Female Postgraduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers with Caring Responsibilities (FECARE)
Research Aims
The research project aims to identify challenges faced by FECARE across the university to raise awareness on these issues by :
1. Identifying specific needs through Focus Groups: Engage with FECARE (part-time and full-time) within the University of Warwick to document their experiences, and understand their specific needs.
2. Publishing and Disseminating Academic Findings: Share the research outcomes through academic publications, conference presentations, and university-wide communications to raise awareness and advocate for policies that address the challenges faced by FECARE.
Research Background
This project aims to enhance the inclusion and experience of female PGRs and ECRs with caring responsibilities
(FECARE) within the departmental and university-wide research culture. The 2023 UK Postgraduate Research Experience Survey revealed that female doctoral students, especially those with caregiving roles, report lower satisfaction with research culture compared to their male peers, often missing academic opportunities. Caring responsibilities, which may involve long-term care for children, elderly relatives, or disabled family members, create significant challenges, including stress and barriers to academic careers, particularly for mothers and international students. Despite the availability of resources, they are often underutilised, leading to isolation. This project seeks to address these gaps and support FECARE with diverse caregiving roles, fostering a more inclusive academic environment.
Research Activities
Explore our podcast series!Link opens in a new window
Episode 1:
Featuring Prof. Annamaria Pinter
Release date: 17 January 2025
Episode 2:
Featuring Prof. Elisabeth Herrmann
Release date: 24 January 2025
Episode 3:
Featuring Dr. Anne-Marie Broomhall
Release date: 31 January 2025
Participate in our focus groups!
If you are a female PGR or ECR with caring responsibilities at Warwick, why not use the QR code on the right to sign in to one of our focus groups to share your experiences? We would love to hear from you!
Networking events
Date: To be announced
How to Get Involved?
Contact us to sign up for a focus group or learn more:
Cagla Karatepe (Project PI)
Cagla.Karatepe@warwick.ac.uk
Or scan the QR code to participate in our focus groups
