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R. D. Kent 🍉

@rdk96.bsky.social

Research fellow at the University of St Andrews. Working on scientism, aesthetic ideology, and the historiography of scientific crises.

97 Posts1810 Follower344 Folgt
Gregk Foley@gregk.co.uk · 2mo ago

I'm hearing reports that Wesley Streeting has just exited Downing Street with an atomic wedgie, the elastic of his briefs pulled up all the way over his head

elia ayoub@ayoub.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Jesus. 35 UK universities quietly- without debate - joined the Ministry of Defence’s “Battlefield Alliance” which seeks to “reorientate academia towards Defence and National Security” They’re destroying the social sciences and humanities while militarising the institutions

• Durham University • Newcastle University • Northumbria University • Lancaster University • University of Cumbria • University of Lancashire • University of Liverpool • University of Manchester • University of Huddersfield • University of Sheffield • University of York • Loughborough University • University of Lincoln • University of Nottingham • Aston University • University of Birmingham • University of Warwick • King's College London • Kingston University • Queen Mary University of London • University College London • University of Oxford • University of Portsmouth • University of Surrey • University of Bath • University of Bristol • University of Exeter • University of Plymouth • University of Edinburgh • University of Glasgow • University of Strathclyde • Cardiff University • Swansea University • Queens University Belfast • Cranfield UniversityFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 July 2026 UK Universities Betray Public Trust by Joining MoD's 'Battlefield Advantage' Alliance Without Debate A coalition of campaign groups has accused UK universities of quietly integrating themselves into Britain's defence infrastructure after 35 institutions signed up to the Ministry of Defence's Defence Universities Alliance (DUA). The Ministry of Defence says the alliance aims to "reorientate academia towards Defence and National Security", strengthen links between universities and the defence sector, and translate research into "battlefield advantage". Campaigners say the move represents a significant shift in the role of higher education and has taken place without meaningful public debate. Among the founding members are the University of Oxford, University College London, King's College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University and Queen's University Belfast. "We are witnessing the formal incorporation of Britain's universities into the defence ecosystem," said Jinsella Kennaway, Founder and Executive Director of Demilitarise Education. "The Ministry of Defence is explicit about its intentions. Universities exist to advance knowledge and foster critical inquiry, not to become pipelines for military research and defence recruitment. Students and staff deserve to know who agreed to this and why." Campaigners are calling on all 35 universities to publish the governance documents and board minutes relating to their decision to join the alliance, and to explain whether staff and students were consulted. Many UK universities already maintain relationships with major defence companies, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, Thales, Lockheed Martin and QinetiQ. Critics argue that the DUA formalises and accelerates the integration of academia, industry and the state. The coalition warns that, at a time of rising defence spending, universities risk becoming increasingly aligned with governme…
R. D. Kent 🍉@rdk96.bsky.social · 2mo ago

It's strange returning to research as a postdoc after 15 months of just teaching work. I get to go to the office each morning to read/write philosophy (joy!), like I did when I was a PhD student--the crucial difference is that I am now on an above-minimim-wage salary and have an office of my own

Ben Bowsher@benbowsher.bsky.social · 6mo ago

We’re at nearly 20% of our target, but there’s still a long way to go! Start your weekend off right by donating to the Books From Below crowdfunder: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/booksfrombelow Or share this post as widely as you can!

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Ben Bowsher@benbowsher.bsky.social · 6mo ago

If you missed it, I’m part of a small collective trying to bring a radical bookshop shop to Newcastle. We haven’t had a good proper radical book shop since the 1980s. We think that should change! We launched our crowdfunder today, support if you can: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/booksfromb... Pls share

R. D. Kent 🍉@rdk96.bsky.social · 11mo ago

"Occupational skill is not identical with class position. Some engineers are hired men; other engineers do the hiring. A consultant engineer may have his own office, work for his own account, and, economically speaking, be an independent enterpriser. Or an individual with the same type and amount...