Margot Finn
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eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn
@eicathomefinn.bsky.social
17K followers 4.5K following 9.9K posts

Historian of Britain and colonialism, material culture, the EIC. Also works on equalities, museums, open access & research policy. Download the EIC @ Home open access volume here: https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/88277 (or individual chapters via JSTOR) .. more

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Margot C. Finn is a British historian and academic who specialises in Britain and the British colonial world during the long nineteenth century. She has been Professor of Modern British History at the University College, London (UCL) since 2012. Finn was previously the President of the Royal Historical Society and a trustee of the Victoria & Albert Museum. .. more

Political science 31%
Economics 26%
Posts Replies Media Videos

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

thierryaaron.bsky.social
Dr. Aaron Thierry @thierryaaron.bsky.social · 17h
Miguel Angel Perez, of the farmers organisation COAG in Andalusia's Cadiz province, told Spanish television TVE on Saturday: "It is raining without stopping. Crops like broccoli, carrots and cauliflowers are under water. Thousands of hectares inundated. We have a real natural catastrophe."
Farmers report 'catastrophic damage to crops as Storm Marta hits Spain and Portugal
Farmers in Spain warned on Saturday that torrential rains and high winds had left fields submerged and caused millions of euros worth of damage to crops, as Spain and Portugal braced for more extreme ...
www.reuters.com

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

scurry.bsky.social
Stephen Curry @scurry.bsky.social · 19h
There is so much to savour and appreciate in this fantastic, forensic essay from @williamcb.bsky.social.
open.substack.com/pub/williamc...
AI and the destruction of democracy
Can we, should we, tame the beast?
open.substack.com

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 19h
Join us on Wednesday for Philippa Hellawell (The National Archives), 'The Ship Bedford: Atlantic and Archival Crossings in the Long Eighteenth-Century Slave Trade', at the Institute of Historical Research, London and on Zoom, 11 February, 5:30 pm. Free and open to the public. Booking link below.
The Ship Bedford: Atlantic and Archival Crossings in the Long Eighteenth-Century Slave Trade
www.history.ac.uk

Reposted by Steve Peers, Lesley A. Hall, Peter Holmes , and 1 more

mrrobertbob.bsky.social
Mr RobertBob @mrrobertbob.bsky.social · 19h
This is not a sane person.

fortune.com/2026/02/04/p...
Peter Thiel warns the Antichrist and apocalypse are linked to the ‘end of modernity’ currently happening—and cites Greta Thunberg as a driving example | Fortune
The Gen Z Swedish climate activist is a legionnaire of the Antichrist, Thiel claims, a “Luddite” who wants to halt technological progress in its tracks.
fortune.com

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

wonkhe.bsky.social
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 19h
Last week on Wonkhe: Doris Ruth Eikhof offers lessons from the film and TV industry on the use of data on equalities, diversity, and inclusion in REF wonkhe.com/blogs/what-n...
What not to do about diversity data and REF
Doris Ruth Eikhof offers lessons from the film and TV industry on the use of data on equalities, diversity, and inclusion in REF
wonkhe.com

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

martindbbrown.bsky.social
Martin D.B. Brown @martindbbrown.bsky.social · 21h
Revealed: How Substack makes money from hosting Nazi newsletters www.theguardian.com/media/2026/f...
Revealed: How Substack makes money from hosting Nazi newsletters
Exclusive: Site takes a cut of subscriptions to content that promotes far-right ideology, white supremacy and antisemitism
www.theguardian.com

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
A telegram?

Reposted by Brigitte Nerlich, Margot C. Finn

philipcball.bsky.social
Philip Ball @philipcball.bsky.social · 1d
In @theguardian.com Robin McKie thinks Adrian Woolfson underestimates the risks of building genomes from scratch in his new book. In my forthcoming review in @thelancet.com I argue that he underestimates the scientific obstacles to doing this in the first place.
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/f...
On the Future of Species by Adrian Woolfson review – are we on the verge of creating synthetic life?
A genomic entrepreneur’s guide to the coming revolution in biology raises troubling questions about ethics and safety
www.theguardian.com

Reposted by Tom Clark, Diane Ravitch, Iveta Silova , and 2 more

timothysnyder.bsky.social
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 1d
We are deciding right now whether we want to be a country with ethnic cleansing and concentration camps.
willbunch.bsky.social Will Bunch @willbunch.bsky.social · 3d
The banality of evil is shocking. An ex-Big Lots warehouse for cheap consumer junk is bought by ICE to ship as many as 7,500 handcuffed human beings, as the Trump regime builds a U.S. gulag archipelago

The unthinkable comes to Pa. coal country. My special report www.inquirer.com/opinion/ice-...
From Big Lots to warehousing humans: ICE plan sparks fear in Schuylkill County | Will Bunch
A massive warehouse in Tremont. Pa. that once moved cheap goods will now detain migrants in an $119 million ICE deal.
www.inquirer.com

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
Alt text: Allister Heath's 'Ledger' in the Telegraph:

'Trump is the last chance to save the decaying West. from terminal decline.' (27 November 2024).

