Matthew Freeman
@mjafreeman.bsky.social
Cell Biologist. Membrane proteins, rhomboids, signalling, inflammation, cancer, unknome...
Head, Dunn School of Pathology, @UniofOxford
And other stuff
Head, Dunn School of Pathology, @UniofOxford
And other stuff
Pinned
Matthew Freeman
@mjafreeman.bsky.social
· Dec 12
@mjafreeman.bsky.social's encyclopedia of Bluesky starter packs for 'mechanistic' biologists
docs.google.com
Starter packs are still valuable but there is now a mature set of communities @bsky.app
So maybe for the last time (unless things change)
An encyclopaedia of starter packs relevant to 'mechanistic' biomedical science (>100 now!)...
...including collective nouns
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
So maybe for the last time (unless things change)
An encyclopaedia of starter packs relevant to 'mechanistic' biomedical science (>100 now!)...
...including collective nouns
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
UKRI boss - we're really good at curiosity-driven research, so let's spend less money on it.
The US has shot itself in the stomach scientifically. But the UK is needlessly shooting itself in the foot.
The US has shot itself in the stomach scientifically. But the UK is needlessly shooting itself in the foot.
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants
UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 7:15 PM
UKRI boss - we're really good at curiosity-driven research, so let's spend less money on it.
The US has shot itself in the stomach scientifically. But the UK is needlessly shooting itself in the foot.
The US has shot itself in the stomach scientifically. But the UK is needlessly shooting itself in the foot.
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
"but he said overall, the money available to researchers was set to increase with "more emphasis on commercialisation".
How many times... FUND CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE...
Then impact and commercialisation will come...
🙄😬😱
How many times... FUND CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE...
Then impact and commercialisation will come...
🙄😬😱
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants
UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 7:37 PM
"but he said overall, the money available to researchers was set to increase with "more emphasis on commercialisation".
How many times... FUND CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE...
Then impact and commercialisation will come...
🙄😬😱
How many times... FUND CURIOSITY-DRIVEN SCIENCE...
Then impact and commercialisation will come...
🙄😬😱
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
This looks like a less than smart set of ideas and is in itself logically incoherent. Force basic funding towards more applied research (there is no substitute for such explorative research), and then also cut bridge funding for marketing early stage startups and innovation. 🤦♂️
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants
UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 6:22 PM
This looks like a less than smart set of ideas and is in itself logically incoherent. Force basic funding towards more applied research (there is no substitute for such explorative research), and then also cut bridge funding for marketing early stage startups and innovation. 🤦♂️
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Update from MRC re funding
They've separately said:
Our transition to new ways of working also means we unfortunately expect to make a reduced number of awards to applications currently being assessed by our four research boards and developmental pathway funding scheme.
www.ukri.org/blog/mrc-fun...
Our transition to new ways of working also means we unfortunately expect to make a reduced number of awards to applications currently being assessed by our four research boards and developmental pathway funding scheme.
www.ukri.org/blog/mrc-fun...
MRC funding update
An update on MRC funding during UKRI’s transition, what’s changing, and the next steps for paused opportunities and reopening timelines.
www.ukri.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Update from MRC re funding
Paywalled but visible to many uni-based people
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
Lot of room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
Lot of room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Four senior UKRI leaders appeared at a press briefing this morning in the wake of RPN stories over the last week about a shake-up to research council funding
Our story that the MRC is expecting to fund fewer grants through applicant-led calls that closed in September last year was confirmed
...
Our story that the MRC is expecting to fund fewer grants through applicant-led calls that closed in September last year was confirmed
...
Medical Research Council ‘will fund fewer applicant-led grants’.
Confirmation from deputy leader comes as council restructures investments, with calls on hold until summer.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Confirmation from deputy leader comes as council restructures investments, with calls on hold until summer.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
February 5, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Paywalled but visible to many uni-based people
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
Lot of room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
Lot of room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Paywalled, but uni-based folk can maybe see it
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
To me, room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
To me, room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Medical Research Council ‘will fund fewer applicant-led grants’.
