Margot Finn
@eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Historian of Britain and colonialism, material culture, the EIC. Also works on equalities, museums, open access & research policy. Download the EIC @ Home open access volume here: https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/88277 (or individual chapters via JSTOR)
Reposted by Margot Finn
'people who are multilingual are half as likely to show signs of accelerated biological ageing than are those who speak just one language.'
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Want a younger brain? Learn another language
A vast study suggests that being multilingual can slow down cognitive ageing.
www.nature.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:58 AM
'people who are multilingual are half as likely to show signs of accelerated biological ageing than are those who speak just one language.'
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
Good thing that schools, universities and governments are so actively promoting modern languages then, isn't it? 1/2
'as our city grows through the “defence dividend”, there will be new jobs...reduced inequality, improved health, better housing, a more vibrant culture, and stronger communities. Along with this will be a demand for artists, historians, lawyers, doctors, nurses, dentists and more.' 1/2
What does specialisation for a university mean in a defence-led economy?
Plymouth is once again entering an era of defence-driven growth. Richard Davies asks how the university fits in
wonkhe.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:52 AM
'as our city grows through the “defence dividend”, there will be new jobs...reduced inequality, improved health, better housing, a more vibrant culture, and stronger communities. Along with this will be a demand for artists, historians, lawyers, doctors, nurses, dentists and more.' 1/2
A puff piece that relentlessly refuses to adduce actual evidence or to consider that any aspect of 'the other side' might have any virtue. Why publish this superficial guff? The topic deserves much better.
Universities risk irrelevance by failing to engage fully with AI
It is difficult to think of another sector that has so dismally failed to strategically engage with the transformative potential of IT, says Ian Richardson
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:44 AM
A puff piece that relentlessly refuses to adduce actual evidence or to consider that any aspect of 'the other side' might have any virtue. Why publish this superficial guff? The topic deserves much better.
'For the past decade, Delhi has held the inglorious title of being the world’s most polluted city. Pollution season has become as normalised as the monsoon, as it rolls over the city in a suffocating smog that begins in October and can last for more than four months.' 1/2
‘I can’t breathe in this city’: inaction over Delhi’s suffocating pollution sparks rare protest
The failure by state governments to do anything about pollution means it has often been met with apathy. But at a rare protest anger and frustration were rife
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:32 AM
'For the past decade, Delhi has held the inglorious title of being the world’s most polluted city. Pollution season has become as normalised as the monsoon, as it rolls over the city in a suffocating smog that begins in October and can last for more than four months.' 1/2
'Prof Nicola Ranger, the union’s general secretary, said: “A sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric is fuelling a growing cesspool of racism, including against international and ethnic minority nursing staff, without whom our health and care system would simply cease to function.' 1/2
NHS staff who visit patients at home say St George’s flags can mean ‘no-go zones’
Black and Asian staff left feeling ‘deliberately intimidated’, according to chief executive of one NHS trust
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:28 AM
'Prof Nicola Ranger, the union’s general secretary, said: “A sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric is fuelling a growing cesspool of racism, including against international and ethnic minority nursing staff, without whom our health and care system would simply cease to function.' 1/2
Reposted by Margot Finn
@bjennings90.bsky.social absolutely nails it. (www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...)
November 11, 2025 at 6:58 AM
@bjennings90.bsky.social absolutely nails it. (www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...)
Reposted by Margot Finn
UNC-Chapel Hill's chancellor says the university will not sign on to a higher education compact from the Trump administration.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
www.wunc.org/education/20...
After faculty raise concerns, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor says university will not sign Trump's higher ed compact
Lee Roberts called the "preferential treatment" proposal a clear infringement on academic freedom.
www.wunc.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:28 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill's chancellor says the university will not sign on to a higher education compact from the Trump administration.
www.wunc.org/education/20...
www.wunc.org/education/20...
'In 2024, 42,265 people were employed as researchers in Norway, down from 42,348 in 2023. The losses were more pronounced in universities and colleges'.
Et tu, Britain?
Et tu, Britain?
November 10, 2025 at 5:06 PM
'In 2024, 42,265 people were employed as researchers in Norway, down from 42,348 in 2023. The losses were more pronounced in universities and colleges'.
Et tu, Britain?
