in communities and affirming neurodivergent ways of being.
isrf.org/blog/why-is-...
Why Is There So Much Research About Us Without Us?
isrf.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Why Is There So Much Research About Us Without Us?
@drhelenkara.bsky.social and @autgeek.bsky.social outline why #neurodivergent led research is essential to building trust in communities and affirming neurodivergent ways of being.
isrf.org/blog/why-is-...
@drhelenkara.bsky.social and @autgeek.bsky.social outline why #neurodivergent led research is essential to building trust in communities and affirming neurodivergent ways of being.
isrf.org/blog/why-is-...
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
Join us 24th Nov 2-3pm for a webinar on creating inclusive workplaces for academics with Energy Limiting Conditions. Register: AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk For academics with ELC, line managers, HR, funders, publishers, union & EDI reps & conference organisers @isrfoundation.bsky.social
October 23, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Join us 24th Nov 2-3pm for a webinar on creating inclusive workplaces for academics with Energy Limiting Conditions. Register: AcademicsWithELC.eventbrite.co.uk For academics with ELC, line managers, HR, funders, publishers, union & EDI reps & conference organisers @isrfoundation.bsky.social
Against Improvement
As institutional leaders & politicians continue to pursue budget cuts, language becomes a tool to mask their harmful impacts. Lorna Finlayson explores the subtleties of 'improvements', a political euphemism that indicates a change for the worse.
isrf.org/blog/against...
As institutional leaders & politicians continue to pursue budget cuts, language becomes a tool to mask their harmful impacts. Lorna Finlayson explores the subtleties of 'improvements', a political euphemism that indicates a change for the worse.
isrf.org/blog/against...
Against Improvement
isrf.org
October 23, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Against Improvement
As institutional leaders & politicians continue to pursue budget cuts, language becomes a tool to mask their harmful impacts. Lorna Finlayson explores the subtleties of 'improvements', a political euphemism that indicates a change for the worse.
isrf.org/blog/against...
As institutional leaders & politicians continue to pursue budget cuts, language becomes a tool to mask their harmful impacts. Lorna Finlayson explores the subtleties of 'improvements', a political euphemism that indicates a change for the worse.
isrf.org/blog/against...
Latest blog post
Neoliberalism is Constitutively Racialised
by @lcornelissen.bsky.social
In his new book, Neoliberalism and Race, Lars Cornelissen argues that the neoliberal tradition of thought is constitutively racialised.
isrf.org/blog/neolibe...
Neoliberalism is Constitutively Racialised
by @lcornelissen.bsky.social
In his new book, Neoliberalism and Race, Lars Cornelissen argues that the neoliberal tradition of thought is constitutively racialised.
isrf.org/blog/neolibe...
Neoliberalism is Constitutively Racialised
isrf.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Latest blog post
Neoliberalism is Constitutively Racialised
by @lcornelissen.bsky.social
In his new book, Neoliberalism and Race, Lars Cornelissen argues that the neoliberal tradition of thought is constitutively racialised.
isrf.org/blog/neolibe...
Neoliberalism is Constitutively Racialised
by @lcornelissen.bsky.social
In his new book, Neoliberalism and Race, Lars Cornelissen argues that the neoliberal tradition of thought is constitutively racialised.
isrf.org/blog/neolibe...
Reposted by Independent Social Research Foundation
Beginning in the interwar period and running through to recent developments, Neoliberalism and Race by Lars Cornelissen shows that racial themes have always pervaded neoliberal thinking. #ReadUP
https://ow.ly/KQGr50XaO8e
https://ow.ly/KQGr50XaO8e
October 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Beginning in the interwar period and running through to recent developments, Neoliberalism and Race by Lars Cornelissen shows that racial themes have always pervaded neoliberal thinking. #ReadUP
https://ow.ly/KQGr50XaO8e
https://ow.ly/KQGr50XaO8e