Rachael Squire
@squirerachael.bsky.social
Human geographer. Interested in states of precarity, oceans (and aquariums), feminist geopolitics, territory, Cold War science.
https://www.statesofprecarity
https://indoor-oceans.com/
https://www.statesofprecarity
https://indoor-oceans.com/
Pinned
Rachael Squire
@squirerachael.bsky.social
· Nov 21
States of Precarity in UK HE Geography: A new report on the long and short term effects of precarity across career stages, with a series of best practice resources to support more equitable working cultures.
www.rgs.org/research/hig... @rgsibg.bsky.social @antipodeonline.bsky.social
www.rgs.org/research/hig... @rgsibg.bsky.social @antipodeonline.bsky.social
It's arrived! And what a brilliant text. Huge congrats to @cordyf.bsky.social and Sydney Calkin for bringing this together.
February 10, 2026 at 9:33 AM
It's arrived! And what a brilliant text. Huge congrats to @cordyf.bsky.social and Sydney Calkin for bringing this together.
'Cold War Museology' and 'Cold War Scotland' are wonderful and important books. A pleasure to review them here:
Beyond the missile and military: towards colourful Cold War histories
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Beyond the missile and military: towards colourful Cold War histories
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Beyond the missile and military: towards colourful Cold War histories
Emerging from an AHRC funded project on Materialising the Cold War, Cold War Museology (Douthwaite, J., Nehring, H., & Alberti, S. J. (Eds.) (2025). Cold War museology. Taylor & Francis) and Cold W...
www.tandfonline.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:49 AM
'Cold War Museology' and 'Cold War Scotland' are wonderful and important books. A pleasure to review them here:
Beyond the missile and military: towards colourful Cold War histories
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Beyond the missile and military: towards colourful Cold War histories
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Rachael Squire
How about immersing yourself in this truly remarkable, clever & visually stunning piece of work by @sagebrice.bsky.social?
She has crafted a superb call for the liberatory promise of queer/trans ecological sensibilities for critical social science, using comics.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
She has crafted a superb call for the liberatory promise of queer/trans ecological sensibilities for critical social science, using comics.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
January 21, 2026 at 8:37 AM
How about immersing yourself in this truly remarkable, clever & visually stunning piece of work by @sagebrice.bsky.social?
She has crafted a superb call for the liberatory promise of queer/trans ecological sensibilities for critical social science, using comics.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
She has crafted a superb call for the liberatory promise of queer/trans ecological sensibilities for critical social science, using comics.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Rachael Squire
💡Our @statesofprecarity.bsky.social project has been covered in
@sciencebusiness.net. 'Fixed-term academic contracts discourage ‘radical’ research' sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-fun... Thank you @davidmjourno.bsky.social for reaching out to the team
@sciencebusiness.net. 'Fixed-term academic contracts discourage ‘radical’ research' sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-fun... Thank you @davidmjourno.bsky.social for reaching out to the team
Fixed-term academic contracts discourage ‘radical’ research
The rise of fixed-term academic contracts means researchers are likely to play it safe in their choice of research topics, eschewing the kind of ambitious, radical discovery European policymakers want...
sciencebusiness.net
January 20, 2026 at 9:19 AM
💡Our @statesofprecarity.bsky.social project has been covered in
@sciencebusiness.net. 'Fixed-term academic contracts discourage ‘radical’ research' sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-fun... Thank you @davidmjourno.bsky.social for reaching out to the team
@sciencebusiness.net. 'Fixed-term academic contracts discourage ‘radical’ research' sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-fun... Thank you @davidmjourno.bsky.social for reaching out to the team
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Thanks @julietterowsell.bsky.social for covering the @statesofprecarity.bsky.social report launch event this week!
“Embedded precarity” in HE is diminishing research quality as staff on short-term contracts favour “safer” work to secure future employment, according to the author of a new report
#AcademicSky #highered
#AcademicSky #highered
Use of fixed-term posts ‘stifling more critical research’
Scholars with short contracts seen as more likely to favour doing ‘safer’ work, with ‘serious ramifications’ for their disciplines
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Thanks @julietterowsell.bsky.social for covering the @statesofprecarity.bsky.social report launch event this week!