Et tu, Britain?
Reposted by Margot Finn
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture, Courtauld, statement of intent deadline 17 November 2025
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
medievalartresearch.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
Thought for the day:
On Bluesky, it's "nice" to "Like", but it's (more) effective to Repost. Be effective. (You can also be nice).
On Bluesky, it's "nice" to "Like", but it's (more) effective to Repost. Be effective. (You can also be nice).
November 10, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Thought for the day:
On Bluesky, it's "nice" to "Like", but it's (more) effective to Repost. Be effective. (You can also be nice).
On Bluesky, it's "nice" to "Like", but it's (more) effective to Repost. Be effective. (You can also be nice).
'The global scientific community has been urged to adopt and support non-profit scholarly publishing models to help solve the problems caused by today’s predominant systems—described as “arguably the largest science crisis of all time”.' 1/3
‘Embrace non-profit publishing to tackle largest science crisis’.
Stockholm Declaration promotes shift to models encouraging high quality and restoration of trust.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Stockholm Declaration promotes shift to models encouraging high quality and restoration of trust.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
‘Embrace non-profit publishing to tackle largest science crisis’ - Research Professional News
Stockholm Declaration promotes shift to models encouraging high quality and restoration of trust
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:22 PM
'The global scientific community has been urged to adopt and support non-profit scholarly publishing models to help solve the problems caused by today’s predominant systems—described as “arguably the largest science crisis of all time”.' 1/3
If Britain is 'sliding "into economic crisis over £85bn sickness bill', what can UK Arts, Humanities & Social Science research tell us about alternative pathways?
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Britain sliding 'into economic crisis' over £85bn sickness bill, ex-John Lewis boss warns
The number of people who are out of work for health reasons has grown by 800,000 since 2019.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
If Britain is 'sliding "into economic crisis over £85bn sickness bill', what can UK Arts, Humanities & Social Science research tell us about alternative pathways?
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
Swansea University historians have some excellent answers. 1/4
@torstenbell.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
'As pressure mounts globally on the humanities, Africa’s leading writers and scholars used this week’s Nobel Symposium in Literature, held in South Africa, to argue that the arts are still vital to the world’s intellectual and moral life.'
‘It’s what makes us human’: Top writers defend humanities
As pressure mounts globally on the humanities, Africa’s leading writers and scholars used this week’s Nobel Symposium in Literature to argue that ...
www.universityworldnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:51 AM
'As pressure mounts globally on the humanities, Africa’s leading writers and scholars used this week’s Nobel Symposium in Literature, held in South Africa, to argue that the arts are still vital to the world’s intellectual and moral life.'
What's lost when we lose staff, departments, programmes and faculties in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and what's that got to do with organ donation?
Amid the looming losses faced by Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Leicester and Nottingham (among many others), here's a worked example. 1/8
Amid the looming losses faced by Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Leicester and Nottingham (among many others), here's a worked example. 1/8
The organ donation ‘opt-out’ has been a fatal failure | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:10 AM
What's lost when we lose staff, departments, programmes and faculties in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and what's that got to do with organ donation?
Amid the looming losses faced by Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Leicester and Nottingham (among many others), here's a worked example. 1/8
Amid the looming losses faced by Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Leicester and Nottingham (among many others), here's a worked example. 1/8
'The survey finds a growing disparity between pre- and post-92 institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. While just 16 per cent of pre-92 business schools say they have seen a decline in home undergraduate students, almost three in five (59 per cent) of post-92s have witnessed declines.'
Business schools told to up recruitment amid ‘uneven’ recovery
More than half of deans say parent universities want them to enrol more students, as leaders express concern over ‘growing disparities’
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:58 AM
'The survey finds a growing disparity between pre- and post-92 institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. While just 16 per cent of pre-92 business schools say they have seen a decline in home undergraduate students, almost three in five (59 per cent) of post-92s have witnessed declines.'
'Members of the University and College Union...are unhappy about the threat of compulsory redundancies, as the university seeks to cut 400 full-time posts as part of efforts to save £30m, amid rising costs and a fall in international student numbers.'
"are unhappy about" an existential crisis?
"are unhappy about" an existential crisis?
