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Education Studies

About

The Doctoral Education and Academia Research Centre (DEAR) is an interdisciplinary Substantive University Research Centre that was founded in October 2023 by Prof Emily F. Henderson (Director) and Dr James Burford (Deputy Director) in the Department of Education Studies. The Centre comprises a collective of researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who conduct research on the core substantive topics of doctoral education and academia. Research focusing on doctoral education and academia refers to

(i) any research where doctoral education and/or doctoral students are the focus and

(ii) any research where academics are the focus, e.g. those working in leadership, teaching and/or research in higher education institutions.

A key aim of DEAR is to create a unique hub of expertise in this area which is recognised nationally and globally as contributing to evidence-based practice and policy in higher education institutions, with a particular orientation towards inclusivity and social justice. DEAR partners with Warwick’s National Centre for Research Culture (NCRCLink opens in a new window).

Aims of the Centre

  1. Develop a dynamic specialist research environment for research on doctoraleducation and academia.

  1. Become a recognised hub of expertise in the sector nationally and internationally,impacting on policy and practice.

  1. Cultivate the field of research on doctoral education and academia, and curate an inclusive and supportive environment for emerging researchers.

  1. Actively contribute to delivering and shaping University of Warwick strategic priorities.

  1. Develop and share research-led practice in the development and leadership of research centres.

Core themes

  1. Intersecting inequalities; equity and social justice
  2. Internationalisation, global, geopolitics, mobilities
  3. Research culture and research futures
  4. The production and exchange of knowledge
  5. Learning, development and research training
  6. Institutional policies and processes, governance
  7. Critically informed participatory evaluation
  8. Methodological innovation

Governance

Prof Emily F. HendersonLink opens in a new window is the Centre Director and Dr James BurfordLink opens in a new window is the Centre Deputy Director. They are supported by the DEAR Centre CollectiveLink opens in a new window (DCC) which is the steering group that ensures the Director and Deputy Director develop and maintain links with departments and faculties to facilitate exchange of information and communication about the Centre’s activities and opportunities for collaboration. The DCC advises the Director and Deputy Director about potential avenues for collaboration, plans for forthcoming opportunities, discusses and reviews financial targets, agrees any staffing needs, and assists in preparations for University reporting processes.

The Directorship is also supported by an Advisory Board which provides expert insight and critical feedback on DEAR strategy and activities. the Board composition is of experts knowledgeable in the sectors and research fields relating to the key themes of the Centre. This is to ensure the relevance of DEAR to a wide audience. The Board also allows the Centre to connect to a range of researcher networks and relevant organisations, contributing to the scope for collaborative research and engagement and impact activities, and promoting the dissemination of DEAR Centre findings and work more broadly.

Members of the DCC and Advisory Board can be found at https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ces/desresearch/dear/peopleLink opens in a new window

Projects

The Centre's portfolio of projects can be found at https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ces/desresearch/dear/projectsLink opens in a new window