Kit Yates
@kityates.bsky.social
Author.
Prof of Math Bio and Public Engagement.
Member of Independent Sage since October 2020.
@Kit_Yates_Maths on twitter
Books -
Math(s) of Life and Death
How to Expect the Unexpected
Get them here: https://tinyurl.com/37rx2yuv
He/Him
Prof of Math Bio and Public Engagement.
Member of Independent Sage since October 2020.
@Kit_Yates_Maths on twitter
Books -
Math(s) of Life and Death
How to Expect the Unexpected
Get them here: https://tinyurl.com/37rx2yuv
He/Him
Great to see my friend Christina Pagel featured in the THE for her work on tracking Trump's authoritarian actions.
"Scientist behind Trump Action Tracker uses skills in data collection to look for patterns in president’s seemingly scattergun approach"
"Scientist behind Trump Action Tracker uses skills in data collection to look for patterns in president’s seemingly scattergun approach"
The mathematician lifting the lid on Trump’s ‘attacks’
Scientist behind Trump Action Tracker uses skills in data collection to look for patterns in president’s seemingly scattergun approach
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Great to see my friend Christina Pagel featured in the THE for her work on tracking Trump's authoritarian actions.
"Scientist behind Trump Action Tracker uses skills in data collection to look for patterns in president’s seemingly scattergun approach"
"Scientist behind Trump Action Tracker uses skills in data collection to look for patterns in president’s seemingly scattergun approach"
Really excited for Matt Weston, based at the University of Bath; currently leading the Men's skeleton competition at the Winter Olympics.
Two more runs tomorrow for gold.
Two more runs tomorrow for gold.
Team GB's Matt Weston leads skeleton standings after two runs at Winter Olympics
Matt Weston underlined his status as the world's best skeleton pilot by setting the track record on his way to taking a significant halfway lead at the Winter Olympics.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Really excited for Matt Weston, based at the University of Bath; currently leading the Men's skeleton competition at the Winter Olympics.
Two more runs tomorrow for gold.
Two more runs tomorrow for gold.
Reposted by Kit Yates
This is pretty menacing.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
February 10, 2026 at 8:53 AM
This is pretty menacing.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Sarah Pochin wrote to Bangor's university student run debating society requesting that she attend to "answer questions from students."
When they said "no" Reform rolled all it's tanks onto the lawns and said they'll cut funding to the entire university if they win.
Ever notice that multiple‑choice quizzes often feel strangely predictable? I recently dug into why answers so often sit in the middle—and what this reveals about our deep, systematic difficulty with randomness. It’s more surprising than you might think. 🧵👇
1/10
1/10
February 10, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Ever notice that multiple‑choice quizzes often feel strangely predictable? I recently dug into why answers so often sit in the middle—and what this reveals about our deep, systematic difficulty with randomness. It’s more surprising than you might think. 🧵👇
1/10
1/10
Delighted to have featured on the latest episode of BBC Radio Crowd Science on the world service - explaining some of the ways we can be tricked by probability and why we are not very good at being random.
Listen here:
Listen here:
CrowdScience - Do multiple choice questions make us biased? - BBC Sounds
CrowdScience listener Griffith asks why a multiple choice quiz answer is rarely ‘a’.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Delighted to have featured on the latest episode of BBC Radio Crowd Science on the world service - explaining some of the ways we can be tricked by probability and why we are not very good at being random.
Listen here:
Listen here:
"It took decades of painstaking work at the US Naval Weapons Laboratory for her to come up with the geodesic systems that would allow the precise measurements and mapping needed for the technology – her work nevertheless transformed modern life."
Gladys West obituary
Mathematician whose work at the US Naval Weapons Laboratory was pivotal to the development of GPS
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM
"It took decades of painstaking work at the US Naval Weapons Laboratory for her to come up with the geodesic systems that would allow the precise measurements and mapping needed for the technology – her work nevertheless transformed modern life."
Reposted by Kit Yates
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Reposted by Kit Yates
This is exactly what I needed to start a grey chill Tuesday in a week filled with news of friends' various deaths and with a difficult family gathering looming at the weekend...
Laws of physics, fractals, chaos theory... these things are beautiful.
People- meh, not so much, at times...
Laws of physics, fractals, chaos theory... these things are beautiful.
People- meh, not so much, at times...
Excited to be heading to the Old Vic for the press night performance of Arcadia - the play on which I've been maths/science consultant.
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
Et in Arcadia ego
Maths, desire and time’s arrow meet at the Old Vic: as I discover as Arcadia's science consultant
kityates.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:43 AM
This is exactly what I needed to start a grey chill Tuesday in a week filled with news of friends' various deaths and with a difficult family gathering looming at the weekend...
Laws of physics, fractals, chaos theory... these things are beautiful.
People- meh, not so much, at times...
Laws of physics, fractals, chaos theory... these things are beautiful.
People- meh, not so much, at times...
