A Research Assistant position is now available at the Institute for Employment Research (IER), University of Warwick, supporting a pioneering research project on job quality premiums for university graduates across Europe. This research addresses a significant gap in our understanding of higher education's broader benefits beyond earnings, particularly relevant given the growing focus on job quality in both academic research and policy domains, alongside the global expansion of tertiary education.

The project examines graduate outcomes through seven comprehensive dimensions of job quality: earnings, prospects, skills and discretion, social environment, physical environment, work intensity and working time quality. Through analysis of the European Working Conditions Survey data and Understanding Society (UKHLS), the research will investigate whether graduates experience 'job quality premiums' relative to non-graduates, track the evolution of these premiums over time, and examine variations across gender and ethnic groups.

Working with Dr Sangwoo Lee at IER, the Research Assistant will conduct sophisticated quantitative analyses of large-scale datasets, generate descriptive statistics, and contribute to research outputs examining how educational attainment shapes job quality across European labour markets. This work constitutes a vital proof-of-concept study, establishing foundations for an ambitious international research programme that will examine job quality premiums across Europe, America, Asia, and Australasia.

The position begins in April 2025 with flexible hybrid working arrangements. Successful candidates will hold a Master's level qualification in Economics, Social Sciences, or demonstrate equivalent research experience, complemented by strong quantitative research capabilities and proven experience in handling large-scale survey datasets.

For enquiries about the project and position, please contact Dr Sangwoo Lee at sangwoo.lee@warwick.ac.uk.

University of Warwick will lead a new research project, in a collaboration between nine universities in nine countries to explore language policy across Europe.

Professor Angela Creese will lead the research project, Strategies to strengthen European linguistic capital in a globalised world (MultiLX), funded through Horizon Europe.

Increased mobility of people has altered the linguistic make-up of Europe, while rapid developments in AI and other digital technology have revolutionised the way people communicate. There is an urgent need for language policy to keep pace with these changes. This research project addresses that need by investigating the diversity of linguistic practices in Europe and making recommendations to language policy-makers.
To find out more about this study follow this link - https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/people/creese/Link opens in a new window

We are delighted to share some positive results we have received from National Student Survey 2022.

The Warwick Economics Staff Common Room welcomed a distinguished guest recently when Vice Chancellor Stuart Croft dropped in to surprise Dr Lory Barile with the news that she had won a Warwick Wonder Award

Presenting Lory with her award, Stuart said: “Lory Barile does amazing work in education, supporting sustainability at the University, and working with the city council to understand why certain communities don’t take up funding opportunities for home insulation and greener living. Her work makes a real difference to our local community. Lory’s teaching, education support, sustainability work, and research are all incredible. But in particular, she is being recognised for how she works with local stakeholders to tackle big issues and help communities lead greener lives.”

Lory has been working with Coventry City Council, Act on Energy, local artists and a Coventry school on the Retrofit Rocks project. This pilots the use of an s-frame approach for research, emphasising the need for policy design that accounts for the broader systems in which individuals act to better understand barriers to the uptake of retrofit energy efficiency measures, and test a creative methodology to engage citizens in policy-making.

Lory was nominated by India Holme, Research and Impact Development Manager (Regional) in Research and Impact Services, who has supported Lory with this project and others.

Commenting on the surprise, Lory said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received a Warwick Wonder Award, recognising my work with the local community on sustainability. A huge thank you to India Holme, Bret Willers from Coventry City Council and Rachel Jones of Act on Energy for their support and encouragement along the way—their guidance and collaboration have been invaluable. I also want to express my gratitude to Nikita Asnani for her creativity and dedication in working with residents and children".

“While Retrofit Rocks came with its challenges, it was a highly rewarding experience that taught me a lot—both from others and about myself. I’m thrilled to continue this journey with funding support from UKRI, and looking forward to the many exciting months ahead!”

• Read more about Lory’s nomination and watch the presentation: Meet our latest Wonder winner...

• Read more about the Wonders and Wows award scheme: Warwick's Wonders and Wows

Details of more successes for our students

A new study commissioned by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) provides insights into the experiences of UK Armed Forces veterans from ethnic minority backgrounds. Led by IER’s Gaby Atfield, the study uncovers significant disparities in employment, housing, and social integration, highlighting key areas where tailored support is needed.

Congratulations to final year Law student Christopher Ilag, for winning the second Warwick Law School Chess Tournament! Sixteen players took part in matches throughout Term 2, making it a great competition. A big thank you to all students and staff who joined in and supported the event.

The Environmental Politics cluster in PAIS was represented in a workshop on the "Climate change and the politics of free expression" organised by the University of Amsterdam on February 14, 2025.

Join us to celebrate our 60^th Birthday! Warwick Philosophy Department is the grand old age of 60. While young in philosophy years, this is some achievement, and we are proud of how we do philosophy and of the philosophy we produce.

We would be thrilled if you could join us at our launch event on June 16^th, 2025 Senate House, Bloomsbury, from 5pm–7pm, to remember our past and embrace our future. The event will be an opportunity to meet and talk with members of our philosophy family – including current and past academics, students, alumni, partners and stakeholders – and to hear from a small number of current members of the department.

We hope you can share this special occasion with us and look forward to welcoming you in June.

Find out more and register here

In Germany, so-called hashtag#Gastarbeiter migrants were recruited to the labour market from the 1950s. How do their experiences affect their grandchildren hashtag#ThirdGeneration today? Online talk with Prof. Ayse Guveli of University of Warwick.

The University of Warwick’s Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) has received a glowing report following a recent Ofsted inspection, highlighting the exceptional quality of training and support provided to its teaching trainees. The inspection report underscores the University’s commitment to nurturing future educators who are well-prepared and passionate about their careers.