YORKSHIRE DAY 1st August, 2026. I couldn’t let today pass without a cheer to the great county of Yorkshire, including its scientists, artists, authors, poets, and generally straight-talking Yorkshire folk in all walks of life!
My message today is the same as last year and indeed ‘I am proud of my very smart Yorkshire working class roots.’

Manchester made me, l’d have to say.
But I was once a Yorkshire lass.
Born and bred there some time past.
Thankful to have some Northern grit.
And what the world needs now is some Northern wit!

My post last year had a rhubarb theme: Yorkshire Day 2025. Proud of my roots.
It’s not all about rhubarb of course although it never disappoints with at least 2 ‘crops’ in the garden this year!

To Northern grit and Northern wit!

My goodness we all need a good dose of resilience, determination, and humour these days.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 1/08/2026

Whilst very much looking to the future it’s 10 years to the date and I couldn’t let this pass without a mention for Manchester and science. Manchester was the first UK city to be named European City of Science in 2016. From July 23–27, 2016 Manchester hosted the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF).

There were ESOFs (EuroScience Open Forums) before that but Manchester, you were my first! I made an impromptu decision to attend as it was being held just ‘down the road’. I am so glad I went.

WHAT AN INSPIRATION IT WAS!

I was hooked from the start, and I went on to participate in press conference discussions and generally as a scientist and a science communicator in every ESOF thereafter (in person whenever possible or otherwise on-line). They were Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meetings, covering science, society, business and careers.

So, A HUGE THANK YOU to ESOF, Manchester, the University of Manchester, and all those involved in the Manchester event. A special thanks to Andy Parkinson for making me feel so welcome in the Press Office.

Scientists, policymakers, and innovators were brought together to discuss latest developments and the future, with significant global discussions. On this occasion the recent UK referendum (June 23rd, 2016) to leave the EU and the potential impact of ‘Brexit’ felt raw and uncertain. Scientists were determined and passionate about continuing the ethos of collaborations and openness in science.

Like many others my curiosity about areas outside my specialities was sparked. A thirst for learning from other disciplines proved to be enlightening and I resolved to share the learning more widely in communications.

I was interested in supporting and inspiring students and young researchers in their career choices. I was already a Gold Mentor for undergraduates. An impromptu drop-in to a session on postgraduate careers was an eye opener when I discovered the many issues facing PhD students at that time. Before this I was viewing the PhD experience from my own very positive experience and probably through ‘rose-tinted glasses’. My focus on support changed to include and focus on the PhDs and early career researchers.

So, as the global spotlight points to Manchester in 2026 this is a brief reflection of a time ten years ago. There was so much about Manchester and science before then and so much since then.
The future bodes well!

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 23/07/2026

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Post script:
ESOF 2016 previous post in 2016 click here: ESOF comes to Manchester!
I have written numerous reports from ESOF 2018, 2020 and 2022
[Unfortunately beyond 2024 ESOF was unable to secure the necessary funding for future conferences]

A few photos from 2016:

A memento I recently discovered when tidying out some drawers:

Dix ans après l’attentat. Le 14 julliet 2016. We were on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France just meters in front of the direct impact and a moment away during this atrocity. At the time it was a surreal experience, time slowed like in a film. People running past us. How you and others react in a crisis is a learning experience. A few hours later we realised the enormity of what had just happened.

Le 14 julliet 2016, 86 personnes sont mortes et plut de 450 autres ont été blessées.

My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected directly or indirectly.

It’s not something I talk about often but having just returned from Nice and this being the 10th anniversary it seemed poignant to share this sentiment.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/07/2026

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[Post script We have a more personal experience of what happened next in those moments and the next hour or so and how we reacted. Perhaps to be told in different ways in different circumstances. For now this is enough to share.]

Treasure special moments in life. Look what I found when clearing out some old cupboards! A pair of graduation celebration glasses from 50 years ago!
Many years later in a house clearance (after both my parents had died) it was an emotional moment for me to discover that they had kept these mementos.

Cherish these moments. We often don’t appreciate how special they are until they become memories.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 22/06/2026

Further comment:
Universities are sometimes a conduit for social mobility. A half-century later they can be this and so much more…

Looking forward to a summer of science with conferences, meetings, research collaborations, and communications. Proud to support many good people out there doing good work with good intentions.

Still finding time to ‘smell the roses’ at home as well.

I penned this little haiku and I took a snapshot of the ‘Ruby Wedding Roses’ in my garden. The roses were a romantic gift from my husband several years ago. With consistency and surprises they burst into bloom in June each year and last the whole summer.

Feeling summery and a bit sentimental this week.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/06/2026

A quirky break from the serious stuff.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 01/06/2026

Thoughts for the day. A whimsical rhyme.

Having a head in the clouds isn’t a bad idea in a heatwave 😊 ☁️

More to come…

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/05/2026

When you’ve been away and you return home to discover your own garden displaying a glorious gallery of new growth. For a few minutes this week in early May I couldn’t resist taking these snapshots to capture and share a sudden feeling of optimism.

(Thanks and credit to my husband for his hard work in the garden over the years. Much appreciated.)

Enjoy the sentiment and photos or look for a deeper message. Just feel it!

When looking towards the stars don’t forget the flowers at your feet.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 07/05/2026

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“Stretching his hand up to reach the stars, too often man forgets the flowers at his feet” a quote generally attributed to the English philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham.

That feeling when you planted new trees last year and this year they get their first blossom…

Look for a deeper meaning or simply enjoy the photo and a few simple words.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 20/04/2026

In this war torn weary world I know there are still good people out there doing good things with good intentions.

Despite the deluge of troubling news I decided to create this little photo poem to cheer myself up and share some brightness in these gloomy days.

I wrote this haiku just now to capture some feelings and I created the image using snapshots I have taken of early Spring flowers in the month of March.

To goodness and hope.

☔️🌼 🤗

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 29/03/2026