Swansea University has been awarded almost £60,000 by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to lead a pioneering project aimed at improving workplace conditions for women academics with mental health conditions (MHCs).
Working in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, the study will focus on identifying challenges and delivering practical solutions to create a more inclusive academic environment.
Project lead Dr Hadar Elraz, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at Swansea University, said: “Despite growing commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), women in academia—especially those with mental health conditions—continue to experience significant barriers. Work intensification, gender disparities in promotion and recognition, and systemic ableism contribute to high levels of stress, burnout, and exclusion. Yet, existing HR and EDI policies often fail to address these intersecting challenges, leaving many academics without adequate support.”
“There is still a major knowledge gap regarding how mental health experiences intersect with work intensification in UK higher education, particularly for academics who identify as women. This project will address that gap and build on my recent research, which highlighted the limited workplace support available for the mental health of women academics. By providing universities and policymakers with clear, evidence-based recommendations, we aim to improve workplace policies and practices in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Key research areas include:
- Identifying effective workplace strategies that enable women academics with mental health conditions to succeed.
- Highlighting best practices already in place and assessing their impact.
- Developing practical policy recommendations for HR teams, senior leadership, and funding bodies to drive meaningful change.
The research will involve interviews and focus groups with women academics, HR professionals, and policymakers across the UK. Findings will be shared through policy reports, academic conferences, and webinars to ensure they reach key decision-makers.
Importantly, the project will also track how institutions implement its recommendations over an 18-month period to measure real-world impact.
Dr Elraz added: “This research is a crucial step in tackling the systemic barriers faced by women academics with mental health conditions. By shifting the focus from individuals to workplace policies, we aim to provide practical solutions that foster a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.
“With the growing emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education, now is the time for institutions to take meaningful action. By collaborating with policymakers, HR professionals, and academic staff, we hope to drive real change that enhances workplace culture and mental wellbeing.”
With support from UKRI, the Wellcome Trust, and sector-wide advocacy groups, this study is set to influence workplace culture and policy across UK higher education. It will provide universities with a clear roadmap for action, ensuring that mental health and gender equity are prioritised in lasting and impactful ways.
Women academics interested in this study can sign up by completing the expression of interest form.