Sophie Hogan
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social
Senior reporter at Research Professional News. Got a story on UK or Europe research policy? Get in touch at sophie.hogan@clarivate.com.
A pleasure to speak to Lord Mair for this story - with some pretty stark warnings.
Stem loss of science companies or UK will ‘bleed out’, peers warn.
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Stem loss of science companies or UK will ‘bleed out’, peers warn - Research Professional News
Lords committee says prime minister must intervene to break “doom loop” of companies going overseas
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November 5, 2025 at 4:23 PM
A pleasure to speak to Lord Mair for this story - with some pretty stark warnings.
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Ex-UKRI head Ottoline Leyser on the REF: "We’ve made it about individuals...and that’s something we really need to break."
On volume of research: "We need to...think very hard about how effectively to do less."
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
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On volume of research: "We need to...think very hard about how effectively to do less."
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
REF must ditch focus on individuals, says Ottoline Leyser - Research Professional News
Former UKRI head also echoes previous calls for universities to do less research
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October 29, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Ex-UKRI head Ottoline Leyser on the REF: "We’ve made it about individuals...and that’s something we really need to break."
On volume of research: "We need to...think very hard about how effectively to do less."
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
On volume of research: "We need to...think very hard about how effectively to do less."
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Occasionally you get reminded that what's going on in the US is not normal
Since when have UK institutions offered "sanctuary" to US researchers?
Erica Nelson from @ids.ac.uk told @sophieatrpn.bsky.social that for health equity scholars “it’s likely to be a pretty scary time”
Since when have UK institutions offered "sanctuary" to US researchers?
Erica Nelson from @ids.ac.uk told @sophieatrpn.bsky.social that for health equity scholars “it’s likely to be a pretty scary time”
US health equity researchers offered ‘safe space’ in UK - Research Professional News
Institute of Development Studies launches “sanctuary” initiative for researchers facing “existential challenges” under Trump
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Occasionally you get reminded that what's going on in the US is not normal
Since when have UK institutions offered "sanctuary" to US researchers?
Erica Nelson from @ids.ac.uk told @sophieatrpn.bsky.social that for health equity scholars “it’s likely to be a pretty scary time”
Since when have UK institutions offered "sanctuary" to US researchers?
Erica Nelson from @ids.ac.uk told @sophieatrpn.bsky.social that for health equity scholars “it’s likely to be a pretty scary time”
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Will govt's tougher route to UK settled status deter foreign researchers?
Could add £5k-£7k per person, Royal Society figures shared with @resprofnews.bsky.social suggest.
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social spotlights another immigration issue for research.
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Could add £5k-£7k per person, Royal Society figures shared with @resprofnews.bsky.social suggest.
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social spotlights another immigration issue for research.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
UK ‘lacks coherence’ on foreign talent as settled status tightens - Research Professional News
Tougher conditions and higher costs raise fears of deterrent for overseas researchers prized by ministers
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Will govt's tougher route to UK settled status deter foreign researchers?
Could add £5k-£7k per person, Royal Society figures shared with @resprofnews.bsky.social suggest.
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social spotlights another immigration issue for research.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Could add £5k-£7k per person, Royal Society figures shared with @resprofnews.bsky.social suggest.
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social spotlights another immigration issue for research.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Spoke to several higher education leaders yesterday about TNE at @universities-uk.bsky.social International's annual TNE conference - the same day that two different institutions agreed deals to open Indian campuses.
Thanks to the team at UUKi for having me!
Thanks to the team at UUKi for having me!
Expansion of UK universities in India ‘like California gold rush’.
University leaders embrace transnational education but warn it will not be a “replacement income stream”.
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University leaders embrace transnational education but warn it will not be a “replacement income stream”.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Expansion of UK universities in India ‘like California gold rush’ - Research Professional News
University leaders embrace transnational education but warn it will not be a “replacement income stream”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Spoke to several higher education leaders yesterday about TNE at @universities-uk.bsky.social International's annual TNE conference - the same day that two different institutions agreed deals to open Indian campuses.
Thanks to the team at UUKi for having me!
Thanks to the team at UUKi for having me!
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
The govt is making much of the promise of AI-powered science (there's a strategy incoming) but will it primarily benefit the most research-intensive universities?
Great piece from @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
Great piece from @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
‘Golden triangle’ institutions snap up 80% of AI supercomputer time.
