Dr Lucy Stewart
@lcsnz.bsky.social
Fan of weird microbes, Pākehā nō Pōneke, dilettante crafter, co-President @nzscientists.bsky.social. All opinions my own etcetera.
ORCID: 0000-0001-7352-3329
ORCID: 0000-0001-7352-3329
Dr Michael Cullen's PhD was in social and economic history, with a MA thesis on poverty in 19thC London, but otherwise the misogyny here is very real and drives me bonkers (and his arguably relevant qualification is rarely or ever discussed - only his actions.)
The “Nicola Willis only has a BA in English lit“ crowd are feeding the same misogyny as “Nicky No Boats”. Cullen had an MA, Bill English an Honours degree in English lit, Robertson a BA and Joyce a BSc in zoology. These dudes educational background is same or even less suited but barely mentioned.
February 4, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Dr Michael Cullen's PhD was in social and economic history, with a MA thesis on poverty in 19thC London, but otherwise the misogyny here is very real and drives me bonkers (and his arguably relevant qualification is rarely or ever discussed - only his actions.)
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
This works pretty well in academia too:
"I had a hungry ghost in a jar write this code" > sure, as long as u checked it works 🤷♀️
"I don't remember that paper, I fed it to a hungry ghost in a jar" > why?
"a hungry ghost in a jar did that calculus course for me" > you're paying to educate a ghost?
"I had a hungry ghost in a jar write this code" > sure, as long as u checked it works 🤷♀️
"I don't remember that paper, I fed it to a hungry ghost in a jar" > why?
"a hungry ghost in a jar did that calculus course for me" > you're paying to educate a ghost?
If you can substitute "hungry ghost trapped in a jar" for "AI" in a sentence it's probably a valid use case for LLMs. Take "I have a bunch of hungry ghosts in jars, they mainly write SQL queries for me". Sure. Reasonable use case.
"My girlfriend is a hungry ghost I trapped in a jar"? No. Deranged.
"My girlfriend is a hungry ghost I trapped in a jar"? No. Deranged.
February 4, 2026 at 5:53 AM
This works pretty well in academia too:
"I had a hungry ghost in a jar write this code" > sure, as long as u checked it works 🤷♀️
"I don't remember that paper, I fed it to a hungry ghost in a jar" > why?
"a hungry ghost in a jar did that calculus course for me" > you're paying to educate a ghost?
"I had a hungry ghost in a jar write this code" > sure, as long as u checked it works 🤷♀️
"I don't remember that paper, I fed it to a hungry ghost in a jar" > why?
"a hungry ghost in a jar did that calculus course for me" > you're paying to educate a ghost?
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
February 4, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
The current reforms of the research system are now on track for another failure. They double down on mistakes that undermine long-term growth, well being & safety. We must ask for accountability and transparency about three key issues as we go into the election year.
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
February 2, 2026 at 8:31 PM
The current reforms of the research system are now on track for another failure. They double down on mistakes that undermine long-term growth, well being & safety. We must ask for accountability and transparency about three key issues as we go into the election year.
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
scientists.org.nz/news/13593197
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
My wife and I were on a beach in the Wellington area and found this at a car park, in the grass.
It is approximately the size of a person's hand,made of bone, and intricately carved.
I've masked the lower half,as only the legitimate owner will be able to fully describe it.
Please share this...(1)
It is approximately the size of a person's hand,made of bone, and intricately carved.
I've masked the lower half,as only the legitimate owner will be able to fully describe it.
Please share this...(1)
February 2, 2026 at 4:39 AM
My wife and I were on a beach in the Wellington area and found this at a car park, in the grass.
It is approximately the size of a person's hand,made of bone, and intricately carved.
I've masked the lower half,as only the legitimate owner will be able to fully describe it.
Please share this...(1)
It is approximately the size of a person's hand,made of bone, and intricately carved.
I've masked the lower half,as only the legitimate owner will be able to fully describe it.
Please share this...(1)
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
Because UoA has no guidelines on payment rates for guest lectures, I was looking for reasonable information online and found this UNSW page showing casual academic pay rates.
I'm sure this is news to nobody but casual staff are MASSIVELY underpaid in NZ.
www.unsw.edu.au/human-resour...
I'm sure this is news to nobody but casual staff are MASSIVELY underpaid in NZ.
www.unsw.edu.au/human-resour...
Casual staff | Human Resources - UNSW Sydney
www.unsw.edu.au
February 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Because UoA has no guidelines on payment rates for guest lectures, I was looking for reasonable information online and found this UNSW page showing casual academic pay rates.
