Dr. Sophie Kay
@scientistsoph.bsky.social
Pro Genealogist & Scientist at www.khronicle.co.uk, #Genealogy Expert for Time Team. Oxford D.Phil.(SysBio), Fiend for #maps & #research methods. Big hair, big heels, weakness for cake.She/her.
Blog: www.parchmentrustler.com
Blog: www.parchmentrustler.com
Pinned
The Mixed Museum Launches Scientist in Residence Programme
F Scientist in Residence programme with Dr Sophie Kay, building on DNA and identity work with Britain’s ‘brown babies’.
mixedmuseum.org.uk
Exciting news to share here - I've been appointed as the inaugural Scientist in Residence at The Mixed Museum!
My work will centre around the use of #DNA testing to unite #science and #history, in particular through parent & grandparent tracing #scicomm
mixedmuseum.org.uk/news/the-mix...
My work will centre around the use of #DNA testing to unite #science and #history, in particular through parent & grandparent tracing #scicomm
mixedmuseum.org.uk/news/the-mix...
Thanks, Julie - will be great to have you with us tonight!
All set here and there'll be a combo of quiz questions and mid-session discussion alongside the talk and Q&A, so bring your best #DNA chat 😊 #GeneticGenealogy
All set here and there'll be a combo of quiz questions and mid-session discussion alongside the talk and Q&A, so bring your best #DNA chat 😊 #GeneticGenealogy
November 4, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Thanks, Julie - will be great to have you with us tonight!
All set here and there'll be a combo of quiz questions and mid-session discussion alongside the talk and Q&A, so bring your best #DNA chat 😊 #GeneticGenealogy
All set here and there'll be a combo of quiz questions and mid-session discussion alongside the talk and Q&A, so bring your best #DNA chat 😊 #GeneticGenealogy
A waiting game ahead for us all. I'm unsure at present of the date set for the next hearing - don't know whether that's in the Times' reporting (which I don't have a sub to).
September 29, 2025 at 10:51 AM
A waiting game ahead for us all. I'm unsure at present of the date set for the next hearing - don't know whether that's in the Times' reporting (which I don't have a sub to).
On hold to Royal Mail for 43 minutes so far, chasing yet MORE apparently undelivered post. Not sure how much more of this I can take (the waiting, the tinny music, or the lost mail) #MondayMorning
kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain and screaming .
Alt: kermit the frog is standing in front of a red curtain, screaming and waving his little green arms around. The text AAAARGH is across the image in capitals
media.tenor.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:48 AM
On hold to Royal Mail for 43 minutes so far, chasing yet MORE apparently undelivered post. Not sure how much more of this I can take (the waiting, the tinny music, or the lost mail) #MondayMorning
Agreed. I was stunned when I heard - it smacks of corporate entitlement & greed in the highest. And worrying too: were Ancestry to succeed with this case, what implications does it have for the many other #archives out there who might then be subject to the same treatment? #history #genealogy
September 29, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Agreed. I was stunned when I heard - it smacks of corporate entitlement & greed in the highest. And worrying too: were Ancestry to succeed with this case, what implications does it have for the many other #archives out there who might then be subject to the same treatment? #history #genealogy
I and many others in the #research world will watch this case very closely. It'd set a dangerous precedent if any archive in this kind of situation were legally forced to permit records access by a commercial co., when those records are *already* available to the public on a pay-per-view model...
September 29, 2025 at 8:14 AM
I and many others in the #research world will watch this case very closely. It'd set a dangerous precedent if any archive in this kind of situation were legally forced to permit records access by a commercial co., when those records are *already* available to the public on a pay-per-view model...
And here's the news as reported by the BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Ancestry in legal bid to access Scottish family records
DNA testing site, Ancestry.com, has taken legal action to access millions of Scottish family records held by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
www.bbc.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 8:11 AM
And here's the news as reported by the BBC:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Great piece from @chrismpaton.bsky.social on Ancestry taking the NRS to court because they don't wish to have their records on the Ancestry platform.
I'm backing the NRS all the way on this #genealogy #archives #FamilyHistory #history
scottishgenes.blogspot.com/2025/09/ance...
