Day 4 and the going is slow due to slushy snow. But (for now) I’m still going.
04.03.2026 19:10
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Day 4 and the going is slow due to slushy snow. But (for now) I’m still going.
Today has been camping and fire lighting practice. Plus, in a classic example of Swedes not knowing how rude some English words are, (the theory of) ‘how to shit in the woods’.
Even better tonight!
Northern lights!
Arrived in Jockfall for the pre-race training course
Arrived in Lapland (and my pulk has made it too):
To my great relief my pulk is checked through to Lulea and I’m relaxing airside (Manchester T2 is much nicer than it used to be). Thought my power banks and huge stash of batteries would cause issues at security but it was actually the 500 calorie meal bars which got a close inspection.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Two large holdalls.
Off to Sweden tomorrow, for the Lapland Arctic Ultra. My bags are packed and the pre-adventure blog is written (anne-green.net/personal/blo...).
Pro-tip: before emailing someone to point out 'a reference that they may find relevant', first check whether their paper did actually cite your paper.
"Your tips are patronising. And some of your recommendation are poor. I am Green and I know that my paper that you suggest did not even mention this scenario."
I've reached the point of arguing with ChatGPT:
Back home, sat by the fire, but Tyree isn’t allowed in as she’s rather muddy:
After a morning of kit organising, I took my tyre to meet the miner:
Full kit dress rehearsal:
A young person has just offered me their seat on the tram. I’m not sure how I feel about this.
Also in opinion, research policy expert Richard Jones writes that while the changes being made by UKRI are the biggest since the 1980s, change is inevitable given the country’s economic position—and the research community must rise to the challenge.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
(As a somewhat naive theorist) to me the question is whether it's reasonable for multiple projects that were announced as funded (subject to business case approval) via a UKRI-wide (not STFC specific) scheme to be cut after a differently structured, but not unexpectedly bad, spending review outcome.
We’re happy that the rain has stopped, and we’re heading home on firm trails:
My tyre is collecting mud:
I’m not personally familiar with the details, however AFAIK the people involved with the infrastructure fund projects (including the international collaborators) were not aware that there was uncertainty in the funding.
That which does not destroy you makes you stronger (but the line is fine…).
(and other infrastructure fund projects that have been 'deprioritised'.)
I think the question that's being asked here is specifically about the LHCb infrastructure funding.
The way UK govt funds science is in the midst of a major transition, with creation of a much more direct link between government priorities & UKRI research funding.
My attempt to set in context the biggest upheaval in UK science funding policy since the 1980s:
softmachines.org?p=3252
ECRs will be (in some cases already are) acutely impacted. However, given the general situation with University finances in the UK, there will be multiple other major consequences (some of which will likely acutely impact other individuals).
For STFC specifics, see George Efstathiou's post on Peter Coles blog: telescoper.blog/2026/02/06/t...
For the bigger picture, see Richard Jones's blog post: softmachines.org?p=3252
Some thoughts on the select committee appearance by the boss of UKRI, Ian Chapman yesterday. It’s a long watch but can be seen here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Thread 🧵
I was hoping that hiking would relieve Physics stress this weekend. Instead (thanks to a stonking blister, a flare-up of an injury I thought had healed, and a never-ending cold), I'm stuck indoors, arguing with strangers on the internet (about changes to the Spine race final time limit).