Michael Sleigh
@msleigh.io
Head of Integrated Forecast Systems at ECMWF. Ex-physicist (previously Group Leader for Computational Physics at AWE). Interested in HPC, software, scientific computing, classical guitar, music
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Senior state department official Sarah Rogers travelled to European cities in December and has spoken to key figures in Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party about deploying grants to spread ‘American values’. ft.trib.al/Kx8ta8a
February 6, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Senior state department official Sarah Rogers travelled to European cities in December and has spoken to key figures in Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party about deploying grants to spread ‘American values’. ft.trib.al/Kx8ta8a
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Arcadia absolutely wonderful at @oldvictheatre.bsky.social last night. Fantastic production of a masterpiece.
February 1, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Arcadia absolutely wonderful at @oldvictheatre.bsky.social last night. Fantastic production of a masterpiece.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
I am thrilled to co‑organise Visualising Climate with colleagues from Copernicus/ECMWF, BSC, BC3 and the University of Miami—the first global conference at the intersection of climate change and data visualisation, at a moment when clear, actionable communication is essential.
#dataviz #datavis
#dataviz #datavis
Join us in Bologna, Italy, 4–6 Nov 2026 for Visualising Climate — the first global conference fully dedicated to climate data visualization and its power to transform public understanding of a changing planet. Come see the data.
visualisingclimate.org
#VisualisingClimate2026 #DataVis #ClimateCrisis
visualisingclimate.org
#VisualisingClimate2026 #DataVis #ClimateCrisis
January 28, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Adrian Edmondson is 69.
Here he is on Desert Island Discs, talking about Rik Mayall.
If you’re lucky, you have at least one friend like Rik.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Here he is on Desert Island Discs, talking about Rik Mayall.
If you’re lucky, you have at least one friend like Rik.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
January 24, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Adrian Edmondson is 69.
Here he is on Desert Island Discs, talking about Rik Mayall.
If you’re lucky, you have at least one friend like Rik.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Here he is on Desert Island Discs, talking about Rik Mayall.
If you’re lucky, you have at least one friend like Rik.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Happy Birthday Adrian Edmondson
January 24, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Happy Birthday Adrian Edmondson
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
As National Security Adviser, I was often at the UK’s HQ in Helmand, Camp Bastion. Too often, the tannoy would announce medevac helicopters inbound. The huge base w’d fall silent, out of respect for the young men or women who were fighting for their lives. No, they had not stayed a little back.
January 24, 2026 at 1:34 AM
As National Security Adviser, I was often at the UK’s HQ in Helmand, Camp Bastion. Too often, the tannoy would announce medevac helicopters inbound. The huge base w’d fall silent, out of respect for the young men or women who were fighting for their lives. No, they had not stayed a little back.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
EPCC is hiring! We have the following vacancies:
Collaboration Manager for the UK AI Factory Antenna
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4oZHnuw
Applications Developers
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/491r4HA
Applications Consultants
Closes 15 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4j0dXeq
Collaboration Manager for the UK AI Factory Antenna
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4oZHnuw
Applications Developers
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/491r4HA
Applications Consultants
Closes 15 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4j0dXeq
January 9, 2026 at 1:31 PM
EPCC is hiring! We have the following vacancies:
Collaboration Manager for the UK AI Factory Antenna
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4oZHnuw
Applications Developers
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/491r4HA
Applications Consultants
Closes 15 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4j0dXeq
Collaboration Manager for the UK AI Factory Antenna
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4oZHnuw
Applications Developers
Closes 14 Jan 2026
edin.ac/491r4HA
Applications Consultants
Closes 15 Jan 2026
edin.ac/4j0dXeq
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
#BBCNews - Trump's Venezuela raid has created chaos - and that is a risk for China too
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Donald Trump's Venezuela risk brings risk to China's plans
The US's seizure of Nicolás Maduro carries uncertainty for China, which is is no fan of chaos.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 6:30 AM
#BBCNews - Trump's Venezuela raid has created chaos - and that is a risk for China too
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Det kanadensiska samtalet om digital suveränitet är i full fart. Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives skeivdr under rubriken "Every data centre is a U.S military base".
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Every data centre is a U.S. military base - CCPA
Understanding how the United States uses its tech companies to serve empire
www.policyalternatives.ca
January 7, 2026 at 6:22 AM
Det kanadensiska samtalet om digital suveränitet är i full fart. Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives skeivdr under rubriken "Every data centre is a U.S military base".
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
god damn the opposite camera's views of each of their faces is peak schadenfreude
December 20, 2025 at 7:15 AM
god damn the opposite camera's views of each of their faces is peak schadenfreude
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Before the 1990s, plane crashes caused by microbursts used to kill planeloads of people fairly regularly.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Before the 1990s, plane crashes caused by microbursts used to kill planeloads of people fairly regularly.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Anyone understand the logic for Bluesky now requiring age verification (in UK) before you can mute words?
Realised my muted words list is suddenly empty and I can’t add new words. Change VPN to a different country and it’s restored.
Realised my muted words list is suddenly empty and I can’t add new words. Change VPN to a different country and it’s restored.
December 11, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Anyone understand the logic for Bluesky now requiring age verification (in UK) before you can mute words?
Realised my muted words list is suddenly empty and I can’t add new words. Change VPN to a different country and it’s restored.
