Dr Mel Chem
@melchem.bsky.social
Chemistry lecturer, economic migrant, and trade unionist. Passionate about science, books, art and politics. Opinions: many and all my own.
Our first chemistry education paper is out! So proud of the team of senior demonstrators that supported the development of this revised, modern and modular approach to the extraction of spinach leaves. It can be adapted for public engagement and schools! Read it here 👉 pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
November 26, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Our first chemistry education paper is out! So proud of the team of senior demonstrators that supported the development of this revised, modern and modular approach to the extraction of spinach leaves. It can be adapted for public engagement and schools! Read it here 👉 pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Our members have voted to support industrial action to fight against job cuts passed today!
In the ballot our 72% of members were in favour of strike action, and 90% in favour of action short of strike. Turnout was 58%.
Thank you to all members, reps and officials for helping us get the vote out.
In the ballot our 72% of members were in favour of strike action, and 90% in favour of action short of strike. Turnout was 58%.
Thank you to all members, reps and officials for helping us get the vote out.
October 6, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Our members have voted to support industrial action to fight against job cuts passed today!
In the ballot our 72% of members were in favour of strike action, and 90% in favour of action short of strike. Turnout was 58%.
Thank you to all members, reps and officials for helping us get the vote out.
In the ballot our 72% of members were in favour of strike action, and 90% in favour of action short of strike. Turnout was 58%.
Thank you to all members, reps and officials for helping us get the vote out.
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
"The university needs to look at the election of a leadership that staff can get behind and which is committed to resolving the current situation without the use of compulsory redundancies.” @carloucu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2525296...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2525296...
University of Dundee staff resign following damning report into financial crisis
Three senior members of the University of Dundee, including its principal, have resigned in the wake of a damning report into its financial crisis
www.heraldscotland.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:18 PM
"The university needs to look at the election of a leadership that staff can get behind and which is committed to resolving the current situation without the use of compulsory redundancies.” @carloucu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2525296...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2525296...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
This letter to Douglas Ross is how staff find out which areas may face module reductions and that 700 people may be affected by the cuts!
Staff receive no communication, courtesy or respect from executives at the University of Dundee.
None.
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
Staff receive no communication, courtesy or respect from executives at the University of Dundee.
None.
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
www.parliament.scot
March 31, 2025 at 11:06 PM
This letter to Douglas Ross is how staff find out which areas may face module reductions and that 700 people may be affected by the cuts!
Staff receive no communication, courtesy or respect from executives at the University of Dundee.
None.
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
Staff receive no communication, courtesy or respect from executives at the University of Dundee.
None.
www.parliament.scot/-/media/file...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Dr Anja Johansen shares her fears for younger colleagues who are trying to build their careers. And how the removal of so many jobs from the University of Dundee will affect the city.
Join our #WeAreThe632 by liking, sharing and commenting.
Watch the full video here - youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI 1/2
Join our #WeAreThe632 by liking, sharing and commenting.
Watch the full video here - youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI 1/2
March 26, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Dr Anja Johansen shares her fears for younger colleagues who are trying to build their careers. And how the removal of so many jobs from the University of Dundee will affect the city.
Join our #WeAreThe632 by liking, sharing and commenting.
Watch the full video here - youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI 1/2
Join our #WeAreThe632 by liking, sharing and commenting.
Watch the full video here - youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI 1/2
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
632 job cuts have been proposed by the executive team at the University of Dundee.
Today we launch our first full-length video that highlights the devastating impact this news is having on staff, and how this will affect Dundee.
Please share to amplify our voice. #WeAreThe632
youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI
Today we launch our first full-length video that highlights the devastating impact this news is having on staff, and how this will affect Dundee.
Please share to amplify our voice. #WeAreThe632
youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI
We Are The 632: University of Dundee staff speak out
YouTube video by Dundee UCU
youtu.be
March 24, 2025 at 8:58 AM
632 job cuts have been proposed by the executive team at the University of Dundee.
Today we launch our first full-length video that highlights the devastating impact this news is having on staff, and how this will affect Dundee.
Please share to amplify our voice. #WeAreThe632
youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI
Today we launch our first full-length video that highlights the devastating impact this news is having on staff, and how this will affect Dundee.
Please share to amplify our voice. #WeAreThe632
youtu.be/oXkCu-bruiI
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Our wonderful colleague Usha explains how the current financial crisis and proposed 632 FTE job cuts is affecting her right now. Many colleagues feel the same way.
The "recovery plan" needs to be scrapped. It's had a devastating effect on staff and students.
#WeAreThe632
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHE
The "recovery plan" needs to be scrapped. It's had a devastating effect on staff and students.
#WeAreThe632
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHE
March 21, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Our wonderful colleague Usha explains how the current financial crisis and proposed 632 FTE job cuts is affecting her right now. Many colleagues feel the same way.
