We're in Manchester this week for a meeting of @softwaresaved.bsky.social Fellows. Looking forward to catching up and some exciting collaborations.
Mike Simpson
@mdsimpson.co.uk
Professional nerd, father, photographer, gamer, aspiring writer, sci-fi addict and code monkey. - RSE at @ncl-rse.bsky.social - Vice-president of @society-rse.org - @softwaresaved.bsky.social Fellow My views are my own 🇺🇦 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ https://linktr.ee/mdsimpson
Remember to stay hydrated in this hot weather! #Dog #BassetHound
With enough money, the mega-rich may gain an unrivaled level of access to MPs and leave the average voter shut out. Email your MP now and tell them to support the cap on political donations. goodlaw.social/1d328a
Stop billionaires influencing our politics
Tell MPs to back Stella Creasy's amendment
goodlaw.social
Earlier this week, Feathers and I were in Sheffield for the N8CIR RSE Meetup, sharing some conclusions and insights on #MentalHealth from the ConveRSE project. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk
Over the last year, I gave a series of talks where I asked the audience questions about #MentalHealth in the workplace. In this blog post, I take a look at the Mentimeter 'Insights' from those talks, including some of the most common issues and suggestions. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk/2026/07/05/m...
ConveRSE - Mentimeter Insights
During my talks on mental health in the workplace, I often use Mentimeter to ask questions from the audience. Over the coming months, I plan to write a series of blog posts that explore the responses…
converse.mdsimpson.co.uk
We need you 📣 We know most people stand with the trans community, but a small minority people want the trans community to disappear. Add your voice so we can show how many people stand with trans community: https://goodlaw.social/z073
#SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk has written an insightful blog post about his experience attending #CollabW26 as a Fellow, delegate, and Mental Health First Aider. Read the full story at www.software.ac.uk/blog/convers...
I've been updating my personal website for no particular reason, and in the process, I've had to move ConveRSE to a new address. However, I think I've set it up so that all the old site and blog post links should still work! 🤞 converse.mdsimpson.co.uk
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the ConveRSE website!
converse.mdsimpson.co.uk
Everyone talks about how bad stepping on Lego is, but I think I've found a more dangerous hobby!
I don't think it's Superhero Fatigue, I think it's "Every third act ending with two people in pyjamas punching each other in front of a green screen" Fatigue.
Enjoying my rewatch of Enterprise. I just have one note: was it really necessary for them to be in their underwear in that scene? Which episode? Well, urm... all of them!?
Recently discovered this definition of "Neurotypical disorder: a neurobiological disorder characterized by preoccupation with social concerns, delusions of superiority, and obsession with conformity.” 😂
A lot of people have been describing Mando/Grogu as "fun but..." Are things not allowed to just be fun any more? I'd come at it from the other angle. It's a mess of terrible CGI, pacing issues and a complete lack of stakes or impact on the wider story... BUT it's fun!"
The recording of my lightning talk from #Collabw26 has been uploaded. youtu.be/To-NRhKDLD0?... To learn more, check out the ConveRSE website: mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/
CW26 Lightning Talk: ConveRSE - mental health in the research software community
youtu.be
Last week, I was at the @softwaresaved.bsky.social Collaborations Workshop at the ICC in Belfast. I was delighted to be involved in so many interesting conversations and projects, but I was also there to give a lightning talk with updates on the ConveRSE project. #CollabW26
If you're struggling with your mental health, admitting that to your colleagues can be a daunting prospect. In this blog post, I discuss some of the tips and solutions that have come up during my travels, plus there's the opportunity to have your say. mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/202...
Having “The Talk”
A question I get asked regularly when I give my mental health talk is “If I’m struggling, how do I start a conversation with my line manager?” This has proved to be one of the hardest questions to…
mdsimpson42.github.io
This week, we're in Belfast for the @softwaresaved.bsky.social #CollabW26. Looking forward to lots of interesting conversations with new and familiar faces.
🎯 In January 2026, #SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk attended the first DisCouRSE network focus group, which aimed to explore different ideas and practices around leadership and team culture for Digital Research Technical Professionals (dRTPs). Find out more about it at www.software.ac.uk/blog/discour...
So, I'm working my way through my Easter eggs and I just got to the Cadbury one and... WHAT IN THE SHRINKFLATION AND ENSHITTIFIATION HELL IS THIS!? One Twirl? And not even a normal packet, but ONE. SINGULAR. 🤬ing Twirl?
If you're struggling with your mental health, admitting that to your colleagues can be a daunting prospect. In this blog post, I discuss some of the tips and solutions that have come up during my travels, plus there's the opportunity to have your say. mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/202...
Having “The Talk”
A question I get asked regularly when I give my mental health talk is “If I’m struggling, how do I start a conversation with my line manager?” This has proved to be one of the hardest questions to…
mdsimpson42.github.io
In my recent talks, I mentioned a blog post summarising the data and suggestions I've been collecting on Mental Health in the Research Software Community via Mentimeter. This is actually the blog post the SSI published a few months ago: www.software.ac.uk/blog/mental-...
Mental Health Challenges and Solutions from the Research Software Community | Software Sustainability Institute
I’ve been giving a talk called “ConveRSE - Let’s Talk About Mental Health” as part of my SSI Fellowship.
software.ac.uk
Brightening up your timeline with one of my favourite pictures from this time of year. 🌸
This week, we're in Manchester for the N8 CIR's Digital Research Infrastructure Retreat. It's my first time, so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to some interesting discussions over the next few days! 🤓
Spotted a rainbow on our way up to meet the other @society-rse.org trustees in Edinburgh, where we'll be collaborating on key challenges and making plans for the future.
🌊 We are delighted to announce the full list of lightning talks that will be delivered at Collaborations Workshop 2026. Find out more at www.software.ac.uk/news/cw26-fi... And if you haven't registered yet, hurry up an secure your #CollabW26 spot now!
Shadowheart has clearly never tried to arrange a regular DnD game with adult friends! #BaldursGate3 #DungeonsAndDragons
