Empowering postdocs through a carers grant: Balancing ambition and care

The challenge: Caregiving and career development

For postdoctoral researchers, the journey of academic development often involves attending conferences, workshops, and networking events that can shape their careers. However, for those with caring responsibilities, these opportunities can come with a difficult trade-off. In some studies, it was found that: 

• PhD parents and carers often miss out on conferences, workshops, and fieldwork due to the lack of affordable childcare and institutional support. These events are crucial for networking, visibility, and building research collaborations. 
• The cost and logistics of arranging childcare made it impossible to attend academic events, even when they were essential for career development.  
• Many funding schemes and academic structures assume full-time availability and mobility, which can exclude those with caregiving duties, especially single parents or those without flexible support networks. 
• These missed opportunities can lead to slower publication rates, fewer collaborations, and reduced visibility in academic networks, all of which are critical for securing future funding and permanent positions. 

A practical solution: The C-DICE carers grant 

A carers grant, specifically designed to support attendance to C-DICE activities, helps bridge this gap by offering financial support for childcare or dependent care, enabling researchers to participate fully in professional activities without compromising their personal responsibilities. 

The importance of networking 

Attending in-person academic events is vital not just for showcasing research, but also for forming collaborations. The face-to-face connections made during these events often lead to long-term research partnerships and opportunities. With a carers grant, postdocs can travel with peace of mind, knowing that the care of their loved ones is financially supported. This support can be used toward childcare at home, care for dependent adults, travel with a caregiver, or even on-site care where available. 

Why it matters: Equity, inclusion, and opportunity 

Beyond the financial relief, carers grants are powerful tools for equity and inclusion. They: 

• Recognise the varied realities of researchers’ lives. 
• Remove systemic barriers that disproportionately affect caregivers. 
• Support not just career growth but also retention and diversity in academia. 

By enabling postdocs to attend in-person events, the grant empowers them to grow their careers, build networks, and thrive in academia, while continuing to care for those who depend on them. 

Want to apply? 

Take a look at our webpage for more information on the Carers Fund and how to apply. We’re here to support your career, not at the expense of your responsibilities, but alongside them. 

By Karishma Joshi