The "recovery plan" needs to be scrapped. It's had a devastating effect on staff and students.
#WeAreThe632
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHE
The "recovery plan" needs to be scrapped. It's had a devastating effect on staff and students.
#WeAreThe632
#SaveDundeeUni #SaveHE
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
The cuts to 632 posts announced by university executives hide behind the numbers.
Every post is a person, a valued colleague.
We share their stories, as part of our grassroots We are the 632 campaign #WeAreThe632 #SaveDundeeUni
Up first is Anya who talks about how this will affect Dundee. 1/2
Every post is a person, a valued colleague.
We share their stories, as part of our grassroots We are the 632 campaign #WeAreThe632 #SaveDundeeUni
Up first is Anya who talks about how this will affect Dundee. 1/2
March 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The cuts to 632 posts announced by university executives hide behind the numbers.
Every post is a person, a valued colleague.
We share their stories, as part of our grassroots We are the 632 campaign #WeAreThe632 #SaveDundeeUni
Up first is Anya who talks about how this will affect Dundee. 1/2
Every post is a person, a valued colleague.
We share their stories, as part of our grassroots We are the 632 campaign #WeAreThe632 #SaveDundeeUni
Up first is Anya who talks about how this will affect Dundee. 1/2
Such a great honour to be at Scottish Parliament to speak to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and the Minister for HE & FE. Let’s work together to protect jobs at Dundee University! #SaveDundeeUni @ducuuo.bsky.social
March 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Such a great honour to be at Scottish Parliament to speak to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and the Minister for HE & FE. Let’s work together to protect jobs at Dundee University! #SaveDundeeUni @ducuuo.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
The attack on DEI shows why liberals should stop arguing about "strategic" use of language forever. DEI stands for three uncontroversial virtues that most every American accepts, and the right still turned it into a vile slur. It doesn't matter what you say - they will poison it because YOU said it.
February 28, 2025 at 1:19 AM
The attack on DEI shows why liberals should stop arguing about "strategic" use of language forever. DEI stands for three uncontroversial virtues that most every American accepts, and the right still turned it into a vile slur. It doesn't matter what you say - they will poison it because YOU said it.
What an amazing teach-out today! Staff and students joining together to reflect on the changes needed to achieve a more democratic and inclusive higher education. @ducuuo.bsky.social
February 27, 2025 at 3:56 PM
What an amazing teach-out today! Staff and students joining together to reflect on the changes needed to achieve a more democratic and inclusive higher education. @ducuuo.bsky.social
It’s sad to witness Labour use the same rethoric as the Tories. Suggesting that we should refuse citizenship to refugees that entered the country “illegally” because they used small boats is just ridiculous. Without safe routes, that’s the ONLY WAY! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Planned change in British citizenship rules faces first legal challenge
Young Afghan refugee brings case after move to prevent those who arrived on ‘dangerous journey’ from citizenship
www.theguardian.com
February 21, 2025 at 7:35 AM
It’s sad to witness Labour use the same rethoric as the Tories. Suggesting that we should refuse citizenship to refugees that entered the country “illegally” because they used small boats is just ridiculous. Without safe routes, that’s the ONLY WAY! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
📢In our latest Editorial, we reflect on what science tells us about the importance of diversity. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Based on the science, diversity matters - Nature Computational Science
We reflect on what science tells us about the importance of diversity.
www.nature.com
February 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
📢In our latest Editorial, we reflect on what science tells us about the importance of diversity. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
QMUL UCU is doing the kind of work we need UCU to do nationally to highlight the catastrophic destruction of higher education across the regions & nations. Thousands of jobs & so much talent and expertise lost. Shame on this Govt for sitting by & letting it happen qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
UK HE shrinking
This is a live page of all the redundancies, restructures, reorganisations, and closures taking place across the sector at the moment. Solidarity to all. This sector is vital to the country’s…
qmucu.org
February 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
QMUL UCU is doing the kind of work we need UCU to do nationally to highlight the catastrophic destruction of higher education across the regions & nations. Thousands of jobs & so much talent and expertise lost. Shame on this Govt for sitting by & letting it happen qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Why are staff at the University of Dundee going on strike?
A fantastic article from Professor Angela Daly @nidhalaigh.bsky.social in today’s Courier @thecourier.co.uk
Save jobs. #SaveDundeeUni
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/opinion/5...
A fantastic article from Professor Angela Daly @nidhalaigh.bsky.social in today’s Courier @thecourier.co.uk
Save jobs. #SaveDundeeUni
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/opinion/5...
I’m a Dundee University lecturer: Why I’m striking for myself, my former student mum and future generations
Professor Angela Daly sets out why she and other lecturers will strike over the threat of compulsory redundancies at Dundee University.
www.thecourier.co.uk
February 13, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Why are staff at the University of Dundee going on strike?
