At White Rose, we are committed to recognising and celebrating non-linear career pathways across our partner universities. To shine a light on varied career journeys, we’re sharing honest reflections from returning researchers.

In this case study, Dr Ban Al-Khairalla, Daphne Jackson Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Leeds, reflects on her career journey and shares insights from her return to research.

Rather than presenting idealised stories, these grounded reflections span multiple disciplines and institutions to offer authentic perspectives on re-entering research.

“We supported and encouraged one another, which made the transition back into research much less daunting”

The experiences shared reflect the personal journeys of individual contributors, acknowledging that every returner’s path looks different.

What attracted you to the Daphne Jackson Fellowship?

The Daphne Jackson Fellowship allowed me to return to research after a long career break, something I would otherwise have found impossible to achieve

In what ways did the personalised retraining programme and mentoring help you bridge the gap caused by your time away from research?

The training provided by the Daphne Jackson Trust was second to none. It enabled me to bridge the gap created by my career break and pick up where I left off, particularly in terms of technology and how research is conducted and communicated today. For example, I learned new approaches to publication and presentation, which helped me regain confidence and adapt to the changing research environment.

The fellowship also gave me the opportunity to network with other researchers who had taken career breaks. Being able to share common concerns, experiences and challenges with people who understand my journey was invaluable. We supported and encouraged one another, which made the transition back into research much less daunting.

Was there anything about returning to research via a non-linear route that surprised you or turned out differently than expected?

It was a pleasant surprise to receive such generous support. Everyone was incredibly patient and understanding as I took longer to learn and adapt to technologies, methods and ways of working that were very different from those I had encountered during my previous research career.

Their encouragement and patience gave me the confidence and time I needed to rebuild my skills and find my place in the research environment again.

What advice or encouragement would you give to researchers who have taken an extended break?

My advice would be to believe in yourself, but also to be gentle and patient with yourself.

Returning to research after a career break can be challenging, and it is important to recognise that rebuilding your skills and confidence takes time.

I would also strongly encourage you to make the most of the training and development opportunities provided. They are invaluable for building your skills, adapting to new ways of working, and, most importantly, regaining your confidence in your abilities.

What specific skills or insights did you gain during your career break that unexpectedly strengthened your approach to research or problem-solving today?

Coming back to research as a more mature researcher has given me a different perspective on how to work effectively and efficiently. With experience, I have become better at recognising when something is not working and when it is time to change my approach and try a different way to achieve the desired outcome.

I have also found that maturity and the life experiences I have gained have brought greater patience, resilience, and perspective. These qualities have helped me navigate challenges more calmly and have reminded me that research is a process of learning, adapting and persevering.

What are key reflections that you would offer to others now?

Build a small support network of people with similar skills and experiences whom you know you can turn to when you face challenges or need advice.

Having people you can ask for help, share ideas with and learn from can make the return to research much less daunting.

I would also encourage you to build your visibility through the right professional social media platforms.

Sharing your research, engaging with others in your field and making your work visible can help you connect with researchers beyond your immediate network. These connections can become the starting point for future collaborations and new opportunities.

The Daphne Jackson Trust helps researchers and research technical professionals return to careers after taking a break of two years or more for family, caring, or health reasons. By combining a personalised retraining programme with a challenging research project, the Trust provides the mentoring, skills, and confidence needed to overcome the barriers of returning to academia. With over 500 fellows supported and more than 70% remaining active in research years later, their unique fellowships ensure valuable expertise and talent are not lost to the research sector.

Visit the Daphne Jackson Trust website.