'Trump's imperial delirium could trigger a catastrophe' (21 January 2026).
pickardje.bsky.social Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 1d
the perils of being a commentator

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

niemanlab.org
Nieman Lab @niemanlab.org · 1d
A new bill in New York would require disclaimers on AI-generated news content

www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/a-ne...
A new bill in New York would require disclaimers on AI-generated news content
A new bill in the New York state legislature would require news organizations to label AI-generated material and mandate that humans review any such content before publication. On Monday, Senator…
www.niemanlab.org

Reposted by Peter Holmes, Margot C. Finn, Michael H. Whitworth

pickardje.bsky.social
Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 1d
the perils of being a commentator

Reposted by Lesley A. Hall

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
At this AI transcription event, attendees worked with '"some of our trickiest primary sources: handwritten letters, complicated ledgers, cross-hatched documents, Spanish and Arabic texts, hand-drawn maps, and even a shoe".'

Copilot hallucinated & was scored lowest; Gemini was the 'clear winner'.
A red woman's slipper with a chunky high heal. The toe is to the right and the heal to the left. It's on a surface, waiting to be scanned. It's the 'ruby slipper' referenced in the article, donated by UVA President Teresa Sullivan after her firing and rehiring by the Board.

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
Working on #OAbooks or in Humanities or Social Sciences academic book publication (through a learned society, press or OA initiative)? Don't be left out in the cold (project contact address in link below).
UK project launched to advance OA for long-form research - Research Information
UKRI-funded, sector-led initiative will support institutions in developing policy, guidance, and practice around open access
www.researchinformation.info

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
Have a look at the resources offered by University of London's School of Advanced Study, including RESHAPED. Individual Institutes may also offer non-stipendiary affiliations that are in part designed to help grapple with this growing problem: the @ihrlibrary.bsky.social for example does.
RESHAPED
RESHAPED is our new online training platform providing free and accessible training resources designed to support the learning and development needs of humanities researchers.
www.sas.ac.uk

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

uofgsocsci.bsky.social
University of Glasgow College of Social Sciences @uofgsocsci.bsky.social · 1d
New research reveals that four in five women musicians in the Scottish folk scene have experienced sexual violence or harassment and calls for stronger safeguarding, accountability and cultural change within the music community.

More on the #SocSciHub: tinyurl.com/tszdj4mz
Someone holding a guitar with someone in front playing a flute.

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

owlsintowels.org
Owls in Towels @owlsintowels.org · 1d
What a Transformation 🛁
After careful treatment for flaky skin this Ruru / Morepork was readied for release, thanks to coordinated efforts by Wellington Zoo wellingtonzoo.com/support-us/d... and Wildbase Recovery wildbaserecovery.co.nz/help-us/donate Source: fb.com/101585508645... #owlsintowels 💛🦉
An intense stare from this young yellow-eyed Ruru in a blue towel tells us he has seen Some Stuff. A grid of four shots of the Ruru after a bath, looking thoroughly bedraggled in a blue towel. His Sid Vicious plumage is blackened by the wetness, and parted on the chest to expose skin like uncooked turkey. Feathers are matted and shrink-wrapped to his bone structure, and yet he's still cute as a button. A Cronenbergian horror with Disney eyes. The final panel shows him post-blow-dry and resuming his original puffy shape, like a feathery butternut squash. Fluffy and at ease, the Ruru is perched on a branch in an indoor aviary, casting a shadow on the white wall behind. His chest plumage is mesmerising - wavy lines in tones of cream, tan, and roasted coffee brown. He's looking MUCH better, ready for release.

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

dfluke.net
Seb @dfluke.net · 1d
Upholding those real British values of hounding people back into their home, fearing your painting a target on them for other real Brits to come do real British violence and British arson to. As the British do in Britain against also other Brits. Bri'ish cool-che

www.thepinknews.com/2026/02/06/t...
Trans teacher followed home by right-winger Tommy Robinson
A teacher was approached at home by Tommy Robinson after parents complained about them allegedly requesting to use the title 'Mx'.
www.thepinknews.com

Reposted by Mary Corcoran, Margot C. Finn

goodlawproject.org
Jolyon Maugham KC @goodlawproject.org · 1d
That £240m contract Palantir won after Peter Mandelson took Keir Starmer to visit them? Government asserts "there were robust processes in place to ensure that government contracts are awarded fairly and transparently" but the award notice says it was a "directed award", ie without any competition.
One Whitehall official said there were robust processes in place to ensure that government contracts are awarded fairly and transparently.