In the next round of Kit with statues of famous dead people…
Can anyone guess who this is/where I am?
Can anyone guess who this is/where I am?
February 4, 2026 at 4:31 PM
In the next round of Kit with statues of famous dead people…
Can anyone guess who this is/where I am?
Can anyone guess who this is/where I am?
Excited to be heading to the Old Vic for the press night performance of Arcadia - the play on which I've been maths/science consultant.
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
Et in Arcadia ego
Maths, desire and time’s arrow meet at the Old Vic: as I discover as Arcadia's science consultant
kityates.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Excited to be heading to the Old Vic for the press night performance of Arcadia - the play on which I've been maths/science consultant.
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
If you want to know more about the Maths and Science in the play before you go then check out my latest substack:
Just did a two-hour lecture slot.
It felt like it was dragging and that the students were not super enthralled.
Then, at the end, one lovely human came up to me and said
"That was the most engaged I've been in a lecture this semester."
Really made my day. Thank you.
It felt like it was dragging and that the students were not super enthralled.
Then, at the end, one lovely human came up to me and said
"That was the most engaged I've been in a lecture this semester."
Really made my day. Thank you.
February 3, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Just did a two-hour lecture slot.
It felt like it was dragging and that the students were not super enthralled.
Then, at the end, one lovely human came up to me and said
"That was the most engaged I've been in a lecture this semester."
Really made my day. Thank you.
It felt like it was dragging and that the students were not super enthralled.
Then, at the end, one lovely human came up to me and said
"That was the most engaged I've been in a lecture this semester."
Really made my day. Thank you.
Reposted by Kit Yates
Great piece illustrating how Trump has reshaped the so called Environmental protection agency (EPA) such that it is now driving harms to the environment and our health with impacts that will be felt across the world. A quick 🧵🧪 #HealthPolicy #climatechange
How Trump’s EPA rollbacks could harm our air and water – and worsen global heating
Experts say administration has launched ‘war on all fronts’ to undo environmental rules – here are the key areas at risk
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Great piece illustrating how Trump has reshaped the so called Environmental protection agency (EPA) such that it is now driving harms to the environment and our health with impacts that will be felt across the world. A quick 🧵🧪 #HealthPolicy #climatechange
Reposted by Kit Yates
Nature and Science journalists denied entry to event featuring NIH Director
I'm at the Willard Hotel where I've been denied entry and kicked out of the Reclaiming Science event with NIH director Bhattacharya & other top agency leaders.
@jocelynkaiser.bsky.social and I registered for the event months ago yet were told capacity was full, even as they let in dozens of others.
@jocelynkaiser.bsky.social and I registered for the event months ago yet were told capacity was full, even as they let in dozens of others.
January 31, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Nature and Science journalists denied entry to event featuring NIH Director
Three UK research councils suspend funding opportunities
“Temporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts”
“Temporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts”
Three UK research councils suspend funding opportunities
Temporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 31, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Three UK research councils suspend funding opportunities
“Temporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts”
“Temporary block on grant applications by MRC, BBSRC and EPSRC heightens concerns over funding cuts”
Reposted by Kit Yates
Thoroughly enjoyed Arcadia at the @oldvictheatre.bsky.social
www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/arcadia/ - great Stoppard play about arts, sciences and history. (Science/maths adviser @kityates.bsky.social)
www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/arcadia/ - great Stoppard play about arts, sciences and history. (Science/maths adviser @kityates.bsky.social)
Arcadia - Old Vic Theatre
Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, Arcadia, is brought thrillingly to life by acclaimed director Carrie Cracknell
www.oldvictheatre.com
January 31, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed Arcadia at the @oldvictheatre.bsky.social
www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/arcadia/ - great Stoppard play about arts, sciences and history. (Science/maths adviser @kityates.bsky.social)
www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/arcadia/ - great Stoppard play about arts, sciences and history. (Science/maths adviser @kityates.bsky.social)
Reposted by Kit Yates
This is essentially blackmail and could endanger vaccine supply for many countries that need thiomersal in vaccines to keep them stable when they lack infrastructure to keep vaccines cool in transport and storage 🧵
The Trump administration has told global vaccine group GAVI to phase out shots containing the preservative thimerosal as a condition of providing the group with funding. Thimerosal was targeted by RFK Jr last summer in US vaccines without a rigorous scientific process
TAT: [Attacking Science]
TAT: [Attacking Science]
Exclusive: US conditions funding to global vaccine group on dropping mercury-based preservative from shots
The Trump administration has told global vaccine group Gavi to phase out shots containing the preservative thimerosal as a condition of providing the group with funding, a U.S. official and a Gavi spokesperson told Reuters.
www.reuters.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:57 PM
This is essentially blackmail and could endanger vaccine supply for many countries that need thiomersal in vaccines to keep them stable when they lack infrastructure to keep vaccines cool in transport and storage 🧵
Reposted by Kit Yates
Bitterly disappointing that the UK has lost its Measles elimination status again.