Exclusive: Oxbridge and London dominate early stages of government programme to expand AI-powered research.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Exclusive: Oxbridge and London dominate early stages of government programme to expand AI-powered research.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
‘Golden triangle’ institutions snap up 80% of AI supercomputer time - Research Professional News
Exclusive: Oxbridge and London dominate early stages of government programme to expand AI-powered research
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The govt is making much of the promise of AI-powered science (there's a strategy incoming) but will it primarily benefit the most research-intensive universities?
Great piece from @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
Great piece from @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
The next Horizon Europe is set to open up to fund projects with both civil and military potential.
Could that undermine civilian nature of the EU's research and innovation programme?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social hears views on key dual-use questions.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Could that undermine civilian nature of the EU's research and innovation programme?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social hears views on key dual-use questions.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Call for dual-use clarity to avoid ‘undermining civilian nature’ of FP10 - Research Professional News
Sector leaders urge Commission to define how R&I programme will fund civil and military projects
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October 9, 2025 at 8:37 AM
The next Horizon Europe is set to open up to fund projects with both civil and military potential.
Could that undermine civilian nature of the EU's research and innovation programme?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social hears views on key dual-use questions.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Could that undermine civilian nature of the EU's research and innovation programme?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social hears views on key dual-use questions.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Revisiting this story I wrote yesterday for @resprofnews.bsky.social - a key announcement on visas for researchers and scientists buried in a press release about funding for primary schools.
Mind-boggling...
Mind-boggling...
Government promises to double key visa routes for researchers.
Expansion will boost intake of ‘talented scientists’ from next year, Treasury says.
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Expansion will boost intake of ‘talented scientists’ from next year, Treasury says.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Government promises to double key visa routes for researchers - Research Professional News
Expansion will boost intake of ‘talented scientists’ from next year, Treasury says
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Revisiting this story I wrote yesterday for @resprofnews.bsky.social - a key announcement on visas for researchers and scientists buried in a press release about funding for primary schools.
Mind-boggling...
Mind-boggling...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Yet more warnings to govt on its plan for a levy on universities' international student fees.
Levy would push further 14 universities into deficit, including three Russell Group members, MPs on education committee told.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
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Levy would push further 14 universities into deficit, including three Russell Group members, MPs on education committee told.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Fee levy would push 14 more universities into deficit, MPs told - Research Professional News
Sector slams international student fee proposal as education department promises further details in autumn budget
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September 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Yet more warnings to govt on its plan for a levy on universities' international student fees.
Levy would push further 14 universities into deficit, including three Russell Group members, MPs on education committee told.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Levy would push further 14 universities into deficit, including three Russell Group members, MPs on education committee told.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot dead at a Utah university campus; institution remains closed until Monday.
There have been 24 shootings at college campuses in the US so far this year.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-usa-...
There have been 24 shootings at college campuses in the US so far this year.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-usa-...
Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university - Research Professional News
Utah Valley University suspends classes after prominent conservative activist killed on campus
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot dead at a Utah university campus; institution remains closed until Monday.
There have been 24 shootings at college campuses in the US so far this year.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-usa-...
There have been 24 shootings at college campuses in the US so far this year.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-usa-...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Academic leaders welcome ‘strong’ State of the Union speech
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www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
September 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Academic leaders welcome ‘strong’ State of the Union speech
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You've heard of paper mills - what about "reviewer" mills? I spoke to the woman who coined the term as publishers are urged to act on the growing problem
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Publishers urged to act on bad faith peer reviewers - Research Professional News
Researcher who identified “reviewer mill” malpractice calls for greater awareness
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:50 AM
You've heard of paper mills - what about "reviewer" mills? I spoke to the woman who coined the term as publishers are urged to act on the growing problem
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-worl...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
'According to data from the Home Office released on 14 August, there were 73,500 applications for study visas in July 2025, 4,000 more than July 2024, when there were 69,500 applications.' 1/2
Gradual recovery in UK student visa applications continues.
Statistics show 4,000 more study visa applications in July compared with same month in 2024.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Statistics show 4,000 more study visa applications in July compared with same month in 2024.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Gradual recovery in UK student visa applications continues - Research Professional News
Statistics show 4,000 more study visa applications in July compared with same month in 2024
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
August 14, 2025 at 2:07 PM
'According to data from the Home Office released on 14 August, there were 73,500 applications for study visas in July 2025, 4,000 more than July 2024, when there were 69,500 applications.' 1/2
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Our Research Offices of the Future survey is closing soon! Take 10 minutes to share your thoughts 👇
📣Have your say! We would love to hear from those working in research services roles for our Research Offices of the Future study.
