Patrick Middleton
@patrickmiddleton.bsky.social
UK Research and Innovation, deputy director of external affairs and communications. Long time public engagement advocate.
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
🚨 Premiere alert! Today we're launching a new series to help people see how research and innovation is really improving their lives. And to introduce them to the people behind this important work.
Future Makers ep 1 talks about smart socks that could improve dementia care: youtu.be/Jryye0I7sDA 🧪
Future Makers ep 1 talks about smart socks that could improve dementia care: youtu.be/Jryye0I7sDA 🧪
Socks that could improve dementia care | Future Makers Ep 1
YouTube video by UKRI Stories
youtu.be
December 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM
🚨 Premiere alert! Today we're launching a new series to help people see how research and innovation is really improving their lives. And to introduce them to the people behind this important work.
Future Makers ep 1 talks about smart socks that could improve dementia care: youtu.be/Jryye0I7sDA 🧪
Future Makers ep 1 talks about smart socks that could improve dementia care: youtu.be/Jryye0I7sDA 🧪
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
UKRI CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman closed yesterday’s Innovation for Growth summit by sharing UKRI’s plans to pivot investment to deliver against the government’s R&D priorities.
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#InnovationForGrowth
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#InnovationForGrowth
November 25, 2025 at 9:34 AM
UKRI CEO Professor Sir Ian Chapman closed yesterday’s Innovation for Growth summit by sharing UKRI’s plans to pivot investment to deliver against the government’s R&D priorities.
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#InnovationForGrowth
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#InnovationForGrowth
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Earlier this week we launched our latest study - Public Attitudes to R&D 2025 - marking the start of a tracker that will help R&D organisations to understand and respond to shifts in public opinion towards our sector.
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/analysis-and...
See below for the key findings 👇
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/analysis-and...
See below for the key findings 👇
Public Attitudes to R&D 2025 - CaSE
This report details the results of CaSE's major research study, Public Attitudes to R&D 2025.
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Earlier this week we launched our latest study - Public Attitudes to R&D 2025 - marking the start of a tracker that will help R&D organisations to understand and respond to shifts in public opinion towards our sector.
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/analysis-and...
See below for the key findings 👇
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk/analysis-and...
See below for the key findings 👇
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Swindon musicians + innovative instruments = Circles 🎶⭕
As part of the Swindon Shuffle music festival in our hometown, we brought together local artists with researchers developing new music technologies - showing how innovation in music is never finished!
Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkV...
As part of the Swindon Shuffle music festival in our hometown, we brought together local artists with researchers developing new music technologies - showing how innovation in music is never finished!
Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkV...
Circles | A song made with innovative instruments
YouTube video by UKRI Stories
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Swindon musicians + innovative instruments = Circles 🎶⭕
As part of the Swindon Shuffle music festival in our hometown, we brought together local artists with researchers developing new music technologies - showing how innovation in music is never finished!
Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkV...
As part of the Swindon Shuffle music festival in our hometown, we brought together local artists with researchers developing new music technologies - showing how innovation in music is never finished!
Listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHkV...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
UKRI seeks your views in 2025 stakeholder survey #ESRC #AcademicSky
UKRI seeks your views in 2025 stakeholder survey
In our third annual survey, we are asking for feedback on what we do, how well we do it and what our stakeholders think about UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). AHRC BBSRC EPSRC ESRC Innovate UK MRC NERC Research England STFC UKRI
www.ukri.org
October 23, 2025 at 10:47 AM
UKRI seeks your views in 2025 stakeholder survey #ESRC #AcademicSky
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Wonderful to see Philippe Aghion of the @cep-lse.bsky.social recognised, alongside Peter Howitt and Joel Mokyr, in this year’s Nobel Prize for Economics. Three unusually deserving winners!
October 13, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Wonderful to see Philippe Aghion of the @cep-lse.bsky.social recognised, alongside Peter Howitt and Joel Mokyr, in this year’s Nobel Prize for Economics. Three unusually deserving winners!
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Our favourite niche posts to get tagged in: unboxing videos, but instead of an influencer it’s an excited technician with incredibly high-spec equipment that takes up half a room and will probably help save the world and/or global wheat yields.