Lancaster University staff to start industrial action over job cuts
The university is looking to save £30m amid rising costs and a fall in international student numbers.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:48 AM
'Members of the University and College Union...are unhappy about the threat of compulsory redundancies, as the university seeks to cut 400 full-time posts as part of efforts to save £30m, amid rising costs and a fall in international student numbers.'
"are unhappy about" an existential crisis?
"are unhappy about" an existential crisis?
Reposted by Margot Finn
EU reset getting a bit stuck according to @financialtimes.com www.ft.com/content/03ef... (£). For free you can join our expert panel @instituteforgovernment.org.uk @ukandeu.bsky.social to hear about it on 19/11. Sign up here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/six-mo...
Von der Leyen dodged Starmer request for meeting on EU money demands
European Commission president had ‘scheduling’ issues at COP30 summit in Brazil and did not meet the UK premier
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:49 AM
EU reset getting a bit stuck according to @financialtimes.com www.ft.com/content/03ef... (£). For free you can join our expert panel @instituteforgovernment.org.uk @ukandeu.bsky.social to hear about it on 19/11. Sign up here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/six-mo...
Reposted by Margot Finn
Re the BBC, 'only nineties kids will remember' the DG post, pre Tony-Hall, was a hiding to nothing. John Birt was constantly criticised, Greg Dyke resigned over Hutton, poor George Entwistle only lasted 54 days! Mark Thompson was the great survivor but look at his Wiki (Brand, Savile, Nick Griffin).
November 10, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Re the BBC, 'only nineties kids will remember' the DG post, pre Tony-Hall, was a hiding to nothing. John Birt was constantly criticised, Greg Dyke resigned over Hutton, poor George Entwistle only lasted 54 days! Mark Thompson was the great survivor but look at his Wiki (Brand, Savile, Nick Griffin).
Reposted by Margot Finn
“One professor even told THE that the research section seemed like a “ChatGPT digest” of ministerial speeches and previous skills announcements. “Line by line it reads OK, but step back and there are so many contradictions that you can’t ignore.””
www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/uk-res...
www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/uk-res...
UK research faces a radical overhaul
The recent skills White Paper foreshadows the shuttering of some or all research in certain UK universities. But what will the effects of that be on teaching – and on research itself? How could it be ...
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:46 AM
“One professor even told THE that the research section seemed like a “ChatGPT digest” of ministerial speeches and previous skills announcements. “Line by line it reads OK, but step back and there are so many contradictions that you can’t ignore.””
www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/uk-res...
www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/uk-res...
Reposted by Margot Finn
*TONIGHT*
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
November 10, 2025 at 7:32 AM
*TONIGHT*
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
ISLAM & MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Mon 10 Nov | British Library
What was premodern England’s relationship like with the wider Islamic Worlds? Join Medieval & Early Modern Orients & HistFest for a special event.
Book now events.bl.uk/events/islam...
Reposted by Margot Finn
We're hiring in history of science at UW Madison! TT Assistant Professorship with a focus on water. Joint appointment between the History and Integrated Liberal Studies depts, and part of a university-wide hiring cluster on earth/sustainability science. jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/profess... #STS #HSMT
Professor of History - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:FacultyEmployment Type:Regula...
jobs.wisc.edu
November 6, 2025 at 7:37 PM
We're hiring in history of science at UW Madison! TT Assistant Professorship with a focus on water. Joint appointment between the History and Integrated Liberal Studies depts, and part of a university-wide hiring cluster on earth/sustainability science. jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/profess... #STS #HSMT
Reposted by Margot Finn
I expected better analysis from Wonkhe articles than a spewing of AI tech bro platitudes and dismissive of genuine concerns about reliability of LLM.
November 10, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I expected better analysis from Wonkhe articles than a spewing of AI tech bro platitudes and dismissive of genuine concerns about reliability of LLM.
What’s the point of Sonia Sodha if she can’t be impartial?
Only by ruthlessly examining what failures made it so vulnerable to groupthink in handling Martine Croxall’s case and others can the corporation save itself | ✍️ Sonia Sodha
What’s the point of the BBC if it can’t be impartial?
Only by ruthlessly examining what failures made it so vulnerable to groupthink in handling Martine Croxall’s case and others can the corporation save itself
www.thetimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:35 AM
What’s the point of Sonia Sodha if she can’t be impartial?