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lopa.bsky.social
LopaLeach
@lopa.bsky.social
110 followers 62 following 76 posts
Professor, Vascular Biologist, President British Microcirculation and Vascular BiologySociety, Co-Chair Interdisciplinary Partnership on Health Inequalities and Race, Co-PI study into Stillbirth Risks, President UCUUoN.
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Reposted by LopaLeach
ucu.org.uk
Thank you to @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social and her support for our Nottingham members who are facing horrendous cuts!
nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social Nadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 3d
Solidarity with @uonucu.bsky.social members striking over the possible 200+ job cuts at the University of Nottingham, after 650 staff lost their jobs in the past two years.

I also share their deep concerns about new plans to suspend 48 courses, including nursing, modern languages, and music.
uonucu.bsky.social University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 5d
An amazing day of solidarity with staff, students, and community members saying NO to compulsory redundancies and unnecessary course closures.
November 12, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social
Solidarity with @uonucu.bsky.social members striking over the possible 200+ job cuts at the University of Nottingham, after 650 staff lost their jobs in the past two years.

I also share their deep concerns about new plans to suspend 48 courses, including nursing, modern languages, and music.
uonucu.bsky.social University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 5d
An amazing day of solidarity with staff, students, and community members saying NO to compulsory redundancies and unnecessary course closures.
A panoramic photograph of the many people standing on today's picket line. A photo of two people at our picket line holding signs. A photo of someone holding up a solidarity fist at our picket line A photo of a banner that says We Are The University with picketers standing behind it.
November 12, 2025 at 2:15 PM
lopa.bsky.social
@uonucu.bsky.social @leicesterucu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk 👇🏽
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/late...
The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas
Nottingham and Leicester are taking a swing at language departments. But those proposing closures have taken their eye off the ball, say four linguists
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
INDUSTRIAL ACTION UPDATE: We’ve had some movement in response to our strike action. A 🧵.
November 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
ucu.org.uk
“We were absolutely gobsmacked.”

48 courses axed, music, languages, mental health care, childcare.
No consultation. No vision.

This is why we’re voting YES, to stop the destruction of our universities.
#WeAreTheUniversity #VoteYES
@uonucu.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
You know it's a pretty bad decision when the response from people is to create about 100 different petitions...

Sign every one. Let's fight this by all means necessary.
drhannahrobbins.bsky.social Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins (they/them) @drhannahrobbins.bsky.social · 8d
Although I am inevitably caught up in the likely dire implications for my department (Music), it isn’t just us in the Faculty of Arts or in the university under threat.

Do consider signing this petition in support of colleagues teaching Theology!

c.org/6kntRm2JVh
Sign the Petition
Stop the removal of Theology Undergraduate courses at the University of Nottingham
c.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
danelphick.bsky.social
Well this is awful news: tinyurl.com/yr65mjkx
'All modern language and music courses are being suspended for new students at the University of Nottingham.'

Nottingham friends: please be assured that we will join you in protesting against this decision in the strongest possible terms. Solidarity.
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
On top of the organising we are already doing across the branch, members of the music faculty are doing their own work to address the disgusting cuts to their courses. Reach out if you want to support them!
drhannahrobbins.bsky.social Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins (they/them) @drhannahrobbins.bsky.social · 9d
Devastated to share the news that was broken to colleagues in Music (and other departments) at the University of Nottingham yesterday. This is obviously a very difficult time for us and our students.

Please contact us on protectuonmusic@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.
On Wednesday 5 November, the very same day the Prime Minister publicly reaffirmed the importance of music education, staff in the Department of Music at the University of Nottingham were informed of the immediate suspension of recruitment to all undergraduate degree programmes. This announcement precedes proposed plans to permanently close all Music degrees at the University. This decision threatens to end over a century of music education in the East Midlands, offered continuously since the University opened in 1881. Across that time, the Department has educated thousands of composers, researchers, performers, educators and other creative professionals. Its graduates have taken up leadership roles within the country’s leading arts organisations, fostering creativity and growth within the UK’s dynamic creative industries. It remains a centre of world-leading research, using music to explore and address complex societal and global challenges. The Department is deeply embedded in the local community, working with schools, music hubs, community groups and venues. Its closure would not only dismantle a thriving academic and cultural institution but also severely diminish musical life and future opportunities across Nottingham, the wider East Midlands and the nation as a whole. As staff we are devastated, especially on behalf of our students, but also for the future of music education and research in the UK. We remain committed to advocating for the value of Music programmes at Nottingham and beyond. If you share our concern and wish to support efforts to protect music education at the University of Nottingham, please get in touch with protectuonmusic@gmail.com. Your voice can make a difference. Thursday 6 November 2025
November 7, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
rotster.bsky.social
When I studied German (elsewhere) many years ago, Nottingham was considered one of the very best places to go for modern languages. It’s sad to see such an important subject being devalued, and the university devaluing itself as a consequence.
November 7, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
biajs.bsky.social
Languages and religious studies yet again on the list of courses axed in the UK higher education crisis. Solidarity to colleagues at @uonucu.bsky.social
onnigust.bsky.social Onni Gust @onnigust.bsky.social · 9d
This week, UoN announced course suspensions for all modern languages, music, theology & religious studies, biosciences, mental health nursing and more.

