LopaLeach

It won't come as a surprise to most in UK higher ed that redundancies at research-intensive universities have gone up

But it's stark to see that they practically *doubled* between 2023 and 2025

(figures are from FOI responses from 24 members of either the Russell Group and ResearchPlus)

...

Is momentum building for a big increase in UK proof-of-concept funding?

Leading biochemist Mike Ferguson told @sophieatrpn.bsky.social current PoC funding is "wholly inadequate" and there is "an ecosystem creaking at the seams with opportunity that needs to be de-risked just that little bit"

...

Job losses at research-intensive universities double in two years - Research Professional News Exclusive: Scale of redundancies revealed by RPN branded a “disaster” for UK research capacity

Redundancies at research-intensive universities double in two years.

www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...

Sorry, it does! Thank you Matt Buck!.

Nottingham cuts ‘threaten status as research-intensive university’ - Research Professional News Move to reduce academics’ protected research time to 25 per cent brings union warning

Really like the five to midnight time showing on clock tower. Inspired. (Does not say who the photographer is, thank you). @robinbisson.bsky.social @resprofnews.bsky.social
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...

A screenshot of an article from ResearchProfessional News with the headline "Nottingham cuts 'theatre status as research-intensive university'"

A screenshot of an article from the BBC with the headline "Unions pass no confidence vote in university bosses'"

A screenshot of an article from NottinghamshireLive with the headline "'Breakdown of trust' at University of Nottingham as Vice Chancellor told to quit'"

Hey! We're in the news again! And if the University believes that all press is good press, they're nailing it.

In an unprecedented move, one reflective of the deeply unprecedented times at our university, UoN branches of three different unions (@UCU.org.uk, @unisonorg.uk, and Unite) have all successfully passed motions of no confidence in the Vice Chancellor and the entire executive board.

"Breakdown of trust' at University of Nottingham as Vice Chancellor told to quit".

www.nottinghampost.com/news/notting...

The UKRI grants pause risks forcing out mid-career medical researchers The fact that a mere few months’ hiatus imperils the futures of those without permanent posts underlines the fragility of UK biomedicine, says a researcher

Opinion: When a mere few months’ hiatus in UKRI funding opportunities imperils the futures of those without permanent posts, it only underlines the fragility of UK biomedicine, says a researcher #AcademicSky #Research
ow.ly/q32l50Yhv9m

Number of academics working in the UK falls for first time Some universities reduce staff teams by more than a fifth after year of cutbacks and job losses, new data show

The number of academics working in UK institutions has fallen for the first time on record, new figures reveal. Patrick Jack reports #EduSky #AcademicSky
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/number-academics-working-uk-falls-first-time

Factor in also how much longer it takes for women to get promotions, even though performing equally or better. Stagnant pay of those lost years...

UK’s gender pay gap forecast to persist for another 30 years Trades Union Congress says women have effectively been working for free this year and legislation is needed Women in the UK will not be paid the same as men until 2056 at the current rate of progress, according to a Trades Union Congress report. The gender pay gap, which stands at £2,548 a year, means that women have effectively worked for free so far this year, the TUC said. Continue reading...

UK’s gender pay gap forecast to persist for another 30 years

Really important findings. Well done Andy Benest. 👏

new.microcirculation.org.uk/events/1

Screenshot of a THE story with the headline "Nottingham posts £85 million deficit as value of campus plummets"

Screenshot of a NottinghamshireLive news story with the headline "University of Nottingham's disastrous 'vanity project' campus could be sold for just £14."

Now I'm not an economist, but I feel like this is not great economic news.

MRC instructs grant review boards to slash funding rates - Research Professional News Boards asked to recommend just three applications for funding, as BBSRC also suspends calls

So so sad.
MRC instructs grant review boards to slash funding rates www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

Nobel winner and senior scientists slam cuts to UK physics - Research Professional News Science and Technology Facilities Council’s £162 million cost-saving measures “will have catastrophic consequences”, government warned

Nobel winner and senior scientists slam cuts to UK physics.

www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

UKRI pauses several funding calls amid priorities shake-up - Research Professional News “Period of transition” at funding agency sees some Medical Research Council funding opportunities on hiatus

“Period of transition” at UK Research Councils

Curiosity-driven research frozen for four years - a funding cut by stealth - while cash surges to government priorities and “innovation”

Grim times ahead for the UK research sector

www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...

4 Black journalists have been kidnapped by the federal government

PROTEST AGAINST ICE MURDERS Solidarity with migrants and workers of Minneapolis, Minnesota Speak out against trump! Saturday, Jan 31, 1PM Brian Clough statue

Our branch stands with all of those brave communities and individuals standing up against the fascist Trump regime in the US. We will be joining this protest on Saturday in solidarity. We hope you can too.

See you there @uonucu.bsky.social

😱

www.facebook.com/share/v/15aN...

Full witness statement from physician who was initially denied the opportunity to provide care. Alex Pretti was shot near the apartment of a doctor, who saw the shooting and rushed to provide emergency aid as he lay dying on the street.

"The victim had at least three bullet holes in his back."

Tens of thousands of demonstrators filling the streets with signs and banners

Demonstrators as far as the eye can see. Current status of the march in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota for Ice Out of Minnesota. They are turning onto 3rd Street from 5th Avenue.

A photo of Anti-ICE protests happening in Minneapolis

To all trade unions in the Twin Cities and Minnesota more broadly,

We want to express, from across the Atlantic Ocean, our deeply felt solidarity and support for the general strike planned for Friday 23rd January.

Minneapolis says no to ICE.

Re-posting. Needed to see this again, as we launch soon our indicative ballot; management still does not get our anger, the strength of our opposition to course cancellations, huge job losses, inevitable workload increases, and demise/shrinkage of our beautiful UoN. Listen, bosses👇🏽

Thank you for covering this. @julietterowsell.bsky.social
@timeshighered.bsky.social