Realised my muted words list is suddenly empty and I can’t add new words. Change VPN to a different country and it’s restored.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
On the UK-US pharmaceutical deal I'm afraid this does look like two nasty trends coming together to make a very bad agreement for the UK - namely Whitehall power to make deals with no scrutiny, and companies working with countries to coerce others. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
What will be the cost of Keir Starmer’s new medicines deal with Donald Trump? British lives | Aditya Chakrabortty
More than £3bn that could have been used for UK patients will go to big pharma for its branded products, says Guardian columnist Aditya Chakrabortty
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:57 AM
On the UK-US pharmaceutical deal I'm afraid this does look like two nasty trends coming together to make a very bad agreement for the UK - namely Whitehall power to make deals with no scrutiny, and companies working with countries to coerce others. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Going through old photos and found this gem from when I was into skateboard photography. I think this might be Steve Caballero, circa 1998 @vanswarpedtour.bsky.social @transworldskate.bsky.social #ShotOnFilm
December 2, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Going through old photos and found this gem from when I was into skateboard photography. I think this might be Steve Caballero, circa 1998 @vanswarpedtour.bsky.social @transworldskate.bsky.social #ShotOnFilm
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Next week, we will mark our 50th anniversary in Reading, UK, following events earlier in the year at our sites in Germany and Italy.
Join us online on 3 December for the Showcase of European capabilities in machine learning and weather forecasting.
For details ➡️ www.ecmwf.int/en/about/med...
Join us online on 3 December for the Showcase of European capabilities in machine learning and weather forecasting.
For details ➡️ www.ecmwf.int/en/about/med...
November 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Next week, we will mark our 50th anniversary in Reading, UK, following events earlier in the year at our sites in Germany and Italy.
Join us online on 3 December for the Showcase of European capabilities in machine learning and weather forecasting.
For details ➡️ www.ecmwf.int/en/about/med...
Join us online on 3 December for the Showcase of European capabilities in machine learning and weather forecasting.
For details ➡️ www.ecmwf.int/en/about/med...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
For the sake of European security, Europe's leaders should agree to release Russia’s frozen assets for the support of Ukraine — and clearly state their willingness to defend Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Trump’s 28 point ‘peace plan’ marks Europe’s last chance to stand up for Ukraine
European national leaders have been too slow and cautious in their support for Kyiv. Can they rise to meet this defining moment?
www.chathamhouse.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:01 AM
For the sake of European security, Europe's leaders should agree to release Russia’s frozen assets for the support of Ukraine — and clearly state their willingness to defend Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Amidst all the Budget noise I didn't notice this coming out
www.gov.uk/government/n...
But thanks to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog, I didn't miss it ...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
But thanks to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog, I didn't miss it ...
AI to power national renewal as government announces billions of additional investment and new plans to boost UK businesses, jobs and innovation
A major package of new reforms and investment will put AI at heart of government’s mission to drive growth, create jobs and spread prosperity across the country.
www.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Amidst all the Budget noise I didn't notice this coming out
www.gov.uk/government/n...
But thanks to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog, I didn't miss it ...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
But thanks to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk live blog, I didn't miss it ...
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
As Esau Lopez was asphyxiated for the first 17 minutes of his life on Earth, the atmosphere in the room remained serene, even ecstatic. Acoustic music crooned from a speaker in a modest two-bedroom apartment in a suburb of Pennsylvania. “You are a queen,” murmured one of three friends in the room.
Only Esau’s mother, Gabrielle Lopez, felt something was wrong. She was pushing hard, but her son would not be born. “Can you help [him] out?” she asked, as Esau crowned. “Baby is coming,” the friend replied. Four minutes later, Lopez asked again, “Can you grab [him]?” Another friend murmured, “Baby is safe.” Six minutes passed. Again, Lopez asked, “Can you grab [him]?” Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday
- It never failed to bring a smile to my face - and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
One of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend
Love you Mani x x
Never to be forgotten
- It never failed to bring a smile to my face - and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
One of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend
Love you Mani x x
Never to be forgotten
November 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday
- It never failed to bring a smile to my face - and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
One of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend
Love you Mani x x
Never to be forgotten
- It never failed to bring a smile to my face - and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
One of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend
Love you Mani x x
Never to be forgotten
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
November 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
We’ve made this investigation free to read because so many people in Sheffield are affected by this story.
Our journalists have been knocking on doors for weeks and we’ve had to employ lawyers because of the legal threats made against us.
We can only do this kind of journalism with your support.
Our journalists have been knocking on doors for weeks and we’ve had to employ lawyers because of the legal threats made against us.
We can only do this kind of journalism with your support.
“It broke my heart, that was my savings towards a new car,” one woman who paid Milne tens of thousands of pounds told us. “He has just wiped me out.”
Who is Andrew Milne - the solicitor sending "very aggressive" letters to Sheffield homeowners?
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
Who is Andrew Milne - the solicitor sending "very aggressive" letters to Sheffield homeowners?
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk/a-london-law...
A London lawyer bought hundreds of Sheffield freeholds. Then the ‘very aggressive’ letters arrived
Exclusive: The Tribune can reveal that Andrew Milne has threatened leaseholders with high court action. It ‘broke my heart’ one woman says
www.sheffieldtribune.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 7:54 PM
We’ve made this investigation free to read because so many people in Sheffield are affected by this story.
Our journalists have been knocking on doors for weeks and we’ve had to employ lawyers because of the legal threats made against us.
We can only do this kind of journalism with your support.
Our journalists have been knocking on doors for weeks and we’ve had to employ lawyers because of the legal threats made against us.
We can only do this kind of journalism with your support.
Reposted by Michael Sleigh
#hpc #supercomputing #AI Argonne expands nation’s AI infrastructure with powerful new supercomputers and public-private partnerships www.anl.gov/article/argo...
Argonne expands nation’s AI infrastructure with powerful new supercomputers and public-private partnerships
www.anl.gov
October 29, 2025 at 6:09 AM
#hpc #supercomputing #AI Argonne expands nation’s AI infrastructure with powerful new supercomputers and public-private partnerships www.anl.gov/article/argo...