@uonucu.bsky.social fighting management tooth & nail to prevent this reckless, shortsighted stupidity.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham
In a statement the institution also says it is
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 9:09 AM
lopa.bsky.social
Thanks @julietterowsell.bsky.social Looking forward to your next article. Thanks for calling today.
Nottingham suspends music, language and nursing courses www.timeshighereducation.com/news/notting...
Nottingham suspends music, language and nursing courses
University says financial uncertainties continue as government’s proposed student levy will ‘wipe out any benefits’ from rising tuition fees
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
drhannahrobbins.bsky.social
Devastated to share the news that was broken to colleagues in Music (and other departments) at the University of Nottingham yesterday. This is obviously a very difficult time for us and our students.

Please contact us on protectuonmusic@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.
On Wednesday 5 November, the very same day the Prime Minister publicly reaffirmed the importance of music education, staff in the Department of Music at the University of Nottingham were informed of the immediate suspension of recruitment to all undergraduate degree programmes. This announcement precedes proposed plans to permanently close all Music degrees at the University. This decision threatens to end over a century of music education in the East Midlands, offered continuously since the University opened in 1881. Across that time, the Department has educated thousands of composers, researchers, performers, educators and other creative professionals. Its graduates have taken up leadership roles within the country’s leading arts organisations, fostering creativity and growth within the UK’s dynamic creative industries. It remains a centre of world-leading research, using music to explore and address complex societal and global challenges. The Department is deeply embedded in the local community, working with schools, music hubs, community groups and venues. Its closure would not only dismantle a thriving academic and cultural institution but also severely diminish musical life and future opportunities across Nottingham, the wider East Midlands and the nation as a whole. As staff we are devastated, especially on behalf of our students, but also for the future of music education and research in the UK. We remain committed to advocating for the value of Music programmes at Nottingham and beyond. If you share our concern and wish to support efforts to protect music education at the University of Nottingham, please get in touch with protectuonmusic@gmail.com. Your voice can make a difference. Thursday 6 November 2025
November 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
rullsenberg.bsky.social
Music is important says the UK PM. Apparently it's not important to the University of Nottingham.

@uonucu.bsky.social will stand with all the subject areas affected by proposed cuts.
drhannahrobbins.bsky.social Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins (they/them) @drhannahrobbins.bsky.social · 9d
Devastated to share the news that was broken to colleagues in Music (and other departments) at the University of Nottingham yesterday. This is obviously a very difficult time for us and our students.