I'm sure this is news to nobody but casual staff are MASSIVELY underpaid in NZ.
www.unsw.edu.au/human-resour...
I'm sure this is news to nobody but casual staff are MASSIVELY underpaid in NZ.
www.unsw.edu.au/human-resour...
Evergreen reminder that this was something she came up with, not something she was advised to do. In fact she was pretty specifically advised it was a terrible idea (it was) but she went ahead with it anyway because something something Not Real Science
Slashing all Marsden grants to social science and humanities another Judith Collins legacy www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Government's Marsden Fund cuts: All humanities, social sciences research funding slashed
Cutting all research funding for the fields is a massive step backwards, critics say.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 28, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Evergreen reminder that this was something she came up with, not something she was advised to do. In fact she was pretty specifically advised it was a terrible idea (it was) but she went ahead with it anyway because something something Not Real Science
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
good riddance to Minister Judith Collins, who orchestrated the present gutting of New Zealand's science funding establishment
I've not seen or heard any coverage today that mentions this tiny detail, affecting 100s of millions of public dollars and endangering NZ's entire intellectual community
I've not seen or heard any coverage today that mentions this tiny detail, affecting 100s of millions of public dollars and endangering NZ's entire intellectual community
Judith Collins resigns after a near quarter century in politics
She has been in Parliament for more than 20 years, as the MP for Clevedon, and then Papakura.
www.stuff.co.nz
January 28, 2026 at 1:05 AM
good riddance to Minister Judith Collins, who orchestrated the present gutting of New Zealand's science funding establishment
I've not seen or heard any coverage today that mentions this tiny detail, affecting 100s of millions of public dollars and endangering NZ's entire intellectual community
I've not seen or heard any coverage today that mentions this tiny detail, affecting 100s of millions of public dollars and endangering NZ's entire intellectual community
Not saying I predicted Collins retiring BUT ALSO
Sure, there are a few, but only 16 MPs are even over 60, i.e. about 13% of Parliament. That is simply not anywhere near domination by retirement-age people unless we get a complete change in the historical career trajectories of AoNZ MPs.
January 27, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Not saying I predicted Collins retiring BUT ALSO
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
The NZ Ministry for the Environment is doing a "final input" consultation on voluntary nature and carbon markets, ending 30 January. Unfortunately their mailing list for has missed some key people: email NatureMarket@mfe.govt.nz to get the information asap if that's you! Info is NOT on their website
January 27, 2026 at 8:27 PM
The NZ Ministry for the Environment is doing a "final input" consultation on voluntary nature and carbon markets, ending 30 January. Unfortunately their mailing list for has missed some key people: email NatureMarket@mfe.govt.nz to get the information asap if that's you! Info is NOT on their website
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
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 Dr Lucy Stewart
One of my former students just had a manuscript desk rejected by the editor because it was too similar to a chapter in his (the former student) thesis. First time I've seen this. Anyone else had this experience? #academicsky
January 25, 2026 at 8:43 PM
One of my former students just had a manuscript desk rejected by the editor because it was too similar to a chapter in his (the former student) thesis. First time I've seen this. Anyone else had this experience? #academicsky
We've had bicycle hook turns on Whitmore St in Wellington for about six months now and it fascinates me that in all that time I have never seen an obviously male cyclist use them. (The opposite isn't true: I've seen plenty of women NOT using them.)
January 25, 2026 at 7:50 PM
We've had bicycle hook turns on Whitmore St in Wellington for about six months now and it fascinates me that in all that time I have never seen an obviously male cyclist use them. (The opposite isn't true: I've seen plenty of women NOT using them.)
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
What a stark, horrifying demonstration of the tension a union opens itself to when it organizes security forces.
If you hesitate to condemn the killing of a member, for fear of alienating the members who fired the guns, what sort of cage have you built around your union?
If you hesitate to condemn the killing of a member, for fear of alienating the members who fired the guns, what sort of cage have you built around your union?
My god.
Statement from AFGE: Alex was a member. His killer may have been as well.
Statement from AFGE: Alex was a member. His killer may have been as well.
January 24, 2026 at 9:46 PM
What a stark, horrifying demonstration of the tension a union opens itself to when it organizes security forces.
If you hesitate to condemn the killing of a member, for fear of alienating the members who fired the guns, what sort of cage have you built around your union?
If you hesitate to condemn the killing of a member, for fear of alienating the members who fired the guns, what sort of cage have you built around your union?
