One of the rewarding aspects of a blog is the exchange of thoughtful comments. In this posting, we highlight a contribution from Justius in the thread here. While he or she is describing events at Cambridge University, the 21 Group Read more…
Freedom of speech was a defining issue in Cambridge University’s recent Chancellorship race. The victor, Lord Smith of Finsbury, told The Observer that it is “our touchstone”. He praised the Vice Chancellor’s passionate advocacy: “It’s why I’m delighted that since she arrived Read more…
UCL has long and distinguished record of failure to deal with bullying and harassment. In 2021, Dr Christopher Backhouse, a particle physicist, was found to have carried out a prolonged harassment campaign against a fellow physicist Dr Erica Smith, as Read more…
The standard practice of any Russell Group University when confronted with serious allegations against someone senior is the four stage process. Stage 1 is the Deliberate Stalling of investigations — especially when the accused is a Head of Department or a Read more…
The results of the Single Transferable Vote election for the election of the Chancellor of Cambridge University are shown above. Congratulations to Lord Smith of Finsbury who won the election. We wish him well in his new post. The announcement Read more…
The Chancellorship candidates are a mediocre bunch, according to The Critic. In the Times Literary Supplement, Mary Beard was uninspired. In Reaction, Adam Boulton was unimpressed (except by his friend, Lord Browne of Madingley). The consensus is that this is Read more…
It is often said that the role of the Chancellorship is purely ceremonial. In recent years, this has certainly been the case. The pattern was set by the long tenure of the Duke of Edinburgh as Chancellor from December 1976 Read more…
I am writing to ask for your support in the election of the next Chancellor of our University of Cambridge. Our University needs a Chancellor who will defend its founding purpose: to serve the public good through education, learning and Read more…
The Times interviewed Wyn Evans, who spoke of the difficulties faced by young scholars in the article. Sometimes young scholars can find access to research grants hindered. There are a number of ongoing Employment Tribunals in which young scholars are Read more…
The 21 Group contacted the other Chancellorship candidates asking them to respond to Prof Wyn Evans‘ suggestion of the creation of an independent Ombudsman to investigate serious malpractices, bullying or academic misconduct at Cambridge University. The Ombudsman would also be Read more…