Wellbeing Programme for Researchers
Project Overview
Funded by the Enhancing Research Culture Fund, this project, led by Dr Yanyan Li and Shaoyu Yang, investigates researchers’ experiences of conducting emotionally challenging research and aims to strengthen wellbeing, reflective practice, and trauma‑informed research cultures across the University. Researchers across disciplines frequently engage with distressing or sensitive material, which can affect their emotional wellbeing, decision‑making, and ethical practice. A proactive, preventative approach is therefore needed to support both researchers and participants.
Key aims:
- Explore researchers’ lived experiences of emotionally challenging research
- Raise awareness of emotional risks, including distress, vicarious trauma, etc.
- Co‑design open‑access wellbeing resources and coping strategies
- Pilot and evaluate these resources while building a supportive peer community
We will conduct four online focus groups that aim to examine challenges, coping approaches, and unmet needs. The insights will inform the development of tailored wellbeing resources created with Warwick Wellbeing, WMS, and external specialists. These will include practical coping and boundary‑setting strategies, preventative tools, and reflective materials. Evaluation will assess changes in awareness, resilience, and preparedness. This project seeks to normalise conversations about emotional labour in research and strengthen sustainable, ethical research practice University‑wide.
Project Team
Dr Yanyan Li
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher and Associate Fellow at the IAS. I finished my Early-career Fellowship at the IAS during 2025-2026. I hold a PhD in Applied Linguistics and a Postgraduate Award in Interdisciplinary Pedagogy (Distinction) from the University of Warwick. Before I came to Warwick, I completed my MA in Applied Linguistics (Distinction) at the Institute of Education, University College London.
My research interests span human-human interaction, human-AI interaction, AI in higher education, public, digital and mental health, health behaviour change, as well as research culture.
I am committed to developing supportive and accessible resources for researchers engaged in emotionally demanding work, enabling them to navigate complex emotional experiences. Through this work, I seek to promote researcher well-being and contribute to fostering a sustainable and supportive research environment.
Shaoyu Yang
I am an Early Career Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Study at the University of Warwick. I completed my PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies and MA in Translation and Cultures (Distinction) at Warwick. My research interests include translation and memory, diasporic literature, the Chinese diaspora, trauma theory, war literature, and the legacies of war, conflict, and violence.
As a researcher engaging with traumatic topics and materials, I recognise the emotional impact such work can have on us. Through listening to researchers' lived experiences and sharing our reflections, I hope to contribute to developing practical, trauma-informed support, building a peer network grounded in mutual trust, and creating a caring research culture where wellbeing is valued.
Dr Helen Nolan
Dr Helen Nolan is Director of Education Quality and Associate Professor at Warwick Medical School. With a previous clinical background in general practice, Helen is interested in trauma-informed care and trauma-informed practice in education and research. Helen is currently leading a Monash-Warwick Alliance project in Trauma-informed Practice and PedagogyLink opens in a new window. Helen has published methodological research recommendations regarding trauma-informed research approaches and has won a number of awards for trauma-informed research including the ASME/GMC Excellence in Medical Education Research Award 2025. Helen is a member of UK Trauma Informed Approaches in Higher Education Steering Group.
Denver Thorpe-Cusden
Staff Wellbeing Lead / Coordinator, Warwick Wellbeing Services. BA, PGCE, Dip. Counselling, Dip. Clinical Supervision, Dip. Positive Psychology. MA in Mental Health
I initially started out as a teacher of English and French, before re-training as a Therapist and Clinical Supervisor after seeing my colleagues struggling with stress, anxiety and burnout.
I then worked as a Clinical Manager and Therapist in the corporate world for over 10 years, before spending 5 years training trainee counsellors. My last role was with Coventry and Warwickshire Mind as Lead Mental Health Trainer and Therapist.
I have over 20 years of experience working as a group facilitator and specialise in anxiety, neurodiversity, depression and bereavement.
I have a private coaching practice and I also train staff in Mental Health Awareness in a variety of organisations including colleges and universities.
I think two things that drew me to a career in mental health were seeing my teaching colleagues struggling with stress and anxiety, as well as having experience of mental health conditions myself and within my own family.