Luke Butler
@lucaspbutler.bsky.social
Assoc Prof at University of Maryland. Social cognition, cognitive development, development of empirical reasoning. Posts/reposts reflect my personal opinion.
Reposted by Luke Butler
This has gotten surprisingly little attention — it's not even on the front page of @science.org right now — but it's really hard to describe what the SAFE Research Act would do to US science and scientists without sounding insane
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
November 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
This has gotten surprisingly little attention — it's not even on the front page of @science.org right now — but it's really hard to describe what the SAFE Research Act would do to US science and scientists without sounding insane
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Luke Butler
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:03 AM
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
Reposted by Luke Butler
Experimental participants to us
November 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Experimental participants to us
Reposted by Luke Butler
Shout out to everyone completely demoralized about the state of the world who still manages to get out of bed each morning.
And shout out to you, too if you’re still in bed. This shit is hard. Talk to your friends and neighbors. They’re going though it too, which is both terrifying and comforting.
And shout out to you, too if you’re still in bed. This shit is hard. Talk to your friends and neighbors. They’re going though it too, which is both terrifying and comforting.
November 12, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Shout out to everyone completely demoralized about the state of the world who still manages to get out of bed each morning.
And shout out to you, too if you’re still in bed. This shit is hard. Talk to your friends and neighbors. They’re going though it too, which is both terrifying and comforting.
And shout out to you, too if you’re still in bed. This shit is hard. Talk to your friends and neighbors. They’re going though it too, which is both terrifying and comforting.
Reposted by Luke Butler
PART 1: THE RESEARCH STATEMENT
This is about 'WHAT is it that you want to do, why this PLACE/PI specifically, why are YOU the relevant person to be doing THIS'.
Standard structure:
There is no one right way to do this, but here is a good breakdown:
This is about 'WHAT is it that you want to do, why this PLACE/PI specifically, why are YOU the relevant person to be doing THIS'.
Standard structure:
There is no one right way to do this, but here is a good breakdown:
November 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
PART 1: THE RESEARCH STATEMENT
This is about 'WHAT is it that you want to do, why this PLACE/PI specifically, why are YOU the relevant person to be doing THIS'.
Standard structure:
There is no one right way to do this, but here is a good breakdown:
This is about 'WHAT is it that you want to do, why this PLACE/PI specifically, why are YOU the relevant person to be doing THIS'.
Standard structure:
There is no one right way to do this, but here is a good breakdown:
Reposted by Luke Butler
Aw man I wish academics had headlines like this.
“Stephen Aguilar (existential dread) is not expected to write today, per @mpolikoff.bsky.social”
“Stephen Aguilar (existential dread) is not expected to write today, per @mpolikoff.bsky.social”
CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) is not expected to practice today, per Mike Vrabel.
September 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Aw man I wish academics had headlines like this.
“Stephen Aguilar (existential dread) is not expected to write today, per @mpolikoff.bsky.social”
“Stephen Aguilar (existential dread) is not expected to write today, per @mpolikoff.bsky.social”
Reposted by Luke Butler
I keep having this conversation with colleagues. We need to make it obvious to students that revision means success, not failure, as a writer. 1/
Dozens of eyeballs, dozens of drafts
We need to make it obvious to students that revision means success, not failure, as a writer.
schoolofgoodtrouble.substack.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:52 PM
I keep having this conversation with colleagues. We need to make it obvious to students that revision means success, not failure, as a writer. 1/
If I’m doing the numbers right the programs they are consolidating here (including DRK12 and ECR) had over $100M in combined funding allocated. This anticipates $30M. This isn’t death by a thousand cuts. This is one enormous cut.
🚨 Major shake-up in NSF funding for K-12 STEM ed:
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12)
www.nsf.gov
August 23, 2025 at 12:52 PM
If I’m doing the numbers right the programs they are consolidating here (including DRK12 and ECR) had over $100M in combined funding allocated. This anticipates $30M. This isn’t death by a thousand cuts. This is one enormous cut.
Reposted by Luke Butler
🚨 Major shake-up in NSF funding for K-12 STEM ed:
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12)
www.nsf.gov
August 22, 2025 at 10:55 PM
🚨 Major shake-up in NSF funding for K-12 STEM ed:
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
Caps proposals at $750K max for 3 years. Prior cap used to be $5M up to 5 years for some programs.
Archives several existing programs (DRK-12, AISL, CSforAll, TD, parts of ECR:Core). Combines into broad program with much lower expected # of awards.
Reposted by Luke Butler
🧪 New study: Learning about economic impact of NIH funding motivates action to oppose funding cuts.
