Brian Cox says UK physics funding cuts are ‘destruction of the future’ Grant cuts of nearly 70% may force university departments to close and ‘annihilate’ research, scientists say

The funding crisis in particle physics, ongoing www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

Select committees Well, the fight to stop the decimation of particle, astro and nuclear physics continues. The House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology select committee session I mentioned in the previous…

Some thoughts after two parliamentary committee hearings
lifeandphysics.com/2026/03/08/s...
#LifeAndPhysics

Rows of people wearing orange lanyards in a House of Commons committee hearing. At the front is Catherine sporting her "I'm about to perform an appendectomy" mask and looking particularly snazzy.

Here is my run-down of today's Science, Information & Technology Committee hearing (House of Commons) where @jonbutterworth.bsky.social @si-wills.bsky.social & I argued for no funding cuts, & Prof. Michele Doughtery explained why they were needed. The public gallery again packed with physicists 🔭👩‍🔬⚛️

Frank Burnet obituary Other lives: Science communicator determined to make complex ideas intelligible, engaging and fun

Frank Burnet obituary www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

BBC Radio 4 - Toxic!, A Recipe for Disaster? Scouring his kitchen, Mark Miodownik uncovers the forever chemicals pervading our everyday

If you are wondering what PFAS are, here is a primer: BBC Radio 4 - Toxic!, A Recipe for Disaster? share.google/CJ4N8j4GQ3XI...

Thank you Martin Lewis for fighting this fight for us

For example: bsky.app/profile/skep...

Lee Smolin pauses working relationship with Perimeter Institute after being named in Epstein files Lee Smolin has been asked to “pause” his work by the Perimeter Institute as they review ties to Jeffrey Epstein

I‘ve mentioned that thanks to the Epstein tranche I learned that one of my PhD advisors, Lee Smolin, continued to have contact with Epstein after 2007, which is not the impression I had

It’s weird to say the least for my professional past to become a public story that demands feminist analysis

These cuts to physics research will be a disaster for UK scientists – and for our standing in the world | Jon Butterworth If plans by the UK’s science funding body go ahead, we won’t be able to benefit from Britain’s membership of Cern and other large international projects, says Jon Butterworth, professor of physics at University College London

These cuts to physics research will be a disaster for UK scientists – and for our standing in the world | Jon Butterworth

BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science A weekly programme looking at the science that's changing our world.

Listeners to Radio 4’s Inside Science today get an essay from me in defence of astronomy as pure research. Please listen in and let me know what you think.

Show starts 4.30pm GMT here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...

Reposting to the astronomy and science feeds 🔭🧪

GPE's conclusion on STFC's savage cuts to astro/particle/nuclear physics research:

Science must reimagine public engagement in era of uncertainty - Research Professional News Our best defence against AI and algorithm overload is truly understanding science, writes Roger Highfield

Science must reimagine public engagement in era of uncertainty www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...

Hero of the day. Tony Slater, who rummaged through discarded McDonald’s litter on verge, found a receipt, contacted the local environmental health officer. Who contacted McD, who used CCTV to work out the car responsible.
Result: £500 fine. 💥
(Via @thetimes.com)

Why do educated people fall for conspiracy theories? It could be narcissism New research shows highly educated people are just as likely to believe conspiracies as those with less education if they have these psychological traits.

theconversation.com/why-do-educa...

I grew up with Alex Pretti The kind-hearted ICU nurse shot by ICE agents was my childhood best friend.

I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com

Take the front page! This Saturday, join Skaped for an afternoon workshop of collage, art and reflection on reproductive justice for Black and Brown women. Create your own front page envisaging the future of reproductive autonomy www.outsavvy.com/event/29890/...

Really enjoyed listening to this Adam!

The History of Bad Ideas: Nobel Prizes 133

Apropos of nothing much @ppfideas.bsky.social

www.ppfideas.com/episodes/the...

Featuring the International FameLab Final at CERN 👇

CERN's Autumn season of events has been announced, which includes the International FameLab Final on 25th Nov - join us in-person at CERN Science Gateway, or online

papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....

Copyright infringement: AI and large language models It is now impossible to ignore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) as they have transformed, and are continuing to transform, industries at an unprecedented pac...

www.bpe.co.uk/news-and-eve...

Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismology – The Taylor Swift effect In June 2024, Taylor Swift performed three sold-out nights at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. We pioneered a unique method of scientific engagement by designing a seismological campaign alongside her perfo...

Full article: Are you ready for it? Harnessing celebrity influence for science communication and seismology – The Taylor Swift effect www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

Friday Sept 12th, 7” vinyl only set at Folk Cafe Bar on Burton Rd, M20. I’ll be playing 9-11pm. Free entry!!

Trans rights are, in fact, human rights. Pass it on. 🏳️‍⚧️🫂

Keep the UKs brilliant science centres open to inspire the next generations of children. Sign the letter www.sciencecentres.org.uk/openletter/

EDF extends lifespan of two UK nuclear plants, securing 1,000 jobs for longer Heysham 1 in Lancashire and Hartlepool in Teesside to continue operating until March 2028

Two UK nuclear power stations will continue to generate electricity for 12 months longer than previously scheduled, to 2028 www.theguardian.com/business/202...

Why Don’t Things Fall Up? Why Don’t Things Fall Up? delivers what every adult and schoolchild deserves, but often doesn’t get: an authoritative and accessible account of the key ideas in science. The book is rooted in Alom’…

Was going to do a radio interview about this but they have cancelled. They wanted to know why physics is worth studying and my answer is that it is part of our collective cultural heritage and provides us with a remarkable set of intellectual tools with which to make sense of the universe. Read more