Hannah Jackson - The Struggles of Balancing Work and Family Life in Academia

The Struggles of Balancing Work and Family Life continues with Hannah Jackson, an early-career researcher at the University of Nottingham and recipient of a Brain Research UK fellowship. In this interview, Hannah reflects on her journey from postgraduate training in oncology and medicine to postdoctoral research in Cambridge, and now to building her own independent research programme back in Nottingham.

Although Hannah did not have children at the time of this interview, she offered a thoughtful and forward-looking perspective on family planning, academic pressure, and the structural barriers that can make balancing career progression and personal life challenging. Since then, Hannah has welcomed her first child - congratulations to her and her family!

Before we get into the more specific questions, please can you share your academic journey?

I started my academic journey at the University of Nottingham, where I completed an MRes in Oncology, followed by a PhD in Medicine at the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre. My PhD research focused on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumour in children. After that, I moved to the University of Cambridge for a postdoc in the Department of Pathology, where I worked on bioengineering EVs as a novel platform for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development in collaboration with Exosis Inc.

I’m now back at the University of Nottingham, working on how cancer and chemotherapy affect pain and sensitisation, with a particular focus on how EVs influence neurodevelopment. I’ve also recently been awarded a Brain Research UK fellowship, which will allow me to start building my own independent research. I was drawn back to Nottingham for both scientific and personal reasons - it’s a supportive environment with a great community, and being closer to my husband has made this next step even more meaningful.

What motivated you to pursue an academic career, and has that changed over time?  

I’ve always been fascinated by how diseases work and really motivated by the idea that my research could one day make a difference to patients’ lives. That’s always been at the heart of why I do what I do, and it still is. Over time, though, that drive has grown to include other things too, like supporting early-career researchers and helping to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. I’ve come to realise that doing meaningful science also means being part of a culture that lifts others up along the way.

Even though you haven’t had children yet, have you thought about how family planning might fit into your academic career? 

Yes, more and more as I get older, and my career becomes more established. Academia can feel a bit relentless at times, with so much pressure to publish, secure funding, and stay competitive. That makes it hard to imagine how or when to step back and make space for family life. It’s something I think about often, and I’m trying to plan ahead as much as I can, though I also recognise that some things are out of my control.

Have you observed any particular challenges your colleagues or mentors have faced in balancing academic work with family responsibilities? 

Definitely. I’ve seen brilliant researchers struggle with the demands of academic life while raising children, especially when it comes to things like conference travel, late working hours, and the general expectation of always being “on.” Some of them have had to make really tough decisions, like delaying having children or stepping away from opportunities they were otherwise perfect for. It’s made me more aware of how the system often isn’t built with families in mind.

Do you think issues like maternity leave, childcare availability, or flexible working arrangements impact women in academia?

Yes, massively. Access to decent maternity leave, affordable childcare, and flexible working policies can make a huge difference and not all institutions offer the same level of support. These issues definitely impact women disproportionately, and they often play a big role in whether women stay in academia long-term. On top of that, the expectation to work on short-term contracts, often without knowing until the very last minute whether funding will be extended, adds a huge amount of uncertainty, especially for those trying to plan around family life. The system needs to do better at recognising and addressing these barriers if it wants to retain talented researchers.

Do you feel there are assumptions or biases in academia around the idea of becoming a parent, especially for women? 

I do. There’s still an underlying assumption in some spaces that becoming a parent, especially a mother, might mean someone is “less committed” to their work. I’ve seen people make throwaway comments about women stepping back after maternity leave or being less available for grants or collaborations, which can be really damaging. It’s frustrating, because being a parent doesn’t make someone any less capable, passionate, or ambitious.

Are there things you’re already thinking about or planning ahead for in terms of balancing a potential future family with your academic goals?

Yes, I’m trying to build flexibility into my future career that I hope will support both my research and my personal life. Being awarded the Brain Research UK fellowship has given me more independence, which I’m really grateful for. I’m also mindful of where I work, the culture of the institution, and the kind of mentors I surround myself with; these all play a role in how supported I’ll feel when I do start a family. 

What kind of support or changes would you like to see in academia to better accommodate people who are thinking about starting a family?

It would be great to have more fellowships or grants that are specifically designed with flexibility in mind, so researchers don’t feel like they have to choose between career progression and starting a family. Greater job security is also crucial - offering more permanent positions rather than relying so heavily on short-term contracts would make it far easier for researchers to plan both their careers and their personal lives with more confidence.

What advice would you give to others at a similar career stage who are thinking about both academic progression and starting a family in the future?

Talk to people who’ve been there and done it, and ask them how they made it work. Everyone’s path is different, but hearing honest stories really helps. Try to find a workplace that supports your goals, not just as a scientist but as a person too. And don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out. Timing will never be perfect, but with the right support system, you can find a balance that works for you. Trust yourself, you know what matters most.

Thank you to Hannah for sharing her thoughtful and honest insights into navigating academia and future family life. Her perspective adds an important voice to the ongoing conversation about how we create a more supportive and sustainable academic culture.

Keep an eye out for the next edition of the series, coming out at the start of next month.

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This interview was conducted by Neave Smith and edited by Rebecca Pope, with graphics produced by Shauna Angell. If you enjoyed this article, be the first to be notified about new posts by signing up to become a WiNUK member (top right of this page)! Interested in writing for WiNUK yourself? Contact us through the blog page and the editors will be in touch.