A new cross-institutional peer support programme for neurodivergent early career researchers (ECRs) was officially launched at a special half-day workshop, held in Bristol, on 9th July 2025.
The initiative, developed by the GW4 Alliance brings together researchers from the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, and aims to foster a supportive community for ECRs navigating academia with neurodivergent experiences.
The launch event marked the beginning of this ten-month programme, which builds on the success of previous GW4 Connect initiatives for postgraduate researchers. Attendees included representatives from all four GW4 institutions, programme facilitators, and members of the wider academic community committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in higher education.
The workshop centred on building connections grounded in mutual trust, while identifying key priorities for the programme’s development. It marked the beginning of a collaborative process of sharing experiences and insights, aimed at helping participants develop practical strategies for navigating academic life. What became immediately clear was the strong sense of connection among attendees, rooted in their shared experiences of the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent researchers.
Dr Sabrina Fairchild, GW4 Talent and Skills Manager, reflected: “The workshop really brought into focus how significant the transition from postgraduate to early career research can be; especially for neurodivergent researchers. It’s a time of shifting expectations and growing responsibilities, often without the support structures that were in place during a PhD. This programme offers a much-needed space for connection, reflection, and practical support, helping participants build confidence and strategies to navigate their careers on their own terms.”
The new programme is part of GW4 Connect, a suite of EDI initiatives designed to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups in academia. Previous Connect programmes have supported postgraduate researchers from the Global Majority and those with parental responsibilities. This latest initiative is the first to focus specifically on neurodivergent ECRs.
While awareness of neurodiversity in higher education is growing, many ECRs still face systemic barriers that can hinder their success. These challenges may stem from workplace culture, institutional processes, or a lack of tailored support. The new programme seeks to address these gaps by offering a neurodiversity-affirming space for peer connection and shared learning.
The programme has been co-designed and will be facilitated by Joanna Hurry, a specialist in neurodiversity and employment. It offers a blend of in-person and online sessions, including three workshops, six peer mentoring meetings, and two one-to-one coaching sessions. The structure is intentionally flexible to accommodate different learning and interaction styles.
Hurry said: “Navigating a career in academia can be both challenging and, at times, isolating. The GW4 Connect Neurodivergent ECR workshop powerfully demonstrated the value of bringing neurodivergent early career researchers together in a space where their experiences are recognised and respected. It fostered a strong sense of community, encouraged open dialogue and shared learning, and aimed to raise awareness of how universities can better support neurodivergent researchers.”
The workshop really brought into focus how significant the transition from postgraduate to early career research can be; especially for neurodivergent researchers. It’s a time of shifting expectations and growing responsibilities, often without the support structures that were in place during a PhD. This programme offers a much-needed space for connection, reflection, and practical support, helping participants build confidence and strategies to navigate their careers on their own terms.”
