These days when there is so much to think about, a clear head is needed.
(I took these photos in the past weeks not far from home)
It’s good to pause and refresh.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 30/01/2026
These days when there is so much to think about, a clear head is needed.
(I took these photos in the past weeks not far from home)
It’s good to pause and refresh.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 30/01/2026
One year on from my previous post on AI: I am still curious and excited. No doubt there has been progress over the past year! I still feel optimistic about the use of AI but also with the same concerns and caveats as before.
I am re-posting the 2025 post (see link below) because I think it is relevant and I hope it is useful to others.
Just to add a few further thoughts for 2026 here:
We need to keep an eye on who is using AI? What is working well?
There will be potential to cut costs and reduce timelines in projects and services. However, ask the questions – are ‘clients’ or individuals fully aware and in agreement before you proceed to use their data or personal information in ways involving AI?
I think we need to continue to think about our own relationships with AI.
It is important for students to become familiar with AI and proficient in use of appropriate tools as part of their education. Educators should equip students and youth with knowledge and skills to prepare them for future work and careers. It is also important to ensure awareness of potential issues and regulations in place now and to come. There are concerns about potential negative effects of AI particularly on young people, their development, and their relationships.
Nonetheless, these are interesting and exciting times! As we start 2026, I applaud the debates, discussion, curiosity and experimentation in the past year.
Reflecting on what I said this time last year (see link below) my current message is consistent. However, I do think some people as I have warned may be just ´jumping on bandwagons for fear of missing out’. Perhaps we should all take time to slow down and think sometimes.
In 2025 and into 2026 we seem to be seeing more AI in our physical world for example in androids, robotics, and drones. It looks fascinating and exciting but at the same time I think it’s somewhat scary.
May the healthy discussions and debates continue! We should continue to proceed with eyes wide open – asking questions such as: Where is all this heading? What do we really want? What do we really need? What do we not want? Is AI ‘serving or enslaving’?
I don’t want to be a ‘party pooper” and spoil the mood but some promises have not lived up to the hype and expectations. In some cases, the feedback reports could read ‘tried hard but could do better.’
On the other hand, it is good that new opportunities are being explored.
I’m all for creativity and progress but I also support the need for ethics, transparency, and wisdom. There is an argument that excessive regulation should not stifle progress. However, I think regulation is a necessary safeguard.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 28/01/2026
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N.B.
Just to reiterate that the applications and potential use of AI are impressive for clinical and medical research. AI can facilitate research and management of large amounts of data rapidly and efficiently.
Progress is being made in its use for example in the areas of diagnosis, drug development and personalised medicine.
AI may help to reveal patterns than are otherwise difficult to discern.
Previous 2025 post here
[AI is not my area of expertise, but I am grateful to have learned about this, received some early insights about and posted on the subject generally through participation in the EuroScience Open Forum over several years. I am also thankful to have connections with AI expertise who share their thoughts in posts enabling others to keep up with what’s happening out there in the world.}
In 2026 quantum computing is something to keep an eye on. I am re-posting my previous blog one year later to share some insights and metaphors that I hope might be helpful for someone else, somewhere out there. It’s a subject many of us find challenging to understand.
I think it is good to explore unfamiliar subjects particularly considering their potential impact. You certainly gain respect for other disciplines!
Quantum Technology: Further thoughts for 2025.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 26/01/2026
Having reached a significant personal milestone in 2025 I am still here and looking forward to 2026. I am proud to be a septuagenarian! Watch out for consistency and even more surprises to come…
I am a purpose-driven scientist: an expert in life sciences, clinical and health research with interests and experience in life and sciences more generally. You may have noticed I am keen on writing poetry.
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I am proud to know, have known, worked with and supported many talented and interesting people. I do not have to necessarily agree with what they say (although I often do). It is reassuring that there are many decent people out there with good intentions and prepared to speak out despite all the current horrible world events.
‘It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’
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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 07/01/2026
May this Christmas end the year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.
❤️
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 19/12/2025
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/11/2025
Why apples? Why now? For playtime why not try an apple bobbing game – perhaps a forgotten seasonal tradition. The aim is for each person to bite an apple from a large bowl of water using only their mouths. I remember playing this as a child. However, historically it had romantic meanings, particularly linked to Halloween and a Celtic festival at the end of Autumn. Original versions involved guessing a person’s romantic future. But it’s just for fun!
