John Womersley
@johnwomersley.bsky.social
Special Advisor, University of Edinburgh. Former Director General of European Spallation Source and CEO of Science and Technology Facilities Council. Physicist and cynic. Posting in a personal capcity.
If you are a physics teacher in the uk, or know one, please consider signing this open letter on the impact of cuts to the funding for astronomy research:
ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Open letter on astronomy cuts from UK physics teachers
drupal-media[data-view-mode=half_page_width] { display: inline-block; width: 50%; } The Royal Astronomical Society is encouraging physics teachers in the UK to sign ...
ras.ac.uk
February 12, 2026 at 3:08 PM
If you are a physics teacher in the uk, or know one, please consider signing this open letter on the impact of cuts to the funding for astronomy research:
ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Yes. Interesting to see a VC say this.
Scrapping REF should be “serious’ option”, says Manchester VC.
Duncan Ivison questions “usefulness” of “massive, bureaucratic” research assessment exercise.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Duncan Ivison questions “usefulness” of “massive, bureaucratic” research assessment exercise.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Scrapping REF should be ‘serious’ option, says Manchester VC - Research Professional News
Duncan Ivison questions “usefulness” of “massive, bureaucratic” research assessment exercise
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Yes. Interesting to see a VC say this.
UK soft power latest
The UK’s decision to withdraw its share of funding for an international effort to upgrade a major experiment using the Large Hadron Collider at Cern means the project “will collapse”, according to its elected leader.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Loss of UK funds ‘will collapse’ Cern upgrade project - Research Professional News
Elected project leader warns that planned investment of about 150 million Swiss francs could “disappear”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:45 PM
UK soft power latest
I understand the angle here, but I wouldn't want people to think that all this furore is just about LHCb. STFC plans to cut particle physics and astronomy research in the UK by 30%. That means one in three researchers risk losing their jobs. One in three university groups may close. Serious shit.
Article from @physicsworld.bsky.social about the decision to withdraw UK funding from the @lhcb.bsky.social upgrade, without which LHCb will not be able to exploit the high luminosity LHC (which the UK has already paid for via the CERN subscription).
physicsworld.com/a/cern-upgra...
physicsworld.com/a/cern-upgra...
CERN upgrade to LHCb experiment threatened by UK funding cuts – Physics World
Upgrade to the UK-led project is unlikely to go ahead if UK funding cuts are not reversed
physicsworld.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:44 PM
I understand the angle here, but I wouldn't want people to think that all this furore is just about LHCb. STFC plans to cut particle physics and astronomy research in the UK by 30%. That means one in three researchers risk losing their jobs. One in three university groups may close. Serious shit.
Reposted by John Womersley
STFC ‘has chosen facilities over saving grants’, claims ex-adviser.
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
STFC ‘has chosen facilities over saving grants’, claims ex-adviser - Research Professional News
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
STFC ‘has chosen facilities over saving grants’, claims ex-adviser.
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Cambridge astrophysicist says science board was told of “long-term cut” to external grants programme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by John Womersley
Full discussion of the ins and outs here: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
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UK Physics To Suffer Massive Funding Cuts
YouTube video by Bad Boy of Science
youtube.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Full discussion of the ins and outs here: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
⚛️🧪
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Reposted by John Womersley
Draconian cuts to physics by the UK government are unacceptable.
They damage the UK's science base and threaten our reputation as a reliable international scientific partner.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains how *you* can stand up for physics.
Full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
⚛️🧪
They damage the UK's science base and threaten our reputation as a reliable international scientific partner.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains how *you* can stand up for physics.
Full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
⚛️🧪
February 6, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Draconian cuts to physics by the UK government are unacceptable.
They damage the UK's science base and threaten our reputation as a reliable international scientific partner.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains how *you* can stand up for physics.
Full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
⚛️🧪
They damage the UK's science base and threaten our reputation as a reliable international scientific partner.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains how *you* can stand up for physics.