Reposted by Rachael Squire
🔉Call for Papers! This September Jay Todd @jaytoddgla.bsky.social & I will be organising a session on "Queering Environmental Justice" at the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference @rgsibg.bsky.social
⏰ Abstract deadline: 18 February 2026
🔗 Conference website: www.rgs.org/research/ann...
⏰ Abstract deadline: 18 February 2026
🔗 Conference website: www.rgs.org/research/ann...
![This session aims to bring environmental justice praxis into conversations around queer and trans liberation and subjugation. Anti-gender politics and the transnational eliminationist movements against trans and gender diverse people (Holvikivi et al. 2024) are increasingly affecting environmental policy and advocacy, and gender has become hotly contested in global environmental governance processes (Balayannis 2026). In response, this session asks: how do queer and trans liberation matter for environmental justice?
The exclusion and regulation of trans and queer bodies from and within public spaces is now routinely making headlines in the UK and well beyond (Butler 2025; Faye 2022). Meanwhile, the environmental sciences also have a long history of eco-normativity and structurally pathologising queer lives; often characterising transness, intersex bodies, and same-sex sexual behaviours, as the adverse effects of pollution exposure (Di Chiro 2010; Zabalegui 2024). Despite its focus on power and difference (Schlosberg et al. 2025), environmental justice praxis has yet to address these enduring epistemic harms and (up until recently) has lacked engagement with queer and trans politics.
Recent calls to queer environmental justice are configured as an “inclusion” issue (e.g. Goldsmith and Bell 2022), and overlook the more fundamental structural harms of dominant science (Liboiron 2021). Geographical research has tended to reinforce the boundaries between environmental politics, and queer and trans politics, suggesting that existing work in queer and trans geographies holds limited relevance for expanding on environmental justice. This session confronts this assumption and considers the potentialities of queer and trans studies, beyond making sense of gender, sexuality, and heteronormativity. [continued on next image]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:kgdfqnolcmjydc3uu34kgets/bafkreia2pszeu4qoyxhjk4bt4h3tmy2jm2uhvrdbkvjcnqr3wmtile26he@jpeg)
January 13, 2026 at 2:57 PM
🔉Call for Papers! This September Jay Todd @jaytoddgla.bsky.social & I will be organising a session on "Queering Environmental Justice" at the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference @rgsibg.bsky.social
⏰ Abstract deadline: 18 February 2026
🔗 Conference website: www.rgs.org/research/ann...
⏰ Abstract deadline: 18 February 2026
🔗 Conference website: www.rgs.org/research/ann...
Thank you @matildaf.bsky.social for your fantastic and considered response. And all your work more broadly in this area - we're really grateful.
This was an excellent launch event today. I'm hugely grateful for the invite to contribute as a discussant, and to be in such great company among the respondents. Huge thanks to the research team for the report, for organising the event, and for creating such a supportive space.
Today we launch States of Precarity in UK HE Geography.
Thank you to the 364 colleagues whose experiences shaped this work.
Download the report, share widely, and join us in advocating for change.
Launch event (1:00-2:30GMT):
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Read report:
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Thank you to the 364 colleagues whose experiences shaped this work.
Download the report, share widely, and join us in advocating for change.
Launch event (1:00-2:30GMT):
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Read report:
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
January 15, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Thank you @matildaf.bsky.social for your fantastic and considered response. And all your work more broadly in this area - we're really grateful.
Thanks so much for sharing.
January 15, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Thanks so much for sharing.