On a romantic note, it was this time of year that I first met my husband-to-be in 1978. It was a Halloween party at the Christie Hospital Staff Club. I was a PhD student at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research (known as the Paterson Labs in those days). I was swept off my feet by a dashing young lawyer (well something like that 😉😂).
On a well-being note, I think I really should eat more apples.
Let’s hear it for the apples 🍎📣.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 30/10/2025
Further comment: Nowadays there are pumpkins galore and they are lovely🎃. So when did pumpkins become the tradition in the UK? That’s another story. I remember as a child we used large turnips – how hard they were to carve! [A nod there to some Irish heritage and like many a few of my ancestors.]
What a great time to be involved in research and communications! I am thinking particularly of Life Sciences, Clinical and Health Research. These areas are important, exciting, and sometimes surprising. But what kind of research interests you?
BASIC RESEARCH focusing on fundamental knowledge delving into areas where we want to know more or understand better.
APPLIED RESEARCH using knowledge and understanding to develop practical applications, technologies, or interventions.
FRONTIER RESEARCH pursuing new knowledge and discoveries that challenge the boundaries of what is known.
Frontier research is particularly exciting, and it is often in the news these days. However, with new capabilities and potential applications can come questions of ethics. Put simply: Just because we can – doesn’t mean should! There again new knowledge and understanding can lead directly or indirectly to important breakthroughs beneficial to humankind.
I am grateful for the experiences of doing research, studying or communicating in all these subject areas and also the different types of research.
Speaking from experience there are many interesting career options. Life sciences are fascinating per se, and the Life Sciences sector is receiving a lot of attention from different governments.
I am noticing an increase in research opportunities advertised in academia or research institutes. I am also sure that many new opportunities will evolve in future.
It’s a great time to be considering a course, a career or an area of interest.
What an important and exciting time this is for undergrads, postgrads, and postdocs! How the world and humankind need you!
Let’s also remember that science is for everyone. Communication about research is very important!
In these rapidly changing times LIFE SCIENCES, clinical research, and health research contribute to our knowledge and understanding; find solutions and give hope.
There is much meaningful work still to be done and deserving of support.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/10/2025
Is October starting to buzz?
Yesss!
It seems a good time to encourage COMMUNICATORS – those we know who have good messages and are doing good things. Otherwise, by staying silent we might inadvertently allow a handful of people to hog the limelight with poor communication and even misinformation or disinformation.
Indeed, let’s talk about the communicators. Professional speakers, medical writers, science communicators, journalists, authors etc.
Specialists and generalists. Academics, researchers, regulators, policy makers, influencers. The well-known and the unsung heroes. Those with other hidden or not so hidden talents. Singers, dancers, poets, humourists, and magicians. There are many ways to share a message and work with purpose.
A message doesn’t need to be loud-voiced to resonate. Better to have messages spoken or written with purpose, meaning, and authenticity.
Here’s to the people who convey or exchange information, news, or ideas, especially those who are eloquent or skilled. Here’s to those aspiring to be great or just better communicators. Those who advocate, demonstrate, and practice continuous learning.
Let’s encourage communicators!
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 16/10/2025
Earlier this week and very early one morning I woke up, walked over to the window and gazed to the hills to be greeted by this stunning spectacle!
I captured the moment with this snapshot. Only later that day did I realise its significance when my husband started playing the track Harvest Moon (see below). He can be a romantic at times which is much appreciated.
Life is hard and I think we are all feeling weighed down and weary by the woes of the world. In such times we can sometimes say harsh things without giving our words much thought. Sometimes, however, lovely moments come out of the blue and are worth sharing.
Thought for the weekend. My message serves as a reminder to pause, observe, and appreciate real things and natural phenomena. It is also a reminder to be kind, say something nice about someone, and share a smile on a seemingly ordinary day which may turn out to be not so ordinary after all 😊.
It’s the real thing caught on camera (no AI needed).
More pictures and comments may follow below.
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 09/10/2025
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[‘Harvest Moon’ by Neil Young. A song that celebrates a lasting relationship]
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