Full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=hOSReagyPDg
⚛️🧪
Reposted by John Womersley
🔊 Calling UK early career researches in astro, particle & nuclear physics. Please sign this open response to the proposed cuts at STFC ⚛️🧪🔭
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
An excellent open-letter enumerating the dangers to early career researchers and then wider society of proposed changes to UK science funding
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
Early Career Researchers Response to UKRI Investment Approach
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 6, 2026 at 10:25 AM
🔊 Calling UK early career researches in astro, particle & nuclear physics. Please sign this open response to the proposed cuts at STFC ⚛️🧪🔭
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
I think a lot of the physicists here had written popular books on fundamental physics. They enjoyed outreach and presenting science. I imagine the chance to share one's ideas and present them to people like Bill Gates was attractive in itself
Something which is intriguing me from a professional perspective is why almost all the scientists who involved themselves either physicists or psychologists? Why not biologists or chemists. Plenty of weird people and weird theories in those disciplines that might have appealed to Epstein.
February 5, 2026 at 12:07 PM
I think a lot of the physicists here had written popular books on fundamental physics. They enjoyed outreach and presenting science. I imagine the chance to share one's ideas and present them to people like Bill Gates was attractive in itself
Reposted by John Womersley
The motivation for a new Future Circular Collider at @cern.bsky.social is scientific curiosity not creating a "universal basic income for physicists", as some might contend.
Pooling resources is taxpayer friendly!
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/WtOuz...
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Pooling resources is taxpayer friendly!
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/WtOuz...
🧪⚛️
youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:19 PM
The motivation for a new Future Circular Collider at @cern.bsky.social is scientific curiosity not creating a "universal basic income for physicists", as some might contend.
Pooling resources is taxpayer friendly!
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/WtOuz...
🧪⚛️
Pooling resources is taxpayer friendly!
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/WtOuz...
🧪⚛️
Reposted by John Womersley
Should @cern.bsky.social accept private donations to help fund its core scientific mission?
There is clearly an economic incentive, but also challenges around perception, undue influence etc
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterwoth discuss!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/zXimw...
🧪⚛️
There is clearly an economic incentive, but also challenges around perception, undue influence etc
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterwoth discuss!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/zXimw...
🧪⚛️
YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
youtube.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Should @cern.bsky.social accept private donations to help fund its core scientific mission?
There is clearly an economic incentive, but also challenges around perception, undue influence etc
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterwoth discuss!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/zXimw...
🧪⚛️
There is clearly an economic incentive, but also challenges around perception, undue influence etc
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterwoth discuss!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/zXimw...
🧪⚛️
Reposted by John Womersley
@cern.bsky.social 's Future Circular Collider program is scientifically well motivated.
However, concerns remain regarding financing, tech development and locking the community into a long term vision.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/Uojh2...
⚛️🧪
However, concerns remain regarding financing, tech development and locking the community into a long term vision.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/Uojh2...
⚛️🧪
Legitimate Concerns Regarding CERN's New Collider Strategy
YouTube video by Bad Boy of Science
www.youtube.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:46 PM
@cern.bsky.social 's Future Circular Collider program is scientifically well motivated.
However, concerns remain regarding financing, tech development and locking the community into a long term vision.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/Uojh2...
⚛️🧪
However, concerns remain regarding financing, tech development and locking the community into a long term vision.
Prof @johnwomersley.bsky.social explains!
Link: www.youtube.com/shorts/Uojh2...
⚛️🧪
Reposted by John Womersley
Speaking of UKRI, this was a really interesting analysis by @johnwomersley.bsky.social of the political factors that have shaped the agency and its new direction.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
What is UKRI for, and do the people in charge know? - Research Professional News
Breaking up UK Research and Innovation could be the way forward, says John Womersley
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Speaking of UKRI, this was a really interesting analysis by @johnwomersley.bsky.social of the political factors that have shaped the agency and its new direction.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Reposted by John Womersley
Fantastic episode of the Nu's Night Podcast discussing the future of European particle physics and CERN with Prof
@johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterworth.