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Precarity in UK #Geography is pernicious. Fixed term contracts are a scourge & even those on permanent contracts do not feel safe in their jobs
This landmark study provides Action Plans for reducing precarity. We need to also raise awareness & lobby for change #geosky
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
This landmark study provides Action Plans for reducing precarity. We need to also raise awareness & lobby for change #geosky
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
January 15, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Precarity in UK #Geography is pernicious. Fixed term contracts are a scourge & even those on permanent contracts do not feel safe in their jobs
This landmark study provides Action Plans for reducing precarity. We need to also raise awareness & lobby for change #geosky
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
This landmark study provides Action Plans for reducing precarity. We need to also raise awareness & lobby for change #geosky
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
It's not too late to join us for the launch of the States of Precarity report and resources at 1pm (UK time) today! We'll be joined by four amazing discussants, with lots of opportunities for wider questions too. You can sign up here: www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
January 14, 2026 at 10:58 AM
It's not too late to join us for the launch of the States of Precarity report and resources at 1pm (UK time) today! We'll be joined by four amazing discussants, with lots of opportunities for wider questions too. You can sign up here: www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Grateful to amazing colleagues who have kindly agreed to respond to the report. Please do join us if you can :)
Join us for our report launch event next Wednesday, 1pm-2.30pm [Online]
Guest speakers:
Prof. Gillian Rose, Lekan Adekola, Matilda Fitzmaurice, Jay Todd
Register 👇
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
Guest speakers:
Prof. Gillian Rose, Lekan Adekola, Matilda Fitzmaurice, Jay Todd
Register 👇
www.rgs.org/events/upcom...
States of precarity in UK geography report launch
We're invitomh all geographers to the launch of the States of Precarity in UK Higher Education Geography report.
www.rgs.org
January 8, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Grateful to amazing colleagues who have kindly agreed to respond to the report. Please do join us if you can :)
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Thank you @stuartelden.bsky.social for launching the debate! 🥳
Other pieces in the forum coming out shortly include an intro by Giada Peterle, a piece by @squirerachael.bsky.social, one by @klausdodds.bsky.social
and a drawn response by me — that, incidentally, I still have to finish drawing 🤣😉!
Other pieces in the forum coming out shortly include an intro by Giada Peterle, a piece by @squirerachael.bsky.social, one by @klausdodds.bsky.social
and a drawn response by me — that, incidentally, I still have to finish drawing 🤣😉!
My piece in a review forum on @julietjfall.bsky.social remarkable Along the Line: Writing with Comics and Graphic Narrative in Geography (EPFL) is now online first in @dialogueshg.bsky.social
Stuart Elden, "Visuality and Vocabulary in Political Geography".
journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10....
Stuart Elden, "Visuality and Vocabulary in Political Geography".
journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10....
January 7, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Thank you @stuartelden.bsky.social for launching the debate! 🥳
Other pieces in the forum coming out shortly include an intro by Giada Peterle, a piece by @squirerachael.bsky.social, one by @klausdodds.bsky.social
and a drawn response by me — that, incidentally, I still have to finish drawing 🤣😉!
Other pieces in the forum coming out shortly include an intro by Giada Peterle, a piece by @squirerachael.bsky.social, one by @klausdodds.bsky.social
and a drawn response by me — that, incidentally, I still have to finish drawing 🤣😉!
We'll be joined by amazing respondents from different career stages who'll be offering critical reflections on the report its findings. Fruther details soon but please do save the date and register if you can.
📣Join the States of Precarity team for the launch of the States of Precarity in UK Higher Education Geography report.
📅 Wednesday 14 January
🎦 Online
👉 Sign up to attend: https://bit.ly/4rvQgP2
Check out the report before the launch: https://bit.ly/44HTUvg
📅 Wednesday 14 January
🎦 Online
👉 Sign up to attend: https://bit.ly/4rvQgP2
Check out the report before the launch: https://bit.ly/44HTUvg
December 11, 2025 at 7:44 AM
We'll be joined by amazing respondents from different career stages who'll be offering critical reflections on the report its findings. Fruther details soon but please do save the date and register if you can.
Thank you for sharing and for your ongoing support!
December 11, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Thank you for sharing and for your ongoing support!
Reposted by Rachael Squire
this is a crucial report with significance across the UK #highered sector, for all workers, on fixed-tem contracts or not, including senior management. @rgsibg.bsky.social @rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @resprofnews.bsky.social
📣Join the States of Precarity team for the launch of the States of Precarity in UK Higher Education Geography report.
