Adam Golberg
Strategic Research Development Manager (Research Growth) @ University of Nottingham. Occasional Research Professional columnist. Bureaucratic realist. Soft Order Muppet. Runner. Blog at socialscienceresearchfunding.co.uk
- Finally got round to watching '9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue' (iPlayer). It's very, very good. And unusually, absolutely nails the landing. (Unlike... etc and so on). Recommend murder mystery viewing.
- "Right, we've done calling pointless and expensive strike ballots when there was clearly insufficient member appetite for strike action. We've done getting into industrial disputes with our own staff. We need fresh ways of embarrassing ourselves. Any ideas?" #ucu
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- First researchfish, and now Cern....
- One consistent feature of recent research funding settlement discussions has been dire predictions and leaks, eventually followed by a flat cash settlement. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief and is supinely grateful for a real terms cut. This is just more of that, right? Right?! (No).
- Reposted by Adam GolbergSome initial reactions to the 'published on a Sunday afternoon' letter from the CEO of UKRI. 🧵 www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
- Looks as if Researchfish is... fin-ished. Which... yeah. All of the things I said below in my 2022 piece on #researchfishgate But also... socialscienceresearchfunding.co.uk/?p=1255
- OOOOH Researchfish Is going extinct 🐡🐟🐠 help.researchfish.com/en_US/resear...
- Just heard that our ARMA 2026 conf abstract on interdisciplinary research has been rejected. This is esp disappointing since it was a core conf theme. TBF, we did ask for the max amount of time available, & I know there are a lot of high quality abstracts 'cos I reviewed some in other themes.
- Reposted by Adam GolbergBig development with some major consequences for British physics research STFC is asking asking leaders of projects it funds "to identify how their project would respond to flat cash and reductions of 20 per cent, 40 per cent and 60 per cent" Major UK science facilities are also facing cuts
- BREAKING: UK physics research and science facilities face ‘substantial’ cuts Science and Technology Facilities Council seeks £162m cost savings, with existing projects facing axe Scoop by @francesjones.bsky.social www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
- Reposted by Adam GolbergThe reforms to UKRI under Ian Chapman are only just starting, but there are already worries about what they mean for the bread and butter, applicant-led funding calls at research councils While UKRI insists comparisons with previous years are impossible, figures from December suggest...
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- My latest article for @resprofnews.bsky.social Do great grant writers beat great scientists to funding? No spoilers, now. (£, probably)
- Think that "Russell Group doesn't have undue influence, claims Russell Group VC" is always going to be a tough line to sell. However, I suspect that a lot of mid-ranking RG have more in common with non-RG research intensives than (say) the so-called Golden Triangle.
- Reposted by Adam GolbergAfter a period of inactivity, we are reactivating this account as a primary channel for connecting with the research community. We'll be sharing new outputs, our latest guidance, and commentary on all things research integrity. Give us a follow and join the conversation💬
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- My latest piece (£, probably)...
- I mean, sure, yay for "better regional links" & "attracting more investment into universities". But from a national policy perspective, to what extent should Ox-Camb links/investment be a priority? Isn't building space already at a premium and cost of living sky-high? More bang for buck elsewhere?
- Ministers urged to move faster in linking Oxford-Cambridge region. Chair of Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board says better regional links will “attract more investment into universities”. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
- I share the concerns others have raised about whether applicants have given consent. I also presume that the AI being used is appropriately secure and won't use the applications for more general training data. I'm sceptical about wholesale use of AI, but I wonder if.... (1)
- UKRI to get advice on speeding up grant reviews with AI l. Researchers given access to funding applications to assess how large language models might reduce burden. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- I feel like I spend half my life turning off lights left blazing in empty rooms. My question is... is this a phase that the kids are going through, or a phase that *I'm* going through?
- One last present to wrap for Mrs Cash4Questions and I'm done. Unusual request, but it's Christmas and who am I to argue? Seasons greetings to one and all.
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- Me, Professor Yaffle, and former Leeds United and Scotland frontman Arthur Graham.
- Was reading with my youngest tiny human yesterday (who's 5), and I was surprised that her school reading book was a story containing the "wicked stepmother" trope. I think it was based on a folk tale that I'm not familiar with, but involves sending a stepchild to a friend/relative to be eaten. (1)
- Reposted by Adam Golberg[Not loaded yet]
- This is all so odd. I've no idea what @robinince.bsky.social has said/been saying that could be *that* controversial. Even if you disagree (which I don't), these views are well within the boundaries of mainstream opinion/Overton window. I don't see the problem. (1)
- Having appeared on it three times, I can 100% confirm that @robinince.bsky.social *IS* the #InfiniteMonkeyCage. Without him, it doesn’t even exist as a concept 🤷🏾♂️
- I feel very, very *seen* by this week's Ivory Tower.
- Research Whisperer @therealrw.bsky.social and all round good egg @jod999.bsky.social has started a Wikipedia page on #researchculture . Read more and find out how to contribute at researchwhisperer.org/2025/12/09/r...
- Reposted by Adam GolbergUnfortunately the HE 2025 ballot failed at 39% turnout. I have written about why and about what desperately needs to change in UCU's national structures off the back of this result. Some HEC members need to chi up and understand their role in all this, and how disconnected they are from members.
- Back in December 2017, I wrote a blog post on fictional heroes of research development. (Kermit, Sergeant Wilson, Edmund Blackadder, Polly Sherman, Bernard Woolley). But some days I feel like my job is mainly channelling Alex Horne.
- Just got the email. Who could possibly have predicted that the strike ballot would fail to reach the required turnout? Oh wait, everyone. What an absolute waste of time, energy, and resources. Those responsible should (but won't) be ashamed of themselves.
- Reposted by Adam GolbergGreat culture can save lives. Literally. Amazing letter in today’s @thetimes.com about Tom Stoppard
