David Underdown
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davidunderdown.bsky.social
David Underdown
@davidunderdown.bsky.social
1.7K followers 2K following 1.2K posts
Data Engineer at The National Archives. Digital Preservation/Digital Archiving. Also cycling, bellringing, photography, choral singing, promming and much more
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by David Underdown
bho.bsky.social
Voices in Slavery’s Archive: Law, Place & Testimony in British Guiana

making the largest collection of first-person testimony of enslaved people from the Caribbean in existence – the Reports of the Protectors of Slaves – accessible.

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/p...

#History
Project to bring voices of enslaved people to life - The National Archives
The National Archives is working with international academics to make the largest collection of first-person testimony of enslaved people from the Caribbean in existence – the Reports of the Protector...
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
simonjones.bsky.social
This article references the work of Emma Marsh in surveying the bombing debris.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
uknatarcsector.bsky.social
Do you hold collections that relate to the Holocaust, whether that be its prehistory, its aftermath, or the role of antisemitism before, during and after WWII?

The European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI) are keen to hear from you... (1/3)
A person removing a labelled carboard box from a large row of shelves containing similar cardboard boxes.
November 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
patrickdunleavy.bsky.social
Beatrice and Sidney Webb were the original LSE power couple, brought together by a shared interest in Trade Unions. Inderbir Bhullar traces their partnership, exploring the overlap between their private lives & their collaborative work. blogs.lse.ac.uk/lsehistory/2...
Beatrice and Sidney Webb and Trade Unions - LSE History
LSE co-founders Beatrice and Sidney Webb were brought together by a shared interest in Trade Unions. Inderbir Bhullar traces the very beginning of their partnership.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
November 22, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
wokestudies.bsky.social
"Isambard" : Library Cat at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.
Book: 'Opuscula of Gregorii Tiferni' (1494)?
#HigherEd #research #Cats #edchat
Photo of "Isambard" : Library Cat at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. Book: 'Opuscula of Gregorii Tiferni' (1494)?
November 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
aial.ie
The AIAL is looking for a highly driven Post-Doctoral Researcher who can design and implement research that improves transparency and accountability regarding the use of generative AI in public services