Anyway, this thread is about BBSRC ALERT scheme 1/
Anyway, this thread is about BBSRC ALERT scheme 1/
September 10, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Our favourite niche posts to get tagged in: unboxing videos, but instead of an influencer it’s an excited technician with incredibly high-spec equipment that takes up half a room and will probably help save the world and/or global wheat yields.
Anyway, this thread is about BBSRC ALERT scheme 1/
Anyway, this thread is about BBSRC ALERT scheme 1/
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Announcing Generation New Era: the first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years.
It will study 30,000 children born in 2026 across the four nations of the UK.
Watch out for upcoming opportunities for researchers and other stakeholders to engage with the study team via @clscohorts.bsky.social
It will study 30,000 children born in 2026 across the four nations of the UK.
Watch out for upcoming opportunities for researchers and other stakeholders to engage with the study team via @clscohorts.bsky.social
UKRI announces first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years
A ground-breaking UK-wide scientific study will help improve the lives of future generations by studying 30,000 children born in 2026.
www.ukri.org
September 9, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Announcing Generation New Era: the first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years.
It will study 30,000 children born in 2026 across the four nations of the UK.
Watch out for upcoming opportunities for researchers and other stakeholders to engage with the study team via @clscohorts.bsky.social
It will study 30,000 children born in 2026 across the four nations of the UK.
Watch out for upcoming opportunities for researchers and other stakeholders to engage with the study team via @clscohorts.bsky.social
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
From bee superfoods and uncovering Stonehenge secrets, to upcycling cherry waste🍒
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and keep up to date with the latest UKRI news, funding announcements and stories of research and innovation in action👇
public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKR...
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and keep up to date with the latest UKRI news, funding announcements and stories of research and innovation in action👇
public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKR...
September 2, 2025 at 1:24 PM
From bee superfoods and uncovering Stonehenge secrets, to upcycling cherry waste🍒
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and keep up to date with the latest UKRI news, funding announcements and stories of research and innovation in action👇
public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKR...
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and keep up to date with the latest UKRI news, funding announcements and stories of research and innovation in action👇
public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKR...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
What counts as interdisciplinary research? And can we tell who is actually funding it, versus just talking about it? A data-driven deep-dive from me here: open.substack.com/pub/johnsonb...
What Actually Counts as Interdisciplinary Research?
A data-driven look at which funders actually support knowledge integration
open.substack.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
What counts as interdisciplinary research? And can we tell who is actually funding it, versus just talking about it? A data-driven deep-dive from me here: open.substack.com/pub/johnsonb...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
As we gear up to welcome 830 colleagues from 65 countries to UCL for #Metascience2025, we’re delighted to publish RoRI’s impact report, outlining our projects & progress over the past 2.5 yrs. researchonresearch.org/roris-impact... Huge thanks to all our partners & team @rorinstitute.bsky.social
RoRI’s Impact: What we’ve achieved - and where we’re going - Research on Research
We’re pleased to launch RoRI’s Impact Report, a snapshot of everything we’ve achieved together with our partners over the past two years
researchonresearch.org
June 27, 2025 at 9:26 AM
As we gear up to welcome 830 colleagues from 65 countries to UCL for #Metascience2025, we’re delighted to publish RoRI’s impact report, outlining our projects & progress over the past 2.5 yrs. researchonresearch.org/roris-impact... Huge thanks to all our partners & team @rorinstitute.bsky.social
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Our Technology Missions Fund supports technologies with the potential to change our world for the better.
We headed to the London Underground to see how quantum sensing is helping keep track of trains where GPS can't reach 🚆
Amazing work from @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social!
#LondonTechWeek
We headed to the London Underground to see how quantum sensing is helping keep track of trains where GPS can't reach 🚆
Amazing work from @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social!
#LondonTechWeek
How quantum physics is helping the London Underground find its way l UKRI Technology Missions Fund
YouTube video by UK Research and Innovation
youtu.be
June 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Our Technology Missions Fund supports technologies with the potential to change our world for the better.
We headed to the London Underground to see how quantum sensing is helping keep track of trains where GPS can't reach 🚆
Amazing work from @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social!
#LondonTechWeek
We headed to the London Underground to see how quantum sensing is helping keep track of trains where GPS can't reach 🚆
Amazing work from @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social!