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
And more on the collaboration with the Glasgow School of Art research and digital reconstruction here. #Skystorians

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
On the one hand, one could dismiss these as First World problems. On the other hand, one could listen to how these '.bureaucratic inconveniences' affect life decisions (having or not having children, for example) and mental health. Favoured by First World status, we can afford to attend to them.

Reposted by Ben H. Ansell, Richard S.J. Tol, Steve Peers , and 6 more

pickardje.bsky.social
Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 1d
New on FT website:

Downing Street has refused to say whether Sir Keir Starmer knew Palantir was a client of Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm when they both visited the company in Washington last February — ahead of it winning a £240mn UK government contract.

www.ft.com/content/5bba...
Starmer faces questions over visit to Palantir office alongside Mandelson
Former ambassador was also shareholder in lobbying group that counted US tech firm as a client
www.ft.com

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
Such a relief that 'science isn't political' and thus that 'pure research' can be conducted at the world's best seats of learning.
Epstein files reveal deeper ties to scientists than previously known
Latest batch of documents show researchers consulting the financier and sex offender on publications, visas and more.
www.nature.com

Reposted by Pauline Stafford

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
'Look at the headlines, or what’s dominating all the news bulletins. We’re talking about anything but the things that most need to be reckoned with.'
So the Epstein scandal is about politics? Silly me for thinking it’s about the mass abuse of women and girls | Marina Hyde
Obsessing over individual players and political chaos leaves less time to focus on the misogyny. And that’s for the best, isn’t it guys, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com

Reposted by Margot C. Finn, Pauline Stafford

sundersays.bsky.social
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 1d
Advance UK Gorton + Denton by-election candidate Nick Buckley says his posts about many women being whores, ruined by feminism, are 'taken out of context'. Searcnlight Magazine report on the response to their posts
searchlightmagazine.com/2026/02/adva...

Reposted by Rebecca Sear, Patricia Owens, Pauline Stafford

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 1d
'The Epstein files reveal a patriarchy in action. This is a world where the men are rich and powerful, and the women are not. The emails showcase the private behaviour of a male ruling class, as they network, joke and trade information.'
Sex and snacks, but no seat at the table: the role of women in Epstein’s sordid men’s club
Files reveal a world of flattery and fratboy tones, where rich men are cultivated and women provide services
www.theguardian.com

eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 2d
Meanwhile, the underlying financial crisis of English universities continues to inspire scolding and threats of sanctions rather than unease. Past time for a systems-wide systematic review. With a sharing link for 3 non-subscribers.
The student loan system — and its danger for Keir Starmer and Labour
Growing anger among millions of graduates who face decades of debt is causing unease in Westminster
giftarticle.ft.com

Reposted by Charles West, Richard Toye, Margot C. Finn , and 2 more

royalhistsoc.org
Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 2d
Our great thanks to Professor Charles West for his excellent Society lecture yesterday evening: ‘”Alike in Appearance but not in Scope”: Queens and the Making of Medieval Europe’ bit.ly/4tluezd

The recording of Charles's lecture will be available shortly.
@pseudo-isidore.bsky.social #Skystorians
Charles West gives the Society's annual medieval lecture on European queenship - RHS
On Friday 6 February the Society hosted the first lecture in its 2026 programme. Our great thanks to Professor Charles West (University of Edinburgh) who spoke on: ‘"Alike in Appearance but not in Sco...
bit.ly

Reposted by Steve Peers, Margot C. Finn

rorycj.bsky.social
Rory Cellan-Jones @rorycj.bsky.social · 2d
Hey @thetimes.com what is ’racism’ - surely depicting the Obamas as monkeys is just old fashioned racism?

Reposted by Margot C. Finn

amaliasl.bsky.social
Amalia S. Levi, PhD @amaliasl.bsky.social · 2d
1/ The Endangered Archives Programme out of British Library provides guidelines that contain "hints, advice and experiences from people who have completed projects everywhere around the globe from Latin America to Africa to Asia."

www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.116...
Remote Capture: Digitising Documentary Heritage in Challenging Locations
This is a must-read how-to guide if you are planning to embark on a scholarly digitisation project. Tailored to the specifications of the British Library’s EAP (Endangered Archives Programme) projects...
www.openbookpublishers.com