Academia Across Borders: Experiences and Challenges of International Academics in the UK
A BSA Early Career Forum Regional Event
13 May 2025
Newcastle University, King George VI Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LF
About the Event
The BSA Early Career Forum invites abstracts for our upcoming regional event on the theme: Academia Across Borders: Experiences and Challenges of International Academics in the UK.
This forum aims to explore the journeys, challenges, and contributions of international academics (including PhD students) working in UK institutions. It seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, share strategies, and promote collaboration between international academics, UK-based researchers, and institutional stakeholders.
Call for Papers
We invite abstracts for presentations that reflect on personal experiences, research, or professional insights related to the event’s theme. Submissions should be no more than 250 words and align with one of the two panel themes below.
The deadline for submission is midnight on 28 April 2025 (BST). Please send your abstract via this link.
Panel 1: Journeys and Challenges – Navigating UK Academia as an International Scholar
This panel focuses on lived experiences, systemic barriers, and adaptation processes. Topics may include:
- Moving into UK academia: personal narratives
- Visa and immigration challenges
- Language, identity, and cultural adjustment
- Job market navigation and career progression
- Inclusion and belonging
- Comparative experiences from other academic systems
Panel 2: Building Futures – Contributions, Collaboration & Career Strategies
This panel highlights strategies, support mechanisms, and the value international scholars bring. Topics may include:
- Career development strategies and resources
- Teaching and research across borders
- Peer support and mentoring
- International collaborations and partnerships
- Creating inclusive academic cultures
- Contributions of international academics to UK academia
We especially encourage submissions from early career researchers and academics from underrepresented backgrounds. For any questions, please contact Dr Yao Wang.
Draft Programme
|
Time |
Session Title |
Description/Speaker |
|
10:00-10:30 |
Registration & Welcome Coffee |
|
|
10:30-10:45 |
Opening Remarks |
Welcome by the organiser |
|
10:45-11:45 |
Keynote: Mobility, Migration, and Merit: The Ethics and Realities of an International Academic Career |
Dr Alina Schartner, Newcastle University |
|
11:45-12:00 |
Break |
|
|
12:00-13:00 |
Panel 1 |
Journeys and Challenges – Navigating UK Academia as an International Scholar |
|
|
Panel 2 |
Building Futures – Contributions, Collaboration & Career Strategies |
|
13:00-14:00 |
Lunch break |
|
|
14:00-14:50 |
Publishing during (and beyond) your PhD |
Dr Sara Ganassin, Newcastle University |
|
14:50-15:00 |
Break |
|
|
15:00-15:50 |
Navigating Careers: Opportunities Within and Beyond Academia |
Mike Burns, Careers Consultant, Careers Service, Newcastle University Dr Yanna Li, Careers and Employability Consultant |
Registration
We also warmly welcome attendees who would like to participate in the event without presenting, if you're interested in joining the conversation and networking with peers.
The event is free to attend but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided. Please note: lunch will not be provided.