A fantastic article from Professor Angela Daly @nidhalaigh.bsky.social in today’s Courier @thecourier.co.uk
Save jobs. #SaveDundeeUni
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/opinion/5...
A fantastic article from Professor Angela Daly @nidhalaigh.bsky.social in today’s Courier @thecourier.co.uk
Save jobs. #SaveDundeeUni
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/opinion/5...
Just posted my ballot 💪 @ducuuo.bsky.social Vote Vote Vote!
January 8, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Just posted my ballot 💪 @ducuuo.bsky.social Vote Vote Vote!
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Our members have been receiving their ballots to vote on industrial action to save jobs at the University of Dundee.
It’s as easy as putting a cross in two boxes and then sending back in the prepaid envelope.
I did mine today #SaveDundeeUniversity
It’s as easy as putting a cross in two boxes and then sending back in the prepaid envelope.
I did mine today #SaveDundeeUniversity
January 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Our members have been receiving their ballots to vote on industrial action to save jobs at the University of Dundee.
It’s as easy as putting a cross in two boxes and then sending back in the prepaid envelope.
I did mine today #SaveDundeeUniversity
It’s as easy as putting a cross in two boxes and then sending back in the prepaid envelope.
I did mine today #SaveDundeeUniversity
TIL that #Botero made a series of graphic drawings and paintings denouncing the abuse of human rights that US soldiers perpetrated against Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. A stark reminder of the horrors of war to be left to posterity, like a modern day Guernica.
December 29, 2024 at 11:48 AM
TIL that #Botero made a series of graphic drawings and paintings denouncing the abuse of human rights that US soldiers perpetrated against Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. A stark reminder of the horrors of war to be left to posterity, like a modern day Guernica.
For many years I volunteered as a remote reader for a literary prize dedicated to emerging women writers called #FemminilePlurale. The prize comes alive every year thanks to the work of a small group of dedicated women and a community of avid readers. Such a pleasure to finally meet them in person!
December 22, 2024 at 3:04 PM
For many years I volunteered as a remote reader for a literary prize dedicated to emerging women writers called #FemminilePlurale. The prize comes alive every year thanks to the work of a small group of dedicated women and a community of avid readers. Such a pleasure to finally meet them in person!
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
The current management & governance models at the University of Dundee have failed.
We need genuine staff and student involvement in oversight and decision making
@ducuuo.bsky.social
sites.dundee.ac.uk/ducu/crisis-...
We need genuine staff and student involvement in oversight and decision making
@ducuuo.bsky.social
sites.dundee.ac.uk/ducu/crisis-...
Crisis at UoD – Dundee University and College UnionUniversity of Dundee logoSearchcontactcloseScroll leftChevron pointing downScroll rightChevron pointing downSearchFacebookTwitterYoutubeInstagram
sites.dundee.ac.uk
December 11, 2024 at 10:28 PM
The current management & governance models at the University of Dundee have failed.
We need genuine staff and student involvement in oversight and decision making
@ducuuo.bsky.social
sites.dundee.ac.uk/ducu/crisis-...
We need genuine staff and student involvement in oversight and decision making
@ducuuo.bsky.social
sites.dundee.ac.uk/ducu/crisis-...
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Come along to our all staff meeting on Thursday at 1pm.
Spread the word, to get our voices heard.
Spread the word, to get our voices heard.
December 9, 2024 at 8:10 AM
Come along to our all staff meeting on Thursday at 1pm.
Spread the word, to get our voices heard.
Spread the word, to get our voices heard.
It is that time of the year again. 🎄Xmas “biscottini”: baked following a recipe passed down for generations, extremely moorish, and made to share. Recipe in the comments 👩🏻🍳
December 8, 2024 at 10:48 AM
It is that time of the year again. 🎄Xmas “biscottini”: baked following a recipe passed down for generations, extremely moorish, and made to share. Recipe in the comments 👩🏻🍳
It’s my parents’s 50th wedding anniversary in May and I spent the last couple of months crafting their invitations, inspired by one of my favourite photos from their wedding album. Can’t wait to see their faces when they see them at XMas!
December 1, 2024 at 4:32 PM
It’s my parents’s 50th wedding anniversary in May and I spent the last couple of months crafting their invitations, inspired by one of my favourite photos from their wedding album. Can’t wait to see their faces when they see them at XMas!
Reposted by Dr Mel Chem
Dundee UCU has joined BlueSky!
If you're one of our members please vote in our consultative ballot as soon as you can.
We must stand together to save jobs.
If you're one of our members please vote in our consultative ballot as soon as you can.
We must stand together to save jobs.
November 29, 2024 at 1:11 PM
Dundee UCU has joined BlueSky!
If you're one of our members please vote in our consultative ballot as soon as you can.
We must stand together to save jobs.
If you're one of our members please vote in our consultative ballot as soon as you can.
We must stand together to save jobs.