Julia Svoboda
@juliasvoboda.bsky.social
Assoc. Prof @ Tufts, STEM Education, stress baking, cycling
My very last installment of Current Insights is about what kids can do. It's inspired by the Tufts STEM Ed community: www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/...
Insights from What Kids Can Do | CBE—Life Sciences Education
The purpose of the Current Insights feature is to highlight recent research and scholarship from outside the LSE community. In this installment, I review recent research investigating young children's...
www.lifescied.org
October 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
My very last installment of Current Insights is about what kids can do. It's inspired by the Tufts STEM Ed community: www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
We’re going live at 7PM ET on YouTube & Instagram to discuss the Trump admin’s offer to give preferential treatment to colleges & universities that pledge an oath of loyalty to Trump’s ideological agenda.
Pure corruption & a violation of core principles of US higher education & democracy.
Pure corruption & a violation of core principles of US higher education & democracy.
Breaking Down Trump's New Higher Ed Loyalty Oath Compacts and Why We Must Resist
YouTube video by TheAAUP
youtube.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:58 PM
We’re going live at 7PM ET on YouTube & Instagram to discuss the Trump admin’s offer to give preferential treatment to colleges & universities that pledge an oath of loyalty to Trump’s ideological agenda.
Pure corruption & a violation of core principles of US higher education & democracy.
Pure corruption & a violation of core principles of US higher education & democracy.
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
A tale of two states and Trump's shakedown of higher ed:
TEXAS: Oh goody, yes, we love to strip away academic freedoms to serve Trump's wishes.
CALIFORNIA: Eat shit. Any university who signs the letter will lose state funding.
TEXAS: Oh goody, yes, we love to strip away academic freedoms to serve Trump's wishes.
CALIFORNIA: Eat shit. Any university who signs the letter will lose state funding.
October 3, 2025 at 12:30 AM
A tale of two states and Trump's shakedown of higher ed:
TEXAS: Oh goody, yes, we love to strip away academic freedoms to serve Trump's wishes.
CALIFORNIA: Eat shit. Any university who signs the letter will lose state funding.
TEXAS: Oh goody, yes, we love to strip away academic freedoms to serve Trump's wishes.
CALIFORNIA: Eat shit. Any university who signs the letter will lose state funding.
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
This case … squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us.”
“The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally ‘yes, they do’.
— Judge William G. Young
#AAUPvRubio
“The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally ‘yes, they do’.
— Judge William G. Young
#AAUPvRubio
Opinion
knightcolumbia.org
September 30, 2025 at 10:36 PM
This case … squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us.”
“The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally ‘yes, they do’.
— Judge William G. Young
#AAUPvRubio
“The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally ‘yes, they do’.
— Judge William G. Young
#AAUPvRubio
No, I guess I didn't think Harvard would stand up: www.nytimes.com/2025/08/23/u...
Harvard Is Making Changes Trump Officials Want, Even Without a Deal
www.nytimes.com
August 29, 2025 at 9:16 PM
No, I guess I didn't think Harvard would stand up: www.nytimes.com/2025/08/23/u...
Getting out for Labor Day!
AFT Massachusetts @ Boston's Labor Day Parade! · AFT
March with AFT Massachusetts in Boston's first-ever Labor Day Parade!
Labor Day 2025 is shaping up to be the country’s largest nationwide labor day of action ever with over 500 events taking place ac...
www.mobilize.us
August 28, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Getting out for Labor Day!
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
The failure of academia during this moment of ascendant fascism is not surprising for anyone who works in the field but, my god, is it ever demoralizing.
July 22, 2025 at 8:31 PM
The failure of academia during this moment of ascendant fascism is not surprising for anyone who works in the field but, my god, is it ever demoralizing.
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
Group shot of attendees at the AAUP-AFT Summer Institute, in the African American Hall of Hame in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on Morehouse College.
Everyone is committed to #OrganizeFightWin and to defend higher education on our campuses!
@aft.org @afthighered.bsky.social
Everyone is committed to #OrganizeFightWin and to defend higher education on our campuses!
@aft.org @afthighered.bsky.social
July 18, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Group shot of attendees at the AAUP-AFT Summer Institute, in the African American Hall of Hame in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel on Morehouse College.
