Margot Finn
@eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Historian of Britain and colonialism, material culture, the EIC. Also works on equalities, museums, open access & research policy. Download the EIC @ Home open access volume here: https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/88277 (or individual chapters via JSTOR) .. more
Historian of Britain and colonialism, material culture, the EIC. Also works on equalities, museums, open access & research policy. Download the EIC @ Home open access volume here: https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/88277 (or individual chapters via JSTOR)
Margot C. Finn is a British historian and academic who specialises in Britain and the British colonial world during the long nineteenth century. She has been Professor of Modern British History at the University College, London (UCL) since 2012. Finn was previously the President of the Royal Historical Society and a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum. .. more
Political science
31%
Economics
26%
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
2025:
A WordPress plug-in accidentally pushes something to live - the chair of a national institution resigns
OpenAI intentionally release products to a mass market that includes errors, manipulations and stolen material - cool, cool
Is this how it works?
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
A WordPress plug-in accidentally pushes something to live - the chair of a national institution resigns
OpenAI intentionally release products to a mass market that includes errors, manipulations and stolen material - cool, cool
Is this how it works?
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Watched BBC 6 o clock news. Just a completely unserious broadcast. Chris Mason, acting like a children's entertainer, giving a prolonged impenetrable editorial. Not a whiff of informative content about the Budget or what it means for the country. Just playschool blah blah bollocks.
🚨 Job opportunity🚨
We are looking for an editorial assistant to work with me on the RGS journals (TIBG, The GJ, Area & Geo) as we move online systems.
🗓6 months fixed term
🕑0.4 FTE
📍Remote working option
❗️Closing date 11th Dec
Please share & apply! Happy to answer Qs.
www.rgs.org/about-us/wor...
We are looking for an editorial assistant to work with me on the RGS journals (TIBG, The GJ, Area & Geo) as we move online systems.
🗓6 months fixed term
🕑0.4 FTE
📍Remote working option
❗️Closing date 11th Dec
Please share & apply! Happy to answer Qs.
www.rgs.org/about-us/wor...
Editorial Assistant for RGS-IBG Journals | Job vacancy
An exciting opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the academic peer review and publishing process. Part time, six-month fixed term contract.
www.rgs.org
Salary range for this post is £30,065-£31,740 per annum (pro rata to £12,026-£12,696 per annum) depending on experience and qualifications.
Option for home working. 0.4 FTE for 6 months.
Option for home working. 0.4 FTE for 6 months.
Opinion: AI is already shaping the REF—the rules need to catch up.
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
AI is already shaping the REF—the rules need to catch up - Research Professional News
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
'There is a core tension between the efficiency gains offered by AI and the risks it brings around accuracy, bias and transparency.'
The issue of bias requires much more thought and attention, especially in the context of the grisly REF2021 EDI report (already much ignored in REF2029 preparations).
The issue of bias requires much more thought and attention, especially in the context of the grisly REF2021 EDI report (already much ignored in REF2029 preparations).
Reposted by Le Yu, Margot C. Finn
Editorial Assistant for RGS-IBG Journals | Job vacancy
An exciting opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the academic peer review and publishing process. Part time, six-month fixed term contract.
www.rgs.org
🚨 Job opportunity🚨
We are looking for an editorial assistant to work with me on the RGS journals (TIBG, The GJ, Area & Geo) as we move online systems.
🗓6 months fixed term
🕑0.4 FTE
📍Remote working option
❗️Closing date 11th Dec
Please share & apply! Happy to answer Qs.
www.rgs.org/about-us/wor...
We are looking for an editorial assistant to work with me on the RGS journals (TIBG, The GJ, Area & Geo) as we move online systems.
🗓6 months fixed term
🕑0.4 FTE
📍Remote working option
❗️Closing date 11th Dec
Please share & apply! Happy to answer Qs.
www.rgs.org/about-us/wor...
Important to distinguish between 4 types of usage here: 1) by HEIs for REF2029 submissions; 2) by researchers in producing outputs; and 3) by REF2029 Sub- and Main panels in assessments; 4) by Research England, UKRI & DSIT in devising assessments and rewarding (or not) performance in them. 2/2
REF 2029 ‘must get grip on AI or risk losing credibility’.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
REF 2029 ‘must get grip on AI or risk losing credibility’ - Research Professional News
Study finds university staff believe Research Excellence Framework will ultimately become “fully automated”
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
'“The credibility of the REF now rests on getting AI ‘sighted’ in all its processes and surfacing what is clearly quite a lot of subterranean—dare I say, unlicensed—use,” Watermeyer said.' 1/2
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
AI is already shaping the REF—the rules need to catch up - Research Professional News
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
Opinion: AI is already shaping the REF—the rules need to catch up.