Confirmation from deputy leader comes as council restructures investments, with calls on hold until summer.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Confirmation from deputy leader comes as council restructures investments, with calls on hold until summer.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Medical Research Council ‘will fund fewer applicant-led grants’ - Research Professional News
Confirmation from deputy leader comes as council restructures investments, with calls on hold until summer
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Paywalled, but uni-based folk can maybe see it
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
To me, room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Apparently...
Much reduced MRC success rate for grants now in pipeline
Reduced MRC future funding for 'applicant-led' research
But 'life sciences remain a priority'....
To me, room for more clarity (and recognition of effects on ECRs)
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK’s £8bn research fund faces “hard decisions” as it pauses new grants
UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Helpful update into UKRI and research council funding changes from Zoe Kleinman @zsk.bsky.social
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But please more focus on 2 things...
1) Immediate effects (eg funding decisions expected in March)
2) Likely disproportionate effects on early career scientists
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Agreed - it's a shame the committee didn't press on that point. What are the apparently specific issues at MRC? It will be almost a year without new responsive mode funds being allocated, on top of a massively cut in funded grants in Sept25 round - Why?...
February 4, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Agreed - it's a shame the committee didn't press on that point. What are the apparently specific issues at MRC? It will be almost a year without new responsive mode funds being allocated, on top of a massively cut in funded grants in Sept25 round - Why?...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Usually communications are this poor reflect bad thinking, not only bad expression.
In this case - I suspect
- consequences weren't completely thought out, esp. on careers of junior researchers;
- execs more concerned with secrecy than secondary effects;
- underlying drivers still a little murky.
In this case - I suspect
- consequences weren't completely thought out, esp. on careers of junior researchers;
- execs more concerned with secrecy than secondary effects;
- underlying drivers still a little murky.
February 4, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Usually communications are this poor reflect bad thinking, not only bad expression.
In this case - I suspect
- consequences weren't completely thought out, esp. on careers of junior researchers;
- execs more concerned with secrecy than secondary effects;
- underlying drivers still a little murky.
In this case - I suspect
- consequences weren't completely thought out, esp. on careers of junior researchers;
- execs more concerned with secrecy than secondary effects;
- underlying drivers still a little murky.
This is for you – and a great opportunity – if you are establishing a group in Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Türkiye...
Apply now! The 2026 call for the EMBO Installation Grants Programme is now open with a deadline of 15 April 12:00 midday CEST. 🧪
More information can be found here:
https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/installation-grants/
#LifeSciences #research #funding
More information can be found here:
https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/installation-grants/
#LifeSciences #research #funding
February 4, 2026 at 8:42 AM
This is for you – and a great opportunity – if you are establishing a group in Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Türkiye...
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Hot off the press - a letter from the Exec Chair of @ukri.org explaining his plans and in particular the financial position of STFC. It notes curiosity driven research is protected and will make up around half of UKRI spend over the coming period
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community
UKRI Chief Executive outlines changes to UKRI investment approach, addressing concerns about research funding and the financial position of STFC.
www.ukri.org
February 1, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Hot off the press - a letter from the Exec Chair of @ukri.org explaining his plans and in particular the financial position of STFC. It notes curiosity driven research is protected and will make up around half of UKRI spend over the coming period
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
We should party.
January 29, 2026 at 10:41 PM
We should party.
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
We're hiring! JCS is looking for a Reviews Editor to join the team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves cell biology and wants to stay connected with the field (and be part of an organisation that believes in supporting the community).
www.biologists.com/about-us/wor...
www.biologists.com/about-us/wor...