Everyone is committed to #OrganizeFightWin and to defend higher education on our campuses!
@aft.org @afthighered.bsky.social
Everyone is committed to #OrganizeFightWin and to defend higher education on our campuses!
@aft.org @afthighered.bsky.social
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
“The decision to form a union or not to do so lies w/ the postdocs & the research associates, not with the University,” Vice President of @aaup-penn.bsky.social Lorena Grundy said.
“This anti-union campaign is sowing fear, doubt, confusion, & misinformation among the Penn community.”
“This anti-union campaign is sowing fear, doubt, confusion, & misinformation among the Penn community.”
AAUP-Penn calls on University to end ‘anti-union campaign’ in statements of solidarity with RAPUP
The July 7 AAUP statement called on the University to uphold
www.thedp.com
July 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
“The decision to form a union or not to do so lies w/ the postdocs & the research associates, not with the University,” Vice President of @aaup-penn.bsky.social Lorena Grundy said.
“This anti-union campaign is sowing fear, doubt, confusion, & misinformation among the Penn community.”
“This anti-union campaign is sowing fear, doubt, confusion, & misinformation among the Penn community.”
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
The bipartisan American Science Acceleration Project sounds promising, but "move fast and break things" isn't a strategy for trustworthy research. I write in @science.org about why we need acceleration that opens doors to participation and accountability.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Ten times faster is not 10 times better
As the Trump administration systematically defunds the American research ecosystem, while disingenuously promising a return to so-called “gold standard science,” hope can be drawn from the new biparti...
www.science.org
June 27, 2025 at 9:59 AM
The bipartisan American Science Acceleration Project sounds promising, but "move fast and break things" isn't a strategy for trustworthy research. I write in @science.org about why we need acceleration that opens doors to participation and accountability.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
NEW: In more court-related science policy news, there's now a final decision in AAU v. DOE, on the 15% indirect rate policy, which had been frozen by a restraining order since April. Judge Burroughs now vacates the policy. Assume DOE will appeal. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
June 30, 2025 at 8:32 PM
NEW: In more court-related science policy news, there's now a final decision in AAU v. DOE, on the 15% indirect rate policy, which had been frozen by a restraining order since April. Judge Burroughs now vacates the policy. Assume DOE will appeal. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Taking matters into their own hands: www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
UC Berkeley researchers team up for first-of-its-kind lawsuit over Trump funding cuts
University of California staff members hope to use a class action lawsuit to restore their research funding.
www.nbcnews.com
June 9, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Taking matters into their own hands: www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
Thank you @advancejournal.bsky.social for featuring my thoughts on the current moment.
I invite you all to check out “This Joy that I Have…” and then dialogue with me about individual and collection action.
Link: www.advancejournal.org/post/3240-th...
#RacialJustice #STEMEducation #CRT #NSF
I invite you all to check out “This Joy that I Have…” and then dialogue with me about individual and collection action.
Link: www.advancejournal.org/post/3240-th...
#RacialJustice #STEMEducation #CRT #NSF
“This Joy That I Have…” | Published by ADVANCE Journal
This blog post is part of ADVANCE Journal's blog series on the impacts of NSF Grants and their terminations.
www.advancejournal.org
June 2, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Thank you @advancejournal.bsky.social for featuring my thoughts on the current moment.
I invite you all to check out “This Joy that I Have…” and then dialogue with me about individual and collection action.
Link: www.advancejournal.org/post/3240-th...
#RacialJustice #STEMEducation #CRT #NSF
I invite you all to check out “This Joy that I Have…” and then dialogue with me about individual and collection action.
Link: www.advancejournal.org/post/3240-th...
#RacialJustice #STEMEducation #CRT #NSF
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
🚨🚨 Alarming NSF policy update
By accepting an NSF award, an institution now must say it's:
1. Not engaging in boycotts of Israel (yes really)
2. Not advancing or promoting DEI in violation of anti-discrimination laws
Announced via a footnote today: nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/gc1-ma...
By accepting an NSF award, an institution now must say it's:
1. Not engaging in boycotts of Israel (yes really)
2. Not advancing or promoting DEI in violation of anti-discrimination laws
Announced via a footnote today: nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/gc1-ma...
