The White Rose University Consortium is undertaking a project exploring how support for returning to research roles after maternity, paternity, parental, or adoption leave involving an absence of more than six months is experienced across the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York.

In addition to institutional policy, the project focuses on everyday practice, including local cultures, informal support, and team-level approaches that shape how return is experienced in practice.

We welcome Expressions of Interest from:

• postdoctoral researchers and academic staff who have returned from (or are preparing to return from) maternity, paternity, parental, or adoption leave involving an absence of more than six months leave, and
• line managers, PIs, or supervisors involved in supporting researchers returning from maternity, paternity, parental, or adoption leave involving an absence of more than six months leave.

Participants may be invited to take part in a confidential conversation or a facilitated group discussion. Submitting an Expression of Interest does not commit you to participation.

Complete our Expression of Interest form here.

A note about why we are illustrating this project with imagery of Kintsugi restoration:

Kintsugi symbolises the idea that transitions and interruptions are part of a whole research career, and that visible care and thoughtful support can strengthen people and systems rather than weaken them.