Manila Ozhukil Valappil

Editorial in RSC Chemistry world about Self-correcting science

What I love most about science is that it’s correctable, though slow. Mistakes, bold claims, anything that later turns out to be wrong, can be tested, challenged or improved.That’s not a weakness, but strength.It isn’t about being right the first time,but about a step closer to the truth, together.

Quiet Sunday 🌱
Completed the IOP Peer Review Excellence certification. Because peer review is a responsibility worth training for.
And last week, I was grateful to be nominated as an Emerging Leader 2025 by the IOP Nanotechnology editorial board, @ioppublishing.bsky.social
Small things that matter.

Marked my first @rsc.org mentoring session. It was truly rewarding to exchange ideas and share my experiences to help make someone’s journey a little smoother, while also learning from their perspective. Looking forward to this exciting two-way learning journey.
#RSCMentoring
#Mentorshipmatters

Asking to share a copy of your grant proposal is a big ask; but not a problem. The issue is reaching out with no subject line, no context, and barely an effort to reconnect, especially if they already know you. Thoughtful, respectful communication can go a long way.
#Academia

A picture during the talk

A bottle of Olive Oil, Santa Maria, Local produce

Last week I had the pleasure to be invited to speak at a special session on EU research projects at #ICTIS2025 in sunny Granada 🇪🇸. I shared insights on how to electrify and decarbonize chemical industries & transportation fuels. Thankful for the warm welcome and this lovely local gift. 🫒

My Green Lab green certificate received by NanoESC group, ICN2

A NanoESC group member receiving the certificate on team's behalf.

Proudly sharing that our @nanoesc.bsky.social @icn2.bsky.social is now Green Lab certified by My Green Lab! 💚. We’re cutting our footprint from compiling orders to choosing vendors with sustainable practices and many more. Sustainable chemistry,done sustainably.

Barceloneta beach, picture of sea

Barcelona in blue 💙

Silence= complicity. Not caring or speaking is a choice too. Let's not wait to be directly affected in order to care or informed. If that is the case, we're rejecting the very idea of what makes us human. Let’s choose to care because it’s the human thing to do— in the human way.
#random_musings

People would think what difference does my voice/post will make? Most likely, nothing. But that's not it. It's not about changing the world, but about choosing—in tiny little ways—that you aren't staying silent, that you see, you do care and you don't look away, even it doesn't directly affect you.

Many would agree, we’re watching fascism re-emerge in many ways in many parts of the world. We are seeing mass massacres. And still, many stay silent. Not because they’re evil , they're not,
but because it’s easier and comfortable.

But I also have this thought:

When does “protecting our peace” become conveniently ignoring someone else’s difficult times?

These aren’t just "crazy times". For some reason, that phrase has somewhat become a shield as a way to acknowledge the chaos without pointing the perpetrators.

At first, I felt "Isn't that weird? or am I overstretching?"

Then I took a step back and tried to reflect from the other side— maybe they were overwhelmed with social media buzz. Maybe caring felt too much, or didn't find meaningful.
Maybe they were protecting their mental health.

Totally valid.

The person replied: "I only stay informed about things that directly affect me."

I wasn't sure how to process that sentence, but it stayed with me. I thought a lot about it then.

Was casually talking to someone today. I was saying that I like to stay informed — not just my research field or events or things to do in Barcelona, but I am keen about understanding the society, traditions, language, politics, history and such of the place where I live. 🧵

No pills and pain,
No war with your own body,
And sleep that comes
like a kind friend,
not a negotiation.

If you have these,
you’re richer than you think.
Some of us are silently learning that
the hard way.

#random_musings

That's a truly important point. Seems an interesting book btw. I will check it out:)

A Chemistry World op piece on a long history of anticipatory obedience in science

Pile of cans of Zyklon B used in gas chambers during holocaust

Have had visited Auschwitz last Sunday. What haunted me most was how many stayed silent when the holocaust happened. This latest Chemistry World piece by @philipcball.bsky.social shows how science was complicit during Nazi power. Repeating that silence will show we’ve learned nothing from history.

In labs filled with experiments and data, I wonder if anyone cares the quiet ones? The ones who stay late, not for praise, but for purpose.The ones with no silver tales but only the silence of perseverance.
In science, we chase brilliance; but without compassion, all we build is distance.

#musings

Check out the new MSCA supervision guidelines!
It's been revised to reflect real feedback & best practices to strengthen support, inclusion & supervision quality for MSCA researchers. Quality supervision shouldn't be a matter of luck!

🔗 marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/about-msca/m...

Day1 at #MCAAConf2025 left me hopeful & reflective. CoARA's push to recognize contributions beyond metrics in research assessment is long overdue. As an ECR, chasing shifting expectations is weary. What's recognized today may change tomorrow. However, it's much better than a dysfunctional system.

Snippets of Day 2 #MCAAConf2025 satellite sessions at Krakow 🇵🇱 . Lots of insightful discussions on mentorship, accountability & research careers. Right mentorship does matter, whistleblowing is vital but need to play by the rules🤙🏼& MCSA fellows need continued career support! Great networking too!

Uncovered: Abuse at top German science institution – DW – 03/13/2025 The Max Planck Society is Germany's preeminent research organization, boasting 31 Nobel laureates. But insufficient oversight leaves international scientists exposed to abuse and the whims of the inst...

I had great respect for the Max Planck Institutes, but the DW reports and YT video expose otherwise. A dark reality of power imbalances humiliating young researchers. Yelling and sexism are usuals, and complaints go ignored. Prestige should not be traded against abuse.
www.dw.com/en/abuse-eli...

Great op-piece! I can find clear parallels with India's handling of COVID too. The Serum Institute of India leveraged public funds to develop Covishield. It became the face of India's vaccine efforts, sidelining public institutions while controlling its pricing, distribution, and accessibility.

Fostering science means talented women leading, innovating, and supporting it at every level, as a team. Glad to be in this #IWD feature by ICN2, highlighting the many roles women play in shaping research and beyond. Visibility matters, but so does action. Let’s keep pushing for it. #WomenInScience

Scientists are protesting vs Musk govt's research fund cuts, attack on STEM diversity & setting aside evidence-based policy. The irony? The outrage trended on Musk’s own X. The paradox? Those posts make him richer. Algorithms don’t care, but scientists do, because science matters. #StandUpForScience

A human castell performance in Barcelona during the demonstration marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Demonstration in Barcelona marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Demonstration in Barcelona marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini!✊🏾

Demilitarize.
Decolonize.
Decarbonize.

A timely read for anyone who wants to make sense of current and past world affairs. The book focuses on how mountains, rivers and climate are connected to power dynamics of nations, and why the power centers such as the US, Russia, China, EU etc. act the way they do! A book written by a journalist.

Incredible news! Having spent 2.5 years as postdoc @uwaterloo.ca, I can definitely vouch for the excellence in research, innovation, learning environment and focus on skill development that it fosters. Glad to see it recognized now globally!♥️ #UWaterlooProud

On #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, I reflect on how science education shaped my path—an opportunity still denied to many. From Afghanistan to regions where educating women is taboo, girls fight for a right that should never be questioned. I choose to stand with them.

On #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience, I reflect on how science education shaped my path—an opportunity still denied to many. From Afghanistan to regions where educating women is taboo, girls fight for a right that should never be questioned. I choose to stand with them.

This piece truly resonated with me. Strong mentorship isn’t just about guidance; it’s about allyship—believing in your potential and bringing out the best in you. If we want more women in science, we must invest in mentorship at every stage.To those who have mentored🌱 me, both men & women—thank you!