At last – the least surprising Nobel in recent memory finally got awarded. But despite its inevitability, the prize for CRISPR is still worth celebrating. Continue reading
The CRISPR Nobel: back to basics
A disunited front
Almost everybody agrees that the scientific publishing paradigm has to change – but that change might come faster if progressives could agree on what to alter first. Continue reading
Your postdoc questions answered (an EMBL Careers Webinar Q&A)
On 11th September, TIR writer Brooke Morriswood participated in an EMBL Careers Webinar with Kristina Havas-Cavaletti and Mariana de Niz on “how to choose a postdoc position”. Some of the questions asked by webinar attendees, and the panel’s answers, are below. Continue reading
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and equality
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, died last week of cancer aged 87. Continue reading
Owning up
Science has struggled with contrition for a while, but the problem reflects a wider trend in society. Continue reading
Black Lives Matter – an interview with Professor Derek Applewhite
Derek Applewhite is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Reed College in Portland, Oregon (USA), and a longstanding advocate for Black/Indigenous/People of Colour (BIPOC) in academia. He joined TIR writer Brooke Morriswood and our first interviewee and discussion leader, Calvin Tiengwe, to continue the conversation about the BLM protests, racism in academia, and positive contributions that individual scientists can make. Continue reading
Holiday reading 2020
It’s that time of year again! Whether you’re staying at home, venturing down the road, or even going abroad – you’re going to need something to read, and we have a bumper selection of (mostly science-themed) books to recommend! Continue reading
Recant re-can’t
The deathless persistence of the hydroxychloroquine story illustrates how hard it can be to let go of cherished beliefs. Continue reading
Too busy to think
Scientists need to allocate time for thinking as well as for doing, and especially so right now. Continue reading
Life membership
The attempted student ban enacted by the Trump administration was wrong. Denying students their university places because they were not physically present misunderstood so much of what university membership really embodies. Continue reading
