Postdoctoral Research Associate | Quantum Computing Applications for Theoretical Physicshttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mv74vt2vbs2hGrowing up watching the Cromer lifeboat launch, I have nothing but respect for the crews of the #RNLI who go to sea when others won’t. They go to sea to do one thing, save lives. Their mission is one of compassion: #savinglivesatsea regardless of who they may be.10 Sep 2026 22:44 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mv74vt2vbs2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3muho63q5pk2zToday I attended a Westminster Hall debate on the STFC cuts. I was extremely disappointed that the Science Minister was not there to answer MPs’ questions. It was great to see many MPs there so passionate about the brilliant science that is going on across the UK.01 Sep 2026 14:49 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3muho63q5pk2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mua2cnftls2oGreat to meet with @marykfoymp.bsky.social to discuss the catastrophic cuts to UK PPAN Science and their impact on world-class institutes in the North East [contains quote post or other embedded content]29 Aug 2026 14:05 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mua2cnftls2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3msxfvxwex225Such an incredible experience! Felt very lucky to watch an eclipsed sunset. Heartening to see so many people gathered to watch. Astronomy and physics really do capture hearts and minds! Who knew that sitting on a rock face in 35 degree heat for 6 hours could be so much fun!13 Aug 2026 10:14 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3msxfvxwex225https://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3msw6nnhxes27Well, that was special! Total eclipse 2026! 🌙12 Aug 2026 22:31 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3msw6nnhxes27https://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3ms6jxxf2cc24Proud to finally have one of these brilliant badges from the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social. The cuts to PPAN science are shortsighted and nonsensical. We have world-leading researchers, facilities and international collaborations. I hope the new government changes course before lasting damage is done.03 Aug 2026 12:50 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms6jxxf2cc24https://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mrozc55ksc2pBrilliant piece by @iansample.bsky.social in the Guardian today: "A recent survey found that nearly 80% of early-career physicists were considering leaving the UK after the funding crisis. The loss of even a fraction of that would be a blow for UK science and also national growth." https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jul/28/world-class-jodrell-bank-threat-uk-physics28 Jul 2026 08:42 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrozc55ksc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mrnkaqdfxc2gThis is very sad news. These reprioritisation decisions are being overseen by an STFC Executive Chair who is also the Astronomer Royal. Closing one of the UK’s most famous telescopes and a world-leading facility is deeply damaging to UK science. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y6r9rdxygo27 Jul 2026 18:40 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrnkaqdfxc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mqmypzkgj22yA jaunt to Westminster to watch the Lords Science and Technology Committee question UKRI The governance issues and the framing of the catastrophic cuts to STFC are deeply concerning. Encouraging to see parliamentary scrutiny of these decisions Strong fundamental physics helps build a stronger UK14 Jul 2026 20:01 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqmypzkgj22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/si-wills.bsky.social/post/3mq4z746kcs2sAlways impressed by the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee chaired by @chionwurah.bsky.social This was true parliamentary scrutiny, and exactly what is needed for decisions that could be so damaging for UK science capability Brilliant highlights reel from @astroroyalscot.bsky.social [contains quote post or other embedded content]08 Jul 2026 11:27 +0000at://did:plc:echtomkabhyzc7gi2sbc3vlv/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq4z746kcs2s