The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disabled researchers’ career progression

In this presentation, I report on a study that explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disabled researchers, focusing on the intersections between disability, race, gender, and caregiving responsibilities. I will begin with an overview of the study context before exploring the research process, which included an embodied approach to analysis. I will then present the three key themes that were identified: (1) the nuanced experiences of researchers during the pandemic, (2) opportunities for career progression arising from working remotely, and (3) significant barriers to advancement. The majority of the presentation will focus on actionable recommendations for individuals, institutions, policymakers, and funders, to foster equity and diversity in higher education and research to ensure a more inclusive and equitable future for the academy.