Professor Anna Vignoles
@annavignoles.bsky.social
Director of the Leverhulme Trust and Fellow of British Academy. Formerly Professor of Education. All views are my own and retweets do not suggest endorsement.
Pinned
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with @expeditions.bsky.social, the Philip Leverhulme Prize Collection, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge as widely as possible. Read more about this exciting partnership: www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/EXPedit... @annavignoles.bsky.social
So proud of this collection and thanks to @expeditions.bsky.social for putting this together. Our aim is not just to showcase excellent @leverhulme.ac.uk research but to also highlight the value of blue skies research and knowledge generally. More important than ever. Please do spread the word.
Very interesting work findings on how to make school choice work better.
NEW REPORT: Modelling and reforming school choice
By Ellen Greaves, @estellecantillon.bsky.social, @mariagraziacavallo.bsky.social and me.
Blog economics.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/2025/11/06/a...
Policy briefing
www.bristol.ac.uk/media-librar...
#EconSky #EduSky
1/9
By Ellen Greaves, @estellecantillon.bsky.social, @mariagraziacavallo.bsky.social and me.
Blog economics.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/2025/11/06/a...
Policy briefing
www.bristol.ac.uk/media-librar...
#EconSky #EduSky
1/9
Access to highly effective schools: The case for reform – Welcome to the Economics blog
How do we address the gap in attainment between the most advantaged and disadvantaged students in the UK? Pioneering research, led by the University of Bristol, reveals the reforms most likely to equa...
economics.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
November 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Very interesting work findings on how to make school choice work better.
Interesting! If a tad worrying.
New post just out:
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
"How to make government work"
We have a guest post from one of the people who built the AI Security Institute on a rare UK success story. With important lessons for the rest of government.
(£/free trial)
open.substack.com/pub/samf/p/h...
How to make government work
Lessons from a rare British success story
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Interesting! If a tad worrying.
www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/value-k...
Do come along on 17 November to hear some of our Philip Leverhulme Prize winners speak about the importance of knowledge particularly at the moment! With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
Do come along on 17 November to hear some of our Philip Leverhulme Prize winners speak about the importance of knowledge particularly at the moment! With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
www.leverhulme.ac.uk
October 16, 2025 at 7:14 AM
www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/value-k...
Do come along on 17 November to hear some of our Philip Leverhulme Prize winners speak about the importance of knowledge particularly at the moment! With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
Do come along on 17 November to hear some of our Philip Leverhulme Prize winners speak about the importance of knowledge particularly at the moment! With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/...
More fantastic episodes of the BA Early Career Researcher podcast have landed. Lots of ECRs tell us sharing stories and connecting to others really helps during this critical career phase. So please share widely.
More fantastic episodes of the BA Early Career Researcher podcast have landed. Lots of ECRs tell us sharing stories and connecting to others really helps during this critical career phase. So please share widely.
Confessions of an Early Career Researcher
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
October 15, 2025 at 4:34 PM
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/audio-video/...
More fantastic episodes of the BA Early Career Researcher podcast have landed. Lots of ECRs tell us sharing stories and connecting to others really helps during this critical career phase. So please share widely.
More fantastic episodes of the BA Early Career Researcher podcast have landed. Lots of ECRs tell us sharing stories and connecting to others really helps during this critical career phase. So please share widely.
A reminder that we have a great evening coming up on 17 November with some fabulous speakers talking about the importance of knowledge. With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
The Trust has joined forces with @expeditions.bsky.social to host a special evening on 17 November, featuring leading scholars Shantanu Das, Daisy Fancourt, Naoíse Mac Sweeney, Simon Reid-Henry and @tiffwattsmith.bsky.social to discuss the importance of knowledge in a changing world.
October 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM
A reminder that we have a great evening coming up on 17 November with some fabulous speakers talking about the importance of knowledge. With our partners @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15
In case you missed this, we have a fabulous evening lined up talking about the importance of research and knowledge. Seems very timely and great to partner with @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15 ... Do come along.
www.5x15.com/events/5x15-...
www.5x15.com/events/5x15-...
October 3, 2025 at 2:53 PM
In case you missed this, we have a fabulous evening lined up talking about the importance of research and knowledge. Seems very timely and great to partner with @expeditions.bsky.social and 5x15 ... Do come along.
www.5x15.com/events/5x15-...
www.5x15.com/events/5x15-...
Grants going 👇
We invite applications for British Academy/Leverhulme Senior Research Fellowships 2025. The scheme supports established and senior researchers in the humanities and social sciences wishing to complete research through a sustained period of leave for one year. Apply now: https://bit.ly/3VMeTZ9
October 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Grants going 👇
@leverhulme.ac.uk is supporting this fantastic BA podcast for early career researchers.
It's an exciting but stressful transition period for many and sharing experiences is definitely helpful. Enjoy!!
It's an exciting but stressful transition period for many and sharing experiences is definitely helpful. Enjoy!!
Our new podcast by ECRs, for ECRs is here. Tune in as researchers share their academia survival tips.