Evidence from two preregistered, randomized experiments with >5,000 U.S. adults.
Similar change for liberals and conservatives. Preprint from @asinclair.bsky.social et al:
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Evidence from two preregistered, randomized experiments with >5,000 U.S. adults.
Similar change for liberals and conservatives. Preprint from @asinclair.bsky.social et al:
osf.io/preprints/ps...
![Study 2 Intervention Materials
Base Intervention Text
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide funding for scientific research that
leads to major breakthroughs for cancer, diabetes, dementia, heart disease, infectious
diseases, stroke, mental illness, and more.
NIH funding is also an excellent financial investment. For every dollar NIH invests in
research, an average of $2.56 of economic activity is returned–a gain of over 250%.
The White House recently ordered major changes to NIH funding, which would take
back funds already promised to the states. States have sued to challenge the order,
arguing that the changes are unlawful.
[page break]
There are two major sources of cuts to NIH funding, which will result in current and
future losses.
First, many NIH grants for health research have already been cancelled, interrupting
ongoing studies and clinical trials. These cancelled grants are projected to result in
economic losses of $4.9 Billion and over 21,000 jobs.
Second, another change would greatly reduce NIH funding that covers “indirect
costs” of research. These funds help pay for essential facilities, equipment, skilled staff,
and safety checks needed across many research projects. Medical research would not be
possible without funding to cover indirect costs. In the future, this proposed change to
funding for indirect costs of research would reduce the U.S. economy by about $16
Billion and over 68,000 jobs every year.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:c5xrowexysrnn6rn6piltqjz/bafkreid62fezp32bbl53u4iwhrwttks7rwcdbbfqatklh35wmyxzq6o73i@jpeg)
August 20, 2025 at 8:22 PM
🧪 New study: Learning about economic impact of NIH funding motivates action to oppose funding cuts.
Evidence from two preregistered, randomized experiments with >5,000 U.S. adults.
Similar change for liberals and conservatives. Preprint from @asinclair.bsky.social et al:
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Evidence from two preregistered, randomized experiments with >5,000 U.S. adults.
Similar change for liberals and conservatives. Preprint from @asinclair.bsky.social et al:
osf.io/preprints/ps...
So excited to see this work with @jennaalton.bsky.social and @andreicimpian.bsky.social in press!
In a second, we form expectations about the likely traits and behaviors of people we meet. How does this ability develop? How do others’ perceived gender factor into it?
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
AltonCimpianButler_Cognition.pdf
drive.google.com
August 4, 2025 at 7:48 PM
So excited to see this work with @jennaalton.bsky.social and @andreicimpian.bsky.social in press!
Reposted by Luke Butler
In a second, we form expectations about the likely traits and behaviors of people we meet. How does this ability develop? How do others’ perceived gender factor into it?
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
AltonCimpianButler_Cognition.pdf
drive.google.com
August 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
In a second, we form expectations about the likely traits and behaviors of people we meet. How does this ability develop? How do others’ perceived gender factor into it?
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
I’m thrilled to share a new paper now in press at Cognition with @andreicimpian.bsky.social and @lucaspbutler.bsky.social.
1/6
Reposted by Luke Butler
On why Harvard shouldn't "negotiate" with Trump (by @ryanenos.bsky.social & Levitsky) -
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
This Isn’t Negotiation. It’s Authoritarian Extortion. | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
Defending democracy requires sacrifice. There are moments when we must pay a price to ensure the long-term survival of our basic freedoms. This is one of those moments.
www.thecrimson.com
June 26, 2025 at 11:29 AM
On why Harvard shouldn't "negotiate" with Trump (by @ryanenos.bsky.social & Levitsky) -
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Luke Butler
NIH BREAKING NEWS NIH BREAKING NEWS
Hearing from multiple sources that an email went out late yesterday afternoon
Effective immediately: Please do not terminate any additional grant projects. Please pull back all grant projects that are in the cue to be terminated.
Hearing from multiple sources that an email went out late yesterday afternoon
Effective immediately: Please do not terminate any additional grant projects. Please pull back all grant projects that are in the cue to be terminated.
two men in suits and ties are waving their hands in a room
ALT: two men in suits and ties are waving their hands in a room
media.tenor.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:32 PM
NIH BREAKING NEWS NIH BREAKING NEWS
Hearing from multiple sources that an email went out late yesterday afternoon
Effective immediately: Please do not terminate any additional grant projects. Please pull back all grant projects that are in the cue to be terminated.