#LondonTechWeek
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
"Research and innovation are fundamentally endeavours of hope and empowerment. This is the North Star that has guided my time at UKRI."
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on her proudest achievements in her time as UKRI CEO and the importance of systems-level thinking.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on her proudest achievements in her time as UKRI CEO and the importance of systems-level thinking.
Reflections
As her tenure as CEO comes to an end Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on her time at UKRI.
www.ukri.org
June 18, 2025 at 10:33 AM
"Research and innovation are fundamentally endeavours of hope and empowerment. This is the North Star that has guided my time at UKRI."
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on her proudest achievements in her time as UKRI CEO and the importance of systems-level thinking.
Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on her proudest achievements in her time as UKRI CEO and the importance of systems-level thinking.
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
This may not be conducive to a quiet life, but I've written up some thoughts on the subject of "woke waste" in publicly funded research
open.substack.com/pub/magicsmo...
open.substack.com/pub/magicsmo...
"Woke waste" and diversity of thought
From time to time, a piece of publicly funded research gets accused of being a bad use of taxpayers’ money.
open.substack.com
March 21, 2025 at 7:26 AM
This may not be conducive to a quiet life, but I've written up some thoughts on the subject of "woke waste" in publicly funded research
open.substack.com/pub/magicsmo...
open.substack.com/pub/magicsmo...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Potatoes: boil them, mash them, make them anti-bruise 🥔
In the latest episode of the Naked Scientists podcast, we meet researchers at B-Hive Innovations who are giving the lowly spud a genetic makeover in a bid to reduce food waste and improve their resilience to climate change.
In the latest episode of the Naked Scientists podcast, we meet researchers at B-Hive Innovations who are giving the lowly spud a genetic makeover in a bid to reduce food waste and improve their resilience to climate change.
North Sea ship crash, and super spuds
Plus, what's under the hood of an electric car battery...
www.thenakedscientists.com
March 17, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Potatoes: boil them, mash them, make them anti-bruise 🥔
In the latest episode of the Naked Scientists podcast, we meet researchers at B-Hive Innovations who are giving the lowly spud a genetic makeover in a bid to reduce food waste and improve their resilience to climate change.
In the latest episode of the Naked Scientists podcast, we meet researchers at B-Hive Innovations who are giving the lowly spud a genetic makeover in a bid to reduce food waste and improve their resilience to climate change.
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
🚨 Hiring news! 🚨 I’m looking to hire five really important new roles. Each will lead a major new innovation programme to tackle one of five major national challenges.
March 10, 2025 at 8:27 AM
🚨 Hiring news! 🚨 I’m looking to hire five really important new roles. Each will lead a major new innovation programme to tackle one of five major national challenges.
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
"UKRI should be central to the future of the people in this country and beyond. I am excited to be joining an excellent team focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of UK citizens."
www.ukri.org/news/profess... #AcademicSky
www.ukri.org/news/profess... #AcademicSky
Professor Sir Ian Chapman to join UKRI as new Chief Executive Officer
Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced that Professor Sir Ian Chapman will join UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
www.ukri.org
February 25, 2025 at 9:09 AM
"UKRI should be central to the future of the people in this country and beyond. I am excited to be joining an excellent team focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of UK citizens."
www.ukri.org/news/profess... #AcademicSky
www.ukri.org/news/profess... #AcademicSky
Great start to half term with some mind-expanding research from @ukri.org #ahrc at the ever wonderful @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social
February 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Great start to half term with some mind-expanding research from @ukri.org #ahrc at the ever wonderful @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
This morning, we've published an interview with the outgoing UKRI CEO Ottoline Leyser who warned "budgets are very tight and I think they will continue to be through the next spending review", and that the research community has to focus on its responsibility to rebuild the economy
UKRI chief executive: research budgets ‘will be tight’ - Research Professional News
Ottoline Leyser warns of long-term public spending pressures and expects university “consolidation process”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This morning, we've published an interview with the outgoing UKRI CEO Ottoline Leyser who warned "budgets are very tight and I think they will continue to be through the next spending review", and that the research community has to focus on its responsibility to rebuild the economy
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
The House of Lords Science & Tech Committee report on engineering biology is out committees.parliament.uk/committee/19...