The anonymous survey takes under 10 minutes. We’d be grateful if you could share your views:
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The anonymous survey takes under 10 minutes. We’d be grateful if you could share your views:
proquest.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
August 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Our Research Offices of the Future survey is closing soon! Take 10 minutes to share your thoughts 👇
My exclusive for @resprofnews.bsky.social - Dsit has given back a third of its ISPF money to the Treasury
Good to hear it will continue with the ODA element, but not the best sign that it can't spend all the money it was given in three years...
Good to hear it will continue with the ODA element, but not the best sign that it can't spend all the money it was given in three years...
ICYMI @sophieatrpn.bsky.social revealed on Friday that DSIT has returned £128m of its £337m global R&D fund to the Treasury, having failed to spend it in time
Against expectations, though, the International Science Partnerships Fund will keep its ODA element, despite the govt cutting aid spending
Against expectations, though, the International Science Partnerships Fund will keep its ODA element, despite the govt cutting aid spending
Science department returns third of global R&D fund to Treasury - Research Professional News
Exclusive: Over £128m in unspent budget returned as International Science Partnerships Fund enters “new phase”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
August 12, 2025 at 8:50 AM
My exclusive for @resprofnews.bsky.social - Dsit has given back a third of its ISPF money to the Treasury
Good to hear it will continue with the ODA element, but not the best sign that it can't spend all the money it was given in three years...
Good to hear it will continue with the ODA element, but not the best sign that it can't spend all the money it was given in three years...
Geoengineering: should the UK be more cautious?
As MPs voice geoengineering research fears, some experts back concerns—while others want to change perceptions. Via @sophieatrpn.bsky.social. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
As MPs voice geoengineering research fears, some experts back concerns—while others want to change perceptions. Via @sophieatrpn.bsky.social. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Geoengineering: should the UK be more cautious? - Research Professional News
As MPs voice geoengineering research fears, some experts back concerns—others want to change perceptions
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August 5, 2025 at 10:11 AM
The Academy of Medical Sciences has found its new CEO in a top government official - the Office for Life Sciences director Rosalind Campion, with Patrick Vallance singing her praises
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For @resprofnews.bsky.social
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For @resprofnews.bsky.social
Academy of Medical Sciences appoints next chief executive - Research Professional News
Current director of government’s Office for Life Sciences will take up role in October
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July 31, 2025 at 2:11 PM
The Academy of Medical Sciences has found its new CEO in a top government official - the Office for Life Sciences director Rosalind Campion, with Patrick Vallance singing her praises
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-c...
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-c...
For @resprofnews.bsky.social
Chi Onwurah asking some important questions about the new Global Talent Fund - including why no English universities north of Birmingham were selected as participating institutions. For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Onwurah questions absence of northern universities in talent fund - Research Professional News
Science committee chair voices concern over omissions from £54 million scheme in letter to Vallance
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July 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Chi Onwurah asking some important questions about the new Global Talent Fund - including why no English universities north of Birmingham were selected as participating institutions. For @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
Lots of changes for REF 2029, with research culture metrics yet to be finalised, and all coming in a university funding crisis.
Should the next REF just run on old rules?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social and @chrisjparr.bsky.social hear differing views.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Should the next REF just run on old rules?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social and @chrisjparr.bsky.social hear differing views.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Calls to run REF 2029 on old rules intensify - Research Professional News
“Uncertainty” prompts simplification push, but critics warn against dropping research culture metrics
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Lots of changes for REF 2029, with research culture metrics yet to be finalised, and all coming in a university funding crisis.
Should the next REF just run on old rules?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social and @chrisjparr.bsky.social hear differing views.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Should the next REF just run on old rules?
@sophieatrpn.bsky.social and @chrisjparr.bsky.social hear differing views.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
European Commission aims to suspend Israel's participation in part of Horizon Europe.
Relates to review of section of EU-Israel agreement saying relations "shall be based on respect for human rights", Commission says.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
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Relates to review of section of EU-Israel agreement saying relations "shall be based on respect for human rights", Commission says.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Commission seeks to freeze Israel out of EU R&I scheme - Research Professional News
Proposal regarding EIC Accelerator, which the Commission wants to fund military work, needs governmental approval
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
European Commission aims to suspend Israel's participation in part of Horizon Europe.