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Dynamic but uneven picture highlights the need for a coordinated, transparent approach, says Lawrie Phipps
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Think this is exactly right - political journalism that is completely abstracted from policy, which was not the norm before 2017, has become the default. Impossible to have a serious attempt to either shrink what the state does or widen the tax base (have to do at least one) on that basis.
All this budget news, claims, counter claims is confusing, but two things of consequence.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
There is an actual interesting little deceit in the budget, namely ther have the OBR still forecasting based on increasing net immigration back to 300-350k whilst the Home Secretary is promising to bring it down from 200k, which does dissolve about half the headroom, but somehow we're doing vibes.
'Without judgement, abundance is useless.' Thoughtful longread from @jimdickinson.bsky.social about how AI is stripping things away to uncover what is actually valuable about higher education
wonkhe.com/blogs/the-en...
wonkhe.com/blogs/the-en...
The end of pretend – AI and the case for universities of formation
Jim Dickinson reflects on the end of scarcity, the rise of AI, and the challenge to a system of higher education built on pretence, performance and proxies Jim Dickinson reflects on the end of scarcit...
wonkhe.com
'At the high risk of becoming one of those bores at a conference whose “question” is a speech about that very issue, I do think there is a choice to be made. We ought at least to ask if universities exist to sort and qualify, or to form and transform. AI forces the question.'
Entries are now open for the 2026 Brian Barry Prize ✍️
The prize is awarded annually for excellence in political science. The winner receives £1,500 and will be published in @bjpols.bsky.social.
Follow the link for more information and to find out how to apply: https://bit.ly/3XUKdG1
The prize is awarded annually for excellence in political science. The winner receives £1,500 and will be published in @bjpols.bsky.social.
Follow the link for more information and to find out how to apply: https://bit.ly/3XUKdG1
Any author with a first degree is eligible (exceptions below); submitted essay must be unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.
Not open to current employees or Fellows of the British Academy, employees of CUP, or current editors/staff staff of the British Journal of Political Science
Not open to current employees or Fellows of the British Academy, employees of CUP, or current editors/staff staff of the British Journal of Political Science
A question best put to the author. Don't shoot the messenger.
'This is the first book-length study of the Mazarin salon in London, established by Hortense Mancini (Duchess of Mazarin) and Charles de Saint-Évremond in 1676. The salon hosted intellectual conversation, gambling, performance...bringing together...exiles with Restoration London’s elite.' 2/2
The original influencers: exiled women and the French salon in European culture | King's College London
A new book explores how exiled women played a pivotal role in shaping elite culture in Restoration England through the introduction of the French salon model.
www.kcl.ac.uk
'Dr Annalisa Nicholson, British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, reveals how the concept of the salon was translated to the capital in A Salon-in-Exile: Hortense Mancini and the French Diaspora in Restoration London.' 1/2
acmedsci.ac.uk
Check out the roundtable report, 'Factors Impacting Opportunities for Children and Young People to Thrive at School', by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the British Academy here. 2/2
@acmedsci.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
@acmedsci.bsky.social @britishacademy.bsky.social
‘Devastating’ health impacts of child poverty require action, Academy urges
acmedsci.ac.uk
'It builds on the British Academy’s programme on childhood'.
If you thought that the British Academy was "only" about the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, think again. Research, science, education: we're stronger together. 1/2
If you thought that the British Academy was "only" about the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, think again. Research, science, education: we're stronger together. 1/2
'This is a matter of pipeline, policy and purpose. And these three challenges are inextricably related.'
Nicely put. 2/2
Nicely put. 2/2
What it means to be human: Why the arts and humanities are more important than ever - Arts Professional
On behalf of the Midlands Arts and Humanities Futures Network¹, Professor Rachel Moseley argues for the importance of a co-ordinated approach across the education sector to secure the future of these ...