📅 Wednesday 14 January
🎦 Online
👉 Sign up to attend: https://bit.ly/4rvQgP2
Check out the report before the launch: https://bit.ly/44HTUvg
📅 Wednesday 14 January
🎦 Online
👉 Sign up to attend: https://bit.ly/4rvQgP2
Check out the report before the launch: https://bit.ly/44HTUvg
December 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
this is a crucial report with significance across the UK #highered sector, for all workers, on fixed-tem contracts or not, including senior management. @rgsibg.bsky.social @rgs-ibghe.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @resprofnews.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Good to see findings from this timely & necessary research coming out. Hope there are tangible actions following the findings and this is not simply another citable reference that can be used to document and tick-box
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
Findings from a discipline-focused research project exploring the lived realities of precarious academic work within UK Higher Education geography.
www.rgs.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Good to see findings from this timely & necessary research coming out. Hope there are tangible actions following the findings and this is not simply another citable reference that can be used to document and tick-box
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Thanks so much for reading and sharing.
December 11, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Thanks so much for reading and sharing.
A new paper in Mobilities by Kim Peters and I - Routes to blue stewardship? Mobilising aquarium a/effects towards ocean citizenship and planetary change
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
December 5, 2025 at 8:19 AM
A new paper in Mobilities by Kim Peters and I - Routes to blue stewardship? Mobilising aquarium a/effects towards ocean citizenship and planetary change
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Original wheel here and new 'spoke' below. We argue that contract status needs to be included.
December 1, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Original wheel here and new 'spoke' below. We argue that contract status needs to be included.
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Over half of colleagues on fixed-term contracts cannot plan for their future. A further 37.6% say FTCs limit their ability to plan.
#StatesOfPrecarity
#StatesOfPrecarity
December 1, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Over half of colleagues on fixed-term contracts cannot plan for their future. A further 37.6% say FTCs limit their ability to plan.
#StatesOfPrecarity
#StatesOfPrecarity
Reposted by Rachael Squire
If anyone missed the launch event last week for our guidance on more inclusive workplaces for academics with ELC, the recording is now available on our website (along with the guidance) exhaustioneconomy.uk/guidance/ @alisonallam.bsky.social @catherinehale.bsky.social @equihealthfutures.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM
If anyone missed the launch event last week for our guidance on more inclusive workplaces for academics with ELC, the recording is now available on our website (along with the guidance) exhaustioneconomy.uk/guidance/ @alisonallam.bsky.social @catherinehale.bsky.social @equihealthfutures.bsky.social
Yes - we were inspired by your paper. We cite it in the report and will be engaging with it in forthcoming publications too.
December 1, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Yes - we were inspired by your paper. We cite it in the report and will be engaging with it in forthcoming publications too.
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Precarity is not a niche issue.
One-third of academic Geographers in the UK are on fixed-term contracts.
Our report shows the profound personal, professional, and disciplinary impacts of this. #StatesofPrecarity
Full report: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
One-third of academic Geographers in the UK are on fixed-term contracts.
Our report shows the profound personal, professional, and disciplinary impacts of this. #StatesofPrecarity
Full report: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
States of precarity in UK Higher Education geography
Findings from a discipline-focused research project exploring the lived realities of precarious academic work within UK Higher Education geography.
www.rgs.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Precarity is not a niche issue.
One-third of academic Geographers in the UK are on fixed-term contracts.
Our report shows the profound personal, professional, and disciplinary impacts of this. #StatesofPrecarity
Full report: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
One-third of academic Geographers in the UK are on fixed-term contracts.
Our report shows the profound personal, professional, and disciplinary impacts of this. #StatesofPrecarity
Full report: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Worth bearing in mind here that we conducted the survey two years ago - much has changed and as the report acknowledges, the figure is now likely much higher.
Read more here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Read more here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
November 26, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Worth bearing in mind here that we conducted the survey two years ago - much has changed and as the report acknowledges, the figure is now likely much higher.
Read more here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Read more here: www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Reposted by Rachael Squire
Precarity is often presented as something that only effects early career researchers or people on fixed term contracts.
Our report found that 45% of geographers on permanent contracts feel precarious.
The implications for the discipline are wide ranging. Read more 👇
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Our report found that 45% of geographers on permanent contracts feel precarious.
The implications for the discipline are wide ranging. Read more 👇
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Precarity is often presented as something that only effects early career researchers or people on fixed term contracts.
Our report found that 45% of geographers on permanent contracts feel precarious.
The implications for the discipline are wide ranging. Read more 👇
www.rgs.org/research/hig...
Our report found that 45% of geographers on permanent contracts feel precarious.
The implications for the discipline are wide ranging. Read more 👇
www.rgs.org/research/hig...