Work for us
Working for us We’re always looking for talented and motivated people to work as part of our close-knit team. Roles range from editorial to production, marketing to event co-ordination, HR to accounts...
www.biologists.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:08 PM
We're hiring! JCS is looking for a Reviews Editor to join the team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves cell biology and wants to stay connected with the field (and be part of an organisation that believes in supporting the community).
www.biologists.com/about-us/wor...
www.biologists.com/about-us/wor...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Institut Pasteur (@pasteur.fr) is recruiting new young PIs to open new groups in the Institute. Deadline is February 9th! Don't miss the opportunity!
January 27, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Institut Pasteur (@pasteur.fr) is recruiting new young PIs to open new groups in the Institute. Deadline is February 9th! Don't miss the opportunity!
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Biochemist/molecular biologist Joan Steitz was born #OTD in 1941.
She (& team) figured out how our cells read/use genetic instructions to make proteins. A key person who helped crack the code on RNA—the molecule that acts like a messenger between DNA & and the proteins our bodies need. #WomenInSTEM
She (& team) figured out how our cells read/use genetic instructions to make proteins. A key person who helped crack the code on RNA—the molecule that acts like a messenger between DNA & and the proteins our bodies need. #WomenInSTEM
January 26, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Biochemist/molecular biologist Joan Steitz was born #OTD in 1941.
She (& team) figured out how our cells read/use genetic instructions to make proteins. A key person who helped crack the code on RNA—the molecule that acts like a messenger between DNA & and the proteins our bodies need. #WomenInSTEM
She (& team) figured out how our cells read/use genetic instructions to make proteins. A key person who helped crack the code on RNA—the molecule that acts like a messenger between DNA & and the proteins our bodies need. #WomenInSTEM
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
We are delighted to announce that @giuliapaci.bsky.social from @ucllifesciences.bsky.social has been awarded the 2026 BSCB Postdoctoral researcher medal
You can read about Giulia's work on how tissues withstand mechanical stress here:
bscb.org/postdoctoral...
You can read about Giulia's work on how tissues withstand mechanical stress here:
bscb.org/postdoctoral...
January 22, 2026 at 9:49 AM
We are delighted to announce that @giuliapaci.bsky.social from @ucllifesciences.bsky.social has been awarded the 2026 BSCB Postdoctoral researcher medal
You can read about Giulia's work on how tissues withstand mechanical stress here:
bscb.org/postdoctoral...
You can read about Giulia's work on how tissues withstand mechanical stress here:
bscb.org/postdoctoral...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
There's still time to apply to be a 2026 @dev-journal.bsky.social Pathway to Independence fellow
For those about to apply for their first independent academic position, the programme offers
- mentoring
- leadership training
- profile rising
- networking
journals.biologists.com/dev/pages/pi...
For those about to apply for their first independent academic position, the programme offers
- mentoring
- leadership training
- profile rising
- networking
journals.biologists.com/dev/pages/pi...
Pathway to Independence programme | Development | The Company of Biologists
Pathway to Independence programme | Development | The Company of Biologists
Development's Pathway to Independence programme
Launched in 2022, Development’s Pathway Independence programm...
journals.biologists.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:29 PM
There's still time to apply to be a 2026 @dev-journal.bsky.social Pathway to Independence fellow
For those about to apply for their first independent academic position, the programme offers
- mentoring
- leadership training
- profile rising
- networking
journals.biologists.com/dev/pages/pi...
For those about to apply for their first independent academic position, the programme offers
- mentoring
- leadership training
- profile rising
- networking
journals.biologists.com/dev/pages/pi...
I see that starter packs are a thing again
Here is a link to >100 biomedical/mol/cell starter packs that I compiled last year
An encyclopaedia of #StarterPacks
Maybe a bit out of date but hope it helps new @bsky.app arrivals (to whom, welcome)
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Here is a link to >100 biomedical/mol/cell starter packs that I compiled last year
An encyclopaedia of #StarterPacks
Maybe a bit out of date but hope it helps new @bsky.app arrivals (to whom, welcome)
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
@mjafreeman.bsky.social's encyclopedia of Bluesky starter packs for 'mechanistic' biologists
docs.google.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:46 PM
I see that starter packs are a thing again
Here is a link to >100 biomedical/mol/cell starter packs that I compiled last year
An encyclopaedia of #StarterPacks
Maybe a bit out of date but hope it helps new @bsky.app arrivals (to whom, welcome)
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Here is a link to >100 biomedical/mol/cell starter packs that I compiled last year
An encyclopaedia of #StarterPacks
Maybe a bit out of date but hope it helps new @bsky.app arrivals (to whom, welcome)
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
View from my balcony
Lovely to visit @ncbsbangalore.bsky.social, especially in January!
