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Dr. Sophie Kay

@scientistsoph.bsky.social

6.3K followers 1.4K following 810 posts

Pro Genealogist & Scientist at www.khronicle.co.uk, #Genealogy Expert for Time Team. Oxford D.Phil.(SysBio), Fiend for #maps & #research methods. Big hair, big heels, weakness for cake.She/her. Blog: www.parchmentrustler.com

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 3

Exciting news to share here - I've been appointed as the inaugural Scientist in Residence at The Mixed Museum!

My work will centre around the use of #DNA testing to unite #science and #history, in particular through parent & grandparent tracing #scicomm

mixedmuseum.org.uk/news/the-mix...

The Mixed Museum Launches Scientist in Residence Programme

F Scientist in Residence programme with Dr Sophie Kay, building on DNA and identity work with Britain’s ‘brown babies’.

mixedmuseum.org.uk

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 15d

A waiting game ahead for us all. I'm unsure at present of the date set for the next hearing - don't know whether that's in the Times' reporting (which I don't have a sub to).

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 15d

On hold to Royal Mail for 43 minutes so far, chasing yet MORE apparently undelivered post. Not sure how much more of this I can take (the waiting, the tinny music, or the lost mail) #MondayMorning

kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain and screaming .

Alt: kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain, screaming and waving his little green arms around. The text AAAARGH is across the image in capitals

media.tenor.com

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 15d

Agreed. I was stunned when I heard - it smacks of corporate entitlement & greed in the highest. And worrying too: were Ancestry to succeed with this case, what implications does it have for the many other #archives out there who might then be subject to the same treatment? #history #genealogy

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 16d

I and many others in the #research world will watch this case very closely. It'd set a dangerous precedent if any archive in this kind of situation were legally forced to permit records access by a commercial co., when those records are *already* available to the public on a pay-per-view model...

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 16d

And here's the news as reported by the BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Ancestry in legal bid to access Scottish family records

DNA testing site, Ancestry.com, has taken legal action to access millions of Scottish family records held by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

www.bbc.co.uk

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · 16d

Great piece from @chrismpaton.bsky.social on Ancestry taking the NRS to court because they don't wish to have their records on the Ancestry platform.

I'm backing the NRS all the way on this #genealogy #archives #FamilyHistory #history

scottishgenes.blogspot.com/2025/09/ance...

Ancestry and the NRS - when the corporate genealogy world turns ugly

From Scotland, a daily news blog about genealogy, family history and personal heritage.

scottishgenes.blogspot.com

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Every time 👍😊

Reposted by Dr. Sophie Kay

The Past and other Places @pastandotherplaces.bsky.social · Sep 14

100 years of women's lives and writings. Free online event from @natlibscot.bsky.social
23 Sept 2025, 2.30-3.30pm.
#herstory #women 📚🗃️
www.nls.uk/whats-on/wom...

100 years of women's lives and writings | National Library of Scotland

Explore the work of a range of remarkable women through our free-to-use Digital Gallery.

www.nls.uk

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Almost home after our #DNA session in Liverpool yesterday. Thanks to the wonderful audience for their many & varied discussion points - both during and after!

HUGE thanks to the organisers & volunteers for #bsf25 who've made the magic happen this past week. I'd love to join you again next year!

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 3

A couple of things about our #bsf25 session, #DNA and Identity...
👉 We've had a venue change from the original listing and are now on at the fab Bluecoat on School Lane
👉 Advance tickets have SOLD OUT but some walk-ins will be permitted on the day, subject to capacity
👉 Expect LOTS of audience Q&A!

Find us at venues across Liverpool - British Science Festival, Liverpool, 10 - 14 Sep 2025

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Thanks for this Megan :)

And *really* good to hear that the legal system did give way for your #adoptee client in the end - I don't doubt it was a hard-won result. I hope this makes his onward path that little bit smoother from here, tho I know it's a long & complex journey.

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Thanks, Meryl! In my case it was actually physical recovery I was referring to, tho agree that we ALL need to give proper time to the emotional care as well 👍

Think we need to see a photo of this new purchase too...

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Sounds like it might have been one of your talks Jane was thinking of, Joe! I've mentioned Gephi in passing in a few of mine this year, but it was 2024 when I last delivered a full Gephi workshop (returning in 2026 😉). Bring on the big screens, eh?!

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Important footnote - no pun intended 😉 - I've always found my Ruby Shoos (I own multiple pairs!) to have amazing arch support - super comfortable 👍

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 14

Ahh, in that case here's the place you need to look...they sell heels, mids and flats: www.rubyshoo.com

Enjoy bringing a bit of colour to that scientist footwear!

The Official Home of British Design Ruby Shoo Matching Shoes and Bags

Matching shoes and bags with a quirky original twist and vintage inspiration. Be Bold Be Different Be You with our stunning collection of individually styled heels and flat shoes. Our shoes are the mo...

www.rubyshoo.com

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

Ah, but thankfully science doesn't stop for the rain! Onwards and upwards 💪 #bsf25

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

Thanks! And really comfortable too 😁 #WinWin

Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

This is fab to hear - thank you! We're going to be bringing #history and #science together in this one - and seeing how each feeds into the other when it comes to parent- and g'parent-tracing cases. It's wonderful when two disciplines really can come together in rich, productive ways 🙂

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

...and keep doing you. When we take a narrow view of who gets to "be" a scientist, then a lot of people select themselves out of this world silently.

Some of the best colleagues I've had over the years were also the most unconventional 😁

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

There's room for us ALL in #science, folks - whether you're into heels or flats, brights or neutrals.

This is why I love the community-focused approach at events like #bsf25. Yes, there's fab science going on in academia and industry, but it's also about how we as a culture "see" scientists too...

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

Some years ago I spent a lot of time working access initiatives for young ppl interested in #science.

Some young women would come up to me afterwards to tell me they 'hadn't known they could dress like that AND be a scientist'.

Helping ppl see a broader view of who's allowed in the room is VITAL

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

Thanks! Yep, I'm co-presenting one of the #bsf25 Presidential sessions, alongside Chamion Caballero and Arlene Nelson. I think there should be some terrific debate and qus in the room today and I can't wait to see everyone!

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

And behind my jocular comment, there's also a serious message: make sure you do YOU - there should be room for everyone in #science

Over the years I've had a LOT of ppl tell me not to wear the flamboyant shoes as "no-one will take you seriously". I have always resolutely ignored this 'advice' 😉

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

7am start today to head up country for my #DNA session at #bsf25. Hopefully into Liverpool for midday!

May I also remind you that Awesome #Science demands the very best shoes. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise 😉

woman's foot wearing a chunky, high-heeled shoe in a bright turquoise colour

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Dr. Sophie Kay @scientistsoph.bsky.social · Sep 13

Glad you're enjoying it! A glorious combo of archaeology, history and genealogy to keep you happy there😀