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05.02.2026 11:52
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No, not assuming that at all! But there was a comment which suggested that professional services somehow know a way to make our systems work. We don't. It's not just a poor use of academic time. It's a poor use of EVERYONE'S
Using the same system it now takes me around 3 hours to book my leave for the year. Used to take about 3 minutes. Afraid it's a false assumption that professional services are better equipped than academics to navigate this. Don't even get me started on booking travel.
Putting together your Round 11 FLF application? Come and join me and UKRI and FLFs to talk about the scheme, what opportunities it offers and how it's assessed... in person and online places available www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-lea...
En route to Milton Keynes & the OU for the launch of their Research Capability Hub. I'm there as the link to Scotland, via UoE so if you are a social scientist developing research skills training & would like this to reach a wider audience, supported by the OU's unique expertise, more here rch.ac.uk
I always do this - and am permanently covered in ink because I work like a Dickensian character and do it with fountain pens which feels like a level up 😂 Also, this approach feeds the love of notebooks which is surely the purest love of all.
🚨 Premiere alert! Episode 2 of our series Future Makers is out now.
We’re showing how research and innovation are really improving people’s lives.
This episode explores how innovators are tackling microplastics in everyday products like paint and skincare: youtu.be/5MSU239d5QM?...
Best enjoyed with a bingo card for you to complete according to your own experiences. HOUSE! katharinehubbard.blog/2026/01/20/t... @katharinehubbard.bsky.social
Heard about PATHWAYS? It's the UKRI leadership development programme that we deliver alongside the FLF Development Network pathways.flfdevnet.com Open to UKRI/RC project leads on awards intended to develop leadership capability and/or research independence. Apply by Feb 20th please!
…and if it’s the FLF specifically, there’s more on www.flfdevnet.com/resources/en...
If you or someone you know is working on their UKRI FLF reviewer response, this is a brain dump from me based on questions over the rounds. Not perfect (done & available > perfect) but will respond to any comments to improve.
blogs.ed.ac.uk/breakingboun...
@samaspinall.bsky.social #FLF
Are you an early career researcher looking for research training in history and related disciplines? You might be eligible for an IHR bursary of up to £500 to help cover the cost of one of our fantastic short courses! Deadline for applications is 31 Jan 2026. www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...
Giving this another plug - Please share with anyone who has Round 9 UKRI FLF Interview in May. I've shared some of the learning from my role as a roving panel member - includes a slide deck if you're briefing interviewees or convening mock panels. Good Luck! www.flfdevnet.com/2025/04/16/i...
Cartoon image of a woman struggling to carry a large banner with the text "Big Plans" on it.
Preparing for your Round 9 UKRI FLF Interview in a few weeks? Or supporting someone? I've shared some of the learning from my role as a roving panel member - includes a slide deck if you're briefing interviewees or convening mock panels. Good Luck! www.flfdevnet.com/2025/04/16/i...
I'm especially keen to hear from anyone who can't draw on existing institutional knowledge of the scheme (existing FLFs or panel members) - what will help lift the lid on the interviews?
Invited for a Future Leaders Fellowship interview?
Need some help preparing?
I'm putting together something today to support applicants and those who are helping to prepare them.
Post your questions here (or message me.)
Easiest format for me is a short video - brief doc could follow.
Last year, PPLS proudly hosted the regional heat of the Ethics Cup, a debating competition that challenges high school students to thoughtfully discuss complex ethical issues. We are pleased to announce that the search for competitors to take part next year is now open. Learn more: edin.ac/4ikFcPR
EDICa aims this internship to offer someone from an under-represented group a taste of working in research. Here, our Prof @jeminanapier.bsky.social signs in #BSL the job vacancy. #Accessibility #DeafSky #Internship #Research
youtu.be/mSuK-KiOMHQ
One for my @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social colleagues. This year's Researcher Realities online conference is happening on 11th March 2025, 9:30-16:45. Programme and booking details here: institute-academic-development.ed.ac.uk/research-rol... Many themes relevant to research professionals - all welcome
UK Reproducibility Network has joined BlueSky! #AcademicSky #OpenResearch
Yes! I had a discrete cheer in your direction. Can't wait to see the impacts of this - really exciting
Check you've covered everything that was raised.
Check your tone is professional (especially if you've had rough reviews).
Check you are still compliant with the scheme (don't try to accommodate a reviewer by suggesting something you can't do.)
Check your interpretation of all comments
Celebrate!
There's a lot of nuance in these suggestions so it is REALLY important to get someone to look over your response. Ideally someone who has experience of panels and reviewing, but there's a lot of common sense. A few final thoughts on prompts for you and your ally before your send the response.
Don't assume that the reviewer fully understands the scheme or call. If a comment seems to want you to do something that you can't, acknowledge the comment, but say it falls outside the scope of the scheme. Don't tie yourself in knots - get a sense check from someone.
Some thoughts on scores and comments - they are often slightly out of kilter. Numbers are so subjective (my 5 might be your 3) so panels generally look for consistency with comments. So don't panic if the numbers aren't great - look at the comments. Good panels look at both.
You may also see a review misinterpret or misunderstand something. Gently clarify - remember that they may have been confused by your choice of words, so don't dismiss their point. But also don't throw yourself on your sword.
Many fields have different "factions" so if you get a review from someone who disagrees with your position, acknowledge the different perspectives but explain the value of your approach, particularly if your work might bridge gaps
You will have had to make difficult choices about what to include in your proposal so reviewer comments often request for more detail. Set out what you could add and look for common themes. Unless indicated otherwise, you can decide which structure works (i.e. by theme rather than reviewer)
But hopefully most of your reviews will be constructive! For the really positive reviews, double check for any queries you might miss, keep their praise in mind if you're going to face an interview, think about how these comments might be woven into the narrative of your response.
If a review really upsets or undermines you, let the research office/equivalent in your institution/organisation know. They can complain on your behalf. Keep your focus on your application for now.