Women in Academia - Phase 2
National Priority Setting for Women in Academia
Phase 1 of the Women in Academia initiative (Dr Talar Moukhtarian & Dr Amber Tout, 2024/25) explored the challenges faced by early and mid-career women researchers. Through surveys (n=401), interviews (n=20) and a final co-production workshop, the project identified key barriers such as job insecurity, limited progression opportunities, and work–life balance pressures. The findings informed a roadmap Link opens in a new windowof practical recommendations to improve career stability, recognition, and support, laying the foundation for a more inclusive research culture.
Phase 2 (Dr Talar Moukhtarian & Dr Marie Sams, 2025/26) builds on Phase 1 by translating its findings into a nationally aligned framework of shared priorities. It will identify key areas from existing data and use a modified Delphi approach to achieve expert consensus on their importance, feasibility, and impact. The goal is to create a robust, transparent evidence base and establish national-level priorities that are practicable, measurable, and impactful, to guide future implementation and in better understanding of what works.
Our Approach
- Evidence triangulation and development of a longlist of support factors and strategies, drawing on the WinA reportLink opens in a new window and a sample of institutional Athena Swan submissions.
- Modified Delphi study with 20–25 sector experts across three rounds to refine and rank priorities and build consensus.
- Synthesis and dissemination activities, including a Phase 2 report and a sector‑wide webinar.
Meet the Team
Dr Talar Moukhtarian
Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, specialising in digital psychological interventions. Talar holds a PhD in Clinical Psychopathology, with research interests in the differential diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental health conditions. She was also the Principal Investigator for Phase 1 of the project.
Dr Marie Sams
Head of the National Centre for Research Culture at the University of Warwick, with over 25 years experience in higher education. Marie holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on supporting women into leadership in higher education, with a specific interest in allyship.
Najma Moalin
Research Assistant and MSc Data Analytics student at the University of Warwick. Najma will be leading the modified Delphi study and supports the project through study coordination, participant support, and general research assistance, with involvement in data handling and analytical tasks. She brings experience in working across interdisciplinary research projects and supporting the practical delivery of academic research.
Critical Friends
We are grateful to our critical friends - sector experts who provide independent insight and challenge, to help ensure our approach is robust, inclusive, and impactful.