Established Researchers Hub
This hub brings together curated resources to support established and mid career researchers navigating the evolving responsibilities and expectations that emerge beyond early career stages.
Resources are organised around established researcher personas and informed by researchers’ career experiences, helping you engage with content that reflects how you work and lead. Peer discussion guides support shared reflection and learning with colleagues and career stories offer honest, grounded reflections from established researchers on their own pathways.
Personas
Our research-informed personas offer a distinctive way to explore the hub. They group resources around different experiences of research careers, helping you recognise your situation, reflect on priorities, and focus on support that fits how you work and lead.
Peer discussion guides
Our light-touch peer discussion guides help established researchers reflect with colleagues, share experiences, and develop practical next steps. Designed for small groups and flexible use.
Career stories
Learn from the career experiences of established and senior researchers. These honest reflections share real decisions, challenges, and turning points - offering practical insight and perspective on navigating mid-career academic life.
These resources were developed through a White Rose research project exploring the experiences and support needs of established researchers. The collection will continue to grow, with new materials added over time.
Dip in briefly, focus on a specific issue, or return as your role evolves.
"The hub addressed a number of doubts and concerns I was developing about myself, even as an experienced researcher, and inspired with updates, new ideas and new directions"
"The personas are useful not only for own reflection but also to think about what others might bring to peer discussions"
Explore the resources
Crossing disciplinary boundaries: shaping a career between history and archaeology
From fair trade chocolate to food systems leadership: building impact through collaboration, systems thinking and strategic career moves
From Magic Circle solicitor to Professor: learning that “good enough” really is good enough
Leading an institutional move with a research team, navigating what cannot be controlled, and prioritising the success of others over my own agenda
Moving from the NHS into academia, building confidence, and learning that asking for help strengthens rather than weakens you
From big fish in a small pond to tiny fish in a vast one: recalibrating identity, patience and progression after moving institutions
Moving institutions into a professorial role, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to prioritise the work that really matters
Building a 40 year academic career on my own terms, leading authentically, and redefining what progression looks like across institutions
Building long-term impact through international moves, field shifts and strategic patience
Explore tailored research leadership resources
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