Mike Simpson

This week Epic Games decided "programming is hard' so they're just gonna vibe code things instead apparently. It's going... well, you know. @nickjcal.bsky.social's latest episode of Unpacked is out now.

All six of the YouTube shorts about my @softwaresaved.bsky.social fellowship are now online. Check them out to learn more about the ConveRSE project and what I've been up to over the last 18 months. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk/2026/10/08/y...

In celebration of #InternationalRSEDay 2026, we wanted to share some of our team's highlights from the last twelve months. medium.com/newcastle-un...

In my last video (for now), I discuss the ConveRSE project, the main output from my @softwaresaved.bsky.social Fellowship. www.youtube.com/shorts/dqxbT... Check out the website: converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

Delighted to announce that I've been elected President of @society-rse.org. I'm excited to work alongside my fellow trustees and this amazing community to help the Society grow and adapt to the many challenges we currently face and to champion the vital role that RSEs play in modern research.

What have I learned from talking about #MentalHealth with my colleagues? www.youtube.com/shorts/EOqB1...

8th October is International RSE Day 2026. We want to celebrate the achievements of the global RSE community and continue to raise awareness of the vital contribution we make to modern research. Share your updates, announcements and stories using the hashtags: #InternationalRSEDay or #IntlRSEDay

What is an RSE? And what #MentalHealth challenges do we face? youtube.com/shorts/RyCIn...

Last night, we drove off the zombie dragonborn pirate captain and his crew with relative ease, but were nearly defeated by the ultimate final boss of #DnD: a locked door!

Almost recovered from an amazing week in Sheffield, attending the inaugural International Research Software Conference, celebrating 10 years of the RSE Conference, representing @society-rse.org and @softwaresaved.bsky.social, and talking about Mental Health & The ConveRSE Project. #IRSC26 #RSECon26

Why is @softwaresaved.bsky.social paying me to talk about #MentalHealth? youtube.com/shorts/pfp74...

Why have I been talking to my colleagues about #MentalHealth? youtube.com/shorts/q0gHC...

We're in Sheffield this week for the first International Research Software Conference.

Let's Talk About #MentalHealth. No, really! youtube.com/shorts/PpkPt...

Thanks to @trekculture.bsky.social for neatly and eloquently addressing many of my issues with modern Trek.

Finally finished watching The Good Place. Can confirm that it is a great show! However, I can't help but notice that when someone in that show suggests rebooting the universe, everyone immediately realises it's a terrible idea and spends the next five episodes fighting to prevent it!

We're in Manchester this week for a meeting of @softwaresaved.bsky.social Fellows. Looking forward to catching up and some exciting collaborations.

Remember to stay hydrated in this hot weather! #Dog #BassetHound

With enough money, the mega-rich may gain an unrivaled level of access to MPs and leave the average voter shut out. Email your MP now and tell them to support the cap on political donations. goodlaw.social/1d328a

Earlier this week, Feathers and I were in Sheffield for the N8CIR RSE Meetup, sharing some conclusions and insights on #MentalHealth from the ConveRSE project. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

Over the last year, I gave a series of talks where I asked the audience questions about #MentalHealth in the workplace. In this blog post, I take a look at the Mentimeter 'Insights' from those talks, including some of the most common issues and suggestions. converse.mdsimpson.co.uk/2026/07/05/m...

We need you 📣 We know most people stand with the trans community, but a small minority people want the trans community to disappear. Add your voice so we can show how many people stand with trans community: https://goodlaw.social/z073

#SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk has written an insightful blog post about his experience attending #CollabW26 as a Fellow, delegate, and Mental Health First Aider. Read the full story at www.software.ac.uk/blog/convers...

I've been updating my personal website for no particular reason, and in the process, I've had to move ConveRSE to a new address. However, I think I've set it up so that all the old site and blog post links should still work! 🤞 converse.mdsimpson.co.uk

Everyone talks about how bad stepping on Lego is, but I think I've found a more dangerous hobby!

I don't think it's Superhero Fatigue, I think it's "Every third act ending with two people in pyjamas punching each other in front of a green screen" Fatigue.

Enjoying my rewatch of Enterprise. I just have one note: was it really necessary for them to be in their underwear in that scene? Which episode? Well, urm... all of them!?

Recently discovered this definition of "Neurotypical disorder: a neurobiological disorder characterized by preoccupation with social concerns, delusions of superiority, and obsession with conformity.” 😂

A lot of people have been describing Mando/Grogu as "fun but..." Are things not allowed to just be fun any more? I'd come at it from the other angle. It's a mess of terrible CGI, pacing issues and a complete lack of stakes or impact on the wider story... BUT it's fun!"

The recording of my lightning talk from #Collabw26 has been uploaded. youtu.be/To-NRhKDLD0?... To learn more, check out the ConveRSE website: mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/

The Labour Bloodbath Begins! JonathanPie.com youtu.be/83IYfRzlYv8?...

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If you're struggling with your mental health, admitting that to your colleagues can be a daunting prospect. In this blog post, I discuss some of the tips and solutions that have come up during my travels, plus there's the opportunity to have your say. mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/202...

This week, we're in Belfast for the @softwaresaved.bsky.social #CollabW26. Looking forward to lots of interesting conversations with new and familiar faces.

🎯 In January 2026, #SSIFellow @mdsimpson.co.uk attended the first DisCouRSE network focus group, which aimed to explore different ideas and practices around leadership and team culture for Digital Research Technical Professionals (dRTPs). Find out more about it at www.software.ac.uk/blog/discour...

So, I'm working my way through my Easter eggs and I just got to the Cadbury one and... WHAT IN THE SHRINKFLATION AND ENSHITTIFIATION HELL IS THIS!? One Twirl? And not even a normal packet, but ONE. SINGULAR. 🤬ing Twirl?

If you're struggling with your mental health, admitting that to your colleagues can be a daunting prospect. In this blog post, I discuss some of the tips and solutions that have come up during my travels, plus there's the opportunity to have your say. mdsimpson42.github.io/converse/202...

Brightening up your timeline with one of my favourite pictures from this time of year. 🌸

This week, we're in Manchester for the N8 CIR's Digital Research Infrastructure Retreat. It's my first time, so I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to some interesting discussions over the next few days! 🤓

Spotted a rainbow on our way up to meet the other @society-rse.org trustees in Edinburgh, where we'll be collaborating on key challenges and making plans for the future.

🌊 We are delighted to announce the full list of lightning talks that will be delivered at Collaborations Workshop 2026. Find out more at www.software.ac.uk/news/cw26-fi... And if you haven't registered yet, hurry up an secure your #CollabW26 spot now!

Shadowheart has clearly never tried to arrange a regular DnD game with adult friends! #BaldursGate3 #DungeonsAndDragons