Relates to review of section of EU-Israel agreement saying relations "shall be based on respect for human rights", Commission says.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Relates to review of section of EU-Israel agreement saying relations "shall be based on respect for human rights", Commission says.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Alan Mak is no longer shadow science secretary (just in case anyone notices the difference). Julia Lopez replaces him, as Kemi Badenoch reshuffles.
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
Julia Lopez replaces Alan Mak as shadow science secretary - Research Professional News
“Hope has always been found in scientific and technological innovation,” says Lopez
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July 23, 2025 at 4:03 PM
While the government is "actively exploring" how it can help universities as concerns rise for certain disciplines, it seems for now, they're left to their own devices:
"Any strategy for diversification should be led by universities themselves,” Kyle told the Commons SciTech committee chair
"Any strategy for diversification should be led by universities themselves,” Kyle told the Commons SciTech committee chair
Peter Kyle letter answers @chionwurah.bsky.social on how Dsit will support universities.
Kyle "committed" to "transition towards more sustainable research funding models". But unis may need to "make difficult choices".
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Kyle "committed" to "transition towards more sustainable research funding models". But unis may need to "make difficult choices".
By @sophieatrpn.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Peter Kyle warns UK universities must ‘make difficult choices’ - Research Professional News
But science secretary says he is “committed” to helping sector reach more sustainable research funding
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM
While the government is "actively exploring" how it can help universities as concerns rise for certain disciplines, it seems for now, they're left to their own devices:
"Any strategy for diversification should be led by universities themselves,” Kyle told the Commons SciTech committee chair
"Any strategy for diversification should be led by universities themselves,” Kyle told the Commons SciTech committee chair
Action stations in Europe...
EU: Commission proposes to double Horizon budget for 2028-34.
Ursula von der Leyen also sets out planned 50 per cent increase for Erasmus+ scheme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Ursula von der Leyen also sets out planned 50 per cent increase for Erasmus+ scheme.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-euro...
Commission proposes to double Horizon budget for 2028-34 - Research Professional News
Ursula von der Leyen also sets out planned 50 per cent increase for Erasmus+ scheme
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Action stations in Europe...
Reposted by Sophie Hogan
UKRI's annual report shows a big jump in exit packages last year
In 2023-24, there were 38 departures, with exit packages worth £830,000
In 2024-25, there were 141 departures, with exit packages worth nearly £6.6 million
Of the 141 departures, 77 left through a voluntary exit scheme
In 2023-24, there were 38 departures, with exit packages worth £830,000
In 2024-25, there were 141 departures, with exit packages worth nearly £6.6 million
Of the 141 departures, 77 left through a voluntary exit scheme
UKRI faces ‘challenging prioritisation choices’, warns chair.
The chair of UK Research and Innovation has said the national funder faces “challenging prioritisation choices” and will continue to make “significant” changes in the coming years.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
The chair of UK Research and Innovation has said the national funder faces “challenging prioritisation choices” and will continue to make “significant” changes in the coming years.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
UKRI faces ‘challenging prioritisation choices’, warns chair - Research Professional News
Annual report shows agency wrestling with staffing levels and rollout of new technology platform
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:40 AM
UKRI's annual report shows a big jump in exit packages last year
In 2023-24, there were 38 departures, with exit packages worth £830,000
In 2024-25, there were 141 departures, with exit packages worth nearly £6.6 million
Of the 141 departures, 77 left through a voluntary exit scheme
In 2023-24, there were 38 departures, with exit packages worth £830,000
In 2024-25, there were 141 departures, with exit packages worth nearly £6.6 million
Of the 141 departures, 77 left through a voluntary exit scheme
Great to attend the Royal Society's Future of Scientific Publishing conference this week, where @jisc.bsky.social's Liam Earney warned the economic model of open access publishing is "fundamentally broken"
By me for @resprofnews.bsky.social
By me for @resprofnews.bsky.social
Quite a blunt statement on where things stand on open access agreements with big publishers from Liam Earney, the guy leading negotiations from @jisc.bsky.social
“At the highest level, for the majority of universities that we work on behalf of, the economic model is viewed as fundamentally broken”
“At the highest level, for the majority of universities that we work on behalf of, the economic model is viewed as fundamentally broken”
Open access economic model branded ‘fundamentally broken’ - Research Professional News
Lead negotiator on UK university publishing deals says agreements “neither sustainable nor fit for purpose”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Great to attend the Royal Society's Future of Scientific Publishing conference this week, where @jisc.bsky.social's Liam Earney warned the economic model of open access publishing is "fundamentally broken"
By me for @resprofnews.bsky.social
By me for @resprofnews.bsky.social