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...
Fun, interesting, great for a dose of humility...
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Fun, interesting, great for a dose of humility...
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Yesterday we came together to honour Professor Raymond Dwek through the naming of the Raymond Dwek Seminar Room. Raymond's family (pictured) joined the celebration and Raymond was visibly touched, saying: "Thank you for this amazing gesture. I'm humbled by it, but I will treasure it."
February 6, 2026 at 2:29 PM
Yesterday we came together to honour Professor Raymond Dwek through the naming of the Raymond Dwek Seminar Room. Raymond's family (pictured) joined the celebration and Raymond was visibly touched, saying: "Thank you for this amazing gesture. I'm humbled by it, but I will treasure it."
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
www.ukri.org/blog/mrc-fun... - statement on the UKRI website, too
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 6, 2026 at 10:26 AM
www.ukri.org/blog/mrc-fun... - statement on the UKRI website, too
Reposted by Matthew Freeman
Would you like to write for The Economist? We are hiring for our science and technology internship. Find out more and apply here
The Economist’s science and technology internship
We invite applications for the 2026 Richard Casement internship
econ.st
February 6, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Would you like to write for The Economist? We are hiring for our science and technology internship. Find out more and apply here
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...
Advertising? In Keynote? Screenshot?
Was it in an automatic system update or a conscious one of Keynote itself?
This is bad
Was it in an automatic system update or a conscious one of Keynote itself?
This is bad
February 4, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Advertising? In Keynote? Screenshot?
Was it in an automatic system update or a conscious one of Keynote itself?
This is bad
Was it in an automatic system update or a conscious one of Keynote itself?
This is bad
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...
You put it eloquently with 🤷♂️
February 3, 2026 at 11:54 PM
You put it eloquently with 🤷♂️
Hope these snippets help.
I am especially intrigued by MRC and BBSRC nuances.
I am sure there will be a fuller write-up by others.
I am especially intrigued by MRC and BBSRC nuances.
I am sure there will be a fuller write-up by others.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Hope these snippets help.
I am especially intrigued by MRC and BBSRC nuances.
I am sure there will be a fuller write-up by others.
I am especially intrigued by MRC and BBSRC nuances.
I am sure there will be a fuller write-up by others.
5. He claimed that, overall, discovery research would not be reduced. Also, that overall, 'applicant-led' budgets will not be decreased.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
5. He claimed that, overall, discovery research would not be reduced. Also, that overall, 'applicant-led' budgets will not be decreased.
4. MRC grant applications are paused until 'early summer'. Unlike BBSRC, no indication what the cause is of this pause. Notably vague.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
4. MRC grant applications are paused until 'early summer'. Unlike BBSRC, no indication what the cause is of this pause. Notably vague.
3. New info I think:
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
3. New info I think:
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
2. He also 'owned' – ie admitted – the fact that recent comms have been poor. It's very clear to me why many are concerned.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
2. He also 'owned' – ie admitted – the fact that recent comms have been poor. It's very clear to me why many are concerned.
1. He was put under significant pressure about whether it's true that the new 'bucket' terminology means that it's impossible to compare past and future investment in discovery research.
@chionwurah.bsky.social was impressive.
Not v clear conclusion but he offered to clarify.
@chionwurah.bsky.social was impressive.
Not v clear conclusion but he offered to clarify.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
1. He was put under significant pressure about whether it's true that the new 'bucket' terminology means that it's impossible to compare past and future investment in discovery research.
@chionwurah.bsky.social was impressive.
Not v clear conclusion but he offered to clarify.
@chionwurah.bsky.social was impressive.
Not v clear conclusion but he offered to clarify.
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...