May 19, 2025 at 11:40 PM
🚨🚨 Alarming NSF policy update
By accepting an NSF award, an institution now must say it's:
1. Not engaging in boycotts of Israel (yes really)
2. Not advancing or promoting DEI in violation of anti-discrimination laws
Announced via a footnote today: nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/gc1-ma...
By accepting an NSF award, an institution now must say it's:
1. Not engaging in boycotts of Israel (yes really)
2. Not advancing or promoting DEI in violation of anti-discrimination laws
Announced via a footnote today: nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/gc1-ma...
"If people desperately want to work for McKinsey and their main goal in life is to go skiing and have that cottage on the beach, fine. People have the right to be boring." www.nytimes.com/2025/05/17/m...
Rutger Bregman Wants to Save Elites From Their Wasted Lives
www.nytimes.com
May 20, 2025 at 12:22 AM
"If people desperately want to work for McKinsey and their main goal in life is to go skiing and have that cottage on the beach, fine. People have the right to be boring." www.nytimes.com/2025/05/17/m...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
🧪 Update: NSF's website now also notes the pause in implementation of NSF 15% indirect rates.
But still intends to apply it to new awards "upon a court decision permitting application of the policy" (I'll add: after unsuccessful attempts at NIH and Dept of Energy...)
www.nsf.gov/policies/doc...
But still intends to apply it to new awards "upon a court decision permitting application of the policy" (I'll add: after unsuccessful attempts at NIH and Dept of Energy...)
www.nsf.gov/policies/doc...
May 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
🧪 Update: NSF's website now also notes the pause in implementation of NSF 15% indirect rates.
But still intends to apply it to new awards "upon a court decision permitting application of the policy" (I'll add: after unsuccessful attempts at NIH and Dept of Energy...)
www.nsf.gov/policies/doc...
But still intends to apply it to new awards "upon a court decision permitting application of the policy" (I'll add: after unsuccessful attempts at NIH and Dept of Energy...)
www.nsf.gov/policies/doc...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
"My union organized on behalf of me and other international students with so much effort, love, and care." Rümeysa Öztürk 😭😭🥰
May 11, 2025 at 2:02 AM
"My union organized on behalf of me and other international students with so much effort, love, and care." Rümeysa Öztürk 😭😭🥰
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
In the United States, everyone should have the right to freedom of speech. Here’s my take on Ozturk’s release from detention!
www.boston25news.com/news/local/t...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/t...
‘Thank you all’: Tufts student speaks after release from Louisiana ICE detention center
Ozturk’s legal battle isn’t over, and she is still facing removal from the United States based on foreign policy grounds.
www.boston25news.com
May 10, 2025 at 12:38 PM
In the United States, everyone should have the right to freedom of speech. Here’s my take on Ozturk’s release from detention!
www.boston25news.com/news/local/t...
www.boston25news.com/news/local/t...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
✅ ACTION ITEM ✅
The National Science Foundation is under attack.
Trump’s budget is moving to dismantle one of the great engines of U.S. innovation, education, and discovery.
The fight to save NSF is on—and now there’s a new home base to join the front lines (🧵 1/3):
www.savensf.com
The National Science Foundation is under attack.
Trump’s budget is moving to dismantle one of the great engines of U.S. innovation, education, and discovery.
The fight to save NSF is on—and now there’s a new home base to join the front lines (🧵 1/3):
www.savensf.com
Home | Save NSF
www.savensf.com
May 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
✅ ACTION ITEM ✅
The National Science Foundation is under attack.
Trump’s budget is moving to dismantle one of the great engines of U.S. innovation, education, and discovery.
The fight to save NSF is on—and now there’s a new home base to join the front lines (🧵 1/3):
www.savensf.com
The National Science Foundation is under attack.
Trump’s budget is moving to dismantle one of the great engines of U.S. innovation, education, and discovery.
The fight to save NSF is on—and now there’s a new home base to join the front lines (🧵 1/3):
www.savensf.com
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
🧪 And given the brand-new NSF updates, it's also notable that one of the defendants is...
"Defendant Sethuraman Panchanathan is the Director and head of Defendant NSF. He is sued in his official capacity"
Lawsuit notes how agencies like NSF are required to provide opportunities for appeal...