And with the the fab Merlin App from @cornellbirds.bsky.social I have heard...
Pale-billed flowerpecker
two kinds of Barbet
two kinds of Sunbird
Indian white-eye
Black kite
Red-whiskered bulbul
and more...
Lovely to visit @ncbsbangalore.bsky.social, especially in January!
And with the the fab Merlin App from @cornellbirds.bsky.social I have heard...
Pale-billed flowerpecker
two kinds of Barbet
two kinds of Sunbird
Indian white-eye
Black kite
Red-whiskered bulbul
and more...
January 10, 2026 at 9:47 AM
View from my balcony
Lovely to visit @ncbsbangalore.bsky.social, especially in January!
And with the the fab Merlin App from @cornellbirds.bsky.social I have heard...
Pale-billed flowerpecker
two kinds of Barbet
two kinds of Sunbird
Indian white-eye
Black kite
Red-whiskered bulbul
and more...
Lovely to visit @ncbsbangalore.bsky.social, especially in January!
And with the the fab Merlin App from @cornellbirds.bsky.social I have heard...
Pale-billed flowerpecker
two kinds of Barbet
two kinds of Sunbird
Indian white-eye
Black kite
Red-whiskered bulbul
and more...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
What's it like being Editor-in-chief of @jcellsci.bsky.social? doi.org/10.1242/jcs....
At the helm of JCS – Editors-in-Chief past, present… and future
The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Journal of Cell Science plays a key role in defining the overall vision of the journal, helping to decide on journal strategy, policy and priorities, and overseeing all co...
doi.org
December 22, 2025 at 10:33 AM
What's it like being Editor-in-chief of @jcellsci.bsky.social? doi.org/10.1242/jcs....
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
🧪 This will blow your mind
“A process which led from the amoeba to man appeared to the philosophers to be obviously a progress - though whether the amoeba would agree with this opinion is not known"
- Bertrand Russell, 1976.
Time-lapse video of Vampyrella lateritia eating Spirogyra algae from Science Source/Oliver Skibbe. 🦠
- Bertrand Russell, 1976.
Time-lapse video of Vampyrella lateritia eating Spirogyra algae from Science Source/Oliver Skibbe. 🦠
December 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
🧪 This will blow your mind
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
But as you'll find out in this story, my links to the Company go way back - I published my first ever paper in @dev-journal.bsky.social soon after my then boss @mjafreeman.bsky.social joined the Board of Directors, and my joining the Company is all thanks to @the-node.bsky.social.
December 12, 2025 at 2:52 PM
But as you'll find out in this story, my links to the Company go way back - I published my first ever paper in @dev-journal.bsky.social soon after my then boss @mjafreeman.bsky.social joined the Board of Directors, and my joining the Company is all thanks to @the-node.bsky.social.
According to the ever-excellent @oxfordclarion.bsky.social, Oxfordshire County Council is reviewing its use of twitter/X and experimenting with Bluesky as an alternative.
Locals, maybe give them a follow...
@oxfordshirecc.bsky.social
Locals, maybe give them a follow...
@oxfordshirecc.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
According to the ever-excellent @oxfordclarion.bsky.social, Oxfordshire County Council is reviewing its use of twitter/X and experimenting with Bluesky as an alternative.
Locals, maybe give them a follow...
@oxfordshirecc.bsky.social
Locals, maybe give them a follow...
@oxfordshirecc.bsky.social