The Doctoral Education and Academia Research Centre (DEAR) is an interdisciplinary Substantive University Research Centre that was founded in October 2023 by Dr Emily F. Henderson (Director) and Dr James Burford (Deputy Director) in the Department of Education Studies. The primary purpose of DEAR is to 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 (NCRC).

(Image credit: Rhiannon Nichols)