In Memoriam: Prof Claire Callender OBE - By Chris Warhurst, Kate Purcell and Sangwoo Lee

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Professor Claire Callender OBE. She held joint professorships at UCL and Birkbeck. She was a distinguished scholar, valued colleague and Honorary Professor of the Institute for Employment Research. Claire was a first-rate researcher whose impact on higher education policy and funding was profound, not only in the UK but internationally. Her work was driven by a commitment to conducting policy-relevant research that would inform government decisions and expose social injustices, embodying the principle of "not just understanding the world but changing it" in the finest social science tradition.

From 2009 to 2012, Claire led the HECSU-funded ‘Part-time Futuretrack’ study alongside David Wilkinson and colleagues at NIESR, which complemented IER’s Futuretrack longitudinal programme. This collaboration fostered stimulating exchanges and meetings that enriched both research initiatives. Over the years, Claire and members of the IER worked together on various programmes, served on research panels and supported each other’s scholarly endeavours. In recognition of her valuable contributions to the Institute, she was appointed an Honorary Professor of the IER in [YEAR].

On a personal level, Claire was known for her generosity as a mentor and colleague. She interviewed potential staff members with thoughtfulness and insight and offered invaluable guidance to early career researchers in developing their research careers. Her willingness to serve as an official and informal mentor for various initiatives demonstrated her commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. Those fortunate enough to have known Claire remember her not only for her intellectual sharpness but also as a truly kind and generous person, whose company was always a pleasure. Even colleagues who worked with her only occasionally appreciated both her personally and the quality of her work whenever their paths crossed.

Claire’s passing will be mourned widely across the higher education research community. Her legacy lives on through her influential body of work and in the many researchers and policymakers she inspired throughout her distinguished career. The Institute for Employment Research extends its deepest condolences to Claire's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.