Category: UWE Bristol research

Championing research careers: Dr Tariq Umar represents UWE Bristol at two key British Academy events

Author Lynn Goh | Posted on

In late 2025, Dr Tariq Umar, from the School of Architecture and Environment at UWE Bristol, contributed his expertise and experience to two major British Academy programmes aimed at supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) across the UK.

Across both events – Navigating academic culture and career progression (Newcastle, 28 November 2025) and Setbacks to success: Resilience for ECRs (London, 1 December 2025) – Dr Umar provided candid insights on academic progression, resilience, and navigating the complex realities of contemporary academic life. His contributions reflect UWE Bristol’s ongoing commitment to inclusive research culture, researcher development, and sector-wide leadership.

1. Navigating academic culture and career progression

British Academy and Northumbria University, Newcastle – 28 November 2025

This full-day event brought together ECRs from diverse disciplines for a practical and collaborative exploration of academic career pathways. The programme was organised around three tailored breakout sessions—Postdoc to Lecturer, Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, and Building towards Professor—allowing attendees to focus on the transition most relevant to their stage.

Dr Umar served as a panel member in the “Lecturer to Senior Lecturer” session, where he spoke about the realities of progression at mid-career level, reflecting on:

  • the transition from early independence to leadership and influence
  • building a research portfolio that demonstrates coherence, impact and future potential
  • balancing teaching excellence with strategic research development
  • navigating institutional expectations, workload models, and progression criteria
  • developing visibility and networks within and beyond one’s discipline

He emphasised that progression is “a journey built on consistency, contribution and community,” noting the importance of mentoring, collaborative opportunities, and understanding the wider academic ecosystem.

Beyond career transitions, the event addressed essential themes that often shape academic wellbeing and sustainability. Parallel panel discussions explored work–life balance, managing hierarchical relationships, and career change, areas where Dr Umar’s own cross-sector experience between civil engineering industry and academia resonated strongly.

A signature feature of the event was the afternoon session where successful major-grant holders opened their applications for small-group discussions. This ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at winning grants gave ECRs rare access to the craft of research funding success—an area Dr Umar has contributed to as reviewer for several research councils and as an active mentor for engineers through the Institution of Civil Engineers.

2. From setbacks to success: Resilience for ECRs

British Academy, London – 1 December 2025

Two days later, Dr Umar joined a panel at the British Academy’s flagship ECR Network resilience event, From Setbacks to Success, held in London’s Carlton House Terrace. The day focused on building resilience, confidence and connection within the ECR community—addressing the emotional, structural, and professional challenges that shape early academic careers.

Dr Umar joined fellow panellists Dr Olaya Moldes, Dr Rosemary Chigevenga and Dr Sarah Howard for an open, honest conversation about rejection, imposter feelings, precarity, and career obstacles.

Drawing on his international academic and industry experience, he spoke about:

  • turning research and funding rejections into learning moments
  • maintaining purpose and motivation during periods of uncertainty
  • building networks that offer both professional and emotional support
  • recognising resilience not as an individual trait, but as a community practice
  • the importance of mentorship—both receiving it and offering it to others.

Panellists also engaged in an extended Q&A, addressing challenges raised by attendees and sharing key pieces of advice to take forward. Dr Umar underscored the message that “no researcher succeeds alone,” reinforcing the collective dimension of research careers and the value of community-building across institutions.

Showcasing UWE Bristol’s commitment to researcher development

Dr Umar’s involvement in these events demonstrates UWE Bristol’s strong and growing presence in national conversations on academic development, research culture, and support for early-career scholars. Through his research leadership, mentoring roles, outreach work, and professional engagement, Dr Umar represents the University’s values of inclusivity, collaboration and real-world impact.

His participation also highlights the increasing emphasis – both at UWE Bristol and across the sector – on supporting researchers at all stages through:

  • transparent progression pathways
  • accessible mentoring and peer learning
  • recognition of diverse career journeys
  • honest dialogue around challenges, resilience, and wellbeing.

UWE Bristol’s Research and External Engagement service continues to champion these principles through its researcher development programmes, ECR initiatives, and partnerships with national bodies such as the British Academy.

WRMS 2026 Launch Event – 3 December

Author Rima Khatun | Posted on

Join the Women Researchers Mentoring Scheme (WRMS) Launch Event 2026/27 on Wednesday 03 December 2025, 12pm – 2pm at Frenchay Campus.

This event is open to all UWE Bristol staff, a great opportunity to learn more about the WRMS and find out how to become a Mentor (open to women & men) or a Mentee (open to women only) in the next cohort, starting March 2026. Please feel free to forward it to your colleagues.

Our guest speaker, Rachel Gardner-Poole, will launch the new call for WRMS with her speech, “Ready to Soar: How Mentoring Helps You Reach New Heights”. Rachel is an Environmental Consultant at NATS (National Air Traffic Services), a Board Advisor for Astroscale, and a Director of Aviascia. Rachel is passionate about building high-performing teams and creating cultures where people thrive. She’s also an aviation enthusiast with 15 years of private flying experience across four continents, so when she talks about flight, she really means it! Her story reminds us that soaring to new heights isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about lifting others through mentoring and empowering them to achieve extraordinary things. 

Stay for lunch and network with other WRMS colleagues. 
Whether seeking mentorship or the chance to mentor, WRMS offers an invaluable platform to explore and achieve career aspirations, gain tools to navigate academic challenges and feel supported in a community dedicated to women’s growth.

Light lunch will be provided. Spaces are limited. Register by Thursday 27 November 2025, midday using this form, so that we can organise catering: WRMS 2026 Annual Launch Event with Rachel Gardner-Poole

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