Thomas Hills

@thomhills.bsky.social

Behavioral network science, cognitive search/ecology/control, language, and cultural evolution, data science, complex systems, R, art, teaching. Direct Behavioural and Data Science MSc at University of Warwick, UK, Prof Psychology

Unfortunately I couldn't attend this year's #NetSci2025, but I am there in spirit, and hopefully in text, which mentions the work of many of my inspirations, like Max Schich, Mirta Galesic, Cynthia Siew, Olaf Sporns, Filippo Menczer, and many more.

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🐈🏳️‍🌈 🛫✈️🛬 🚂 🚂 🚂 🎉 Just arrived in Maastricht for #NetSci2025 (@netsciconf.bsky.social), scheduled to present the #HISTONET satellite #keynote on #NetworkHistory. Tuesday, Jun 3, 17:40-18:20 at @fasosmaastricht.bsky.social Abstract & details: historicalnetworkresearch.github.io/netsci-maast...

Network visualization has come a long way in the last 700 years.

The inset figure shows a circular network layout of a bipartite graph with multiple components, conncecting 12 tribes in black with 5 cities in red via 13 links; source: Codex Cremifarnensis 243, fol. 57v (dated circa 1330 CE).

The background figure shows a spring-embedded Touchgraph layout of a bipartite graph with a 89.9% Giant Connected Component connecting 7984 Ancient monuments in blue with 2934 Renaissance documents in brown via 19983 binned links; data source: Census of Antique Works of Art and Architecture Known in the Renaissance (1947-2004).

Both figures from 
Schich, Maximilian. Rezeption und Tradierung als Komplexes Netzwerk. Der CENSUS und visuelle Dokumente zu den Thermen in Rom. Munich: Verlag Biering & Brinkmann, 2009. Figs. 25 & 167
open access: https://doi.org/10.11588/artdok.00000700
Marcella Tambuscio@marcella-tambuscio.bsky.social · last yr.

🎤 We’re thrilled to announce that @schichmax.bsky.social will be the keynote speaker at HISTONET, the Historical Networks Research satellite at @netsciconf.bsky.social ! 📍 Join us in Maastricht on June 3rd 📄 Full program and info: 🔗 historicalnetworkresearch.github.io/netsci-maast... #hnr #netsci

Interested in learning how to deal with big data, web scraping, network science, or natural language processing in the lovely Lugano this summer? The list of courses is rich and some still have open seats. Check it out: www.usi.ch/en/education...

Workshops / Programme

The academic programme for the 29th edition of the Summer School is ready - minor changes can still occur. Registration: Registrations for the Summer School is now OPEN! Places are assigned on a first...

usi.ch

I am a strong proponent of this for all departments (which would increase productivity and avoid numerous biases and costs associated with current funding policies). There even merit based routes to achieving it. I lay out one such approach in the final chapter of my recent book.

Jo Wolff@jowolff.bsky.social · last yr.

Years ago I argued that the Research Excellence Framework (RAE then) does more harm than good and should be replaced (at least in the humanities) with equal research funding for everyone who meets a threshold for being research active. Have not changed my mind. www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Years ago I argued that the Research Excellence Framework (RAE then) does more harm than good and should be replaced (at least in the humanities) with equal research funding for everyone who meets a threshold for being research active. Have not changed my mind. www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Jonathan Wolff on the research assessment exercise

Although in financial terms no one has won the jackpot, there are some who are nursing huge losses, says Jonathan Wolff

theguardian.com

1/8. This week I had a few different conversations with scholars who, in the face of the attacks on science and institutions of learning in the U.S., are wondering what to do. One suggestion I have is: keep doing your work. It matters in and of itself. Why do I say that? A few reasons.

A thread explaining our new discovery about humpback whale song published today in Science... We found key statistical properties that characterise all human languages in another species for the first time. We have more in common with whales than we previously thought! doi.org/10.1126/scie...

A picture of a humpback whale just below the sea surface taken by Marc Quintin

Agreed. Scientists need not be so thoughtful they cannot act. Most scientists have chosen a life of service to truth and the curiosity it requires,...above authority "Resistance need not be overt"--it cannot be for everyone--but it should be woven into our deeds.

Aaron Clauset@aaronclauset.bsky.social · last yr.

Thankful for Philip Ball's call to action : "prudence cannot mean timidity, nor can it risk looking like it... The scientific community needs to speak up – not just for the sake of science, but of human decency, dignity and morality." This is the only way.

The Psychology Department (@warwickpsych.bsky.social) at the University of Warwick is seeking new talent! If you're interested in pursuing a PhD focused on the topics of language and gesture, I encourage you to get in touch with me and apply: www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DLI727/f...

Four PhD Fellowships in Psychology at University of Warwick

Discover a Four PhD Fellowships in Psychology on jobs.ac.uk. Apply now and explore other PhD opportunities.

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