In this episode of Academia et al, Zeinab El Khateeb speaks with Professor Martin Oliver about what it really takes to build a career in academia today.Drawing on his own journey and leadership experience, he speaks about the realities of progression, the pressures many early career researchers face and the importance of recognising the human experiences behind academic systems.Professor Oliver discusses one of his most significant roles, bringing together equity and inclusion responsibilities with the real mechanisms of progression and promotion.  He explains what it taught him about lived experience, fairness and the systems that shape academic careers.Full show notes and links: <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/may/how-do-you-sustain-academic-career-academia-et-al">https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/may/how-do-you-sustain-academic-career-academia-et-al</a>More IOE Insights podcasts: <a href="https://uclioe.info/podcast">https://uclioe.info/podcast</a> UCL Institute of Education: <a href="https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe">https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe</a>

Starting academia later in life | Academia et al

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