Hearing from multiple sources that an email went out late yesterday afternoon
Effective immediately: Please do not terminate any additional grant projects. Please pull back all grant projects that are in the cue to be terminated.
Reposted by Luke Butler
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
Learning styles are not a thing.
Learning styles are not a thing.
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
A majority of the world’s insect species have no living expert who can identify them.
A majority of the world’s insect species have no living expert who can identify them.
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
The ocean produces a huge chunk of the world's oxygen a lot from a class of cyanobacteria called prochlorococcus
The ocean produces a huge chunk of the world's oxygen a lot from a class of cyanobacteria called prochlorococcus
June 17, 2025 at 5:33 PM
What is common knowledge in your field, but shocks outsiders?
Learning styles are not a thing.
Learning styles are not a thing.
👀
June 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
👀
Reposted by Luke Butler
All universities need to fight together or someday this could happen to them.
BREAKING: Columbia University no longer meets accreditation standards after violating antidiscrimination laws, the US says
White House Threatens Columbia’s Accreditation Over Protests
The Education Department said Columbia University no longer appeared to meet accreditation standards after concluding that the school is in violation of anti-discrimination laws, the latest effort by the Trump administration to target elite schools over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests.
bloom.bg
June 4, 2025 at 7:45 PM
All universities need to fight together or someday this could happen to them.
Reposted by Luke Butler
AERA and other scientific societies sent a letter to Congress today expressing concern about imminent threats to NSF’s structure and operations. The letter urges Congress to use its oversight authority to ensure the NSF can carry out its statutory mission. aas.org/sites/defaul...
May 30, 2025 at 5:07 PM
AERA and other scientific societies sent a letter to Congress today expressing concern about imminent threats to NSF’s structure and operations. The letter urges Congress to use its oversight authority to ensure the NSF can carry out its statutory mission. aas.org/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Luke Butler
I spent five weeks talking to federal workers about knowledge loss and brain drain across the federal government, and its implications, both right now and for decades to come. Their stories are frightening, but I think it's important to know what we're facing: www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
When it comes to Trump's brain drain, “the damage is already done”
How the DOGE-triggered attack on government research left America in the dark.
www.motherjones.com
May 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I spent five weeks talking to federal workers about knowledge loss and brain drain across the federal government, and its implications, both right now and for decades to come. Their stories are frightening, but I think it's important to know what we're facing: www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
A must read:
It's not just higher education, it really is an attack on the predominant ways of learning, knowing, and decision-making that of the last 75+ years.
It's not just higher education, it really is an attack on the predominant ways of learning, knowing, and decision-making that of the last 75+ years.
The New Dark Age
The Trump administration has launched an attack on knowledge itself.
www.theatlantic.com
May 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
A must read:
It's not just higher education, it really is an attack on the predominant ways of learning, knowing, and decision-making that of the last 75+ years.
It's not just higher education, it really is an attack on the predominant ways of learning, knowing, and decision-making that of the last 75+ years.
Reposted by Luke Butler
BREAKING: Judge Burroughs has granted Harvard's restraining order, barring the administration from terminating its foreign student population. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
May 23, 2025 at 3:57 PM
BREAKING: Judge Burroughs has granted Harvard's restraining order, barring the administration from terminating its foreign student population. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
🤬
NSF just released a public list of terminated awards. It’s linked on the bottom of the FAQ page at: nsf.gov/updates-on-priorities#termination-list
Updates on NSF Priorities
nsf.gov
May 23, 2025 at 12:37 PM
🤬
Absolute madness. And yes, the destruction and cruelty are the point. Watch this one closely. If this actually holds (which I keep hoping it couldn’t possibly) it’ll be a model for bringing all of US higher education to its knees.
Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students, including current ones
The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students in its escalating battle with the Ivy League school, saying thousands of current students must transfer t...
www.pbs.org
May 23, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Absolute madness. And yes, the destruction and cruelty are the point. Watch this one closely. If this actually holds (which I keep hoping it couldn’t possibly) it’ll be a model for bringing all of US higher education to its knees.
Reposted by Luke Butler
Here's a useful term to capture today’s global atmosphere: hypernormalization, a Soviet-era concept that describes a reality where everything feels broken yet oddly normal. www.theguardian.com/wellness/ng-...
Systems are crumbling - but daily life continues. The dissonance is real
If everything feels broken but strangely normal, the Soviet-era concept of hypernormalization can help
www.theguardian.com
May 23, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Here's a useful term to capture today’s global atmosphere: hypernormalization, a Soviet-era concept that describes a reality where everything feels broken yet oddly normal. www.theguardian.com/wellness/ng-...