The first episodes of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher are available now. Subscribe for our final episodes, going live 15 October. https://bit.ly/47PXZQH
The first episodes of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher are available now. Subscribe for our final episodes, going live 15 October. https://bit.ly/47PXZQH
September 23, 2025 at 7:54 AM
@leverhulme.ac.uk is supporting this fantastic BA podcast for early career researchers.
It's an exciting but stressful transition period for many and sharing experiences is definitely helpful. Enjoy!!
It's an exciting but stressful transition period for many and sharing experiences is definitely helpful. Enjoy!!
On the need for public investment....
They argue that the £113bn additional investment announced since last year’s Budget is a “useful step in the right direction”, but this still leaves public investment flat as a share of GDP over the parliament – and lower than both the OECD and the UK post-war averages.
September 19, 2025 at 6:53 PM
On the need for public investment....
So proud of this collection and thanks to @expeditions.bsky.social for putting this together. Our aim is not just to showcase excellent @leverhulme.ac.uk research but to also highlight the value of blue skies research and knowledge generally. More important than ever. Please do spread the word.
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with @expeditions.bsky.social, the Philip Leverhulme Prize Collection, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge as widely as possible. Read more about this exciting partnership: www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/EXPedit... @annavignoles.bsky.social
September 15, 2025 at 7:15 AM
So proud of this collection and thanks to @expeditions.bsky.social for putting this together. Our aim is not just to showcase excellent @leverhulme.ac.uk research but to also highlight the value of blue skies research and knowledge generally. More important than ever. Please do spread the word.
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
At 1.30 a.m., in the night between 13 & 14 September 1943, the various units of Italian troops (12,000 in all), mostly conscripts of the Acqui Division, occupying the Greek island of Cephalonia, receive an unusual message from their Commander, General Antonio Gandin [Warning: long thread] >> 1
September 13, 2024 at 2:37 PM
At 1.30 a.m., in the night between 13 & 14 September 1943, the various units of Italian troops (12,000 in all), mostly conscripts of the Acqui Division, occupying the Greek island of Cephalonia, receive an unusual message from their Commander, General Antonio Gandin [Warning: long thread] >> 1
One of our Early Career Fellows Dr Thea Sommerschield getting lots of attention for her AI tool to read ancient inscriptions @leverhulme.ac.uk @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Gaps in what we know about ancient Romans could be filled by AI
A new system fills in missing words from ancient inscriptions carved on monuments and everyday objects.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 24, 2025 at 8:35 AM
One of our Early Career Fellows Dr Thea Sommerschield getting lots of attention for her AI tool to read ancient inscriptions @leverhulme.ac.uk @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
One not to miss!
On Friday, Sept 26th, we'll be marking the retirement of @petermandler.bsky.social as Professor of Modern Cultural History at @camhistory.bsky.social with the launch of 'Democratising History: Modern British History Inside and Out', published by @uolpress.bsky.social. (Free) tickets available!
Democratising History: Modern British History Inside and Out
A book launch for Democratising History: Modern British History Inside and Out, a festschrift in honour of Prof. Peter Mandler
www.eventbrite.co.uk
July 17, 2025 at 7:56 PM
One not to miss!
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
Lots to digest in this, but notable that trust in scientists is maintained across many of the groups - indeed is higher than trust in neighbours for every group. It is a reminder that the UK is not the US and we need to be careful of importing analytical models of ‘culture wars’ based on the US
First What are the drivers of malaise? 1) Lack of trust. Across the board trust in politics is low, people lack faith in both politicians character & ability to get Britain out of a rut. Majorities wouldn't trust each of the main party leaders to even watch their bag for them.
July 13, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Lots to digest in this, but notable that trust in scientists is maintained across many of the groups - indeed is higher than trust in neighbours for every group. It is a reminder that the UK is not the US and we need to be careful of importing analytical models of ‘culture wars’ based on the US
👇😁😁😁
This week on Wonkhe: The Leverhulme Trust is investing an extra £100m in supporting research next year. Anna Vignoles calls for new thinking on ways to sustain university research infrastructures
Research funding requires research capacity
The Leverhulme Trust is investing an extra £100m in supporting research next year. Anna Vignoles calls for new thinking on ways to sustain university research infrastructures
buff.ly
July 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
👇😁😁😁
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
Great event in London launching “Joining Up Pro-Productivity Policies in the UK” alongside @niesrorg.bsky.social. Insightful panel, packed room, and a big thanks to all contributors! 📄🔗 www.productivity.ac.uk/research/joi... 1/4
July 10, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Great event in London launching “Joining Up Pro-Productivity Policies in the UK” alongside @niesrorg.bsky.social. Insightful panel, packed room, and a big thanks to all contributors! 📄🔗 www.productivity.ac.uk/research/joi... 1/4
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
‘Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too’. Good, thoughtful editorial in @nature.com on #Metascience2025 & the new Alliance
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too
Researchers studying research must avoid the temptation to get too stuck in the academic weeds.
www.nature.com
July 9, 2025 at 7:06 AM
‘Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too’. Good, thoughtful editorial in @nature.com on #Metascience2025 & the new Alliance
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
Thank you all for the kind words about our decision to spend an additional £100m on blue skies research and scholarships.
