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A Sum of Adders
Once upon a time, a Researcher discovered a rot in the roots of Knowledge. So he did what any honest creature would: he spoke. First in whispers, then in reasoned letters, he petitioned the Owls in their towers — the Read more…
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The End for Non-Disclosure Agreements?
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…
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The Story of the Snake — A Fable
Once upon a time, in a Department nestled within a Seat of Learning, there was a Researcher. One unusually bright winter day, the Researcher proposed a project for an internship scheme in the upcoming summer. Among the applicants was a clever Student Read more…
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Lord Smith Wins Cambridge Chancellorship Election
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…
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Chancellorship Candidates are Dismal
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…
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What can the Chancellor of Cambridge University Actually Do?
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…
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Chancellorship Statement from Wyn Evans
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…
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The Times Interview
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…
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The Chancellorship Candidates Respond …
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…
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AFFS caught sight of their bank balances …
The pressure group Alumni For Freedom of Speech (AFFS) circulated a set of questions to the candidates for the Cambridge Chancellorship. Broadly we are supportive of the aims of AFFS. Based on their replies and any other relevant publicly available Read more…