I'm backing the NRS all the way on this #genealogy #archives #FamilyHistory #history
scottishgenes.blogspot.com/2025/09/ance...
Ancestry and the NRS - when the corporate genealogy world turns ugly
From Scotland, a daily news blog about genealogy, family history and personal heritage.
scottishgenes.blogspot.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Great piece from @chrismpaton.bsky.social on Ancestry taking the NRS to court because they don't wish to have their records on the Ancestry platform.
I'm backing the NRS all the way on this #genealogy #archives #FamilyHistory #history
scottishgenes.blogspot.com/2025/09/ance...
I'm backing the NRS all the way on this #genealogy #archives #FamilyHistory #history
scottishgenes.blogspot.com/2025/09/ance...
Reposted by Dr. Sophie Kay
100 years of women's lives and writings. Free online event from @natlibscot.bsky.social
23 Sept 2025, 2.30-3.30pm.
#herstory #women 📚🗃️
www.nls.uk/whats-on/wom...
23 Sept 2025, 2.30-3.30pm.
#herstory #women 📚🗃️
www.nls.uk/whats-on/wom...
100 years of women's lives and writings | National Library of Scotland
Explore the work of a range of remarkable women through our free-to-use Digital Gallery.
www.nls.uk
September 14, 2025 at 3:33 PM
100 years of women's lives and writings. Free online event from @natlibscot.bsky.social
23 Sept 2025, 2.30-3.30pm.
#herstory #women 📚🗃️
www.nls.uk/whats-on/wom...
23 Sept 2025, 2.30-3.30pm.
#herstory #women 📚🗃️
www.nls.uk/whats-on/wom...
Almost home after our #DNA session in Liverpool yesterday. Thanks to the wonderful audience for their many & varied discussion points - both during and after!
HUGE thanks to the organisers & volunteers for #bsf25 who've made the magic happen this past week. I'd love to join you again next year!
HUGE thanks to the organisers & volunteers for #bsf25 who've made the magic happen this past week. I'd love to join you again next year!
September 14, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Thanks for this Megan :)
And *really* good to hear that the legal system did give way for your #adoptee client in the end - I don't doubt it was a hard-won result. I hope this makes his onward path that little bit smoother from here, tho I know it's a long & complex journey.
And *really* good to hear that the legal system did give way for your #adoptee client in the end - I don't doubt it was a hard-won result. I hope this makes his onward path that little bit smoother from here, tho I know it's a long & complex journey.
September 14, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for this Megan :)
And *really* good to hear that the legal system did give way for your #adoptee client in the end - I don't doubt it was a hard-won result. I hope this makes his onward path that little bit smoother from here, tho I know it's a long & complex journey.
And *really* good to hear that the legal system did give way for your #adoptee client in the end - I don't doubt it was a hard-won result. I hope this makes his onward path that little bit smoother from here, tho I know it's a long & complex journey.
Thanks, Meryl! In my case it was actually physical recovery I was referring to, tho agree that we ALL need to give proper time to the emotional care as well 👍
Think we need to see a photo of this new purchase too...
Think we need to see a photo of this new purchase too...
September 14, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Thanks, Meryl! In my case it was actually physical recovery I was referring to, tho agree that we ALL need to give proper time to the emotional care as well 👍
Think we need to see a photo of this new purchase too...
Think we need to see a photo of this new purchase too...
Sounds like it might have been one of your talks Jane was thinking of, Joe! I've mentioned Gephi in passing in a few of mine this year, but it was 2024 when I last delivered a full Gephi workshop (returning in 2026 😉). Bring on the big screens, eh?!
September 14, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Sounds like it might have been one of your talks Jane was thinking of, Joe! I've mentioned Gephi in passing in a few of mine this year, but it was 2024 when I last delivered a full Gephi workshop (returning in 2026 😉). Bring on the big screens, eh?!
Important footnote - no pun intended 😉 - I've always found my Ruby Shoos (I own multiple pairs!) to have amazing arch support - super comfortable 👍
September 14, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Important footnote - no pun intended 😉 - I've always found my Ruby Shoos (I own multiple pairs!) to have amazing arch support - super comfortable 👍
Ahh, in that case here's the place you need to look...they sell heels, mids and flats: www.rubyshoo.com
Enjoy bringing a bit of colour to that scientist footwear!