What might European particle physics look like in the coming decades and why?
Full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=4ipN...
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@johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterworth.
What might European particle physics look like in the coming decades and why?
Full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=4ipN...
🧪⚛️
January 16, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Fantastic episode of the Nu's Night Podcast discussing the future of European particle physics and CERN with Prof
@johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterworth.
What might European particle physics look like in the coming decades and why?
Full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=4ipN...
🧪⚛️
@johnwomersley.bsky.social and Prof Jon Butterworth.
What might European particle physics look like in the coming decades and why?
Full discussion: youtube.com/watch?v=4ipN...
🧪⚛️
What is UKRI for, and do the people in charge know? www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
What is UKRI for, and do the people in charge know? - Research Professional News
Breaking up UK Research and Innovation could be the way forward, says John Womersley
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:06 AM
What is UKRI for, and do the people in charge know? www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Reposted by John Womersley
“The reality must be that this work stream had drifted really far off course for this kind of dramatic action to be felt necessary so late in the process,” says @johnwomersley.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/last-mi... via @jgro-the.bsky.social
Last-minute REF changes ‘show how far things drifted off course’
Decision to row back reforms demonstrates difficulties of using process to engineer social change, critics say, with little clarity over how newly revised ‘people’ section will work
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
“The reality must be that this work stream had drifted really far off course for this kind of dramatic action to be felt necessary so late in the process,” says @johnwomersley.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/last-mi... via @jgro-the.bsky.social
My thoughts on how UKRI might use the REF (QR funding) and grants to drive universities to specialise more - via @timeshighered.bsky.social @jgro-the.bsky.social
“No university wants to get put in the polytechnic box by abandoning the breadth of provision that you associate with a university” #AcademicSky #highered
Read our latest in-depth on the UK skills White Paper: https://ow.ly/6f7450XovmZ
Read our latest in-depth on the UK skills White Paper: https://ow.ly/6f7450XovmZ
November 13, 2025 at 11:46 AM
My thoughts on how UKRI might use the REF (QR funding) and grants to drive universities to specialise more - via @timeshighered.bsky.social @jgro-the.bsky.social
Reposted by John Womersley
Public backing for research is “broad but shallow”, with less than a third of Britons able to list how it helps the UK, their region or their family, suggests new polling
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/broad-shallow-support-leaves-public-unsure-rd-benefits
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/broad-shallow-support-leaves-public-unsure-rd-benefits
November 11, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Public backing for research is “broad but shallow”, with less than a third of Britons able to list how it helps the UK, their region or their family, suggests new polling
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/broad-shallow-support-leaves-public-unsure-rd-benefits
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/broad-shallow-support-leaves-public-unsure-rd-benefits
This is just another version of that blue or gold dress meme, isn't it?
October 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
This is just another version of that blue or gold dress meme, isn't it?
Reposted by John Womersley
John Womersley on what the future holds for UK R&D
"In this new world, expect big shifts in funding towards research needed to underpin new defence capabilities, basic industrial capacity, food security, medicines manufacturing, data centres and national artificial intelligence capabilities"
"In this new world, expect big shifts in funding towards research needed to underpin new defence capabilities, basic industrial capacity, food security, medicines manufacturing, data centres and national artificial intelligence capabilities"
UK science policy has a new priority: national survival - Research Professional News
Tight funds and crazy world might force universities into some uncomfortable allegiances, says John Womersley
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
May 28, 2025 at 10:35 AM
John Womersley on what the future holds for UK R&D
"In this new world, expect big shifts in funding towards research needed to underpin new defence capabilities, basic industrial capacity, food security, medicines manufacturing, data centres and national artificial intelligence capabilities"
"In this new world, expect big shifts in funding towards research needed to underpin new defence capabilities, basic industrial capacity, food security, medicines manufacturing, data centres and national artificial intelligence capabilities"