"Defendant Sethuraman Panchanathan is the Director and head of Defendant NSF. He is sued in his official capacity"
Lawsuit notes how agencies like NSF are required to provide opportunities for appeal...
April 21, 2025 at 9:44 PM
🧪 And given the brand-new NSF updates, it's also notable that one of the defendants is...
"Defendant Sethuraman Panchanathan is the Director and head of Defendant NSF. He is sued in his official capacity"
Lawsuit notes how agencies like NSF are required to provide opportunities for appeal...
"Defendant Sethuraman Panchanathan is the Director and head of Defendant NSF. He is sued in his official capacity"
Lawsuit notes how agencies like NSF are required to provide opportunities for appeal...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
For those with despair about today's extreme proposed funding cuts for NIH, NSF, NASA, NOAA, etc... remember:
CONGRESS 👏 SETS 👏 BUDGET 👏 LEVELS
Today's news is simply just the President's **request**.
Tell your elected representatives to REJECT this assault on science and scientific training.
CONGRESS 👏 SETS 👏 BUDGET 👏 LEVELS
Today's news is simply just the President's **request**.
Tell your elected representatives to REJECT this assault on science and scientific training.
NIH was the most extreme:
Trump in 2017: "Please cut NIH's budget by -22%" (yellow bars below)
Republican House: "Nah health research is important...let's increase it by +3%!"
Republican Senate: "How about +6%??"
Final Congress: "Actually...let's do +9%!!"
ww2.aip.org/fyi/fy2025-n...
Trump in 2017: "Please cut NIH's budget by -22%" (yellow bars below)
Republican House: "Nah health research is important...let's increase it by +3%!"
Republican Senate: "How about +6%??"
Final Congress: "Actually...let's do +9%!!"
ww2.aip.org/fyi/fy2025-n...
May 2, 2025 at 6:34 PM
For those with despair about today's extreme proposed funding cuts for NIH, NSF, NASA, NOAA, etc... remember:
CONGRESS 👏 SETS 👏 BUDGET 👏 LEVELS
Today's news is simply just the President's **request**.
Tell your elected representatives to REJECT this assault on science and scientific training.
CONGRESS 👏 SETS 👏 BUDGET 👏 LEVELS
Today's news is simply just the President's **request**.
Tell your elected representatives to REJECT this assault on science and scientific training.
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
Amplifying very helpful AAUP guidance "Understanding the Law & Policies for Grant Terminations for the NSF" equally useful for NEH grantees. See esp pgs6-7 re: limits of the "no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities” phrasing used to terminate grants. www.aaup.org/sites/defaul...
www.aaup.org
April 30, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Amplifying very helpful AAUP guidance "Understanding the Law & Policies for Grant Terminations for the NSF" equally useful for NEH grantees. See esp pgs6-7 re: limits of the "no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities” phrasing used to terminate grants. www.aaup.org/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
My NSF PRFB on the genetics of female polymorphism in hummingbirds was terminated yesterday.
I don't have much to say, I'm just sad. We've discovered so much, and could have gone so much further.
If anyone else is in the same boat, esp postdocs, please reach out, it would be good to connect.
I don't have much to say, I'm just sad. We've discovered so much, and could have gone so much further.
If anyone else is in the same boat, esp postdocs, please reach out, it would be good to connect.
April 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
My NSF PRFB on the genetics of female polymorphism in hummingbirds was terminated yesterday.
I don't have much to say, I'm just sad. We've discovered so much, and could have gone so much further.
If anyone else is in the same boat, esp postdocs, please reach out, it would be good to connect.
I don't have much to say, I'm just sad. We've discovered so much, and could have gone so much further.
If anyone else is in the same boat, esp postdocs, please reach out, it would be good to connect.
Reposted by Julia Svoboda
Like so many of the trends of the 1880’s-1920’s, eugenics is on the rise. Scientists have a moral obligation to speak up.
Eugenics is on the rise again: human geneticists must take a stand
Scientists must push back against the threat of rising white nationalism and the dangerous and pseudoscientific ideas of eugenics.
www.nature.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Like so many of the trends of the 1880’s-1920’s, eugenics is on the rise. Scientists have a moral obligation to speak up.