Application closes on Dec 02, 2025

More information: aial.ie/hiring/postd...
About AIAL The AI Accountability Lab (AIAL) is a research lab hosted in the ADAPT Research Centre and the School of Computer Science and Statistics in Trinity College Dublin. We are driven by the urgent need to demystify, critically assess, and publicly communicate the operations and functionality of AI systems by looking under the hood as well as their downstream impact on the public with the aim of shaping public knowledge, shifting power, and reserving fundamental rights, freedoms, and autonomy. The AIAL is an innovative lab at the cutting-edge of AI dedicated to greater transparency on the use of AI systems in the public domain and concrete accountability for the downstream societal impact of these technologies. The AIAL operates under the core principle that academic research, particularly research in AI, should be of a high-relevance and utility to the public. Thus, we actively engage and partner with local communities, civil society, and rights groups to ensure our work is grounded in real challenges and remains relevant and useful to these stakeholders. We are deeply committed to ensuring our work contributes to fostering transparency and driving a culture of AI accountability. Academic freedom and autonomy are of utmost importance to us and we take great care to ensure our lab is free from direct conflict of interest or implicit influence or pressure from the industry that we are studying. We are funded by philanthropic organisations such as the MacArthur foundation and European grants. About the role There is currently a growing move by governments worldwide, including the Irish government, to integrate generative AI technologies into public sector operations. However, information on the where, how, why, and when such technologies are being used remains scarce. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to understand, assess, and ensure the integrity of public services. The AIAL seeks to understand this challenge better and to conduct high-quality, high-impact research that helps uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and equity. To directly tackle this urgent problem, the AIAL is looking for a highly driven Post-Doctoral Researcher who can design and implement research that improves transparency and accountability regarding the use of generative AI in public services. The researcher will particularly focus on uncovering and critically examining the integration, procurement, and governance practices of generative AI in government functions and public service operations. The output of this work is expected to be a public-facing database that acts as a knowledge-base and provides transparency and critical evaluation into the use of generative AI with the aim of expanding public knowledge and feeding into regulations and standards. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a 2-year, in-person, full-time fixed term position as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the AIAL. Responsibilities Identify and map public sector organisations and government bodies that are integrating generative AI into internal as well as public-facing processes, in particular where these constitute decision making. The scope for this work will be Ireland in the initial stages Identify similar initiatives with value-aligned researchers/organisations across Europe and establish collaborations with the aim of painting a fuller-picture as well as performing cross-country comparisons and analysis. The appointed candidate will be expected to establish this collaboration to share findings from Ireland and learn from other EU initiatives to develop a pan-EU analysis Develop a public-facing database detailing the use of generative AI in public sectors. The database will provide key information such as modality, model version, vendor information, contractual agreements (if any), known risks, and will also facilitate information such as how it was procured, and where it is being used, for what purpose as well as any prior audits or testing done and main findings Identify and analyse contractual agreements and policies regarding the procurement and use of generative AI in public services. The appointed candidate will be expected to understand the procurement system involving government bodies and technology vendors, and the means to achieve this information where it isn’t readily available – such as through freedom of information requests. The analysis of obtained information will be through the lens of relevant European regulations to identify key information and transparency, accountability and equity concerns Assess the impact of generative AI in decision-making processes in government and the implications for institutional transparency, governance and accountability Requirements Hold a PhD in the following disciplines: computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, AI policy research, investigative journalism, management sciences, information systems studies, science and technology studies or cognate disciplines In-depth experience and publication track-record examining governance structures, power asymmetries and EU regulations Demonstrable experience in data visualisation, statistical analysis and a history of working with freedom of information (FoI) requests In-depth knowledge of European legislations and regulations such as the AI Act, DSA, GDPR Comprehensive knowledge (with a publication track record) of the AI audit landscape. Hands on experience with black-box auditing as well as executing qualitative and quantitative audits, particularly of generative AI Self-driven, passionate, and committed to transforming institutional transparency from a theoretical concept to a concrete, operationalisable, and practical mechanism for expanding public knowledge and fostering accountability Ambitious and passionate communicator who is well able to articulate transparency (lack thereof) and accountability in this domain, even when there is considerable pushback Experience working with civil society organisations and community organising with a particular focus on AI transparency, accountability, equity and the rule of law
October 30, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
timclare.bsky.social
Prevalence rates are no guide as to whether a condition is 'real' or overdiagnosed. 1 in 8 men get diagnosed with prostate cancer. Incidence rates have risen 55% since 1990. We accept this is due to better awareness & screening, & people surviving other conditions, not a fad or medical overreach.
November 22, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
crisortunity.bsky.social
I really cannot recommend this excellent piece on Hammersmith Bridge highly enough
Hammersmith Bridge
Where did 25,000 vehicles go?
nickmaini.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
kingstoncycling.bsky.social
The new LCC map of 'Dangerous Junctions (for cyclists) in London highlights the risks in north Kingston. Most dangerous junction is assessed to be Kings Road with Park Road (mini roundabout), 3rd is London Rd juntion with Birkenhead Ave (opposite ASDA), and #4 Queen's Road/ Crescent Road.
November 20, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
elotroalex.bsky.social
And we're back! Join us December 4–5, 2025 at Northeastern University in Boston for our 12th annual The Caribbean Digital Conference. Our schedule is packed with wonders and amazing colleagues. Check it out! As always, attendance is free, whether zoom or live. Hope to see you there!
#TCDXII
Our twelfth conference dedicated to Caribbean digital studies. Jamaica, 2025.
thecaribbeandigital.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
Coventry remembers 14 November 1940 #CoventryBlitz

The most concentrated attack on a British city during WWII saw over 500 people killed and 800 injured. 4000 homes were destroyed, along with one-quarter of the city’s factories, and the medieval cathedral of St Michael's.
Pages from the Coventry Evening Telegraph from November 1980 marking the 40th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Includes photographs of the destroyed cathedral and reprints of news articles written in the aftermath. Pages from the Coventry Evening Telegraph from November 1980 marking the 40th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Includes photographs of the destroyed cathedral and reprints of news articles written in the aftermath.
November 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
acarpen.bsky.social
“Last year, over 600,000 UK businesses were subject to a cyber attack. …[Research] suggests an estimated annual cost to businesses of £14.7 billion or 0.5% of the country’s GDP” 😳
 Written Statements to Parliament @written-statements.bsky.social · 12d
Cyber Security and Resilience. Statement made by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-11-13/HLWS1054
November 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
b33tk33p3r.bsky.social
Tech wanted to FAFO today…

(Alright to be fair it has been very possible for a long time but you never want to see it made easier or on bigger platforms!)

Check out fndec, yet another #digipres tool par moi!

github.com/exponential-...
November 12, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
timhitchcock.bsky.social
Applications for the Caird Fellowships at Royal Museums Greenwich are now open - www.rmg.co.uk/collections/... It looks like a great opportunity to work on a fantastic collection and collaborate with some brilliant staff.
Fellowships at Royal Museums Greenwich
Apply for funding to support research at Royal Museums Greenwich through our Caird Research Fellowships
www.rmg.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
glamarchives.bsky.social
Today is Armistice Day

This is Mervyn Crawshay, son of Tudor and Maria Crawshay of Dimlands, Llantwit Major, and husband to Violet. He was a Captain in the 5th Dragoon Guards and one of the first to leave for France on active service in August 1914. He died at Messines, Belgium, on 31 October 1914.
November 11, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
kentarchives.bsky.social
This #RemembranceDay, revisit our lunchtime talk about the Orchard Family of #Folkestone, presented by archivist Liz Finn.

Liz explores the human cost of the First World War and how archives can help us bring these personal stories to light. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJRc...
Kent Archives Talk | The Orchard Family: Loss, Heartbreak and Remembrance in #Folkestone #WW1
YouTube video by Kent Libraries Registration and Archives
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
fwwsjournal.bsky.social
🕊️November 11, 1918 – The Armistice of Compiègne

On November 11th, 1918, at 11 a.m., The fighting of the First World War came to an end. The armistice ended hostilities, and led to a complex post-war era defined by reconstruction, remembrance, and reimagined international relations. 🧵
November 11, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
britishlibrary.bsky.social
We’re launching our new catalogue on Monday 8 December.

To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.

Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
A person reaches for an item from a shelf of books.
November 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
hank.mastodon.design.ap.brid.gy
For the few digipres people that follow me over here, this look into Disney's sound archives is pretty cool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUIao8E-ipM
November 11, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
lampallib.bsky.social
📢 Invitation to tender: we are inviting tenders for a consultancy to advise on the replacement of our current collections management system for archives and manuscripts.

Deadline for applications:

Closing date: 23:00, Thursday 27th November 2025

www.lambethpalacelibrary.info/about-lambet...
A long exposure photo of the front of Lambeth Palace Library.
November 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
🚨 Archive Job Alert 🚨

📜 Fancy working with our fantastic archive collections?

We're looking for a *new* MRC Manager to lead our service!

Could this be YOU?

Find out more about the role at warwick-careers.tal.net/vx/lang-en-G...

More about the MRC at warwick.ac.uk/services/lib...
Five photographs of the Modern Records Centre: Two students walking outside the main entrance. A view down the aisle of one of our strongrooms. A student looking through a photograph album in our seminar room. Digitisation Assistant at work scanning a volume. A view of our searchroom, with an Archive Assistant handing out a document to a researcher.
November 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
uknatarcsector.bsky.social
Hi there! We’re the Archive Sector Leadership team at The National Archives UK.

We support archives of all types and sizes across England.

Lend us a follow and we’ll keep you updated with opportunities for free training, networking, grants, written guidance and more!
(1/2)
Two people in a repository opening a drawer and examining a large colourful illustration.
November 10, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
ianvisits.co.uk
Conservation work has started on one of the most unusual mausoleums in the Roman Catholic world -- the Bedouin tent shaped tomb of Sir Richard Burton and his wife, Lady Isabel.

www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/res...
Restoration of Burton’s Mausoleum starts with aim to reopen the tomb for visits
Conservation work has started on one of the most unusual mausoleums in the Roman Catholic world -- the Bedouin tent shaped tomb of Sir Richard Burton and his wife, Lady Isabel.
www.ianvisits.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Reposted by David Underdown
thegozfather.bsky.social
Item descriptions for STAC 5 (Star Chamber proceedings for Elizabeth I) underwent a significant overhaul this year, updating 40,000 items to include party names, county, and much more. discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C1...
Series description for STAC 5
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Reposted by David Underdown
eicathomefinn.bsky.social
'British Asian families are being urged to record the experiences of relatives who fought for Britain for “future generations” as data reveals half the British public don’t know that Indian members of the armed forces served in the second world war.' 1/2
British Asian families urged to share stories of ‘greatest generation’ who fought for Britain
Half of UK public unaware of contribution made by 2.5m British Asian members of armed forces who served in second world war
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:43 AM