Gail Davies
@gailfdavies.bsky.social
1.2K followers 660 following 83 posts
Prof in Human Geography at University of Exeter researching spaces of science & technology, human & animal health, research involvement & responsibility. Currently works on animal research & its replacements. Unexpected interest in chronic pain & FND.
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Reposted by Gail Davies
uoearchhist.bsky.social
Join us at the *free* FUTURES Festival (11–12 Oct Exeter) for inspiring events celebrating history, archaeology, science & culture!

With @lsangha.bsky.social and Chris Hoban live music based on stories from 16-18th century wills🎵 and Laura Evis in the SHArD 3D Lab

news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-e...
Reposted by Gail Davies
yoshinariyoshida.bsky.social
3 year PhD position at U of Copenhagen for a philosophical analysis of animal models in translational neuroscience. Those with MA in HPS, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, STS, etc. are welcome to apply. Application deadline is Oct 31 #HPS #STS employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=16...
PhD Project in Philosophy of Science: Philosophical Perspectives on Animal Models in Translational Neuroscience
employment.ku.dk
gailfdavies.bsky.social
On my way to Oxford to chat about the new project led by Beth Greenhough and colleagues on #PPI and #AnimalResearch. Will be sharing relevant insights from our 2022 report web-archive.southampton.ac.uk/animalresear...

This fantastic summary of issues and resources was put together by Gabrielle King
Research Involvement resources
The Animal Research Nexus team at the University of Exeter have developed a range of resources to help understand and support involvement with research for when conversations include animal research. ...
web-archive.southampton.ac.uk
Reposted by Gail Davies
eicathomefinn.bsky.social
Some (no doubt annoyingly) glass-half-full reflections on REF2029 pause, for academic and PS staff involved in HEI submission(s).

If, like me, you're having to deal with the hiatus in the known unknowns, what's a viable approach to take? Some very preliminary thoughts. 1/7
On the left, a wine glass half full (or is it half empty) with a red liquid; on the right, a bottle half full/half empty with the same red liquid. Because let's be frank, REF2029 is driving some to drink.
Reposted by Gail Davies
alondra.bsky.social
So many untold stories of women's innovation in electronic music still to be brought to light, including this key figure who developed Casio backing tracks that enabled a revolution in reggae. Great profile!
Reposted by Gail Davies
carlbergstrom.com
5. Today I read a paper by @sabinaleonelli.bsky.social and Alexander Mussgnug that I think illustrates this point perfectly.

philsci-archive.pitt.edu/24891/1/Phil...
Convenience AI
Sabina Leonelli & Alexander Martin Mussgnug12
Abstract: This paper considers the mundane ways in which AI is being incorporated into scientific
practice today, and particularly the extent to which AI is used to automate tasks perceived to be
boring, “mere routine” and inconvenient to researchers. We label such uses as instances of
“Convenience AI” — that is situations where AI is applied with the primary intention to increase
speed and minimize human effort. We outline how attributions of convenience to AI applications
involve three key characteristics: (i) an emphasis on speed and ease of action, (ii) a comparative
element, as well as (iii) a subject-dependent and subjective quality. Using examples from medical
science and development economics, we highlight epistemic benefits, complications, and drawbacks
of Convenience AI along these three dimensions. While the pursuit of convenience through AI can
save precious time and resources as well as give rise to novel forms of inquiry, our analysis
underscores how the uncritical adoption of Convenience AI for the sake of shortcutting human labour
may also weaken the evidential foundations of science and generate inertia in how research is
planned, set-up and conducted, with potentially damaging implications for the knowledge being
produced. Critically, we argue that the consistent association of Convenience AI with the goals of
productivity, efficiency, and ease, as often promoted also by companies targeting the research market
for AI applications, can lower critical scrutiny of research processes and shift focus away from
appreciating their broader epistemic and social implications.
Reposted by Gail Davies
danielfountain.bsky.social
My University has opened a virtual scholar scheme for scholars from Gaza. Please share widely and help stop scholasticide. www.exeter.ac.uk/faculties/ha...
gailfdavies.bsky.social
Interesting 🧐 I look forward to taking a look. I’ve been intrigued since Monty Lyman talked about hypnotism in his book the painful truth, though re IBS not pain, so maybe more relevant to some kinds of symptoms?
gailfdavies.bsky.social
There may be a one to one relationship between these two propositions!
gailfdavies.bsky.social
This year’s academic marking season is coming to a close. Assignments used to sing in different voices: some in clarity, originality, creativity, some chaos. Gen AI has layered on an ‘academic autotune’ removing many enjoyable aspects of engaging with authentic student work. #highered #AI #marking
gailfdavies.bsky.social
PhD studentship at Geography Exeter and Penryn assessing activities, outputs, outcomes and impact of the Isles of Scilly Community Research Network (CRN). Deadline: 25 June 2025. More details: www.exeter.ac.uk/study/fundin...
Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter
www.exeter.ac.uk
gailfdavies.bsky.social
Wonderful to spend the day with colleagues in Geography @exeter.ac.uk mapping the complex ways open science intersects with our research across the discipline. We covered experiences of preregistration, open databases, archiving, IP, legal challenges, and more, with more conversations to come 👐
Reposted by Gail Davies
maisie-tom.bsky.social
Are you curious about expanding your social research practice to include nonhuman species, but don’t know where to start? Come and join this immersive three-day workshop at the University of Manchester, with a mix of indoor seminars and outdoor fieldwork: store.southampton.ac.uk/short-course...
gailfdavies.bsky.social
… both can be unreliable narrators in this context
gailfdavies.bsky.social
This is a calm, clear and thoughtful piece on experiences around #FND, simply and beautifully illustrated. Thanks to all involved.