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
Now with added cake
January 24, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Now with added cake
Reading this article and this paragraph....diversity is when you hire consultants, managers, AND police officers, apparently
January 22, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Reading this article and this paragraph....diversity is when you hire consultants, managers, AND police officers, apparently
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
This incredibly cool new research shows that the first really big large organism on land was not a giant fungus, as many gave hypothesized. It was so chemically different from fungi that the authors propose "this enigmatic organism is best assigned to an entirely extinct eukaryotic lineage."
Our paper on the mysterious Devonian organism Prototaxites has now finally been published! See the paper here (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...) and our explainer thread below!
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
January 21, 2026 at 9:19 PM
This incredibly cool new research shows that the first really big large organism on land was not a giant fungus, as many gave hypothesized. It was so chemically different from fungi that the authors propose "this enigmatic organism is best assigned to an entirely extinct eukaryotic lineage."
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
And, for anyone like me who is a New Zealander living overseas, if you have been back to NZ at any point in the last 3 years, you are eligible to enrol and vote in this election
(the extension of this provision to 6 years was for the 2023 election *only*)
(the extension of this provision to 6 years was for the 2023 election *only*)
As the date for Election 2026 has been announced (November 7), now is a good time to check if you are enrolled to vote, and to update your details if needed. vote.nz/enrolling/en... #election #decision2026 #nzPol
Enrol or update online
Enrol to vote or check and update your enrolment details. Get ready to have your say in New Zealand’s elections and referendums.
vote.nz
January 21, 2026 at 5:48 AM
And, for anyone like me who is a New Zealander living overseas, if you have been back to NZ at any point in the last 3 years, you are eligible to enrol and vote in this election
(the extension of this provision to 6 years was for the 2023 election *only*)
(the extension of this provision to 6 years was for the 2023 election *only*)
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
Great read from @kaseymcdonnell.co.nz @threesixtysix.news on the history of Wellington's tram network: threesixtysix.news/the-tr/
The trams that built Wellington
Which year saw the most public transport passengers in Wellington’s history? You might think 2019, before the pandemic put public transport in crisis. Or maybe 2024, as our bus lines benefitted from m...
threesixtysix.news
January 19, 2026 at 8:51 PM
Great read from @kaseymcdonnell.co.nz @threesixtysix.news on the history of Wellington's tram network: threesixtysix.news/the-tr/
If you read the article they *also* somehow screwed up consulting the local iwi for a resource consent (or simply did not try at all???) and the council had to step in and do it for them
Asking for your land to be treated like Māori land when you live in Taranaki is certainly something.
January 19, 2026 at 8:28 PM
If you read the article they *also* somehow screwed up consulting the local iwi for a resource consent (or simply did not try at all???) and the council had to step in and do it for them
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
I was the first journalist to tour the new building for Parliament, as part of a feature on green construction and all the complications and benefits that accompany it. Read more:
newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/10/h...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/10/h...
How to build a green Parliament
A revolutionary new building at Parliament to house 30 MPs and their staffers is built from Kiwi timber, not Chinese steel
newsroom.co.nz
January 10, 2026 at 1:04 AM
I was the first journalist to tour the new building for Parliament, as part of a feature on green construction and all the complications and benefits that accompany it. Read more:
newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/10/h...
newsroom.co.nz/2026/01/10/h...
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
As online harassment of scientists persists, here is a rundown of digital security tools and practices that academics may find helpful.
My latest @nature story.
My latest @nature story.
Many US scientists have reported a rise in targeted harassment. Here are tools and tips to safeguard your cybersecurity
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
Six steps to protect researchers’ digital security
Many US scientists have reported a rise in targeted harassment. Here are tools and tips to safeguard your cybersecurity.
go.nature.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:37 AM
As online harassment of scientists persists, here is a rundown of digital security tools and practices that academics may find helpful.
My latest @nature story.
My latest @nature story.
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
We're closing Te Awe (to prepare for the return to Te Matapihi).
Hours are changing from Feb 2nd. Details 👇
Hours are changing from Feb 2nd. Details 👇
January 16, 2026 at 6:55 PM
We're closing Te Awe (to prepare for the return to Te Matapihi).
Hours are changing from Feb 2nd. Details 👇
Hours are changing from Feb 2nd. Details 👇
Reposted by Dr Lucy Stewart
Not a single day in 2025 was cooler than the 1991-2020 average, on a global scale. @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Not a single day in 2025 was cooler than the 1991-2020 average, on a global scale. @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social