Mona Siddiqui

As the war continue to isolate Putin over the invasion of Ukraine, many researchers at British universities are prepare for sanctions, affecting academic partnerships with Russia. These sanction could include joint-funding opportunities, and collaborative research, which would effectively cut off many Russian academics, including those who spoken out strongly against the war.

Over the weekend I was at the checkout of my local supermarket, when the sales assist adjusted his mask away from her face for couple of seconds, saying, “Sorry I just need to breath, it’s get so warm in here.” I sympathise with her, as she sat in her small behind the tell continue to chat away about her shift, and how she was resigned to wear masks for as long as rules are still in place.

Last week my youngest sone turn 21, and over the weekend we had a small party to celebrate. It was a crisp and sunny day despite the storm Arwen threatening to disrupt travel, in the end, everyone managed home safely. As he sat surrounded by food and family, all I can think is how fortunate I was have stay with him. And by the course of our children’s lives marks our passage of timing, moments turn quickly to memories, reminding us the greatest gift we have is simply to be here, to be grateful to the presence, and take none of life’s joy for granted.