A lot resonated, especially how hard it is to produce a meaningful account of your body when both embodied experiences and medical encounters are so fragmented
fndportal.bsky.social
Time to get the facts straight. 🙌

Thanks @jonstoneneuro.bsky.social, Caoimhe McLaughlin and Anna Ross, and the ETUDE team for bringing this to life.
jonstoneneuro.bsky.social
"Inside FND" - a new short film about FND

A film that draws on evidence from patients, clinicians and research to counter common misconceptions about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). 🧵
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDAv...
Reposted by Gail Davies
Reposted by Gail Davies
royalsociety.org
Calling all researchers and public engagement professionals: we want to find out the factors affecting public engagement in 2025, including opportunities, risks and barriers. Help shape the future of public engagement with STEM by taking our survey: www.research.net/r/RS_public_...
Factors Affecting Public Engagement by UK Researchers 2025
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
Reposted by Gail Davies
smpierce.bsky.social
The banner’s up… the #DartmoorTorsFestival starts today! Lots to enjoy inc talks with writers, archaeologists, artists incl @lisaschneidau.bsky.social @guyshrubsole.bsky.social , @lewis-winks.bsky.social and walks shorturl.at/Oomce
Reposted by Gail Davies
fndportal.bsky.social
Incredible story by prof Kevin Aho on what it's like to live with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in @aeon.co and the current lack of FND care.

I so appreciate how clearly Aho writes about this in a way that people can *get it.*

A landmark in the discourse

And thanks for the kind mention❤️
aeon.co
Functional neurological disorder has been, until very recently, largely invisible in neurology. It’s a condition that must be recognised buff.ly/qnzmnCd
Reposted by Gail Davies
monicamedhist.bsky.social
Folks, you read that right: this whole book on #GlobalHealth is available #OpenAccess! #histmed
wombatscholar.bsky.social
Medicine on a Larger Scale is available OA now from @cambridgeup.bsky.social at www.cambridge.org/core/books/m...

Also available in print at a discount according to this flyer
#histstm #socmed #histmed #STS
Reposted by Gail Davies
bolman.bsky.social
Today is the day! My book Lab Dog is out from @uchicagopress.bsky.social a week early and you can find it wherever you find books. For @thedrift-mag.bsky.social, I put it in context with xenotransplantation, “trans rats,” & contemporary lab animal politics newsletter.thedriftmag.com/p/from-capit...
From capitalist pigs to poisoned puppies
Brad Bolman on the shifting politics of animal experimentation
newsletter.thedriftmag.com
Reposted by Gail Davies
birchlse.bsky.social
Do you have a research interest in how AI can harm or benefit non-human animals? I'm recruiting a Research Officer to drive forward the "Animals and AI" priority area of The Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience at the LSE. Please apply by 6 May! 🐖🐔🐟 jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...