Enjoy bringing a bit of colour to that scientist footwear!
The Official Home of British Design Ruby Shoo Matching Shoes and Bags
Matching shoes and bags with a quirky original twist and vintage inspiration. Be Bold Be Different Be You with our stunning collection of individually styled heels and flat shoes. Our shoes are the mo...
www.rubyshoo.com
September 14, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Ahh, in that case here's the place you need to look...they sell heels, mids and flats: www.rubyshoo.com
Enjoy bringing a bit of colour to that scientist footwear!
Enjoy bringing a bit of colour to that scientist footwear!
This is fab to hear - thank you! We're going to be bringing #history and #science together in this one - and seeing how each feeds into the other when it comes to parent- and g'parent-tracing cases. It's wonderful when two disciplines really can come together in rich, productive ways 🙂
September 13, 2025 at 10:17 AM
...and keep doing you. When we take a narrow view of who gets to "be" a scientist, then a lot of people select themselves out of this world silently.
Some of the best colleagues I've had over the years were also the most unconventional 😁
Some of the best colleagues I've had over the years were also the most unconventional 😁
September 13, 2025 at 10:03 AM
...and keep doing you. When we take a narrow view of who gets to "be" a scientist, then a lot of people select themselves out of this world silently.
Some of the best colleagues I've had over the years were also the most unconventional 😁
Some of the best colleagues I've had over the years were also the most unconventional 😁
There's room for us ALL in #science, folks - whether you're into heels or flats, brights or neutrals.
This is why I love the community-focused approach at events like #bsf25. Yes, there's fab science going on in academia and industry, but it's also about how we as a culture "see" scientists too...
This is why I love the community-focused approach at events like #bsf25. Yes, there's fab science going on in academia and industry, but it's also about how we as a culture "see" scientists too...
September 13, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Some years ago I spent a lot of time working access initiatives for young ppl interested in #science.
Some young women would come up to me afterwards to tell me they 'hadn't known they could dress like that AND be a scientist'.
Helping ppl see a broader view of who's allowed in the room is VITAL
Some young women would come up to me afterwards to tell me they 'hadn't known they could dress like that AND be a scientist'.
Helping ppl see a broader view of who's allowed in the room is VITAL
September 13, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Some years ago I spent a lot of time working access initiatives for young ppl interested in #science.
Some young women would come up to me afterwards to tell me they 'hadn't known they could dress like that AND be a scientist'.
Helping ppl see a broader view of who's allowed in the room is VITAL
Some young women would come up to me afterwards to tell me they 'hadn't known they could dress like that AND be a scientist'.
Helping ppl see a broader view of who's allowed in the room is VITAL
Thanks! Yep, I'm co-presenting one of the #bsf25 Presidential sessions, alongside Chamion Caballero and Arlene Nelson. I think there should be some terrific debate and qus in the room today and I can't wait to see everyone!
September 13, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Thanks! Yep, I'm co-presenting one of the #bsf25 Presidential sessions, alongside Chamion Caballero and Arlene Nelson. I think there should be some terrific debate and qus in the room today and I can't wait to see everyone!
And behind my jocular comment, there's also a serious message: make sure you do YOU - there should be room for everyone in #science
Over the years I've had a LOT of ppl tell me not to wear the flamboyant shoes as "no-one will take you seriously". I have always resolutely ignored this 'advice' 😉
Over the years I've had a LOT of ppl tell me not to wear the flamboyant shoes as "no-one will take you seriously". I have always resolutely ignored this 'advice' 😉
September 13, 2025 at 9:44 AM
And behind my jocular comment, there's also a serious message: make sure you do YOU - there should be room for everyone in #science
Over the years I've had a LOT of ppl tell me not to wear the flamboyant shoes as "no-one will take you seriously". I have always resolutely ignored this 'advice' 😉
Over the years I've had a LOT of ppl tell me not to wear the flamboyant shoes as "no-one will take you seriously". I have always resolutely ignored this 'advice' 😉