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
'Despite a nod to the economic contribution of Britain’s globally successful film industry, there was little to support arts and humanities humanities disciplines outside the defined ‘creative industries’, deepening long-standing concerns about the sustainability of research and education.' 1/2
'Some of the blame for this can be laid at the door of successive governments [for failing to support music in schools]....But universities, equally, have hardly been putting in much effort to make a positive case to the wider world about the intrinsic value of arts and humanities programmes.' 3/3
'Northumbria often recruits students from widening-participation backgrounds, some of whom have missed out on high-quality instrumental/vocal tuition or formal music education in school. Many want to give something back to society. Teaching opportunities are built into the course'. 2/3
A discipline in danger | Alexandra Wilson | The Critic Magazine
I have written previously for The Critic about the closure of Music departments in British universities and it gives me no pleasure to be revisiting the issue. Unfortunately, the domino effect that…
thecritic.co.uk
'The media has not yet picked up on the fact that Northumbria University has also now quietly closed applications to its Music degree. This is a new course, which admitted its first students only five years ago. Staff with excellent research profiles were appointed'. 1/3
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
Entries are now open for the 2026 Brian Barry Prize ✍️
The prize is awarded annually for excellence in political science. The winner receives £1,500 and will be published in @bjpols.bsky.social.
Follow the link for more information and to find out how to apply: https://bit.ly/3XUKdG1
The prize is awarded annually for excellence in political science. The winner receives £1,500 and will be published in @bjpols.bsky.social.
Follow the link for more information and to find out how to apply: https://bit.ly/3XUKdG1
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
‘A Catholic who attended services held by Protestant clergy, and never doubted that the Eucharist was a sacramental miracle, was to all outward appearances a Protestant.’
@malcolmgaskill.bsky.social on Catholicism in colonial America.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
@malcolmgaskill.bsky.social on Catholicism in colonial America.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Malcolm Gaskill · Bejesuited: America’s First Catholics
Readers familiar with the legend of Pocahontas – baptised an Anglican in the church at Jamestown – and the puritan...
www.lrb.co.uk
"By switching historical lenses, Juster reveals a panorama of colonial activity and expansion, a world teeming with Catholics." Great piece on Sue Juster's new book. Beginning with that remarkable reliquary at Jamestown.
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
The 1178 Ranshofen Gospels give big Monday energy: three evangelists turn up to work missing key tools: no pen, wrong ink, no parchment.... only St John is prepared for the day.
A medieval reminder that some Mondays haven’t changed!
MS. Canon. Bibl. Lat. 60
#MedievalMonday
A medieval reminder that some Mondays haven’t changed!
MS. Canon. Bibl. Lat. 60
#MedievalMonday
Reposted by Margot C. Finn
The end of pretend – AI and the case for universities of formation
Jim Dickinson reflects on the end of scarcity, the rise of AI, and the challenge to a system of higher education built on pretence, performance and proxies Jim Dickinson reflects on the end of scarcit...
wonkhe.com
'Without judgement, abundance is useless.' Thoughtful longread from @jimdickinson.bsky.social about how AI is stripping things away to uncover what is actually valuable about higher education
wonkhe.com/blogs/the-en...
wonkhe.com/blogs/the-en...
All the higher education-relevant Home Office stats for Q3 2025
There’s new migration data out for July to September, covering student visas, dependants, graduate route, global talent, asylum claims, and student sponsorship
wonkhe.com
'despite recent dips international student visa numbers are still far higher than they were before the pandemic and the introduction of the graduate route. Dependants are of course well below their level pre-PGT ban, but in 2025 Q3 there were still 8,854 dependant visas issued.'
'We’re not expecting any silver bullets, but if you have an example of practice to share, please get in touch.' (Link in article for contact). 2/2
High quality learning means developing and upskilling educators on the pedagogy of AI
AI has the potential to change educator practice, but it needs the right support to be in place. Debbie McVitty and Rachel Maxwell invite you to contribute to a new Wonkhe-Kortext project on educating...
wonkhe.com
'For our new project “Educating the AI generation” we want to explore how institutions are developing educator AI literacy and practice – what frameworks, interventions, and provisions are helpful and effective, and where the barriers and challenges lie.' 1/2
From Manchester for the world, our strategy to 2035
Rising to the moment, it's The University of Manchester's turn to define what a great university looks like for the 21st century with our strategy to 2035, From Manchester for the world.
www.manchester.ac.uk
It 'offers some online programmes and maintains four global centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore, its 2035 Strategy agreed last month outlines plans to massively increase this activity with an eventual aim for “half of our students to study online or through workplace routes”.' 2/2
Half of Manchester students to be learning online in 10 years
Russell Group institution announces major pivot into digital teaching as universities evolve further beyond traditional models
www.timeshighereducation.com
'The Russell Group institution, one of the UK’s largest, has announced plans to expand beyond its traditional fully campus-based model of higher education and increase its digital and global presence, as well as its flexible learning opportunities.' 1/2