UK must turbocharge its innovation policy to harness engineering biology, say peers - Committees - UK Parliament
The Science and Technology Committee urges urgent policy actions across Government to maximise the contribution of engineering biology to the UK economy and public services.
committees.parliament.uk
January 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The House of Lords Science & Tech Committee report on engineering biology is out committees.parliament.uk/committee/19...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
I would LOVE to hire someone awesome to lead UKRI’s work on data and how we use it to understand the R&D system.
Great opportunity for someone with strong data skills who cares about technology, research and progress!
t.co/pItvynXWfn
Great opportunity for someone with strong data skills who cares about technology, research and progress!
t.co/pItvynXWfn
https://www.careersportal.co.uk/UKRI-careers/jobs/deputy-director-of-analysis-and-evidence-4803?et=apG1VUrd
t.co
December 13, 2024 at 4:42 PM
I would LOVE to hire someone awesome to lead UKRI’s work on data and how we use it to understand the R&D system.
Great opportunity for someone with strong data skills who cares about technology, research and progress!
t.co/pItvynXWfn
Great opportunity for someone with strong data skills who cares about technology, research and progress!
t.co/pItvynXWfn
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Now that @altmetric.com is tracking @bsky.app posts (yay!) let's share our favourite #Scicomm papers.
I'll go first. This one from Brian Wynne (where he spoke to Cumbrian sheep farmers about the fallout of Chernobyl) taught me what can be achieved if we truly listen.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/0013...
🧪
I'll go first. This one from Brian Wynne (where he spoke to Cumbrian sheep farmers about the fallout of Chernobyl) taught me what can be achieved if we truly listen.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/0013...
🧪
Sheepfarming after Chernobyl: A Case Study in Communicating Scientific Information
Published in Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development (Vol. 31, No. 2, 1989)
doi.org
December 6, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Now that @altmetric.com is tracking @bsky.app posts (yay!) let's share our favourite #Scicomm papers.
I'll go first. This one from Brian Wynne (where he spoke to Cumbrian sheep farmers about the fallout of Chernobyl) taught me what can be achieved if we truly listen.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/0013...
🧪
I'll go first. This one from Brian Wynne (where he spoke to Cumbrian sheep farmers about the fallout of Chernobyl) taught me what can be achieved if we truly listen.
🔗 doi.org/10.1080/0013...
🧪
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
Hello 👋 We're the British Science Association!
Formed in 1831, we're a charity working hard to bring people and science together in ways that will have a lasting, positive impact on communities, research, and society.
We're just finding our feet here on bsky and will start posting soon...
Formed in 1831, we're a charity working hard to bring people and science together in ways that will have a lasting, positive impact on communities, research, and society.
We're just finding our feet here on bsky and will start posting soon...
November 19, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Hello 👋 We're the British Science Association!
Formed in 1831, we're a charity working hard to bring people and science together in ways that will have a lasting, positive impact on communities, research, and society.
We're just finding our feet here on bsky and will start posting soon...
Formed in 1831, we're a charity working hard to bring people and science together in ways that will have a lasting, positive impact on communities, research, and society.
We're just finding our feet here on bsky and will start posting soon...
Reposted by Patrick Middleton
This is not a drill!
The best job in science policy is up for grabs again - go and work as a Committee Specialist in the House of Commons.
Deadline 1 Dec. Check out the a/l and pension, not just the salary
housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/...
The best job in science policy is up for grabs again - go and work as a Committee Specialist in the House of Commons.
Deadline 1 Dec. Check out the a/l and pension, not just the salary
housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/...
Committee Specialist (Science, Innovation and Technology Committee) - Houses of Parliament
Title: Committee Specialist (Science, Innovation and Technology Committee). Employer: House of Commons. Salary: £41,340 - £47,975 per annum. Closes: 01/12/2024, 23:55
housesofparliament.tal.net
November 15, 2024 at 11:47 AM
This is not a drill!
The best job in science policy is up for grabs again - go and work as a Committee Specialist in the House of Commons.
Deadline 1 Dec. Check out the a/l and pension, not just the salary
housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/...
The best job in science policy is up for grabs again - go and work as a Committee Specialist in the House of Commons.
Deadline 1 Dec. Check out the a/l and pension, not just the salary
housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/...