Building on our recent work focused on the unique professional development needs of established researchers, colleagues are invited to contribute to a new resource sharing real experiences of academic careers in practice.

The initiative responds to feedback highlighting the need for practical, experience-based insights into areas such as career decision-making, leadership, workload management and progression. Short reflections from established and mid-career researchers will help bring these themes to life and support others navigating similar challenges.

Examples of experiences we’re keen to include:

• Moving between institutions or sectors (HE, NHS, industry, third sector)
• Changing research focus or direction
• Negotiating workload or priorities
• Leadership or committee roles
• Public or community engagement
• Redefining success or progression
• Promotion or career development experiences
• Balancing career progression with caring or life responsibilities
• Challenging common assumptions about academic careers

Contributing is quick and flexible: complete this short online form, and the consultant developing the resource, Tracey Stead, will follow up.

All submissions will be shared with you for approval before publication, and you can choose whether your contribution is named or anonymised.