Launching the Postdoc Parents Network at Queen’s | A blog by Dr Lisa Douglas
On a sunny afternoon in late April, a group of postdoctoral researchers gathered in the Canada Room and Council Chamber at Queen’s University Belfast to mark the launch of the Postdoc Parents Network.
Established in 2025 with support from the Postdoctoral Development Centre, the Network aims to create space for postdocs who are also parents to connect, share experiences and support one another.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome and informal introductions, with attendees sharing their roles, departments and a few fun facts. Although everyone brought different family dynamics, career paths and personal situations, it quickly became clear there were many shared experiences, challenges and questions around balancing academic careers with parenting.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring five postdoc parents (Dr Ben McAteer, Dr Leslie Hamill, Dr Karla O’Neill, Dr Estelle Lowry and Dr Michelle Naughton) and one academic (Prof Denise Fitzgerald), who spoke candidly about the realities of combining research with parenting. Topics ranged from shared parental leave and part-time working to the challenge of career decision-making in the context of short-term contracts and family needs. After the panel, Gary Kane, Staff Wellbeing Officer, outlined the support available to staff and highlighted the university’s structures for parents.
In the second half, small group discussions explored how the Network could evolve — from event ideas and practical resource sharing to staying connected beyond the launch. Participants emphasised the need for community, the importance of celebrating positive parenting experiences in academia, and the potential for the Network to help ensure postdoc parents’ voices are heard.
Since then, a Microsoft Teams channel has been created, where members have started introducing themselves, sharing ideas, and exchanging news, wellbeing resources and kid-friendly recipes.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing it as “welcoming,” “validating,” and “exactly what we need.”
This is just the beginning and the Postdoc Parents Network will continue to grow and evolve with its members. Whether you're a parent, expecting a child, thinking of starting a family or simply curious to connect with others navigating similar terrain, you're very welcome to join!
Dr Lisa Douglas
Media
Interested in getting involved in the Postdoc Parents Network?
Visit the Postdoc Parents Network webpage or email pdc@qub.ac.uk to learn more. You can also join the MS Teams Group to stay connected and hear about future events.