The UK has a fantastic research base in our universities and no doubt this will enable some important research to be done.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
The UK has a fantastic research base in our universities and no doubt this will enable some important research to be done.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
£100 million investment ‘shows confidence’ in blue-sky research
Leverhulme Trust puts more money into UK sector ‘under strain’ to mark centenary year
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 8, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Thank you all for the kind words about our decision to spend an additional £100m on blue skies research and scholarships.
The UK has a fantastic research base in our universities and no doubt this will enable some important research to be done.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
The UK has a fantastic research base in our universities and no doubt this will enable some important research to be done.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
Happy 100th birthday to @leverhulme.ac.uk. Announcement of an extra £100m for blue-sky research a 'vote of confidence' in UK universities, says director @annavignoles.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m... via @patrickjack.bsky.social
£100 million investment ‘shows confidence’ in blue-sky research
Leverhulme Trust puts more money into UK sector ‘under strain’ to mark centenary year
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 7, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Happy 100th birthday to @leverhulme.ac.uk. Announcement of an extra £100m for blue-sky research a 'vote of confidence' in UK universities, says director @annavignoles.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m... via @patrickjack.bsky.social
In case you missed it...
Big news. @leverhulme.ac.uk are investing £100m in blue skies research and doctoral scholarships, as set out here in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
£100 million investment ‘shows confidence’ in blue-sky research
Leverhulme Trust puts more money into UK sector ‘under strain’ to mark centenary year
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 7, 2025 at 12:08 PM
In case you missed it...
Big news. @leverhulme.ac.uk are investing £100m in blue skies research and doctoral scholarships, as set out here in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
£100 million investment ‘shows confidence’ in blue-sky research
Leverhulme Trust puts more money into UK sector ‘under strain’ to mark centenary year
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Big news. @leverhulme.ac.uk are investing £100m in blue skies research and doctoral scholarships, as set out here in @timeshighered.bsky.social
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/ps100-m...
Big day @leverhulme.ac.uk - we are celebrating our centenary by investing £100m in blue skies research and doctoral centres. Here I explain why... @wonkhe.bsky.social
Research funding requires research capacity wonkhe.com/blogs/resear...
Research funding requires research capacity wonkhe.com/blogs/resear...
Research funding requires research capacity
The Leverhulme Trust is investing an extra £100m in supporting research next year. Anna Vignoles calls for new thinking on ways to sustain university research infrastructures
wonkhe.com
July 7, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Big day @leverhulme.ac.uk - we are celebrating our centenary by investing £100m in blue skies research and doctoral centres. Here I explain why... @wonkhe.bsky.social
Research funding requires research capacity wonkhe.com/blogs/resear...
Research funding requires research capacity wonkhe.com/blogs/resear...
We are investing more in our Early Career Fellowship scheme - increasing our contribution to the cost. We think it's vital to invest in the next generation of great researchers.
To mark the Trust’s centenary this year, the Leverhulme Trust Board has announced a funding boost in the Early Career Fellowship scheme: an additional investment of £3.35 million. Read more here: www.leverhulme.ac.uk/news/leverhu...
July 1, 2025 at 5:27 PM
We are investing more in our Early Career Fellowship scheme - increasing our contribution to the cost. We think it's vital to invest in the next generation of great researchers.
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
How do we make sure we move from plan to implementation on the new #IndustrialStrategy and how to turn it into sustained #productivity growth? Some thoughts from @andywestwood.bsky.social and me on the things to look out for. @productivity.bsky.social
📊 Can the UK finally stick to a long-term growth plan?
The new place-based #IndustrialStrategy sets bold goals, but can it be made to last in the long term & survive political cycles?
Read @andywestwood.bsky.social & @bartvanark.bsky.social new analysis: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/industr...
The new place-based #IndustrialStrategy sets bold goals, but can it be made to last in the long term & survive political cycles?
Read @andywestwood.bsky.social & @bartvanark.bsky.social new analysis: www.productivity.ac.uk/news/industr...
Industrial Strategy - taking a punt? - The Productivity Institute
The UK Industrial Strategy set some ambitious targets, but how well can it be implemented?
www.productivity.ac.uk
June 27, 2025 at 3:04 PM
How do we make sure we move from plan to implementation on the new #IndustrialStrategy and how to turn it into sustained #productivity growth? Some thoughts from @andywestwood.bsky.social and me on the things to look out for. @productivity.bsky.social
Reposted by Professor Anna Vignoles
After an incredible twenty-eight years of dedicated service as a Trustee and more than a decade at the helm as Chair of the Leverhulme Trust, Niall FitzGerald speaks to Simon Hall about funding blue skies research. Listen to their conversation here: 🎙️ media.leverhulme.ac.uk/podcast/nial...
June 24, 2025 at 8:42 AM
After an incredible twenty-eight years of dedicated service as a Trustee and more than a decade at the helm as Chair of the Leverhulme Trust, Niall FitzGerald speaks to Simon Hall about funding blue skies research. Listen to their conversation here: 🎙️ media.leverhulme.ac.uk/podcast/nial...