Female Postgraduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers with Caring Responsibilities (FECARE)
Research Aims
The research project aims to identify challenges faced by FECARE across the university to raise awareness on these issues by :
1. Identifying specific needs through Focus Groups: Engage with FECARE (part-time and full-time) within the University of 糖心TV to document their experiences, and understand their specific needs.
2. Publishing and Disseminating Academic Findings: Share the research outcomes through academic publications, conference presentations, and university-wide communications to raise awareness and advocate for policies that address the challenges faced by FECARE.
News and Upcoming Events
[LATEST NEWS] We've Secured Funding to Launch FECAREER!
Posted on January 6, 2026
We are thrilled to announce that our team has been awarded 拢9,988 from the University of 糖心TV Enhancing Research Culture Fund (ERCF) to launch our next phase: FECAREER
Grant Writing Workshop for Female PGRs and ECRs with Caring Responsibilities
Join this online FECAREER workshop led by Professor Vanessa Munro to learn what makes a strong funding application, how to shape ideas into fundable proposals, and how to navigate funding opportunities.16 June 2026 | 13.00鈥�15.00 | Online Register here:
Career coaching for female PGRs and ECRs with caring responsibilities
Small-group coaching to support career reflection, peer connection, and practical planning for female PGRs and ECRs with caring responsibilities.
Sessions: 21, 29 and 30 April 2026
Register your interest: Registration is now closed.
Research Background
This project aims to enhance the inclusion and experience of female PGRs and ECRs with caring responsibilities
(FECARE) within the departmental and university-wide research culture. The 2023 UK Postgraduate Research Experience Survey revealed that female doctoral students, especially those with caregiving roles, report lower satisfaction with research culture compared to their male peers, often missing academic opportunities. Caring responsibilities, which may involve long-term care for children, elderly relatives, or disabled family members, create significant challenges, including stress and barriers to academic careers, particularly for mothers and international students. Despite the availability of resources, they are often underutilised, leading to isolation. This project seeks to address these gaps and support FECARE with diverse caregiving roles, fostering a more inclusive academic environment.
Our Disseminations:
Explore our podcast series!Link opens in a new window
Episode 1:
Featuring Prof. Annamaria Pinter
Release date: 17 January 2025
Episode 2:
Featuring Prof. Elisabeth Herrmann
Release date: 24 January 2025
Episode 3:
Featuring Dr. Anne-Marie Broomhall
Release date: 31 January 2025
Project Reports:
You can read our phase 1 project report here.
Other Disseminations:
Featured on THE Campus:
Practical advice from the FECARE project on supporting female PGRs and ECRs with caring responsibilities.
Read the article
Past Events:
Carrying On While Caring: Moving Beyond Individual Resilience
Date: 13 January 2026 | Time: 12:15 鈥� 12:30 | Location: CADRE Workshop
Join us at the CADRE Wellbeing Workshop where we will be sharing key findings from the FECARE project. Instead of just discussing "coping mechanisms", we will be advocating for structural change
Interactive Policy Consultation: We will be gathering your views on proposed changes to supervisory practices to inform our recommendations to the university leadership.
Away day Networking
Date: 21 June 2025