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
UK loses WHO status as measles-free after rise in deaths and fall in jab uptake
UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Bitterly disappointing that the UK has lost its Measles elimination status again.
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
Reposted by Kit Yates
Moderna have announced that they won't run new phase three trials now with massive impacts for new vaccine development- why- its because of RFK Jr and his anti-vaccine campaigns and cancelling mRNA vaccine research which affect the sales the company can then make 🧪🧵 #PublicHealth
Moderna Won’t Run Phase III Vaccine Trials as Skepticism Grows in US: Bloomberg
Growing opposition to vaccines in the U.S., driven by recent government policy changes, makes it difficult to see a return on investment in vaccine development, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said this w...
www.biospace.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Moderna have announced that they won't run new phase three trials now with massive impacts for new vaccine development- why- its because of RFK Jr and his anti-vaccine campaigns and cancelling mRNA vaccine research which affect the sales the company can then make 🧪🧵 #PublicHealth
Bitterly disappointing that the UK has lost its Measles elimination status again.
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
UK loses WHO status as measles-free after rise in deaths and fall in jab uptake
UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Bitterly disappointing that the UK has lost its Measles elimination status again.
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
"UN health body says Britain is one of six countries in Europe and central Asia where disease has become re-established"
Reposted by Kit Yates
Please please vaccinate your child against measles.
This is from our @independentsage.bsky.social report from last year, led by @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social & @helensalisbury.bsky.social
independentsage.org/wp-content/u...
This is from our @independentsage.bsky.social report from last year, led by @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social & @helensalisbury.bsky.social
independentsage.org/wp-content/u...
January 26, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Please please vaccinate your child against measles.
This is from our @independentsage.bsky.social report from last year, led by @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social & @helensalisbury.bsky.social
independentsage.org/wp-content/u...
This is from our @independentsage.bsky.social report from last year, led by @trishgreenhalgh.bsky.social & @helensalisbury.bsky.social
independentsage.org/wp-content/u...
Sometimes my copy editor has left-aligned some of my text and I can't figure out why.
I've asked her to justify it.
I've asked her to justify it.
January 26, 2026 at 9:45 AM
Sometimes my copy editor has left-aligned some of my text and I can't figure out why.
I've asked her to justify it.
I've asked her to justify it.
Reposted by Kit Yates
If you want to know about the invention of the 50p piece and its link to Concorde, as well as new research on Robotic Architecture and why ice is slippery, then listen in to BBC Inside Science. You'll hear me discussing all these things from 21:30.
BBC Inside Science - How is air travel returning to supersonic speeds? - BBC Sounds
50 years since Concorde’s first commercial flight, is aviation going supersonic again?
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:37 AM
If you want to know about the invention of the 50p piece and its link to Concorde, as well as new research on Robotic Architecture and why ice is slippery, then listen in to BBC Inside Science. You'll hear me discussing all these things from 21:30.
If you want to know about the invention of the 50p piece and its link to Concorde, as well as new research on Robotic Architecture and why ice is slippery, then listen in to BBC Inside Science. You'll hear me discussing all these things from 21:30.
BBC Inside Science - How is air travel returning to supersonic speeds? - BBC Sounds
50 years since Concorde’s first commercial flight, is aviation going supersonic again?
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:37 AM
If you want to know about the invention of the 50p piece and its link to Concorde, as well as new research on Robotic Architecture and why ice is slippery, then listen in to BBC Inside Science. You'll hear me discussing all these things from 21:30.
Reposted by Kit Yates
Trump, Vance, and Kushner have been making speeches that contain odd phrases: 'you don't turn the Titanic around overnight', 'catastrophic success' etc.
Remember it's propaganda. And they have AI to make us respond how they want.
Not everything that seems stupid is stupid.
bsky.app/profile/dunc...
Remember it's propaganda. And they have AI to make us respond how they want.
Not everything that seems stupid is stupid.
bsky.app/profile/dunc...
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight" - JD Vance, 2026
You know, what's odd about this is someone *did* say it before. In 2011.
So I assume the speech was AI generated. But that's not that surprising, is it.
www.middletownpress.com/news/article...
You know, what's odd about this is someone *did* say it before. In 2011.
So I assume the speech was AI generated. But that's not that surprising, is it.
www.middletownpress.com/news/article...
January 23, 2026 at 6:13 AM
Trump, Vance, and Kushner have been making speeches that contain odd phrases: 'you don't turn the Titanic around overnight', 'catastrophic success' etc.
Remember it's propaganda. And they have AI to make us respond how they want.
Not everything that seems stupid is stupid.
bsky.app/profile/dunc...
Remember it's propaganda. And they have AI to make us respond how they want.
Not everything that seems stupid is stupid.
bsky.app/profile/dunc...
Ironically, not a friendly.
January 22, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Ironically, not a friendly.