Please contact us on protectuonmusic@gmail.com if you would like to be involved.
On Wednesday 5 November, the very same day the Prime Minister publicly reaffirmed the importance of music education, staff in the Department of Music at the University of Nottingham were informed of the immediate suspension of recruitment to all undergraduate degree programmes. This announcement precedes proposed plans to permanently close all Music degrees at the University. This decision threatens to end over a century of music education in the East Midlands, offered continuously since the University opened in 1881. Across that time, the Department has educated thousands of composers, researchers, performers, educators and other creative professionals. Its graduates have taken up leadership roles within the country’s leading arts organisations, fostering creativity and growth within the UK’s dynamic creative industries. It remains a centre of world-leading research, using music to explore and address complex societal and global challenges. The Department is deeply embedded in the local community, working with schools, music hubs, community groups and venues. Its closure would not only dismantle a thriving academic and cultural institution but also severely diminish musical life and future opportunities across Nottingham, the wider East Midlands and the nation as a whole. As staff we are devastated, especially on behalf of our students, but also for the future of music education and research in the UK. We remain committed to advocating for the value of Music programmes at Nottingham and beyond. If you share our concern and wish to support efforts to protect music education at the University of Nottingham, please get in touch with protectuonmusic@gmail.com. Your voice can make a difference. Thursday 6 November 2025
November 6, 2025 at 7:46 PM
lopa.bsky.social
UCU - More strikes to hit University of Nottingham in November and December over vicious job cuts www.ucu.org.uk/article/1424...
More strikes to hit University of Nottingham in November and December over vicious job cuts
The University and College Union (UCU) has today (Thursday 30 October) announced further strike action at the University of Nottingham as part of its ongoing dispute over vicious job cuts
www.ucu.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
More of Chris' photos are here: tregenza.com/uon-ucu-22nd...
UoN UCU 22nd October 2025 – Chris TREGENZA
Rally featuring Jo Grady, General Secretary of the UCU
tregenza.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
Some really amazing photos from @tregenza.bsky.social of our most recent rally. Was an honour to host @drjogrady.bsky.social from @UCU.org.uk HQ to hear how our fight in Nottingham is in lock step with the fight for higher education nationally and globally.
October 28, 2025 at 10:03 AM
lopa.bsky.social
Voted! 15,000 jobs and counting at risk across HE. Including now UoN: 350 lost in P1, how many in P2? A failed market sector championed by employers. A derisory 1.4% pay offer, in case we did not realise how staff are valued! @ucu.org.uk @uonucu.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
lopa.bsky.social
Administration regime ‘could make university closure more likely’ www.timeshighereducation.com/news/adminis...
Administration regime ‘could make university closure more likely’
Formalising process around market exit would make it impossible for institution to come back from the brink, fears UUK chief
www.timeshighereducation.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
We're fighting on the local level, but it's a fight we are all a part of, across the sector, and across higher education nationally and globally.

HUGE thank you to @drjogrady.bsky.social for joining us today. When we fight together, we win! Solidarity!!! ✊
ucu.org.uk University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 23d
Who is the university? We are.
Jo Grady joined striking members at
Nottingham today as they fight management’s refusal to commit to no redundancies during a restructure. #WeAreTheUniversity
October 23, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, huh?

An immense thank you to @drjogrady.bsky.social, AJ Matsiko, and Jude Doherty for speaking at our rally today and showing solidarity in our fight for not only the future of this university but higher education across the country.

#StopTheCuts
A photo of two men holding UCU picket signs in the trent courtyard Two women holding homemade picket signs, one of them dressed as a witch, outside of the portland building A woman holding a megaphone speaking in front of a rally filled with people holding signs
October 23, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
ruthholliday.bsky.social
Sad 😔

apple.news/AFmmsK_ibSIG...
Soft Cell's musical force Dave Ball dies, aged 66 — BBC News
The musician, best known for Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, died in his sleep at home.
apple.news
October 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
21group.bsky.social
What happens to failed Vice Chancellors/Presidents?

They don't disappear, they glide sideways

They know where the bodies are buried & that buys a generous severance, or a fellowship in perpetuity, or a vague but well-reimbursed consultancy 😉

www.independent.ie/irish-news/f...
Former University of Limerick president Kerstin Mey is lecturing once a week on €175,000 salary
Former University of Limerick (UL) president Professor Kerstin Mey is back working on campus and lecturing for three hours a week while commanding a €175,000 salary.
www.independent.ie
October 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
lopa.bsky.social
What was it with this obsession with building new business schools, at outrageous costs, in East Midlands? Did they come up with it together after a night out paid by some building firm? Or where they competing with each other? Obviously divesting from people is the fashion of these times. 👇🏽
21group.bsky.social 21 Group @21group.bsky.social · Oct 16
Modern university ethos is invest in buildings, divest from people

Concrete has better job security than the staff

200 redundancies at University of Derby

Job cuts come weeks after opening of a new state-of-the-art £75m building for its Business School

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Derby proposes more than 200 redundancies
The university says it is committed to supporting everyone affected.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 9:13 AM
lopa.bsky.social
Cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs planned at UK universities – UCU www.timeshighereducation.com/news/cuts-eq...
Cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs planned at UK universities – UCU
Proposed job losses almost triple since March as unions prepare to vote on nationwide industrial action
www.timeshighereducation.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Reposted by LopaLeach
uonucu.bsky.social
At last week's members meeting, we voted on ending our dispute. Administrators offered to pause compulsory redundancies until February, at which point they will begin in full what they have threatened all along.

Over 90% of members in attendance voted to reject this (non-)offer.
October 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM