Surely top of the list would be tackling the National Mini-Roundabout between Parliament and the Palace. Has to be the worst public square in Europe. Just completely absent, when it should be really prominent.

Our exceptions on engagement/participation are usually around research we’re sponsoring, or where there are established relationships with the academics, so we can have confidence on their not trying for a gotcha, but looking for useful insight which will be used responsibly.

They’re usually wanting an officials view (which we can’t offer) rather than an official view (which is generally not interesting, but we can).
We can confirm facts, but folks can usually google that anyway.

There is official guidance, which is mostly say 👎.
But broadly I would say my rule of thumb for student survey requests UG & PG is:
a) there is limitless demand from students,
b) very little benefit in participating, and
c) a high chance of a ‘gotcha’ question particularly from undergraduates.

It does make me think of those “secret of my success” type interviews, where CEO’s talk in detail about what they did and it made them brilliant, not noticing the people around them looking out for their health and housing etc.
That’s my thought for the day. Maybe one for @jortsthecat.bsky.social

She is now back to her best/worst. Sitting in the windowsill and mistress of all she surveys.

I’ve been thinking about how she would understand this. I don’t think cats are generally given to introspection and Mo has never been one of the great problem solvers. But…

Adding to my bookmarks now!

Yes, very much makes sense. Just a real shame!