Short Abstract

This meet-up aims to bring together FirstGen academics (scholars who are the first in family to go to university) to informally discuss the intersection between academic work, careers and class.

Description

This topic is a neglected element in current research cultures discussions as well as STS research. Yet, existing research indicates that educational and social backgrounds form an important factor in an intersectional nexus which shape academic trajectories and expectations. From initial conversations we learned how openly talking about experiences related to class and cultural backgrounds can raise insecurities and even shame, leading to concealment, especially in a UK context where privatisation of education and high university fees maintain stratification and negatively affect social mobility. While there is attention for “Widening Participation” (WP) on the student level this is not connected to academic careers. How, then, do first-generation staff experiences intersect with research cultures, and what type of reform is required to increase visibility and sense of belonging? We will briefly present some insights from our project and share experiences, to open-up conversations on this topic and its connection to our work in STS.

The meet-up is organised by Mark Cassidy & Niki Vermeulen, Science, Technology and Innovations Studies (STIS), University of Edinburgh and part of the Wellcome Trust funded InFrame project on leadership for research culture change.