In brief 1

Is it relevant that the new chief executive of the Economic and Social Research Council is "a big man" and, as such, "a strong contrast, physically and personally, with his predecessor"? (Features THES , September ). The only size we need to know about is that of their wads, and if they're worth it.

Yours at 90-odd kg,

Aidan Foster-Carter
Honorary senior research fellow in sociology and modern Korea
Leeds University