Webinar – What does fixed-term research employment really cost the people working in it?

C-DICE’s UK‑wide survey of 256 researchers on fixed‑term contracts lifts the lid on something many already feel but rarely see quantified: precarity isn’t a brief stepping stone – it often becomes a repeating pattern across roles and institutions. Researchers reported paying out of pocket for relocation, visa fees, temporary housing, conferences, and the gaps between contracts. Those costs compound over time.

Most respondents said they could cover everyday bills. Far fewer felt financially secure. Contract churn makes it harder to plan, buy a home, or make long‑term life decisions. As contracts near their end, stress and exhaustion rise, especially for migrant researchers, those on very short contracts, and earlier‑career staff, who face higher financial pressure and greater risk.

A webinar on 13 March 2026, 13.00-14.00 is the first opportunity to present these results to the C‑DICE community and open a practical conversation about what needs to change.

This session is for everyone with an interest in strategy, people and research environment and precarity in Higher Education, including researcher developers, HR and policy professionals. Postdocs and early career researchers are welcome to attend.